Discover Oakland

Right across the bay from San Francisco sits the city of Oakland, California. While it sometimes lies in the shadow of the world-renowned gay mecca of San Francisco, Oakland has its’ own identity and shouldn’t be passed over by LGBTQ visitors to the Bay Area. 

Oakland is both historic and modern. Visitors will find a little bit of everything in this diverse metropolis, from the picturesque waterfront to expansive hills. Explore Oakland’s growing arts, entertainment and food scene or enjoy recreational opportunities like hiking, sailing and biking. Root for one of the three professional sports teams or take a tour of a historic landmark. The city is easily accessible through Oakland International Airport, train, automobile, BART, bus and ferry.

Situated along the scenic Oakland/Alameda estuary, Jack London Square (named for the author) is a vibrant destination in Oakland bringing together dining, retail, recreation, and fun events year-round. From lively summer night markets and outdoor movies, to kayaking and bicycling along the waterfront, the verve and energy of Jack London Square make it a destination. Stroll, walk, run or bike the waterfront walkways and peaceful park areas. It’s a great spot to relax and enjoy the waterfront views.

A fun spot for gay nightlife in downtown Oakland is The Port Bar. It’s open 7 days a week and features a lineup of events, live performances and unique cocktails. Ask for a “Pink Tip” or a “Hung Like A Mule.” Wanna dance? Right across the street is Club BNB and its’s sister Club 21. This spot features 5 full bars, multiple dance floors, and state of the art sound and lighting systems.

And to experience some LGBTQ history, along with a cold drink, head north on Telegraph Avenue to where The White Horse Inn still stands at the corner of 66th Street and Telegraph in Oakland. Operational since 1933, or quite possibly before that, since records were not kept during Prohibition. It is the oldest, continuously operating gay and lesbian bar in the United States.

Want a unique experience that’s a local secret? Spirits Alley is a cluster of artisan distilleries and tasting rooms along Monarch Street at Alameda Point that has transformed the former WWII Naval Air Station from a once deserted area, to a destination for a hipster crowd. Take a tour and enjoy a tasting at the  Hangar 1 Vodka Distillery. Afterward, relax upstairs at Runway Spirits where you can enjoy craft cocktails such as their “Hecho en Alameda” with chipotle vodka or their “Summer Manhattan” made with vodka rested in Syrah wine barrels. While sipping, you’re sure to enjoy the stunning panoramic views of the San Francisco city skyline.

Oakland’s wine scene is unique too. Urban wineries are housed in renovated warehouse spaces, but the wine quality is second to none. Being so close to California wine country doesn’t hurt either, and grapes are sourced from all over the state. Head out on Oakland’s Urban Wine Trail, stopping along the way to shop, eat and explore all that Oakland has to offer.

Want to see the oldest Bonsai Tree in the country? You can visit the Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt. This is the permanent home of over 150 outstanding bonsai trees. Bonsai, ‘pot culture’ in Japanese, captures the essence of giant trees and forests in miniature. Of particular interest is the Daimyo Oak, brought to the US in 1867.

Not to be missed is the Oakland Zoo’s California Trail. This landmark exhibition spotlights the natural history and conservation efforts of the Golden State. This $72 million project took over 25 years to create and recently opened in 2018. Among the California Trail’s chief attractions are eight habitats that re-​create the native environments of the state’s indigenous animals, including the grizzly bear and the California condor. It also features interactive learning stations at its California Conservation Habitarium, an open-air gondola ride over the 40-acre Ecological Recovery Zone with captivating views of six Bay Area counties at the San Francisco Bay Overlook. And if you’re feeling really adventurous, they even have a campground where zoo visitors can stay overnight.

Feeling like a different type of wildlife? Visit Steamworks in neighboring Berkeley. This private men’s bathhouse is for guys 18 years and older. They’re open, 24/7, 365 days a year.

Coming up soon is Oakland Pride, Northern California’s second largest Pride parade and festival, on Sunday, September 8th, 2019. Oakland kicks off their annual Pride celebration with a Pride Parade at 11 am. The celebration continues in Uptown Oakland with the Pride Festival from 11 am to 7 pm with more than six city blocks of music, art, food and fun. Oakland Pride has been reported as the most diverse and family friendly Pride in the country. For more info visit OaklandPride.org.