Oakland is a city bursting with its very own vibrancy and has a very different energy to its neighbour San Francisco. A visit to the East Bay is not only a foodie's dream, but it's also a sanctuary for those who like to spend time in nature and immerse themselves in art.
Spend a day at Lake Merritt
Located in the middle of downtown Oakland you'll discover the beautiful Lake Merritt – a perfect place to spend a day.
Walk, cycle or even jog the three miles around the heart-shaped lake to take in a number of beautiful gardens and green spaces. If you're a budding ornithologist, you'll have the opportunity to discover up to 70 species of bird.
For a different perspective of the city, visitors can hire a pedalboat, canoe, rowboat or kayak, all of which don't require certification and make for fabulous fun.
Catch a game of baseball
How can you visit a city in the US and not embrace the sporting culture? A trip to this Californian city could see you cheering on the Oakland A's in a Major League Baseball fixture.
Treat yourself to something delicious from one of the concessions while you're at it. In 2019, the menu at the Oakland Coliseum was revamped, so whether you're looking for a cheeseburger and fries, a fresh salad bowl or a pizza, you'll find it here.
Grab an A's cap and your meal of choice then soak up the buzzing atmosphere of the MLB for an amazing experience.
Enjoy Oakland's art scene
If you're more interested either in visual or performing arts, you'll be able to immerse yourself in Oakland's incredibly vibrant creative scene.
Visit the many art galleries scattered across Oakland or go on a self-guided walking tour to admire the stunning street art.
The city boasts two stunning Art Deco theatres in both the Fox and Paramount – a trip to both is highly recommended. Book tickets to experience music acts, theatre tours, ballet and movie classics.
Embrace an Oakland foodie tour
As the largest city in the East Bay, it's unsurprising Oakland has an excellent and diverse food offering.
There are numerous food tours on offer that will help visitors to get to know the area – perfect if you have a short while in the city.
If you're not limited by time, then sample your way through Oakland at your own pace, delighting in cuisine such as vegan soul food, mac and cheese, or chicken and waffles.
Visit Angel Island
The only way to get to this island in San Francisco Bay is via a ferry service from either Tiburon or San Francisco itself.
Hop in your hire car to one of these ferry terminals and you'll be able to park your vehicle for the day.
Angel Island was originally a military base, and on a visit you can explore this riveting history during a guided tram tour.
Another popular activity is to hike to the top of Mount Livermore to admire views of the famous San Francisco skyline, Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge and also the Bay Bridge. Visit at sunset for truly spectacular vistas.
Experience all this and more with a hire car from Hertz in Oakland.
