One of the best places to visit in the San Francisco Bay Area is the vibrant city of Oakland. It’s a bustling metropolitan community dubbed “Brooklyn by the Bay” thanks to its rich culture. With the diverse food scene, natural and manmade attractions, and beautiful streets, Oakland deserves the recognition of being a top destination in the region.

Wondering about the best time to visit? Many locals recommend traveling to Oakland during summer. Aside from the good weather, you’ll also enjoy the many festivals, events, and activities available during the season.

So, if you’re planning a summer trip to Oakland, here are some great tips to prepare.

1. Research the Places To Visit

Oakland has many attractions that everyone will enjoy. Some of the most well-known ones are Children’s Fairyland, Oakland Zoo, and Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park. To avoid going on days they’re shut or too busy, you need to research about these places and learn as much information about them as possible. That way, you’ll know when to go and if you have to pay for tickets. Researching will also help you get updates and announcements that could affect your trip.

2. Decide on the Best Time To Go

In general, summer is a great time to visit Oakland. But, if you want to bring your trip to the next level, you need to know the best days for tourists. These are usually the months or weeks when Oakland’s festivals are held, including the Art + Soul Oakland and Fire Arts Festival. If you schedule your trip within those days, you’ll get to participate in the exciting events!

3. Know How To Get Around

Like most metropolitan areas in the country, Oakland has a sophisticated traffic system that can be challenging to navigate. If you have a car, then you only need a mobile app to help you travel. But, those who take public transportation will need to do more research about getting around. One good place to start is the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system. It’s a quick way to get around Oakland and the nearby cities.

4. Buy Tickets Online If Possible

Lining up for tickets is a waste of time. You could be in the queue longer than you’re in the attraction. So, take advantage of online ticket sites whenever possible. Many of the aforementioned attractions already have this feature on their website, so you can book at home or while on the road. That way, you can enter the premises without having to endure long lines.

5. Prepare for the Kids

Traveling with kids requires more preparation than just going with adults. They have different needs, can get bored easily, and are more vulnerable to dangers like hot temperatures. To ensure their safety and comfort, you need to pack snacks, games, extra clothes, and other items for the trip. Lastly, have a lot of patience and be ready for emergencies.

6. Dress for the Occasion

Summers in Oakland are pleasantly warm, but there are times when it gets too hot. That’s why you should prepare light and airy clothes for activities outside. Whether you’re going to the beach or a museum, make sure to wear the appropriate attire. Some places may not admit you if your clothes are deemed inappropriate. For those hiking to the nearby forests, wear something that will protect you from the elements while keeping you cool and comfortable.

7. Prepare Your Tech

No trip would be complete without photos or videos! So, if you’re planning to document your adventures in Oakland, make sure to prepare your tech. That means charging the batteries of your cameras, bringing extra chargers, and making room for photo files.

Aside from photography, you need to ensure you have the tech for navigation. This can be in the form of smartwatches or smartphones, whichever you prefer. And, if you’re going camping, bring essentials that can be charged with solar power.

8. Set a Schedule, But Make It Flexible

Having a schedule for your trip is always good advice. This will help you manage your time so you don’t end up staying in one place for too long and missing out on the others. Still, there are things out of your control: traffic, last-minute announcements, and emergencies. That’s why your schedule should be flexible enough to accommodate these unseen events. You’ll be more in control and make better decisions during your trip.

9. Buy the Travel Essentials

Before getting distracted by the beautiful attractions of Oakland, remember to buy the travel essentials first! It’ll save you from any inconveniences along the way. One of the must-have items is sunscreen. You’ll be spending a lot of time outside, so you should have something to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Reliable footwear is also a necessity, whether you’re out on the streets or the trails of Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park.

10. Book the Best Hotel in Oakland

Last but not least, you need to book your accommodation for when you’re in Oakland. There are plenty of excellent rooms at the Executive Inn & Suites offering modern amenities, so you won’t have any trouble meeting your needs. It’s always important to ensure a place is up to your standards and has a good reputation for your safety and comfort, which you’ll find there. To ease any worries, you can always call ahead and ask questions at the front desk.

Final Thoughts

A summer trip to the beautiful city of Oakland is one of the best experiences you’ll have! You’ll get to join bombastic festivals, marvel at natural wonders, and enjoy the welcoming community. Just follow the tips above before you go and you’re all set!