Top Rated Attractions in Oakland

The African American Museum and Library was built in 1900. This museum host several exhibitions that showcase the culture and history of African-American people across Northern California and the Bay Area. The well-preserved collection features artifacts, photographs and memorabilia, as well as digital media for research purposes.

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.

This is a 10-acre (40,468 square meter) outdoor park in Oakland's Lakeside Park at Lake Merritt that features larger-than-life displays, rides, and entertainment inspired by children's literature. Since five decades Bay Area families have turned here for wholesome family fun, and Walt Disney even got the idea for Disneyland from Fairyland. Enjoy a restored old-fashioned carousel, puppet shows, the Johnny Appleseed Cafe, and all your favorite childhood literary characters from Alice In Wonderland to the Swiss Family Robinson. It is highly recommended that you buy the "magic key" that activates the narration of most displays. Please keep in mind visitors are not allowed entry without a child accompanying them.

University of California Botanical Garden is located within the campus of University of California Berkeley. Open to the public since 1890, this is no less than an outdoor living museum that boasts over 12,000 species of flora and fauna. The garden can be rented for private events, wedding receptions, twilight tours, summer walks and concerts.

A gallery exhibiting various artworks, the Berkeley Art Center is a slice of vibrant, colorful art in the northern area of the city of Berkeley. Apart from art exhibitions, the center also plays host to numerous live music and literary events. Entrance to the gallery is free of charge, however donations are accepted and encouraged.

This museum has been bringing culture, diversity, fine art and more to Berkeley since 1970. BAM houses an impressive and ever-changing collection of fine art, sculpture and artifacts that span ages and cultures, countries and places. Find the masterpieces from from Impressionists to Surrealists to Post-modernists. Past exhibits have included a collection of mandolins from Tibet from the 15th Century, as well as the paintings of famed lesbian artist Romaine Brooks. There's always something here that captures the imagination, challenges thought and establishment, and entertains as much as it intrigues.