Marta’s guidebook

Neighborhoods

Lake Merritt Boulevard

Lake Merritt is an idyllic parkland with expansive lawns, groves of luxuriant trees, and pleasant picnic areas. This lush green space offers an oasis of tranquility in the heart of the city. Locals flock here to relax and socialize. The Lakeside Park at Lake Merritt features seven acres of beautiful themed gardens, including a Bonsai Garden; the fragrant Sensory Garden, planted with aromatic plants such as lavender, oregano, rosemary, and Grecian bay trees; an Edible Garden that demonstrates how to grow organic vegetables; and a lovely Mediterranean Garden that centers around a historic fountain. Within Lakeside Park is Children's Fairyland, a storybook-themed attraction that is one of the best places to visit in the area for families with young children. Surrounding the lake's shoreline within Lakeside Park is a three-mile path for walking and jogging. Other things to do include bird-watching and water sports. Visitors can rent canoes, kayaks, row boats, or pedal boats by the hour from the Lake Merritt Sailboat House during spring, summer, and fall. It's also possible to take a gondola ride across the lake. Lakeside Park is also home to a wildlife sanctuary. Because the lake is a tidal lagoon filled with seawater, it attracts a marvelous variety of birdlife such as Canadian geese, pelicans, the snowy egret, and black cormorants. Established in 1870, this is also the oldest designated wildlife refuge in the country. The last surviving of the beautiful Victorian mansions that graced the banks of Lake Merritt in the late 19th century, the Camron-Stanford House, is open to the public for guided tours on Sundays. Built in 1876, the Camron-Stanford House features elegant period decor. Offering a chance to experience the lifestyle of the Victorian era, the Camron-Stanford House hosts themed tea parties throughout the year. The traditional English afternoon tea is served in a lovely dining room (reservations are required well in advance). For those seeking a good meal in a pleasant setting, the Lake Chalet restaurant treats guests to delicious California cuisine and delightful outdoor seating with waterfront views. The restaurant also hosts music concerts on the dock during summertime.

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Lake Merritt Boulevard

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Lake Merritt is an idyllic parkland with expansive lawns, groves of luxuriant trees, and pleasant picnic areas. This lush green space offers an oasis of tranquility in the heart of the city. Locals flock here to relax and socialize. The Lakeside Park at Lake Merritt features seven acres of beautiful themed gardens, including a Bonsai Garden; the fragrant Sensory Garden, planted with aromatic plants such as lavender, oregano, rosemary, and Grecian bay trees; an Edible Garden that demonstrates how to grow organic vegetables; and a lovely Mediterranean Garden that centers around a historic fountain. Within Lakeside Park is Children's Fairyland, a storybook-themed attraction that is one of the best places to visit in the area for families with young children. Surrounding the lake's shoreline within Lakeside Park is a three-mile path for walking and jogging. Other things to do include bird-watching and water sports. Visitors can rent canoes, kayaks, row boats, or pedal boats by the hour from the Lake Merritt Sailboat House during spring, summer, and fall. It's also possible to take a gondola ride across the lake. Lakeside Park is also home to a wildlife sanctuary. Because the lake is a tidal lagoon filled with seawater, it attracts a marvelous variety of birdlife such as Canadian geese, pelicans, the snowy egret, and black cormorants. Established in 1870, this is also the oldest designated wildlife refuge in the country. The last surviving of the beautiful Victorian mansions that graced the banks of Lake Merritt in the late 19th century, the Camron-Stanford House, is open to the public for guided tours on Sundays. Built in 1876, the Camron-Stanford House features elegant period decor. Offering a chance to experience the lifestyle of the Victorian era, the Camron-Stanford House hosts themed tea parties throughout the year. The traditional English afternoon tea is served in a lovely dining room (reservations are required well in advance). For those seeking a good meal in a pleasant setting, the Lake Chalet restaurant treats guests to delicious California cuisine and delightful outdoor seating with waterfront views. The restaurant also hosts music concerts on the dock during summertime.

Temescal

Dining & Shopping in Rockridge & Temescal Oakland's trendy Temescal neighborhood caters to a diverse crowd of foodies, hipsters, techies, and young families. This area has a top-notch dining scene that rivals the Gourmet Ghetto in Berkeley. The main drag of Temescal is Telegraph Avenue, with many excellent ethnic restaurants and pizza places found in the area around 48 Street to 52nd Street. Just off Telegraph Avenue on 49th Street are two charming pedestrian alleyways with locally owned specialty boutiques and artisan shops. One of the neighborhood's most popular dining options, Pizzaiolo (5008 Telegraph Avenue at 50th Street) specializes in seasonal Italian cuisine and authentic wood-fire oven-baked pizzas. In the historic horse stables and carriage houses of Temescal Alley (as well as the nearby Alley 49), visitors will now find a favorite ice-cream parlor (Curbside Creamery), stylish clothing stores, boutiques selling handcrafted jewelry, and an old-fashioned barber shop. The Temescal Farmers' Market takes place in Temescal Alley everyday Sunday from 9am to 1pm year-round. The Rockridge neighborhood has a great selection of restaurants along College Avenue, between Florio Street and Bryant Avenue. This neighborhood is also full of locally owned boutiques, artisan coffee shops, casual American-style cafés, stylish French bistros, and authentic ethnic restaurants.

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Temescal

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Dining & Shopping in Rockridge & Temescal Oakland's trendy Temescal neighborhood caters to a diverse crowd of foodies, hipsters, techies, and young families. This area has a top-notch dining scene that rivals the Gourmet Ghetto in Berkeley. The main drag of Temescal is Telegraph Avenue, with many excellent ethnic restaurants and pizza places found in the area around 48 Street to 52nd Street. Just off Telegraph Avenue on 49th Street are two charming pedestrian alleyways with locally owned specialty boutiques and artisan shops. One of the neighborhood's most popular dining options, Pizzaiolo (5008 Telegraph Avenue at 50th Street) specializes in seasonal Italian cuisine and authentic wood-fire oven-baked pizzas. In the historic horse stables and carriage houses of Temescal Alley (as well as the nearby Alley 49), visitors will now find a favorite ice-cream parlor (Curbside Creamery), stylish clothing stores, boutiques selling handcrafted jewelry, and an old-fashioned barber shop. The Temescal Farmers' Market takes place in Temescal Alley everyday Sunday from 9am to 1pm year-round. The Rockridge neighborhood has a great selection of restaurants along College Avenue, between Florio Street and Bryant Avenue. This neighborhood is also full of locally owned boutiques, artisan coffee shops, casual American-style cafés, stylish French bistros, and authentic ethnic restaurants.

Chinatown

One of the oldest Chinatowns in the United States, Chinatown Oakland was settled in the 1850s, shortly after the gold rush. No longer just Chinese, this 16-block area is Pan Asian, with Koreans, Vietnamese and Japanese.

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Chinatown

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One of the oldest Chinatowns in the United States, Chinatown Oakland was settled in the 1850s, shortly after the gold rush. No longer just Chinese, this 16-block area is Pan Asian, with Koreans, Vietnamese and Japanese.

Dimond District

This quiet, residential stretch at the base of the Oakland Hills has a strong Latino culture and refreshingly unpretentious vibe, with almost zero craft cocktail bars or bicycle-powered coffee machines.

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Dimond District

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This quiet, residential stretch at the base of the Oakland Hills has a strong Latino culture and refreshingly unpretentious vibe, with almost zero craft cocktail bars or bicycle-powered coffee machines.

Downtown

The vibe To say Downtown Oakland is eclectic and diverse would barely skim the surface of this melting pot. You’re just as likely to bump into a scholar, a Federal judge, a tech entrepreneur and a civil rights activist in a one-block area. Just five years ago, a swath of the area’s Victorian and Art Deco storefronts were vacant and in need of repair. Now they are renovated and lit up with cool shops like Umami (selling Japanese barware), Oaklandish (details below), and art pioneer Joyce Gordon Gallery. Downtown is peppered with architectural marvels: the African American Museum and Library in a 1902 Carnegie; the Pardee Home, dating back to 1868; and the Rotunda Building, a massive elliptical dome in the heart of the district. Different than other downtowns, Oakland’s isn’t about just business. Downtown Oakland is a vital crossroads, where all the cultures meet, eat and sleep. Many murals around the streets tell the stories of the people and of their plights. The inside inside scoop Time to let out your inner gamer—video game connoisseurs will feel at home at the Museum of Art and Digital Entertainment (MADE). Go deep into the collection of playable video games and game history, or check out one of the weekday events on the calendar. If you only have three hours Take a time capsule into the late 1800s at Preservation Park, a gated area that preserves 16 Victorian structures. The buildings are private offices and event spaces, but you can grab a bite at the Brazilian Rio California cafe. Order the Jerk Chicken and sit on their Victorian deck, or by the iconic Parisian fountain in the center of the park. The 12-city block City Center complex in the midst of downtown is a heavyweight, with a conference center, hotel, parking garage, restaurants, racquet club and BART in the basement. Free noontime concerts are held throughout the year. Give Oakland a huge hug by shopping (and buying) branded gear from the 800-square-foot Oaklandish. Wearing one of these shirts is a mark of your Town pride, and a portion of proceeds benefit community projects. Get a taste of the local licks at Awaken Café.

Downtown

The vibe To say Downtown Oakland is eclectic and diverse would barely skim the surface of this melting pot. You’re just as likely to bump into a scholar, a Federal judge, a tech entrepreneur and a civil rights activist in a one-block area. Just five years ago, a swath of the area’s Victorian and Art Deco storefronts were vacant and in need of repair. Now they are renovated and lit up with cool shops like Umami (selling Japanese barware), Oaklandish (details below), and art pioneer Joyce Gordon Gallery. Downtown is peppered with architectural marvels: the African American Museum and Library in a 1902 Carnegie; the Pardee Home, dating back to 1868; and the Rotunda Building, a massive elliptical dome in the heart of the district. Different than other downtowns, Oakland’s isn’t about just business. Downtown Oakland is a vital crossroads, where all the cultures meet, eat and sleep. Many murals around the streets tell the stories of the people and of their plights. The inside inside scoop Time to let out your inner gamer—video game connoisseurs will feel at home at the Museum of Art and Digital Entertainment (MADE). Go deep into the collection of playable video games and game history, or check out one of the weekday events on the calendar. If you only have three hours Take a time capsule into the late 1800s at Preservation Park, a gated area that preserves 16 Victorian structures. The buildings are private offices and event spaces, but you can grab a bite at the Brazilian Rio California cafe. Order the Jerk Chicken and sit on their Victorian deck, or by the iconic Parisian fountain in the center of the park. The 12-city block City Center complex in the midst of downtown is a heavyweight, with a conference center, hotel, parking garage, restaurants, racquet club and BART in the basement. Free noontime concerts are held throughout the year. Give Oakland a huge hug by shopping (and buying) branded gear from the 800-square-foot Oaklandish. Wearing one of these shirts is a mark of your Town pride, and a portion of proceeds benefit community projects. Get a taste of the local licks at Awaken Café.

Fruitvale

The vibe This urban stretch at the base of the Oakland Hills that once a land of, you guessed it, fruit trees, became a center for the Chicano Movement in the late 1960s and 70s, including the Brown Berets. Today, the population is almost half Hispanic with a solidly preserved culture and village-y vibe centered around International Blvd. As you can imagine, Cinco de Mayo and Dia de los Muertos are big days on these streets. But visit any day of the week—you’ll find a vibrant community awaits you. The inside inside scoop Start taco-hopping in the area that has the highest density of taco food trucks. Some hot spots are the Goodwill parking lot for Mi Grullense, and International Blvd and 22nd for Tacos Sinaloa. If you only have three hours Get a little taste of what a day at the Peralta Hacienda might have been like, way back in the 70s. In 1870, that is. The Italianate house that belonged to the Californios’ family is on the National Register of Historic Places and part of the Peralta Hacienda Historical Park. Tours take place Wednesday-Saturday. Boarding Fruitvale is Jingletown, an artsy neighborhood along the estuary. Here, the Chthonic Theater holds two annual parades that anyone can participate in. Or just be a bystander, if that’s more your style. Spend an hour or so mural hunting along Rue de Merde, an open-street path with nearly a dozen vibrant murals and mosaics. The Institute of Mosaic Art rotates exhibits and has a mosaic supply store. Take a class from a local expert.

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Fruitvale

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The vibe This urban stretch at the base of the Oakland Hills that once a land of, you guessed it, fruit trees, became a center for the Chicano Movement in the late 1960s and 70s, including the Brown Berets. Today, the population is almost half Hispanic with a solidly preserved culture and village-y vibe centered around International Blvd. As you can imagine, Cinco de Mayo and Dia de los Muertos are big days on these streets. But visit any day of the week—you’ll find a vibrant community awaits you. The inside inside scoop Start taco-hopping in the area that has the highest density of taco food trucks. Some hot spots are the Goodwill parking lot for Mi Grullense, and International Blvd and 22nd for Tacos Sinaloa. If you only have three hours Get a little taste of what a day at the Peralta Hacienda might have been like, way back in the 70s. In 1870, that is. The Italianate house that belonged to the Californios’ family is on the National Register of Historic Places and part of the Peralta Hacienda Historical Park. Tours take place Wednesday-Saturday. Boarding Fruitvale is Jingletown, an artsy neighborhood along the estuary. Here, the Chthonic Theater holds two annual parades that anyone can participate in. Or just be a bystander, if that’s more your style. Spend an hour or so mural hunting along Rue de Merde, an open-street path with nearly a dozen vibrant murals and mosaics. The Institute of Mosaic Art rotates exhibits and has a mosaic supply store. Take a class from a local expert.

Glenview

The vibe A sweet neighborhood of California bungalows in the lower Oakland Hills, Glenview feels more like a very quiet Rockridge with a couple good restaurants and well-manicured gardens. The main strip of Park Boulevard is pretty much where anything happens now and where it happened then: More than a century ago, the now bustling street was a path where redwoods traveled to get from where they were felled to the lumberyard. The elementary school is Art Deco, built in 1927; and the local breakfast joint serves dishes like eggs (and grits!) till 3:30 p.m. on the weekends. A lazy slice of California. The inside inside scoop The historic Leimert Bridge, a bit in Trestle Glen neighborhood territory (but don’t worry, there’s no border patrol), has nice views of the Bay. If you only have three hours Go for a walk in Dimond Park and cruise by Sausal Creek, the Lions Pool, and the oldest oak tree in Oakland. The southern entrance to Dimond Park is at MacArthur and Dimond (Dimond dead ends at Park). You can also start at the Dimond Canyon Trail, just east of Park Boulevard, off the woodsy El Centro Avenue. For a taste of a great Oakland restaurants, Rumbo Al Sur is a sister restaurant to the immensely popular À Côté in Rockridge—only it’s a Latin American menu (not French), with pig roasts and Tuesday taco nights. Then, there’s Bellanico, a sister restaurant to Aperto in San Francisco, with a busy wine bar and popular pasta dishes. How to get here Freeway exit: From 1-580 E, take MacArthur Blvd. toward Park Blvd.; From 1-580 W, exit at 14th Avenue/Park Blvd.

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Glenview

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The vibe A sweet neighborhood of California bungalows in the lower Oakland Hills, Glenview feels more like a very quiet Rockridge with a couple good restaurants and well-manicured gardens. The main strip of Park Boulevard is pretty much where anything happens now and where it happened then: More than a century ago, the now bustling street was a path where redwoods traveled to get from where they were felled to the lumberyard. The elementary school is Art Deco, built in 1927; and the local breakfast joint serves dishes like eggs (and grits!) till 3:30 p.m. on the weekends. A lazy slice of California. The inside inside scoop The historic Leimert Bridge, a bit in Trestle Glen neighborhood territory (but don’t worry, there’s no border patrol), has nice views of the Bay. If you only have three hours Go for a walk in Dimond Park and cruise by Sausal Creek, the Lions Pool, and the oldest oak tree in Oakland. The southern entrance to Dimond Park is at MacArthur and Dimond (Dimond dead ends at Park). You can also start at the Dimond Canyon Trail, just east of Park Boulevard, off the woodsy El Centro Avenue. For a taste of a great Oakland restaurants, Rumbo Al Sur is a sister restaurant to the immensely popular À Côté in Rockridge—only it’s a Latin American menu (not French), with pig roasts and Tuesday taco nights. Then, there’s Bellanico, a sister restaurant to Aperto in San Francisco, with a busy wine bar and popular pasta dishes. How to get here Freeway exit: From 1-580 E, take MacArthur Blvd. toward Park Blvd.; From 1-580 W, exit at 14th Avenue/Park Blvd.

Montclair

Montclair and Oakland Hills Just the facts Main strip: Mountain Blvd. Who dwells here: Young families, empty nesters Population: 4,015 >> Founded: Late 1800s Main architecture: Storybook cottages, manicured manses Neighborhood giant: Montclair Village Well-known resident: Governor Jerry Brown Where to mingle with locals: Montclair Village, Montclair Egg Shop, Farmstead Cheeses & Wine, Joaquin Miller Park The vibe Perhaps one of the biggest signposts of being in Montclair and the Oakland Hills is the squiggly (dare we say, hairpin?) roads and scenery re-set from urban to forestry. This wealthy outpost, just off Highway 13, contains some of the most coveted real estate in the Bay Area. You won’t find industrial restaurant décor or mustachioed baristas in this pedestrian-friendly village, exuding a Bavarian mountain town vibe. Montclair also happens to be a terrific launching point into Oakland’s wilderness; some of the East Bay’s best hiking is found in nearby Redwood Regional and Joaquin Miller parks, and other gems like Chabot Space & Science Center are tucked away in the hills. The inside scoop On Saturdays, $1 gets you a flight of wine—and a dose of goodwill—at Farmstead Cheeses, which donates tasting proceeds to local schools. If you only have three hours Wilderness is so close, you can pick it up behind the Montclair Parking Garage. The Montclair Railroad trailhead here leads into a former rail bed that winds through the hills just above the village. Adding to the whimsical nature of this neighborhood, Montclair is the only Oakland district with both a storybook firehouse and library. Check out the hobbit-style structures on your way to a musical at Oakland’s outdoor amphitheater, Woodminster. There are about 100 retailers in the village, but if you need to narrow down your selections, two indie bookstores worth a visit are across the street from one another: A Great Place for Books and The Book Tree. For fun home and gifty items, Pelago may be your jam. How to get here Freeway exit: From 1-580 W, take the Park Blvd. exit from Highway 13; from 1-80 E, take CA-24 E to Moraga Ave. Various exit options can be found at the Montclair Village site.

Montclair

Montclair and Oakland Hills Just the facts Main strip: Mountain Blvd. Who dwells here: Young families, empty nesters Population: 4,015 >> Founded: Late 1800s Main architecture: Storybook cottages, manicured manses Neighborhood giant: Montclair Village Well-known resident: Governor Jerry Brown Where to mingle with locals: Montclair Village, Montclair Egg Shop, Farmstead Cheeses & Wine, Joaquin Miller Park The vibe Perhaps one of the biggest signposts of being in Montclair and the Oakland Hills is the squiggly (dare we say, hairpin?) roads and scenery re-set from urban to forestry. This wealthy outpost, just off Highway 13, contains some of the most coveted real estate in the Bay Area. You won’t find industrial restaurant décor or mustachioed baristas in this pedestrian-friendly village, exuding a Bavarian mountain town vibe. Montclair also happens to be a terrific launching point into Oakland’s wilderness; some of the East Bay’s best hiking is found in nearby Redwood Regional and Joaquin Miller parks, and other gems like Chabot Space & Science Center are tucked away in the hills. The inside scoop On Saturdays, $1 gets you a flight of wine—and a dose of goodwill—at Farmstead Cheeses, which donates tasting proceeds to local schools. If you only have three hours Wilderness is so close, you can pick it up behind the Montclair Parking Garage. The Montclair Railroad trailhead here leads into a former rail bed that winds through the hills just above the village. Adding to the whimsical nature of this neighborhood, Montclair is the only Oakland district with both a storybook firehouse and library. Check out the hobbit-style structures on your way to a musical at Oakland’s outdoor amphitheater, Woodminster. There are about 100 retailers in the village, but if you need to narrow down your selections, two indie bookstores worth a visit are across the street from one another: A Great Place for Books and The Book Tree. For fun home and gifty items, Pelago may be your jam. How to get here Freeway exit: From 1-580 W, take the Park Blvd. exit from Highway 13; from 1-80 E, take CA-24 E to Moraga Ave. Various exit options can be found at the Montclair Village site.

Piedmont Avenue

Just the facts Main strip: Piedmont Avenue Who dwells here: Grad students, dog-walking couples, families galore Population: 6,578 (including the greater Piedmont area) Founded: Late 1800s Architecture: Stately manors, Craftsman Neighborhood giants: Julia Morgan-designed Chapel of the Chimes and Frederick Law Olmsted’s Mountain View Cemetery Best ode to a potato: Gregoire’s crispy potato puff Where to mingle with locals: Fentons Creamery, Gaylord’s Caffe Espresso, Piedmont Theatre The vibe Not to be confused with Piedmont, a small city in Alameda County, Piedmont Avenue is one long badass sidewalk of restaurants, shops and home bric-a-brac, stacked side by side, with nearly nothing vacant. Choices range from family-friendly, 1894-founded Fentons Creamery, which made a cameo in Pixar’s Up, and the Michelin-starred Commis (2009). Indie films screen at Oakland’s longest running cinema (1917), the Piedmont Theatre, while at the more modern Cato’s Ale House, sports screen on TVs as taps pour craft beers. Despite being part of the big city and having a high density of stores, Piedmont Avenue is very small-town, with a genuine magazine stand (Issues), a sewing shop with lessons (Sew Images) and a tobacconist (Piedmont Tobacconist). It’s a model street. The inside inside scoop At popular Piedmont Springs, outdoor tubs are kept at about 102 degrees. The open-air combo room has views of the sky (or stars) from the redwood tub. If you only have three hours Like unsolved mysteries and old cemeteries? Good news—Piedmont Avenue dead ends at the 226-acre Mountain View Cemetery designed in 1863 by famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, who also designed New York’s Central Park. Because there’s so much of interest, docents lead tours on certain days of the month. Famous burials include Julia Morgan, Samuel Merritt, and Elizabeth Short (known as the Black Dahlia, a victim of an unsolved murder in 1947). The Julia Morgan redesigned Chapel of the Chimes hosts a series called Jazz at the Chimes, where Bay Area musicians play in the designated, very well acoustic’ed landmark. Attendees can tour the chapel and cloisters pre and post show. Shopping is dense with a nice distribution of antiques and vintage with quirk. Mercy Vintage is a well curated selection of designer vintage and unusual—same goes for Pimlico, only the focus is on accessories, like handbags. How to get here Freeway exit: Broadway Auto Row/Webster Street from I-580 E

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Piedmont Avenue

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Just the facts Main strip: Piedmont Avenue Who dwells here: Grad students, dog-walking couples, families galore Population: 6,578 (including the greater Piedmont area) Founded: Late 1800s Architecture: Stately manors, Craftsman Neighborhood giants: Julia Morgan-designed Chapel of the Chimes and Frederick Law Olmsted’s Mountain View Cemetery Best ode to a potato: Gregoire’s crispy potato puff Where to mingle with locals: Fentons Creamery, Gaylord’s Caffe Espresso, Piedmont Theatre The vibe Not to be confused with Piedmont, a small city in Alameda County, Piedmont Avenue is one long badass sidewalk of restaurants, shops and home bric-a-brac, stacked side by side, with nearly nothing vacant. Choices range from family-friendly, 1894-founded Fentons Creamery, which made a cameo in Pixar’s Up, and the Michelin-starred Commis (2009). Indie films screen at Oakland’s longest running cinema (1917), the Piedmont Theatre, while at the more modern Cato’s Ale House, sports screen on TVs as taps pour craft beers. Despite being part of the big city and having a high density of stores, Piedmont Avenue is very small-town, with a genuine magazine stand (Issues), a sewing shop with lessons (Sew Images) and a tobacconist (Piedmont Tobacconist). It’s a model street. The inside inside scoop At popular Piedmont Springs, outdoor tubs are kept at about 102 degrees. The open-air combo room has views of the sky (or stars) from the redwood tub. If you only have three hours Like unsolved mysteries and old cemeteries? Good news—Piedmont Avenue dead ends at the 226-acre Mountain View Cemetery designed in 1863 by famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, who also designed New York’s Central Park. Because there’s so much of interest, docents lead tours on certain days of the month. Famous burials include Julia Morgan, Samuel Merritt, and Elizabeth Short (known as the Black Dahlia, a victim of an unsolved murder in 1947). The Julia Morgan redesigned Chapel of the Chimes hosts a series called Jazz at the Chimes, where Bay Area musicians play in the designated, very well acoustic’ed landmark. Attendees can tour the chapel and cloisters pre and post show. Shopping is dense with a nice distribution of antiques and vintage with quirk. Mercy Vintage is a well curated selection of designer vintage and unusual—same goes for Pimlico, only the focus is on accessories, like handbags. How to get here Freeway exit: Broadway Auto Row/Webster Street from I-580 E

Rockridge

Just the facts Main strip: College Avenue Who dwells here: Former Cal Berkeley grads and city-folk raising families in this upscale bungalowville Population: 4,000 Founded: Early 1900s Main architecture: California bungalows built in the early 20th century Neighborhood giant: Market Hall Best burger: Wood Tavern Where to mingle with locals: Cole Coffee, Market Hall, Á Côté, Diesel Books The vibe At the foot of the Oakland Hills, Rockridge is a lovely burby-like haven where Cal Berkeley grads come to live when they exit their 20s and start yearning for historic cottages, nice gardens, and a 86 walk score. Twitterites and techies who have newly flown the coop are lucky to nab a place to live in this desirable hub. Even so, all ages come to explore this model main street where two indie bookstores thrive (Pegasus and Diesel). Extreme shoppers and companions of extreme shoppers should be warned: walking Rockridge will easily swallow an afternoon. There are home goods (Maison D’Etre) to baked goods (Market Hall Bakery), vintage (Pretty Penny, Lost & Found) to eco (Atomic Garden), jewels (Pavé) to shoes (Tootsies). A break for sustenance is always a storefront away with a dozen new eateries in 2013 alone, including Ramen Shop and A16 Rockridge. Oldies but goodies are Wood Tavern, Á Côté, and Dreyer’s Ice Cream Parlor, where the flavor Rocky Road was invented. The inside inside scoop The 2,000 hand-painted tiles in the Rockridge BART station form a mural that depicts the Oakland hills firestorm of 1991 as remembered by the survivors. If you only have three hours Market Hall is like Whole Foods but more neighborhoody, more curated. It has a butcher, seafood counter, deli, florist, tea shop, and a cheesemonger. Grab a pie at Zachary’s to participate in the cornmeal-crust pizza warfare between this Rockridge institution and its San Francisco nemesis, Little Star. It’s a whole thing. Frog Park is a tucked-away walking path that curves through a kind-of-hidden greenbelt of redwood trees and the Temescal Creek bed. How to get here Freeway exit: From 1-80 E, take the exit toward CA-13 N/Berkeley/Broadway from CA-24 E

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Rockridge

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Just the facts Main strip: College Avenue Who dwells here: Former Cal Berkeley grads and city-folk raising families in this upscale bungalowville Population: 4,000 Founded: Early 1900s Main architecture: California bungalows built in the early 20th century Neighborhood giant: Market Hall Best burger: Wood Tavern Where to mingle with locals: Cole Coffee, Market Hall, Á Côté, Diesel Books The vibe At the foot of the Oakland Hills, Rockridge is a lovely burby-like haven where Cal Berkeley grads come to live when they exit their 20s and start yearning for historic cottages, nice gardens, and a 86 walk score. Twitterites and techies who have newly flown the coop are lucky to nab a place to live in this desirable hub. Even so, all ages come to explore this model main street where two indie bookstores thrive (Pegasus and Diesel). Extreme shoppers and companions of extreme shoppers should be warned: walking Rockridge will easily swallow an afternoon. There are home goods (Maison D’Etre) to baked goods (Market Hall Bakery), vintage (Pretty Penny, Lost & Found) to eco (Atomic Garden), jewels (Pavé) to shoes (Tootsies). A break for sustenance is always a storefront away with a dozen new eateries in 2013 alone, including Ramen Shop and A16 Rockridge. Oldies but goodies are Wood Tavern, Á Côté, and Dreyer’s Ice Cream Parlor, where the flavor Rocky Road was invented. The inside inside scoop The 2,000 hand-painted tiles in the Rockridge BART station form a mural that depicts the Oakland hills firestorm of 1991 as remembered by the survivors. If you only have three hours Market Hall is like Whole Foods but more neighborhoody, more curated. It has a butcher, seafood counter, deli, florist, tea shop, and a cheesemonger. Grab a pie at Zachary’s to participate in the cornmeal-crust pizza warfare between this Rockridge institution and its San Francisco nemesis, Little Star. It’s a whole thing. Frog Park is a tucked-away walking path that curves through a kind-of-hidden greenbelt of redwood trees and the Temescal Creek bed. How to get here Freeway exit: From 1-80 E, take the exit toward CA-13 N/Berkeley/Broadway from CA-24 E

Uptown

Just the facts Main strip: Broadway and Telegraph (between 17th and 25th streets Who dwells here: hipsters, techies, student-artists, empty nesters Population: Exceeds 21,533, including neighboring areas Founded: 1900s Main architecture: Early to mid 1900s, with loads of Art Deco masterpieces Neighborhood giants: Paramount and Fox theaters Where to mingle with locals: Sweet Bar Bakery, the Bodega at Duende, Dogwood The vibe Once a shopping district in the early 20th century, Uptown is the hottest neighborhood in Oakland. A new restaurant, indie boutique, or bar seemingly opens every other week, with nearly 125 opened in the past decade. Billed as the arts and entertainment district of Oakland, it fulfills its promise, particularly during the boisterous Art Murmur on First Fridays. But the prettiest art may be the Art Deco buildings themselves, with the crown jewels being the show stopping Fox and the Paramount theaters. The former is mostly a live music venue; the latter channels its inner flapper often (classic movies with a live organ player). Art galleries, run by the artists or by volunteers, are opening in brick warehouses. Down side streets are scenes of the start-up, DIY revolution with co-ops, an urban winery, entrepreneur hubs, and creative centers. The inside inside scoop Tucked away on 26th street, Classic Cars West is home to a vintage and classic car sales and consignment, on site vegan restaurant and beer garden. If you only have three hours The drink to order at Cafe Van Kleef is the Greyhound. Yes, we know that sounds boring but there’s nothing ordinary about this beachy honky tonk bar, one of the original bars on Telegraph Avenue. The drink comes with a quarter of a grapefruit plunked in it. The decor is, um, mesmerizing. Atop a five-story garage that’s part of the Kaiser Center is three acres of greenery and a reflecting pond. It’s a nice place to take in the sunny Oakland weather. To avoid Art Murmur crowds, do the self-guided Saturday Stroll to many galleries, including 25th Street Collective, Creative Growth Art Center, and Vessel Gallery. How to get here Freeway exit: From 1-80 E, take I-880 S and continue on W Grand Ave; from 1-880 S, head north and take ramp right for Broadway toward Downtown, turning right onto Broadway. Bart stop: 19th Street

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Uptown

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Just the facts Main strip: Broadway and Telegraph (between 17th and 25th streets Who dwells here: hipsters, techies, student-artists, empty nesters Population: Exceeds 21,533, including neighboring areas Founded: 1900s Main architecture: Early to mid 1900s, with loads of Art Deco masterpieces Neighborhood giants: Paramount and Fox theaters Where to mingle with locals: Sweet Bar Bakery, the Bodega at Duende, Dogwood The vibe Once a shopping district in the early 20th century, Uptown is the hottest neighborhood in Oakland. A new restaurant, indie boutique, or bar seemingly opens every other week, with nearly 125 opened in the past decade. Billed as the arts and entertainment district of Oakland, it fulfills its promise, particularly during the boisterous Art Murmur on First Fridays. But the prettiest art may be the Art Deco buildings themselves, with the crown jewels being the show stopping Fox and the Paramount theaters. The former is mostly a live music venue; the latter channels its inner flapper often (classic movies with a live organ player). Art galleries, run by the artists or by volunteers, are opening in brick warehouses. Down side streets are scenes of the start-up, DIY revolution with co-ops, an urban winery, entrepreneur hubs, and creative centers. The inside inside scoop Tucked away on 26th street, Classic Cars West is home to a vintage and classic car sales and consignment, on site vegan restaurant and beer garden. If you only have three hours The drink to order at Cafe Van Kleef is the Greyhound. Yes, we know that sounds boring but there’s nothing ordinary about this beachy honky tonk bar, one of the original bars on Telegraph Avenue. The drink comes with a quarter of a grapefruit plunked in it. The decor is, um, mesmerizing. Atop a five-story garage that’s part of the Kaiser Center is three acres of greenery and a reflecting pond. It’s a nice place to take in the sunny Oakland weather. To avoid Art Murmur crowds, do the self-guided Saturday Stroll to many galleries, including 25th Street Collective, Creative Growth Art Center, and Vessel Gallery. How to get here Freeway exit: From 1-80 E, take I-880 S and continue on W Grand Ave; from 1-880 S, head north and take ramp right for Broadway toward Downtown, turning right onto Broadway. Bart stop: 19th Street

West Oakland

Just the facts Main strip: 7th Street Who dwells here: Working-class families, urban homesteaders, activists, artists Population: Approx. 32,000 Founded: Early 1800s Main architecture: Victorians, brick and corrugated warehouses Neighborhood giant: Port of Oakland Well-known residents: author Novella Carpenter, modern artist Bruce Beasley Where to mingle with locals: Old Kan & Beer Brewing Co., The Crucible and La Perla Taco Truck The vibe West Oakland has long been the neighborhood of Oakland with strong African American roots that earned a nickname Harlem of the West. Aretha Franklin, Billie Holiday and Big Mama Thornton among others had gigs along the 7th Street strip. Later, the Black Panthers set up HQ. Despite this Bluesy activist history, the neighborhood hit hard times. But today it’s undergoing a growth spurt driven by grassroots organizations. Newcomers co-mingle with the old guard to create unique fusions like the po’-mi sandwich at 10th and Wood restaurant (bah-mi + po-boy) and Seoul /Soul izakaya at FuseBox restaurant. Dilapidated Victorian mansions, once the home of sea captains, are being spit shined. Colorful street art decorates businesses. Civic pride runs high. The inside inside scoop Eat, drink and admire your surroundings at Oakland's self sustaining industrial park, O2 Artisans Aggregate. While many areas of the industrial park are not open to visitors, Soba Ichi, an authentic hand-made buckwheat soba noodle house, is open for dinner Wednesday-Sunday evenings. If you only have three hours Among a street of shipping containers and brick warehouses is the backyard work-area of folk-artist John Abduljaami who chainsaws figures from wood. Keep an eye out for some of his pieces at the Oakland Museum of California (located in Downtown near Lake Merritt). Old Kan & Beer Brewing Co., a brewery/restaurant by Michelin star chef James Syhabout, as is a wine tasting room by Campovida. Yes, there’s a beach in Oakland and it’s at Middle Harbor Shoreline Park, built on the site of the Oakland Naval Supply Depot. See the cranes that supposedly inspired the AT-AT Walkers in the Star Wars trilogy. Hungry for more? Pretty Lady is worth the wait. A diner where you can try American classics with a Korean twist. More places to eat & drink in West Oakland.

West Oakland

Just the facts Main strip: 7th Street Who dwells here: Working-class families, urban homesteaders, activists, artists Population: Approx. 32,000 Founded: Early 1800s Main architecture: Victorians, brick and corrugated warehouses Neighborhood giant: Port of Oakland Well-known residents: author Novella Carpenter, modern artist Bruce Beasley Where to mingle with locals: Old Kan & Beer Brewing Co., The Crucible and La Perla Taco Truck The vibe West Oakland has long been the neighborhood of Oakland with strong African American roots that earned a nickname Harlem of the West. Aretha Franklin, Billie Holiday and Big Mama Thornton among others had gigs along the 7th Street strip. Later, the Black Panthers set up HQ. Despite this Bluesy activist history, the neighborhood hit hard times. But today it’s undergoing a growth spurt driven by grassroots organizations. Newcomers co-mingle with the old guard to create unique fusions like the po’-mi sandwich at 10th and Wood restaurant (bah-mi + po-boy) and Seoul /Soul izakaya at FuseBox restaurant. Dilapidated Victorian mansions, once the home of sea captains, are being spit shined. Colorful street art decorates businesses. Civic pride runs high. The inside inside scoop Eat, drink and admire your surroundings at Oakland's self sustaining industrial park, O2 Artisans Aggregate. While many areas of the industrial park are not open to visitors, Soba Ichi, an authentic hand-made buckwheat soba noodle house, is open for dinner Wednesday-Sunday evenings. If you only have three hours Among a street of shipping containers and brick warehouses is the backyard work-area of folk-artist John Abduljaami who chainsaws figures from wood. Keep an eye out for some of his pieces at the Oakland Museum of California (located in Downtown near Lake Merritt). Old Kan & Beer Brewing Co., a brewery/restaurant by Michelin star chef James Syhabout, as is a wine tasting room by Campovida. Yes, there’s a beach in Oakland and it’s at Middle Harbor Shoreline Park, built on the site of the Oakland Naval Supply Depot. See the cranes that supposedly inspired the AT-AT Walkers in the Star Wars trilogy. Hungry for more? Pretty Lady is worth the wait. A diner where you can try American classics with a Korean twist. More places to eat & drink in West Oakland.