Visit Oakland!
So let me tell you about Oakland. Downtown is a sleepy, friendly version of San francisco, filled with quiet streets, independent coffee shops and cafes, bagel houses and locally owned restaurants.
I love the marina, around Jack London square and the variety of cool bars and restaurants, more upmarket than the quieter streets. Obviously catering to many more people and many more patrons.
The main street runs parallel to the impressive railroad that cuts through town. It’s crossroads and road intersections collide in a most casual way, these huge double decker trains glide through downtown Oakland, just feet from shop fronts and pedestrians.
Walking from 12th street station we stop at the Authentic bagel store, for a local delicacy. Onion bagel with cream cheese and chives, cinnamon with butter. Accompanied with their great coffee, suddenly jet lag, hangovers and general fatigue evaporate.
So much choice!
A perfect start to the day!
Onwards to the wharf. From 11 am the early drinkers can find cold beers in Jack London’s rendezvous, the bar is on a crazy slant, so with or without libation, you’ll feel merry in every sense. I love the quirky, somewhat dusty and unique bar, it might not be incredibly clean but makes up in character.
No alcoholic drinks outside unfortunately, so inside for beers it is!
Just next door starts the parade of restaurants, cool bars and night time retreats. Promising a great night out and catering to every taste or appetite.
Great lunch spot!
The start of the harbour, great place to hang and chill.
Beers again at the plank!
Lunch was in chinatown, local restaurant called ‘Shandong’ full of amazing home made dumplings and hand shaved noodles. Again another culinary must do on your list.
The evening was milling around the great bars and restaurants, involved local beers and great bar snacks, hanging out in Longomare. Another great destination restaurant and bar.
Loved the street art, downtown, so many amazing and crazy murals, so much to see!
