Oakland Museum of California is an architectural work of art and is filled with a variety of educational exhibits, both permanent and temporary, that chronicles many aspects of California history. The permanent displays include a gallery of California art, a simulated journey through California's diverse ecosystems, and exhibits on the history of the state's multicultural populations. Many people visit the museum just to stroll through its amazing sculpture garden. With artworks and historical heritage of the past, the museum wants to motivate visitors to create an equally brilliant cultural heritage for the future. This museum is a must-visit especially for those who love exploring historical developments peculiar to an area.
The Fox Theater in Oakland is a one-of-a-kind live entertainment venue that has been packing in cinema and music lovers since 1928. Originally a movie theater and theater, the venue switched to being primarily a cinema until 1966 when it finally closed its doors along with several other businesses in downtown Oakland. It was nearly demolished after it had been vacant for some time; however, the Fox Theater avoided demolition when it was declared an Oakland City Landmark. The venue reopened in February 2009 as a concert hall and music venue; it has a complete re-imagined decor with giant golden Buddhas and Middle Eastern architecture. The venue is general admission (standing room) on the ground level and stadium seating on the upper levels.
This grand old movie house, located just a block from Oakland's Lake Merritt, has four screens for your viewing pleasure. Before select Friday and Saturday evening shows, guests are treated to the bombastic sounds of the theater's famous "Mighty Wurlitzer Organ." For a most enjoyable experience, sit back and relax with popcorn and a soda from the refreshment stand. Make sure to check the marquee for some of the owners now famous political commentary on the issues of the day.
The Oakland Zoo is home to more than 440 exotic and domestic birds, mammals, marsupials, and reptiles. Some of its attractions include a park with picnic facilities, an educational wildlife theater, a children's petting zoo, a carousel, a chair lift ride, and a miniature train. The zoo also offers group tours and a lecture series for adults in the spring.
Cafe Van Kleef is located right in the heart of Oakland's Uptown neighborhood. The theme of Van Kleef is unconventional and all about the quirky artwork everywhere. The specialty at Van Kleef's is their Greyhound - a drink of vodka with grapefruit juice, which you can watch them squeezing fresh at almost any given point during the night. On most nights in the week, the bar plays live jazz music. Certain nights come with a cover charge so be sure to check details before you head here.
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.
College Avenue stretches from deep within Berkeley to Oakland, and along this bustling boulevard numerous restaurants, boutiques, cafes, and much more are waiting for your enjoyment. Near the Rockridge end of the street you will find many eclectic restaurants serving an enormous variety of cuisines, as well as other small boutique shops selling anything from yoga mats to antique brass bedposts. Near the University, College Avenue takes on a funkier spirit, and incense shops allure you with their intriguing scents. Shopping is a major attraction of this East Bay hot spot, yet there are not many chain stores. Rather, locals prefer to support local businesses instead of national chains. However certain stores, such as Urban Outfitters, American Apparel, and Hot Topic, can still be found conveniently nearby. Great for a Sunday walk where you can leisurely stroll down this beautiful avenue - stop and have a coffee at one of many cafes, or buy a unique present for a special someone!
Gospel Flat Farm is located about 30 miles (48.28 kilometers) north of San Francisco. Offering a great insight into organic farming, the farm is a wonderful mix of numerous activities, educational elements, outdoor fun and of course organic produce shopping! The vast organic farm is covered with lush green vegetable fields, and if you're lucky you'll also be able to spot sunflowers in full bloom. On offer are farm-fresh veggies such as zucchini, pumpkins, carrots, pickled vegetables and lots more that are vibrant and incredible to taste. But meat-lovers needn't frown, since they also sell a fine quality of pork from their farm-raise pigs as well as dungeness crabs that they breed just a couple of miles from Gospel Flat Farm. They also have an in-house field baker who bakes a storm of awesome-smelling bread loaves on a wood-fired oven, that are a work of art in themselves. Apart from all the food fun, Gospel Flat Farm also hosts a fun range of activities, workshops and programs throughout the year. Group tours are available along with lunch options; check the website for more details.
Fremont Teen Center is ideally located near the banks of Lake Elizabeth. The venue is divided into the main hall and two meeting rooms and also has an outdoor patio and a kitchen. The center is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and can accommodate up to 300 people. It is available for meetings, conferences, and private parties.
PK Studios is a versatile conference space and event venue, located in the bustling Chinatown neighborhood. A 1800 square feet (167.22 square meter) space, this studio is well-equipped to host all kinds of corporate and private events. Spacious, well-aired and well-lit, PK Studios is installed with a number of facilities such as televisions, a projector and wireless internet that makes it perfect for a formal conference or even a small-scale celebration.