Year Round Vacation Ideas in Oakland

Children's Fairyland, a great place for the younger set, open year round. Located on the shores of Lake Merritt, (pictured above), this 10 acre theme park has been in existence since 1950 when it opened for the amusement of young and old alike. Rides, live entertainment, storybook sets, puppet theater, children's theater, party rentals, Fairyland's animals and gardens, as well as the Magic Lamp Gift Shop - all geared to teach while entertaining. Call 510-238-6876 for recorded information.

After visiting the Children's Fairyland, make sure you take time to enjoy all that Lake Merritt, (known as the Jewel of Oakland), has to offer. Hiking, biking, bird watching, sailing, kayaking, and paddle boats are all part of the fun offered in a peaceful environment. For an authentic gondola experience, call Gondola Servizio at 866-737-8494 toll free. A "necklace of lights" encircles the lake at night, enhancing the natural beauty around you, providing a romantic and enchanting evening.

Visit Chinatown for Asian shopping and dining. Broadway and Alice to 7th. and 13th. Streets.

Jack London Square - a vibrant destination, busy with bars, restaurants, specialty shops, a waterfront hotel, live entertainment, and outdoor Farmers Market every Sunday.

Take the kids to the Oakland Zoo with more than 660 native and exotic animals. Open daily year round from 10 to 4. For more information, call 510-632-9525.

Cool off at the Oakland Ice Center, open for public skating and classes. 510-268-9000.

The Chabot Space & Science Center, 10000 Skyline Drive, 510-336-7300, a world-class science center, offers workshops and classes, camps, interactive learning and games, after school activities.

Cruise the Bay aboard FDR's Floating White House, a National Historic Landmark. Leaves Jack London Square. 510-627-1215.

After a $62.2 million dollar renovation, the Oakland Museum of California, located at 1000 Oak Street, has re-opened its doors with new exhibitions, programs for all ages, interactive gallery stations, story telling, and performances to help you explore California's heritage. 510-238-2200.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places is The Fox Theater at 1807 Telegraph Avenue, a 2,800 seat movie theater that was restored and re-opened in 2009. It now serves primarily as a live concert venue, drawing attention due to its elaborate architecture.

Summer Vacation Ideas in Oakland

Take a Downtown Oakland Walking Tour. Wednesday and Saturday at 10 AM from May to October with 8 different 90 minute free walking tours available. Call 510-238-3234 for more information.

Read more about Oakland's Chinatown Street Festival on our August Vacation Ideas page.

Winter Vacation Ideas in Oakland

Visit our November page to read about the holiday activities at the Dunsmuir House & Gardens and the Water Sleigh Holiday Caroling at Lake Merrit on our December Vacation Ideas page.

Traveling Around Oakland

Catch the free Broadway Shuttle, officially known as The B. Look for the big green bus Monday through Friday 7 AM to 7 PM, running every 10 minutes during commute hours and lunchtime and every 15 minutes other times. The B makes 19 stops between Jack London Square, Old Oakland, Chinatown, City Center, Uptown, and Lake Merritt. More about The B.

Rent a Bike at Jack London Square to tour the city. Hourly, daily, and weekly rates available. 427 Water Street. 510-836-2311.

Oakland Condos, Lofts, and Townhomes. Easily Browse the East Bay Condo Market Here. East Bay Condo Mania.