Coming to Oakland?
Oakland’s landscape is a picturesque mix of lovely hillside neighborhoods; exciting and diverse architecture; a bustling waterfront; two shimmering lakes; 19 miles of shoreline along the San Francisco Bay; unparalleled Bay views; and more parks and open space per capita than any other city in the Bay Area. Everyone loves our year round vacation weather with temperatures in the gentle 50′s and 60′s in the winter and spring, and 70′s throughout summer and fall.
A city on the move, Oakland has emerged as a major economic force in the region. Long a center for international trade, the Port of Oakland is the nation’s fourth busiest container port in the Bay Area. The Oakland International Airport is served by 12 major domestic and international airlines. Getting around is easy by train, automobile, BART, bus and ferry.
Based on United States Census Bureau estimates for 2008, Oakland is the 44th-largest city in the United States with a population of 420,183.
Opportunity
Oakland’s mild weather, central geographic location, and hillside neighborhoods with views of San Francisco and the Bay provide an attractive alternative to the high rents and home prices in nearby San Francisco. Because of its size, Oakland offers a substantial number of shopping districts and restaurants representing many American and international cuisines.
Multicultural Diversity
According to the 2000 U.S. census, Oakland is the second most ethnically diverse city in the United States, with many languages spoken.
Fruitvale
The flavor of this expanding neighborhood is defined by its many Latino residents-as well as by several large, colorful murals. Fruitvale plays host to a number of festivals throughout the year, including the popular Dia de los Muertos and Cinco de Mayo celebrations, during which you’ll find dozens of street vendors hawking their wares. Browse ethnic specialty stores, food shops, and clothing boutiques.
Chinatown
More than its name suggests, this area is packed with pan-Asian culture. Visitors to the downtown neighborhood will find dozens of fascinating, eclectic stores that carry fresh, high-quality produce, live seafood, healing herbs, and a plethora of retail goods-everything from chopsticks and stress relievers to fine china and porcelain. You’ll find some of these goods at Pacific Renaissance Plaza, which houses two stories of shops.
Oakland Mormon Temple and Visitors Center
This architectural standout offers panoramic views of the Bay Area and is adorned with breathtaking lights at Christmas.
Ebony Museum of Art
This downtown museum preserves both African American and African art and promotes greater appreciation of African American heritage. The African American Museum and Library division of the Oakland Public Library is devoted to organizing, preserving, interpreting and sharing the African American experience in California. The recently opened Museum of African American Technology Science Village exhibits the technical achievements of African Americans.
Entertainment
Sports
Oakland is the only city in California with three professional ball teams. Don’t be surprised to see large street banners on light poles sporting Oakland’s favorite teams. McAfee Coliseum, home to the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League, the Oakland Athletics of Major League Baseball, and the Golden State Warriors of the National Basketball Association are all part of the Oakland culture.
Lake Merritt
Join the local joggers for the best view of Lake Merritt, one of America’s most beautiful urban saltwater lakes and its oldest national wildlife refuge. The streets in the Lakeshore/Grand Avenue area nearby are lined with shops and restaurants. Built in 1926, the Grand Lake Theater screens the latest movie releases and even features music played on a vintage Wurlitzer on Friday and Saturday evenings. The Lake Merritt Boating Center is where its visitors paddle a pedal boat, kayak, or canoe on the lake, or, if you are a sailor, let the wind power your voyage. The protected waters of Lake Merritt are perfect for new or experienced boaters and the boating center has lifejackets for all ages to allow for family explorations
Lakeside Park
This large saltwater lake-one of the largest in the country-and the adjoining 122-acre park are home to wildlife, formal gardens, and a children’s amusement park, all of which draw scores of walkers, joggers, bikers, rowers, sailors, and windsurfers. See also Children’s Fairyland and the Rotary Nature Center.
