Oakland, Port city in San Francisco Bay Area, United States
Oakland is a city on the eastern shore of San Francisco Bay in California, spreading across a large area from the waterfront to the hills. It consists of different neighborhoods with residential areas, commercial districts, and several parks along the waterfront.
The settlement was officially incorporated as a city in 1852 and developed first as a railroad hub on the western coast. During World War II, thousands of workers arrived to work in local shipyards, which led to rapid population growth.
The Oakland Museum of California presents exhibits about state history, while neighborhoods display murals reflecting local communities and traditions. Every first Friday of the month, galleries and studios in the Temescal district open their doors and welcome visitors to experience the local art scene.
Oakland International Airport connects with many cities, while BART trains and AC Transit buses offer links throughout the Bay Area. The city is best explored by car or public transit, as many neighborhoods are spread across different hills.
Lake Merritt, a tidal lagoon downtown, became the first officially protected wildlife area in North America when it was designated in 1870. Visitors today can walk along its shoreline path and observe birds while being just a few blocks from the city center.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
