There are a host of reasons that Oakland keeps showing up on lists of Best Cities to Visit, but in a nutshell it has everything a city-lover wants, at a slightly lower price than San Francisco and with more parking. The Uptown Arts area is full of small and mid-size venues (don’t miss the beautifully restored Fox Theater) with every type of dining tucked around it. On weekends, Lake Merritt bustles with walkers, joggers, picnics, performers, and a nearby farmers’ market to supply it all. You can even hire a gondola to take you for a romantic cruise around the lake. The Oakland Museum of California has an unrivaled collection of natural and arts history of the area and kicks off the weekend in style with Friday evening dance parties.

Oakland is the county seat of Alameda county, with nearly half a million people in a sprawling 55-plus square miles. Every neighborhood in Oakland has its own unique style, from the somewhat staid hills to the newly revitalized areas of North and West Oakland. All of it is tied together with numerous BART stations and extensive busses, including the free Broadway shuttle through downtown. A great way to get your Oakland bearings is to ride the aerial tram at the gigantic Oakland Zoo. Then head for Jack London Square on the waterfront and hit the Urban Wine Trail. Some of the best hiking in the central Bay Area is up in the Oakland hills, whether you prefer the short, scenic walks in Joaquin Miller Park or the day-long (or longer!) adventures in the Sibley Volcanic Preserve. Many of the trails allow your canine friends to come along, but be sure to check the leash rules before you set out.

Attractions

Oakland has long been a music town, whether you want big-name acts at the coliseum or undiscovered artists at one of the downtown clubs. The Oakland Art and Soul Festival in August has music, dance, painting, and every other kind of art, with a headliner you won’t want to miss. If classical’s more your style, be sure to get season tickets for the Oakland Symphony and the West Edge Opera festival in the summer. Jazz fans will be right at home in the “Harlem of the West” doesn’t disappoint, from the venerable Yoshi’s nightclub to the Museum of Jazz and Art, opening soon downtown. As for hip hop, Oakland’s had its own style since Snoop Dogg was a pup and you’ll find it everywhere, indoors and out.