Oakland Outdoor Activities

Oakland keeps this pretty quiet, but it's actually the ideal base for outdoor fun. Forests, hiking trails and plenty of water make getting back to nature here feel... well... natural.

We're fairly sure Oakland isn't the first destination that springs to mind when you're asked to think of nature-oriented vacation options. But if you don't make the connection, there will be plenty of others who don't too - meaning that there's all the more space for you to connect with Oakland's great outdoors once you get here.

The city has two lakes and a redwood forest all of its own, as well as tons of daytrip options nearby. If that's not enough, it also offers access to the San Francisco Bay and all that it has to offer. And what exactly is that, we hear you ask? The answer is fun. And lots of it.

Image: Tourism Media

On the Water

  • You can't miss Lake Merritt. No really, you can't miss it: it's massive and right next to Downtown. Go kayaking, canoeing, pedal boating or just enjoy a walk along its banks.
  • Lake Temescal is small but perfectly formed, a hub for local bird life that's located in a picturesque park. There's a swimming area too.
  • There are many different ways to explore the San Francisco Bay, but for a truly chilled-out experience, we recommend stand-up paddleboarding your way around.

Image: Tourism Media

On Land

  • You can't visit California without hanging out with some of the state's iconic redwoods. Start with Redwood Regional Park, a sprawling forest right in the city.
  • Seeing the city on two wheels is always fun. If you need some structure, join one of the tours run by Oakland Bike Tours.
  • If your happy place is on the green, get ready to smile at scenic Lake Chabot Golf Course.

Image: Tourism Media

Beyond the City

  • You'll be glad you made the effort to cross the bay and visit Point Reyes National Seashore, where the sea views and clifftop pathways make for the ideal hiking spot.
  • Less than four hours' drive away, Yosemite National Park is the big daddy of California wildernesses. Its sequoia trees are massive and its views are beyond belief.
  • In summer, Lake Tahoe's beaches are hard to resist. In winter, you'll hear the siren call of its ski resorts. Get there in just over three hours.

Created in partnership with Visit Oakland