Situated on the east side of the San Francisco Bay, Oakland is the third-largest city in the Bay area and has plenty to offer to lovers of sunny days, exciting evenings and fantastic places to explore. Visitors can rent a car from Oakland International Airport to open up the option of visiting some of the region's other famous destinations as well, with popular tourist hotspots like San Francisco, San Jose, Sacramento and Modesto all within easy reach.
Oakland's Chinatown is a bustling neighborhood that reflects the area's diverse Asian-American community. Home to some of the best cuisine in the whole of the city, visitors can enjoy an array of traditional Chinese dishes at the area's amazing restaurants, as well as immersing themselves in the colorful surroundings of this cultural melting pot.
Located just east of Downtown, Lake Merritt is a large tidal lagoon in the center of Oakland and is surrounded by green parkland and residential neighborhoods. It's a perfect place to visit for anyone enthusiastic about the great outdoors, with sailboats, canoes and rowboats all available to rent. There's also the Children's Fairyland amusement park offering fantastic fun for all the family.
The Oakland Museum of California is a state-of-the-art facility offering education and excitement to visitors of all ages. The museum combines art, history and science to deliver a fun learning experience that is always evolving, with exhibitions taking place throughout the year. It's open from Wednesday to Sunday each week, with late night events also a regular occurrence.
Rent a car in Oakland and make the short trip west over the I-80 W into the exciting city of San Francisco. Here you can find attractions like the breathtaking Golden Gate Bridge, as well as the historic and foreboding former penitentiary of Alcatraz Island. The rolling hills all add to the charm of this laid back west coast city, with San Francisco famed for its chilled out atmosphere and bohemian lifestyle.
The historic city of Sacramento is just an hour and 20 minutes east via the I-80 E from Oakland, with plenty to see and do for visitors once you get there. The Sacramento Zoo is a must-see attraction for families, while the Crocker Art Museum is a great choice for lovers of contemporary art. Old Sacramento State Historic Park is also a fabulous way to step back in time to explore the city's rich and interesting history.
Approximately an hour and 15 minutes east of Oakland by car is the impressive Mount Diablo State Park. Rising to more than 3,800 ft, Mount Diablo is visible from most of the Bay area, making it an important local landmark and a great place to secure views of the entire region. The summit can be reached via a short hike, while mountain biking and camping are other common activities for visitors to enjoy.
The sunny weather and temperate climate make a convertible a great choice of rental car in Oakland.
Oakland International Airport
Yes, there are tolls for vehicles using the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, which carries the I-80 between San Francisco and Oakland.
May, with 325 hours of sunlight on average.
January, with 119.6 mm on average.
Oakland Running Festival, Art & Soul Festival, Autumn Lights Festival