Oakland Tourist Attractions

Oakland City covers an area of around 200 square kilometers and has a population of about 440,000 residents. The city boasts a rich history, diverse culture, great restaurants, and shopping and entertainment options.

The Bay Area’s tourist attractions allow local and international tourists to explore new places. It is one of the most popular destinations for tourists to see its scenic beauty, diverse population, history, and numerous tourist attractions.

The bayside of Oakland and San Francisco attract millions of tourists every year due to its pleasant weather throughout the year. Tourists come here to enjoy the nightlife, including restaurants, pubs, bars, and clubs.

Apart from nightlife entertainment, the Bay Area offers an abundance of options for sightseeing tours that include rides, parks, walks, and boat cruises.

Tourist attractions in the Bay Area are accessible from Oakland thru the San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge.

Tourists arriving in Oakland can get to the San Francisco side of the bridge—in less than 18 minutes. Completed in 1936, the 3-kilometer Bay Bridge handles around 260,000 vehicles daily.

Here are some recommendations.

Day Hop-On Hop-Off City and Night Tour

Day Hop-On Hop-Off Pass combines two tours on one ticket. It allows tourists to explore all the must-see sights and landmarks of San Francisco day and night.

It is a great way to explore the city while learning fun facts about its history. Tourists can find out more about this tour here. Visitors planning on visiting Oakland for vacation, then this hop-on hop-off bus tour will help you explore all of the city’s top attractions in one day.

Important information

Buses run daily, every 30-60 minutes between 10 AM and 5 PM.

Meeting point: Skyline Sightseeing: Pier 41 (at the corner of Jefferson St. & Powell St.) San Francisco, CA 94133

Audio guide: English, French, Spanish, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, German, Portuguese

Golden Gate Bridge & Lombard Loop

GoCar Tours is a new and innovative way to see San Francisco, California. Visitors can see iconic landmarks like Golden Gate Bridge on a custom-made open-air vehicle. This tour is a perfect day trip and gives you even more than just the bridge and Lombard Street.

The GoCar Tour is an exciting self-guided driving tour to famous landmarks, neighborhoods, and attractions.

The loop includes the Golden Gate Bridge, Lombard Street, Presidio, Fisherman’s Wharf, and the Marina District.

Tourists can book a private customized ride with a local guide or rent a car to take at their own pace.

GoCar Tours is a unique, innovative, and fun new approach to sightseeing. This one-of-a-kind concept combines the flexibility of renting a car with the convenience of having an expert tour guide take tourists on a custom tour where you control the itinerary.

Important information

What to bring

  • Driver's license
  • Credit card
  • ID card, copy accepted

Notes:

Tourists must be 21 years of age or older with a major credit card and a valid driver's license (international license is not necessary) to rent.

GoCars do not accommodate children

US$ 500.00 security deposit

Meeting point

You may pick up your GoCar: Monday through Thursday between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM and Friday through Sunday between 09:00 AM and 12:00 Noon.

Office Location: 431 Beach Street, near Taylor, along the historic F streetcar line in the heart of Fisherman's Wharf.

Instructors: English, French, German, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian

Audio guide: English, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, German

San Francisco Zoo

The San Francisco Zoo is a 100-acre zoo located in Lakeshore, San Francisco, California. It is home to thousands of animals, including endangered species like lions, gorillas, and penguins.

Several times a year, you tourists even get up close to some rare animals that are residents at the zoo’s African Savanna.

The San Francisco Zoo is one of the most popular places in the Bay Area.

Important information

Bring a Passport or ID card

Not allowed

  • Smoking
  • Pets (assistance dogs are allowed)
  • Selfie sticks
  • Scooters

Meeting point

Meet at the entrance to the San Francisco Zoo.

All-day general admission to the San Francisco Zoo for the day of your visit

San Francisco Bay Adventure Boat Tour

San Francisco is known for its beautiful scenery, but the city also has a lot of history behind it. A great way to experience both is by taking an adventure boat tour on San Francisco Bay. Tourists will get to see places like Alcatraz Island, where infamous criminals were once held captive by the US government.

The bay is home to several different activities that can make for an amazing day. If you’re looking for something fun to do with friends or family, consider taking a tour on a boat. These trips will take you past the Golden Gate Bridge, and out into open water to several small islands for fun activities.

These tours are perfect for family vacations or even a great date night outing with your significant other.

Important information

  • Passport or ID card
  • Sunglasses
  • Weather-appropriate clothing

Not allowed

  • Pets
  • Smoking
  • Alcohol and/or drugs
  • This tour is not recommended for people with back problems or pregnant women
  • Children under 5 years old are not permitted on this tour

Please arrive at least 30 minutes before the departure time because we are obligated to our guests to leave on time and if you miss the departure time you will not receive a refund or be reassigned to another departure time

Meeting point

By the Sea Lions at Gate I, Pier 39, The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94133.

San Francisco, California Sunset/Twilight Cruise

The sunsets slowly over the Golden Gate Bridge on this 90-minute sunset cruise around San Francisco Bay. After dark, the city lights come on and shine like diamonds reflecting off the water.

Tourists can see Alcatraz Island and other islands that make the bay beautiful at night. There are numerous landmarks in San Francisco including Coit Tower and Transamerica Pyramid that turn stunning after-dark.

The San Francisco sunset/twilight cruise is a unique experience that brings you into the heart of one of the world’s most beautiful cities. The bay’s natural beauty, combined with an array of architectural landmarks, makes for a stunning cruise.

Cruise ships depart every 30 minutes, so there is no need to worry about making reservations or planning. Tourists can simply arrive at Pier 43 (details below).

Important information

  • Passport or ID card
  • Warm clothing

Not allowed

  • Pets
  • Oversize luggage
  • Smoking
  • Alcohol and/or drugs

Meeting point

Red and White Fleet box office, located at Pier 43 1/2 at Taylor Street and Embarcadero. Pier 43 1/2 is located right behind the iconic Fisherman's Wharf crab sign.

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