This park consists of 16 Victorian houses concentrated in downtown Oakland. Each of the homes, which are sometimes open for tours, dates back to between 1870 and 1910 (the latter are technically Edwardian, but the designs are still charming). Some areas of the Victorian park are also available for weddings, meetings, and private parties. Take in five different styles of architecture and beautifully landscaped gardens. In addition to a lovely walk along a scenic street, you will be enjoying a glimpse of what Oakland looked like in the old days. The park is free and open to the public.
Located just west of Lake Merritt sits Oakland's Chinatown. Oakland's Chinatown is one of the oldest in the nation, dating back to the mid-19th Century. Although it is lacking in the formal entry gate that many Chinatown's are known for, Oakland's version has some interesting and unique features such as bilingual street signs and diagonal crosswalks, making for a street-crossing frenzy during crowded times. Chinatown is also home to many of the city's best Asian restaurants, not just Chinese but also Thai, Vietnamese, Cambodian, Japanese and more. Chinatown is also host to several celebrations throughout the year including Chinese New Year and annual Dragon Boat races.
This is considered one of the greatest historical landmarks in Northern California. Built in 1868, the house is an Italianate villa that once belonged to Enoch Pardee and his family, all of whom made a great impact on local and state politics in the late-19th and early 20th Centuries. The estate is attractive both architecturally and historically and features authentic carriage and tank houses. It is known as the centerpiece of Oakland's Preservation Park Historic District. High Tea at the Pardee House is a truly British treat.
The Paramount Theatre is the home of the Oakland Ballet and the Oakland East Bay Symphony. It is the area's foremost facility for performing arts and is known for its grand music concerts, variety shows and movies. Constructed in the post-Depression period of 1931, the Paramount Theatre is best remembered for fusing various disciplines of arts together into a harmonious whole. The Paramount frequently screens old movie classics complete with intermission with bar service.
The USS Potomac is a world famous yacht used by Franklin D. Roosevelt. Built in 1934, this historic sea beast now draws a huge number of visitors and takes them on historic cruises. The Potomac can also be leased for events, and has been host to several big events in the past. Just walking around the ship one can almost sense its historical importance. Definitely a great place to visit in the city.
The USS Hornet, a Navy aircraft carrier, is a national treasure. Having played a major role in World War II, the Vietnam War and the Apollo program, it was decommissioned in 1970. It was later opened as the USS Hornet Museum and is most popular for its alleged supernatural activities.
This beautiful mansion built in 1899 is an outstanding example of the neo-classical revival style significant enough to have been designated as a National Historic Site by the United States Department of the Interior. The 37-room estate features a Tiffany-style dome, ten fireplaces and lovely parquet floors in its 16,224 square-feet. During the winter holiday season, the house features magnificent decorations and hosts a number of special festive events.