Oakland City Guide

Food is diverse with local favorites like California burritos and fresh seafood. Ethiopian, Vietnamese, Mexican, and Chinese cuisines are popular. Vegan and vegetarian options are widely available. Some late-night spots open downtown and Uptown.

Nightlife centers on Uptown and Downtown with bars, breweries, music venues, and clubs. The Fox and Paramount Theatres host concerts and events.

Oakland has many specialty coffee shops and roasters focusing on quality and community.

Tipping is expected in restaurants (15-20%), rideshares, baristas, and service workers.

SIM cards from AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon are widely available in carrier stores and Best Buy. Coverage is good across the city, and prepaid SIMs usually don’t require ID.

Cleanliness varies by neighborhood. Waste pickup is regular, but some areas have litter or graffiti.

Some chain pharmacies and convenience stores are open 24/7. Late-night dining options exist but are limited.

Supermarkets like Safeway, Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, and Sprouts are common. Diverse neighborhoods have ethnic markets. Stores open roughly 7 AM to 10 or 11 PM, including most Sundays and holidays.

Most businesses accept cards, so cash isn’t needed for daily purchases.

ATMs are common at banks, grocery, and convenience stores. Expect $2.50-$5 fees for using out-of-network machines.

Local public schools include Oakland Technical High and Skyline High. International schools are rare in Oakland but available in the larger Bay Area. Instruction is primarily in English.

Digital nomads connect through co-working spaces and Meetup events. The community is growing but less formalized than bigger hubs.

The city has great parks including Lake Merritt, Redwood Regional Park, and Joaquin Miller Park with many trails.

Popular running routes include Lake Merritt loop and Bay Trail. Running clubs exist. Good safety in busy areas during the day.

Gyms include big chains and local options with fitness and climbing.

Public tennis courts are common in parks like Temescal and Joaquin Miller. Bring your own gear; padel courts are rare.

Padel courts are rare in Oakland but exist in the wider Bay Area.

Many yoga studios offer various styles with English-speaking teachers and easy drop-in classes.

Various martial arts like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Boxing, and Judo are practiced in local gyms with English instruction.

Ski resorts are 3-4 hours away near Lake Tahoe, with options for all skill levels and equipment rentals.

Kayaking and paddleboarding on Lake Merritt and Oakland Estuary. Sailing and windsurfing available in San Francisco Bay with equipment rentals.

Surfing is available about 30-60 minutes away on the Pacific coast. Water is cold year-round, best seasons are fall and winter. Linda Mar is good for beginners; Ocean Beach is for experienced surfers.

Diving is available in Monterey Bay about 2 hours south. Cold water, kelp forests, and varied marine life. Shops and rentals in Monterey.

Healthcare is high quality with good English-speaking staff at major hospitals like Kaiser Permanente and Alta Bates. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens are common.

Tap water meets all safety standards and is safe to drink.

Oakland has playgrounds, kid-friendly cafes, and attractions like the Oakland Zoo and Children's Fairyland. Baby supplies are easy to find.

Oakland is very LGBTQ+ friendly with many inclusive businesses, events, and protections. Pride is celebrated annually.

Oakland welcomes pets with many dog parks, vet clinics, and pet stores. Some pet-friendly lodging and eateries available.