Whether you’re new to Oakland’s spectacular skyline or a local, you’ll see this city from a completely different perspective. Here is a list of the best things to do in Oakland that will surely turn your holidays into memorable experiences!

1. Attend Festivals & Events

In Oakland, many annual events take place around the holidays, including tree-lighting ceremonies, parades, and performances. This California city is known for its annual holiday events and festivals. You can get in the holiday spirit by joining community events all over the city. From the annual Festival of Lights Parade to the Oakland Asian Cultural Center’s Lunar New Year Celebration, there are many opportunities for residents and visitors to celebrate their heritage — and to discover new traditions you’ve never experienced before.

In addition, most tourist attractions in Oakland host notable festivals that celebrate nature, culture, and Oakland’s rich traditions. For example, the Oakland Zoo presents Glowfari, which features a wildly illuminating festival. Running from November 11 to January 29, this event immerses you in a mystical, glowing world of underwater creatures, illuminating kangaroo and koala displays, a trip to the past with the T-rex and Megalodon Shark Tunnel, and more. Don’t miss Oakland’s diverse, cultural, and fun events.

2. Take a Blaze at These Oakland Trails

If you’re looking for unique holiday activities in Oakland, a trail of gold awaits you on Oakland’s Cannabis Trail. This trail is like a walking map that gives you access to virtually every dispensary, edibles and smokes retail shop, cannabis event, food spot, and more. Also, the trail boasts some sensory attractions that combine art, nature, and cultural experiences. Indeed, it’s the perfect place to visit if you’re looking for cannabis, cuisine and culture of the highest caliber.

Meanwhile, if you are into alcohol, there’s an Oakland trail for that too! The Oakland Ale Trail gives you a chance to sample beers from a variety of locations that get better as you go. It’s like having your own personal party on wheels. Each brewery offers its own unique personality and features food trucks for those who prefer a bite to eat with their beer. If craft beer isn’t your thing, you can check out the Oakland Vegan Trail to discover the best vegan eats around.

3. Explore Oakland’s Diverse Dining Scene

Oakland is a foodie paradise, encompassing an eclectic mix of dining options. The city is home to many of the Bay Area’s best-known restaurants and cafes. It boasts world-class food that offers visitors a memorable dining experience, from Southern comfort food to tasty Asian dishes. Don’t miss the opportunity to delight your taste buds with fresh seafood, locally grown ingredients, and creative preparations.

As a diverse California city, Oakland is a world of flavors, where visitors and locals alike can indulge in the city’s universal cuisine. It’s a place where you’re likely to run into your neighbors and stumble upon internationally acclaimed food. You can try nationally renowned Cambodian cuisine and taco trucks on Fruitvale Avenue or fine-dining Italian and tapas on Piedmont Avenue. If you’re into fine dining, many hotels offer a one-of-a-kind fine dining experience. For example, if you’re staying at Executive Inn & Suites, you can visit The Lounge. It’s a restaurant where you can eat and drink to your heart’s content while remaining close to your room.

4. Hit the Slopes for Skiing & Snowboarding

Snowy weather doesn’t spell the end of outdoor activities in Oakland. In fact, the winter landscape provides opportunities for adventure and fun on the hills, at an ice skating rink, or on cross-country ski trails nearby. The Bay Area is home to some incredible ski resorts that offer everything from beginner-level slopes to expert challenges for pros. You can choose from multiple locations within driving distance from Oakland, including Tahoe Donner in Truckee and Squaw Valley or Alpine Meadows near Lake Tahoe.

For those looking for something closer to home, the Oakland Ice Center is an indoor ice skating rink located at 519 18th Street in downtown Oakland. This facility provides great opportunities for figure skaters, ice hockey teams, broomball clubs, and curling leagues. It also has an arena for public skating.

5. Warm Yourself at Snow Park

One of the best things to do in Oakland is to explore Snow Park. A popular family attraction, Snow Park offers a stunning panorama of Lake Merritt and the surrounding city. With thick green grass, majestic oak trees, and secluded corners that provide plenty of room for intimate picnics, the park caters to several perfectly refreshing activities.

In addition to housing the first-ever public outdoor ice-skating rink, Snow Park has a putting green and an outdoor recreation area that’s perfect for relaxing in the sun and enjoying Oakland’s unique lake vista.

Start Planning Your Oakland Trip

With the holiday season approaching, Oakland is one of the best places to be. Whether you’re looking for an outdoor adventure, an indoor shopping spree, or just a good meal with friends and family, this city has it all. We hope that the list of things to do in Oakland that we provided above will help you plan your holiday itineraries to this amazing city!

If you’re planning to spend your holidays in Oakland and are looking for the perfect place to stay, Executive Inn & Suites is the ideal accommodation. Situated right at Embarcadero Cove, our location is conveniently situated near Oakland’s historic downtown and has easy access to most Bay Area attractions. Our hotel offers picturesque water views, making us the ideal location to relax, recharge, or get some work done. Book with us today!

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