Where to Stay in Oakland, By a Local (Best Areas & Places)

5 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Oakland

Oakland is located in the San Francisco Bay Area, across the bridge from San Francisco and just south of Berkeley. But Oakland is a destination in its own right, with vibrant historic neighborhoods and one of the best restaurant scenes in the country. 

Oakland has some great neighborhoods, and some not-so-great neighborhoods. This article will help you pick out a place to stay that’s safe, easy to access, and near the best Oakland sights. 

Now, let’s get into the best areas to stay:

Downtown Oakland

👉 Best Area For Historic Attractions | ✨ Best Downtown Hotels: Oakland Marriott City Center • Kissel Uptown Oakland, Hyatt • Courtyard Oakland Downtown

Downtown Oakland is a melting pot of personalities, and it’s my absolute favorite part of Oakland. The food is excellent, the streets are walkable and bikeable, and nearby Lake Merritt is the perfect place to spend a sunny day lakeside. 

The main architecture of downtown is from the mid-1800s — don’t miss the well-known Cathedral Building. This makes downtown Oakland an ideal stay for any historical architecture lover. But it doesn’t stop there. 

Between the historic attractions of downtown lie renovated, colorful shops and restaurants. Make sure to check out the shops along 9th and Broadway, or eat at any of the restaurants around the 19th St BART stop. Then, head to the Fox or Paramount Theaters for some live music. 

Smack dab in the middle of downtown Oakland is my top hotel for the area, the Oakland Marriott City Center. It’s in the perfect location to be in the middle of all the action while still walking distance from transit, the lake, and other neighborhoods. 

Pros of Staying in Downtown Oakland:

• Easy transportation via the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) station
• Historic buildings
• Lively nightlife, restaurants, and bars
• Most options for hotels and accommodation 
• Close to Lake Merritt 
• Around 15 minutes from the Oakland International Airport with traffic

Cons of Staying in Downtown Oakland:

• Reservations need to be made in advance because hotels fill quickly
• Can be loud and hectic
• Free parking is not available
• Some unsafe areas at night 

Jack London District

👉 Best Area For Access to San Francisco | ✨ Best Jack London District Apartments: Artsy 2Bd Loft • Romance on the Water Houseboat • Modern Studio near Downtown

The Jack London District is another of my favorite places to stay in Oakland, and it’s great for those who want easy access to San Francisco. It’s the waterfront neighborhood of downtown Oakland, so it’s easy to get to all the attractions of downtown while staying in a quaint, quieter area. 

The Jack London District is near the Port of Oakland, so it’s easy to catch the ferry that will take you right to downtown San Francisco. Oh, and the view of the San Francisco skyline from the ferry is phenomenal.

But that’s not the only reason the Jack London District is a convenient place to stay. While here, I recommend going wine tasting at urban wineries like Rosenblum Cellars or going bowling at Plank, a lively arcade bar. Or, tune into a music night at Yoshi’s. Whatever you are in the mood for, Jack London Square hosts an event made for you.

The only downside is that because Jack London Square is a small neighborhood, it has very few hotels. Staying in an Airbnb or apartment rental is probably your best bet, like this Artsy 2Bd Loft. 

Pros of Staying in Jack London District:

• View of the waterfront alongside the Bay Trail
• Easy access to the San Francisco / Alameda ferries for less than five dollars
• Lots of great restaurants and breweries
• Jack London Square Farmers Market and street music
• Apartments and condos available to rent for your stay
• Roughly 15 minutes from the Oakland International Airport with traffic

Cons of Staying in Jack London District:

• Quieter, not for those seeking vibrant nightlife
• Bustling Amtrak station nearby means trains are heard throughout the day
• Virtually no hotels to choose from 
• Free parking is not available

Temescal

👉 Best Area For Families | ✨ Best Temescal Hotels: Claremont Club • Cozy 1Bd Guest Suite • Studio Apartment in Temescal

One of the oldest Oakland neighborhoods, Temescal is now mostly inhabited by younger families and is the go-to place for anyone looking to explore the hip, family-friendly side of Oakland. 

Temescal is a great option when deciding where to stay in Oakland because of its unique, fun vibe. The streets are lined with gorgeous murals, and it’s home to some of the most unique eats Oakland has to offer. There is even a pedestrian alley dedicated to shops and restaurants.

I recommend enjoying a donut at Donut Dolly’s, having a sit-down meal of wood-fired pizza at Pizzaiolo, or enjoying the smells of herbs and oils in the Homestead Apothecary. 

Temescal is mostly residential, so it’s easiest to stay in an Airbnb, like this Cozy 1Bd Guest Suite. However, more accommodation options are available to those willing to take a short drive. Stay at the famous Claremont Club in Berkeley for a luxurious hotel that’s only a 10-minute drive from Temescal’s best sights.

Pros of Staying in Temescal:

• Art galleries, unique cafes, and vintage boutiques
• Perfect for those who prefer a quieter area
• Up-and-coming and very trendy

Cons of Staying in Temescal:

• No hotels
• Pricier than other Oakland locations
• Upwards of ~20 minutes of travel to the Oakland International Airport with heavier traffic

Piedmont Avenue

👉 Best Area For Luxury | ✨ Best Piedmont Hotels: Signature Inn Oakland • Bright Minimalist Studio in Piedmont • Victorian Townhouse by Piedmont 

Piedmont Avenue is where to stay in Oakland for travelers interested in trendy bars, vintage boutiques, upscale restaurants, and local goods.

It’s a very residential area. Walking along Piedmont Avenue, you’ll run into local graduate students, couples and families walking their dogs, and friends catching up while listening to live music at Cato’s Ale House. Piedmont is known for its fine dining restaurants specializing in upscale California Cuisine, so don’t miss spots like Pomet. 

Although Piedmont Avenue is stacked with stores, it also has a small-town vibe so that travelers can get the best of both worlds. Apartment rentals are readily available here, so visitors can choose from chic apartments to a whole Victorian townhouse. 

The Signature Inn Oakland is one of the only hotels nearby. Contrary to Piedmont’s upscale vibe, the Signature Inn is a very budget-friendly hotel — leaving more of your wallet for Piedmont’s expensive restaurants and nightlife.

Pros of Staying in Piedmont Avenue:

• Lively nightlife within walking distance
• One-of-a-kind shops and historic attractions
• Great place to shop for vintage clothing and home antiques

Cons of Staying in Piedmont Avenue:

• Locals frequent the restaurants and bars, so wait times can be longer
• Not as many family-friendly attractions
• The furthest location from the Oakland International Airport

Grand Lake / Adams Point

👉 Best Area For Casual, Quaint Stay | ✨ Best Grand Lake Vacation Rentals: Mid-Century Modern w/ Garden • Studio Garden Cottage • Studio Oasis

Grand Lake / Adams Point is where to stay in Oakland if you’re looking for more of a quaint, relaxed vibe. This neighborhood soaks up the sunshine and sits directly by Lake Merritt, one of the top attractions in the Oakland area. You’ll often see families barbecuing by the lake on any weekend day. 

After visiting the scenic gardens at Lake Merritt, try grabbing a bite to eat from any of the local food trucks by the water. You can find live music and street performers here nearly every night of the week. 

Grand Lake / Adams Point is lean on the hotel options. Instead, I recommend checking out a vacation rental like this cozy Studio Garden Cottage. 

This area is great for a romantic stay in Oakland. Couples can catch a film at the exquisite Grand Lake Theater. It was built in 1926, and you will be mesmerized by the starry ceilings and chandeliers! 

Pros of Staying in Grand Lake / Adams Point

• “Mom-and-pop” shops create a communal atmosphere 
• Multiple attractions are within walking distance
• 20-min drive to the Oakland International Airport
• Free parking available

Cons of Staying in Grand Lake / Adams Point

• Not the best area if looking for hotels in Oakland, so opt for a vacation rental
• Traffic and parking are difficult at most times of the day
• The nearest BART subway station can be a 30-minute walk depending on where you are in Grand Lake / Adams Point

Tips for Staying in Oakland, California

Take Advantage of Oakland’s Public Transportation

Rideshares can be incredibly expensive in the Bay. I highly suggest utilizing public transportation upon your arrival from the Oakland International Airport by using the BART train. To get to San Francisco or Alameda from Oakland, I suggest checking out the San Francisco Bay Ferry routes and schedule. 

When using public transportation, download the Clipper Card app. With this, you can pay from your phone for easy access to any of the transit options mentioned above. If you prefer an in-person card, you can buy one at various transit stations.

This is a must for budget travelers. Using my Clipper Card only costs me $4.50 to visit San Francisco from Oakland on the ferry, compared to a $30 rideshare (without traffic). 

Enjoy Oakland’s Diverse Food Options

Oakland truly is a melting pot of cultures and communities. Within miles of downtown Oakland exists Chinatown, authentic Mexican food joints, vegan soul food, and food trucks with Singaporean, Colombian, and Jamaican cuisine – to name a few.

In order to survey all the food options Oakland has to offer, try heading to Lake Merritt where you’ll run into a variety of food trucks and locals enjoying their meals by the lake. 

Visit a Street Market or Farmers’ Market

Oakland farmers’ markets are communal spaces that provide street music, unique art from local vendors, and strawberries like you have never seen – even in the off-season. There’s a reason Oakland’s food has been called some of the best in the country, and it’s because the local produce is so good. 

I enjoy farmers’ markets because they are a great way to show love and support for the city, and they provide visitors with a real look into the welcoming and celebratory space that is the center of Oakland.

Stop and Enjoy the Murals

Street art is a popular form of artistic expression in Oakland. As a visitor, you’ll witness a city where people truly love exploring their creativity – as evidenced on residential and commercial streets. 

The eclectic collection of murals in Oakland encompasses civil rights movements, dedications to the city, and colorful whirlwinds that inspire those lucky enough to stumble upon them. 

Take a Peaceful Stroll in the Redwoods

Seeing the redwoods is one of the best things to do in Northern California and you barely need to leave Oakland to do it! My favorite park, the Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park, is a 10-minute drive from Oakland.

The Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park offers a selection of trails for both beginner hikers and experts alike. Many trail options are also dog-friendly.

🌴 Read More of Our Guides to Staying in California:

• Staying in San Francisco
• Staying in Los Angeles
• Staying in San Diego
• Staying in Long Beach
• Staying in Oceanside

FAQs

What is the best part of Oakland?

The best part of Oakland is downtown Oakland. The location is perfect for your first stay in Oakland because it has the most hotel options and is easy to get around without a rental car. It also gives travelers the option to visit the San Francisco Bay Area without hassle — just walk down to the Jack London neighborhood of downtown.

What is considered downtown Oakland?

The main strip of downtown Oakland is considered to be Broadway, from 8th to 17th street. This strip is considered the commercial heart of Oakland, with its main attraction being the Oakland City Center. The easiest way to get downtown is by heading to a BART station and exiting at 12th Street/City Center. 

Do I need a rental car in Oakland?

Rental cars are not necessary when visiting the city of Oakland. Public transportation is easy to navigate, cheaper, and can minimize stress for your stay in Oakland. Anytime you’re visiting other areas of the city, use the nearest BART station, the bus, or the ferry. However, rent a car if you plan on visiting neighboring places like Napa Valley (a 1-hour drive) or Santa Cruz (a 90-minute drive).

Is it safe to stay in Oakland?

Oakland is generally a safe place to visit. Just like most big cities, there are areas of Oakland where crime is more common. You should be extra careful in the areas around West Oakland, Fruitvale, and the Oakland Coliseum — and honestly, as a visitor, you probably don’t need to go there.

However, the places most tourists tend to visit (including all of the neighborhoods we recommend here) are considered relatively safe. The most common crime in Oakland is a car break-in. Do not leave valuables in your car.

💸 Read Next: How to Do San Francisco on the Cheap

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Whether you’re looking for a quaint, peaceful stay or vibrant nightlife, Oakland has a place for you. Hopefully, this guide has given you a better understanding of where to stay in Oakland, and what you can do on your visit here!

Plan to spend some time in SF too? Make sure to check out this guide of the best things to do in San Francisco next!