Looking for Summer Fun? Check out these Popular Oakland, CA Attractions

Summer is a time to relax, hang out with friends and family, and enjoy yourself. And where better to soak up the summer sunshine than the great state of California? If you’re in Oakland, California, there are plenty of fun places to visit in the area. Read on to explore our top picks for what to do this summer in or near this lively West Coast city.

Morcom Rose Garden

Opened in the late 1920s, the Morcom Rose Garden has been a staple of the beautiful city of Oakland for a long time. This 8-acre city garden has over 6,000 rose bushes of diverse varieties, including exotic types. You can also stroll through meandering walkways and staircases, flowing fountains, and a reflecting pool. The best time to visit this space is late April through October, when the flowers are in bloom. Make sure to check out the Amphitheatre of Roses. This area acts as a magical, fairytale-like venue for weddings, anniversary occasions, memorial celebrations, and other important ceremonies.

Chabot Space & Science Center

The Chabot Space & Science Center is your premier destination for all things science. This multi-use facility features interactive exhibits, a movie theater, a breathtaking planetarium, telescopes, and hands-on crafting activities. The 3,200-square-foot Chabot Observation Deck allows you to interact with 12 stations to learn about environmental science. Make sure to go online to learn about fun upcoming events, like the Total Lunar Eclipse Watch Party, Futuristic Foods, and the NASA Experience. This organization also provides the Galaxy Explorer program to give high school students the chance to take part in community service and develop their skills.

Fox Theater

Constructed in 1928 as a movie house, the Fox Theater is now a completely renovated live music venue featuring a bar, eatery, and courtyard. With a state-of-the-art sound system and a capacity of up to 2,800 people, this theater is an ideal venue for appreciating the music of touring musical artists. It also wows visitors with Roaring ’20s-inspired architecture, decor, and breathtaking light effects. Enjoy food and specialty cocktails before the show at The Den, a sleek bar inside the venue. You can upgrade your show ticket to include access to the Telegraph Room and premier amenities.

Montclair Village Art Walk

Montclair Village, a lively shopping district nestled in the verdant Oakland Hills, is the perfect locale for a day of shopping and eating. Consider visiting this neighborhood for the Montclair Village Art Walk on May 21 and 22 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This popular sidewalk festival features a plethora of local artisans and merchants selling their work. On Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., you can also swing by the Montclair Village Farmer’s Market to pick up fresh, organic produce and prepared foods. Plus, you can find parking for either event in the city-owned garage.

Dr. Aurelia Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park

Dr. Aurelia Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park is a 1,833-acre forest in Oakland packed with redwoods, evergreens, grasslands, and other plant species. Just a few miles from downtown, this park acts as a natural sanctuary for city residents. In the mid-1800s, the park was the site of logging for building materials. Since that era, 150-foot coast redwoods have taken the place of those that were cut down. The park is open from 5 a.m. and 10 p.m. every day. Parking and admission fees apply on weekends and major holidays from April to October at the Redwood Gate entrance.

Children’s Fairyland

If you’re looking for a fun, family-friendly activity in the city, the Children’s Fairyland could be an ideal spot for you. Here, you can find 10 acres of gardens, friendly animals, rides, and 60 storybook sets. Open to visitors of all ages, this park is especially fun for children 8 and younger. Children can also enjoy delightful performances like puppet shows. This spot is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., weather permitting. Check online for special events like Summer Sleepovers, in which kids get to have a campout in the park.

Oakland Museum of California

One of the most iconic locations in the Bay Area is the Oakland Museum of California. This museum offers three galleries about art, history, and science. One of the most famous components of the institution is the “Dorothea Lange Digital Archive,” a collection of work from the renowned American photographer. On nice days, you can enjoy exploring the museum’s terraced gardens and outdoor area. Make sure to check online for upcoming events like comedy shows, concerts, and special exhibitions. For example, until Oct. 30, 2022, you can purchase tickets for “Edith Heath: A Life in Clay.”

Lake Merritt

Lake Merritt, which you can visit at Lakeside Park, is one of the most extraordinary urban destinations in the United States. Here, a tidal lagoon in the city acts as a locale for walking, picnicking, and boating. It’s also the home to the country’s oldest designated wildlife refuge. Stroll through the Gardens at Lake Merritt to appreciate a variety of trees, plants, and flowers. Check out gardens with themes like bonsai, Japanese, Mediterranean, rhododendron, sensory, succulent, and pollinator. Among countless events at this spot, you can participate in the free Bird Walk on the fourth Wednesday of each month.

Alameda County Fair

Less than 10 minutes away from Oakland, Alameda is another city in the East Bay region of the Bay Area. During the summer from June 17 to July 10, you may be interested in going to the Alameda County Fair. This event features a concert series, live horse racing, fair rides, and more. Join a tasting festival to sample beer and wine throughout the festivities. Other entertainment activities include a freestyle motocross show, nightly movies, and a medieval stunt show. For the kids, check out the Family Fun Stage and street acts like Roberto the Magnificent.

As you can see, Oakland, California, doesn’t have a shortage of activities to enjoy in the summer. Whether you’re a visitor or an established resident of the city, there’s surely something amazing for you here. Did our staff at De Castroverde Criminal & Immigration Lawyers miss anything? Do you know of any excellent summer activities in the area? If you do, feel free to contact us, and we’ll be sure to add it to our list.