//
Photo: Bill Larkins, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Civilian and military aircraft both large and small, even the Flying Boat. Flight simulators, flight lessons, even open cockpit days make this stop in Oakland Airport's old North Terminal a memorable one for anyone interested in flying or the history of aviation.
Oakland Aviation Museum, formerly called Western Aerospace Museum, in an aviation museum located at North Field of Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport in Oakland, California. It has over 30 vintage and modern airplanes, both civilian and military, and other displays that highlight noted aviators and innovators.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
The mission of the Oakland Zoo is to inspire respect for and stewardship of the natural world, while providing a quality visitor experience. At the Oakland Zoo, you can explore together, learn together, and have fun together.
Peralta Hacienda Historical Park
Check website for tour hours and special events. Once headquarters of the Rancho San Antonio Spanish land grant, this six-acre park contains the 1870 Antonio Peralta House and interpretive exhibits, a native plant garden, and changing exhibits on history and culture.
The Dunsmuir House
An out of the way large mansion and grounds dating to the sunset of the 19th century, the Dunsmuir House is home to a variety of events year-round, from classic car shows to Scottish Games. Open from March–September.
A startlingly good museum dedicated to the art, history, and culture of California. The building itself is an admirable piece of architecture, and the exhibits are almost uniformly excellent and engaging. Free for everyone on the first Sunday of each month. One thing to know is that the concrete construction of the building blocks cell signals, so be aware that you will likely lose contact for your stay in the museum.
With branches in neighborhoods throughout the city (check their website for specific branch locations and hours), the Oakland Public Library hosts numerous public events that make use of their facilities and vast resources.
A large tidal lagoon that is surrounded by parkland and city neighborhoods. A popular 3.1-mile (5-km) walking and jogging path runs along its perimeter and gives you a warts-and-all picture of Oakland: nature, art, culture, and diversity; gleaming skyscrapers and historic rowhouses; but also occasional run-down sections and visible homeless encampments. The lake was the United States' first official wildlife refuge, designated in 1870. In the winter it's a good place for birdwatching, as birds migrating south from Canada and Alaska use it as a rest stop or a winter home. Look for grebes, pelicans, cormorants, hawks, and various types of ducks.