Where to Stay?
Morning
Oakland's stunning hiking and biking trails draws many outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy some time outdoors in the Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve with a quick, cardio-blasting hike that has a huge payoff with views of Oakland, the bay and San Francisco. Afterwards, head over to my absolute favorite French bakery and enjoy on the oversized wooden lawn chairs in front of the Claremont hotel.
Afternoon
Head down to College Avenue to the easily accessible and very walkable neighborhood of Rockridge. There are many unique shops and restaurants to suit many tastes. Slowly make your way to Wood tavern which is open for lunch 11:30-3:00PM.
Evening
Lake Merritt is the heart of Oakland. It wraps 3.4 miles in circumference as was established as the first protected wildlife refuge in America. Spend your evening sipping a glass of wine in Oakland's Grand Lake district and experience Lake Merritt at night.
Day 2
Morning
Check out Fourth Street for a leisurely Sunday morning. If you need your caffeine fix, head to Artis Coffee for a quick pit stop before browsing the shops or heading to breakfast/brunch at the staple restaurant, Oceanview Diner. Put your name on the walk up waitlist as this is a popular spot.
Afternoon
Hit the outdoors again with this 3.5-mile loop trail in Tilden Regional Park. This hike offers panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay, Marin Headlands, and Mt. Diablo. If you want a more leisurely activity, head to the UC Berkeley Botanical Garden or Rose Garden.
Pack a blanket before heading out as I recommend enjoying the rest of the sunny day with a picnic at Cesar Chavez Park. When you are ready to grab a bite to eat, head over to Grégoire Restaurant for a picnic food takeout. If you want to grab beer or wine for your picnic head over to North Berkeley Imports down the street.
Evening
The Claremont Resort & Spa has its own restaurant and bar that has some of the best views for sunset. I recommend just grabbing drinks and apps here as the food is a bit to pricey for me to justify but the atmosphere is laid back and gorgeous. After sunset, head down to Temescal area for some outstanding Burmese food and a spectacular cocktail bar afterwards.
Where to Stay?
Morning
Oakland's stunning hiking and biking trails draws many outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy some time outdoors in the Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve with a quick, cardio-blasting hike that has a huge payoff with views of Oakland, the bay and San Francisco. Afterwards, head over to my absolute favorite French bakery and enjoy on the oversized wooden lawn chairs in front of the Claremont hotel.
Afternoon
Head down to College Avenue to the easily accessible and very walkable neighborhood of Rockridge. There are many unique shops and restaurants to suit many tastes. Slowly make your way to Wood tavern which is open for lunch 11:30-3:00PM.
Evening
Lake Merritt is the heart of Oakland. It wraps 3.4 miles in circumference as was established as the first protected wildlife refuge in America. Spend your evening sipping a glass of wine in Oakland's Grand Lake district and experience Lake Merritt at night.
Day 2
Morning
Check out Fourth Street for a leisurely Sunday morning. If you need your caffeine fix, head to Artis Coffee for a quick pit stop before browsing the shops or heading to breakfast/brunch at the staple restaurant, Oceanview Diner. Put your name on the walk up waitlist as this is a popular spot.
Afternoon
Hit the outdoors again with this 3.5-mile loop trail in Tilden Regional Park. This hike offers panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay, Marin Headlands, and Mt. Diablo. If you want a more leisurely activity, head to the UC Berkeley Botanical Garden or Rose Garden.
Pack a blanket before heading out as I recommend enjoying the rest of the sunny day with a picnic at Cesar Chavez Park. When you are ready to grab a bite to eat, head over to Grégoire Restaurant for a picnic food takeout. If you want to grab beer or wine for your picnic head over to North Berkeley Imports down the street.
Evening
The Claremont Resort & Spa has its own restaurant and bar that has some of the best views for sunset. I recommend just grabbing drinks and apps here as the food is a bit to pricey for me to justify but the atmosphere is laid back and gorgeous. After sunset, head down to Temescal area for some outstanding Burmese food and a spectacular cocktail bar afterwards.