Bryan’s guidebook
Neighborhoods
The Jack London District has undergone and incredible transformation in just a few short years! What used to be mostly industrial and shipping has just exploded with wineries, restaurants, and local shops. If you fancy a stroll by the water, daytime water activities, and some incredible eats, definitely check out Jack London Square, in the Jack London District.
29 locals recommend
Jack London District
The Jack London District has undergone and incredible transformation in just a few short years! What used to be mostly industrial and shipping has just exploded with wineries, restaurants, and local shops. If you fancy a stroll by the water, daytime water activities, and some incredible eats, definitely check out Jack London Square, in the Jack London District.
A gorgeous lakefront and more amazing bars, restaurants, and local shops than you can imagine! Check out Lake Merritt for a stroll or jog!
49 locals recommend
Downtown Oakland
A gorgeous lakefront and more amazing bars, restaurants, and local shops than you can imagine! Check out Lake Merritt for a stroll or jog!
Thriving and bustling, the Uptown part of Oakland is a can't-miss! Bars, restaurants, and a fabulous "First Friday" event on the 1st Friday of every month!
45 locals recommend
Uptown
Thriving and bustling, the Uptown part of Oakland is a can't-miss! Bars, restaurants, and a fabulous "First Friday" event on the 1st Friday of every month!
From strolls along the Embarcadero to rides on the trolley, this is a can't-miss spot for lots of tourist attractions!
97 locals recommend
Civic Center
From strolls along the Embarcadero to rides on the trolley, this is a can't-miss spot for lots of tourist attractions!
Travel and Transportation
If you're looking for an inexpensive and fast way to get into and out of San Francisco, this is one great way! The station is about a 15min walk from my home, and $2-3/person each way. Take it one stop (just 8 min!) to get to the first Downtown SF stop, Embarcadero.
12 locals recommend
West Oakland Bart station
If you're looking for an inexpensive and fast way to get into and out of San Francisco, this is one great way! The station is about a 15min walk from my home, and $2-3/person each way. Take it one stop (just 8 min!) to get to the first Downtown SF stop, Embarcadero.
Looking for a scenic way into and out of the city? Try the Oakland Ferry! It's about a 45min ride one way but absolutely GORGEOUS, and you'll board in the heart of Jack London Square! Fare varies, but expect $5-6/person each way on average. Tickets bought onboard! :)
Ferry Landing
10 Clay StreetLooking for a scenic way into and out of the city? Try the Oakland Ferry! It's about a 45min ride one way but absolutely GORGEOUS, and you'll board in the heart of Jack London Square! Fare varies, but expect $5-6/person each way on average. Tickets bought onboard! :)
Food scene
Want a quick latte? Breakfast? Lunch? This local cafe is literally around the corner from the home. They open in the morning and usually close in the late afternoon depending on the flow of customers. AMAZING chicken sandwich and a lovely iced mocha latte!
56 locals recommend
10th & Wood
945 Wood StWant a quick latte? Breakfast? Lunch? This local cafe is literally around the corner from the home. They open in the morning and usually close in the late afternoon depending on the flow of customers. AMAZING chicken sandwich and a lovely iced mocha latte!
Forge Pizza Oakland
66 Franklin StTHE BEST wood fire pizza in Oakland. Hands down. Incredible.
Farm-to-table everything, and even a butcher shop in the restaurant! Save the butcher purchase for after your meal though, as you can usually sway your server to tossing in a discount if you leave with some fresh meats, which you can prepare in the home's full kitchen! =)
7 locals recommend
Belcampo Meat Co. (Oakland)
55 Webster StFarm-to-table everything, and even a butcher shop in the restaurant! Save the butcher purchase for after your meal though, as you can usually sway your server to tossing in a discount if you leave with some fresh meats, which you can prepare in the home's full kitchen! =)
This grocery store is about a 10min drive from the home and has it all and super reasonably priced! =)
75 locals recommend
Pak N Save Pharmacy
3889 San Pablo AveThis grocery store is about a 10min drive from the home and has it all and super reasonably priced! =)
A smaller, totally employee-owned local grocer, right across the street from the West Oakland BART (train) station. On your way back from the city, pop in for any of the essentials and support local!
65 locals recommend
Mandela Foods Cooperative
1430 7th StA smaller, totally employee-owned local grocer, right across the street from the West Oakland BART (train) station. On your way back from the city, pop in for any of the essentials and support local!