Oakland, California

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 out of 5 reviews
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Local Food
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Traveling While Black

5 Reviews

  1. author
    NMRue
    22 Mar 2025
    Rating
    Local Food
    Things To Do
    Adventure
    History
    Affordability
    Relaxation
    Local Food
    Romance
    Nightlife
    Traveling While Black

    Things have changed after the pandemic here, but the warmth, grit, and beauty of Oakland is still very present. And the food is still amazing, so many good choices! There’s Doña on Piedmont Ave. for Mexican, Donut Savant in the Laurel District for amazing donuts, Zachary’s and The Star for pizza, Jebena Cafe for Ethiopian, Belotti (again on Piedmont) for Italian, Sidebar by Lake Merritt for cocktails and New American fare, Market Hall and Tara’s Organic Ice Cream in Rockridge, and so much more. And folks are nice, but not fake or obsequious, so if you get a smile or a nod, it’s real.

    Lastly, I’m no spring chicken, but I’ve never felt more beautiful than when in Oakland: the respectful compliment is def a thing here, and I’m not mad at it.

    Staying near the airport is OK in a pinch, but very perfunctory. Can’t really take a nice walk or grab public transit. Oh, and parking is a bear in the Bay Area so keep that in mind.

    On nature: If you’re wanting a paved but still gorgeous walk or jog, go to Nimitz Way near Grizzly Peak Blvd. Your heart health will thank you but your quads may protest. And there are so many beautiful hikes near Oakland.

    Use common sense when visiting and you won’t regret it!

  2. author
    Tea
    02 Mar 2025
    Rating
    Things To Do
    Things To Do
    Adventure
    History
    Affordability
    Relaxation
    Local Food
    Romance
    Nightlife
    Traveling While Black

    Visit the Oakland Museum and African American Musuem and Library

    There are beautiful murals in West Oakland and the Fruitvale.

    Beautiful hiking in Joaquin Miller Park.

    Enjoy a walk around Lake Merritt.

    There has been a lot of crime along Hegenberger near the airport. Watch your bags and rental cars.

  3. Vr
    Vr
    08 Feb 2025
    Rating
    Traveling While Black
    Things To Do
    Adventure
    History
    Affordability
    Relaxation
    Local Food
    Romance
    Nightlife
    Traveling While Black

    This is review 5 of 23 in a group of writings I call, “A quick deep look at local Cali
    stopping grounds”. These cities I have all been in and grown up around and
    would like to share my experiences with the community. I hope these reviews
    help someone , now, without further delay, let’s get started. Oakland Ca is bitter
    sweet… literally. Many parts of Oakland I would not recommend going to – I once
    got in trouble from my mom when I went to visit an elder in the family who lived in
    Oakland via bus lol she was very concerned for my safety. That being said,
    Oakland does have many jewels too. Downtown seems like and has a lot of state
    jobs like Cal Trans and such. There are also the Oakland hills where I hear a lot
    of wealthy folks live. From my experience, racial discrimination in the oakland
    hills might be a concern, but for the rest of Oakland I would say race is low on the
    worry list. Again, this is just my two cents on the matter.

  4. Acacia WoodsChan
    Acacia WoodsChan
    27 Aug 2023
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    Things To Do
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    Affordability
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    Romance
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    Traveling While Black
    Incentivized

    In Oakland, the city known as the home of the Black Panthers, the legacy of Blackness feels hidden by divestment, community dissent and mass gentrification. Initially the majority of Black people are unhoused, BUT if you know where to look, you can find comfort in the “new Black,” growing population. Afrobreats/ Amapiano, tech professionals and Black ownership also permeate the Town, and bring a revived sense of warmth, community and belonging. as showcased by Oakstop, the one-stop shop for creatives, nomads and professionals. Oakstop has 4 locations in downtown Oakland, and the best part? It’s BLACK-OWNED!!! You can find out about these and other local gems by heading there for a work day or event, which they host almost nightly at any one of the locations. Also, check out BAOBOB (Bay Area Organization of Black Owned Businesses) for up to date listings and events.

  5. Kaevonda Smith
    Kaevonda Smith
    20 Aug 2023
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    Traveling While Black
    Incentivized

    The Oakland Museum of California is a MUST VISIT! On a recent trip tot he Bay Area, my friend took me to the Oakland Museum and what an experience I was not expecting. First of all, why is Oakland like 10 degrees warmer than San Francisco, but I digress. As a history blerd, I love museums and the Oakland Museum is now in my Top 5. There was an amazing exhibit about Angela Davis and all that she endured during her trial and incarceration. The museum takes an authentic and honest look at California History and all of the cultures that have influenced what it is today. There is an absolutely amazing onsite restaurant that has some of the best food in the Bay Area. Last but certainly not least, all of the museum associates were so friendly, helpful and nice. Please make sure you add the Oakland Museum of California to your next Bay Area itinerary.

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