Oakland Is Officially the Coolest City in California Right Now
WHAT TO DO
Oakland Museum of California
A masterpiece of late-1960s design, OMCA has “a cool lawn area and art that’s vibrant and daring,” says Cade. Go on Friday nights for the half-price admission, food trucks, and 10 p.m. closing time.
Photo courtesy of the Oakland Museum of California
Lake Merritt
Walk the three-mile loop around this picturesque lagoon (or run it, as Cade’s husband, Green Day bassist Mike Dirnt, does), take a gondola ride, or just explore shops in the area. If you have kids, don’t miss the retro Children’s Fairyland amusement park.
Photo courtesy of LakeMerrit.org
Oakland First Fridays
This street-art crawl is “so colorful and hipster-chic,” says Cade. Start at West Grand and Telegraph Avenues and eat, drink, and walk your way through blocks of street performances, food trucks, and people-watching opportunities.
Photo courtesy of Delvon Hogg
Grand Lake Theatre
Built in 1926, the Vaudeville theater–turned-cineplex—complete with organ preludes before Friday and Saturday night shows—pairs blockbusters with architectural opulence. “It’s like stepping back in time,” says Cade.
Photo courtesy of Grand Lake Theatre
Mercy Vintage
Find pieces like a Céline silk set, Valentino stilettos, and 1980s novelty tops at this decades-spanning shop. “The owners, Karen Anderson Fort and Rachel Cubra, have such a unique eye,” says Cade. “I always find a treasure there!”
Photo courtesy of Mercy Vintage
WHERE TO EAT
Shan Dong Restaurant
Visit Oakland’s Chinatown to gawk at its colorful murals, then join the queue at Shan Dong Restaurant for hand-pulled noodles, succulent pork dumplings, and crisp onion pancakes. Totally worth the wait.
Commis
Oakland’s only Michelin-starred restaurant, this eclectic New American spot (striped bass with chicory, slow-poached eggs with dates) is splurge-worthy dining at its best. You can reserve a table in the dining room or sit at the kitchen bar like Cade does: “That way, you can watch what the chefs are doing.”
WHERE TO STAY
Waterfront Hotel
The upscale Jack London Square hotel features nautical vibes (oar-printed wallpaper, compass-patterned carpets), a heated pool and bay-facing balconies. Easy ferry access into San Francisco and a free shuttle to public transit (BART) are a boon to those exploring the city without a car.
