Visit one of California's great unsung destinations, Oakland. Lone travelers will find plenty to keep them occupied, including historical and natural marvels.
Lake Merritt""The lone traveler will probably not find the kid's playland very appealing, but every other site on this beautiful lake is tailor-made for individuals or families alike. Astronomy buffs can get one of the best views this side of the galaxy at the planetarium. Arts aficionados will appreciate the sites and sounds of the main museum and the Grand Lake Theater. History lovers will immerse themselves in the natural history museum and the black history museum. Shopaholics will find plenty of bargain buys in Montclair. And nature dwellers have their choice between a rolling expanse of hills (perfect for biking, hiking, horseback riding, or even archery) and a busy port calling sailors' names.
Morcom Ampitheater of Roses""Whether you are a hopeless romantic or a flower-phile, this
collection of 6,000 rose bushes will wow even the most nature-phobic visitor. As locals and
tourists stroll among the rainbows of red, pink, white, and many more, sturdy oaks stand guard amidst their fragile cousins. Peak blooming times run from May to September.
Oakland Asian Cultural Center and Chinatown""A salute to Oakland's rich diversity, these two sites provide an interesting insight into fascinating Asian culture. The Cultural Center is the largest of its kind in the nation, and it offers a more structured educational experience with classes and exhibits galore. Meanwhile, Oakland Chinatown (a more cost-friendly answer to San Francisco's Chinatown) affords the visitor a more intimate and personal glance into Asian life. Browse through the thrift stores or taste one of the affordable Chinatown specialties: shrimp dumplings, egg custard tarts, and anything else the locals can cook up.
Side Note: For a glimpse of African American culture, make the Ebony Museum of Art a top priority.
Jack London Square""The tourist magnet of Oakland, the Jack London Square waterfront features a collection of sites which are best to explore for yourself. Among more notable attractions are Oakland's own downtown ("downtown" in the downtown), the people-watching capital Frank Ogawa Plaza, the sprawling open-air City Center, and the Oakland Museum of California (for a one-day crash course in California history). And do not forget to take a trip back to the Wild West at Heinhold's First and Last Chance Saloon, an 1883 marvel built from a whaling ship. Locals are also ready with some fanciful tales about the man himself, Jack London.
"Floating White House"""This Jack London Square attraction deserves a mention all its own. Designated as a national historic landmark, the 165-foot sea-faring tribute to President Franklin Delano Roosevelt brings history to life with a museum of past presidential greats and educational cruises.
Paramount Theatre""Are you ready for a rest? Sit back and enjoy the talents of the Oakland Ballet and the Oakland East Bay Symphony. Those longing for the nostalgic days of yesteryear will find particular delight in the vintage movie and cartoon reels which are occasionally shown. Even the beautiful art deco architecture is a sight for weary eyes. And if you are lucky, you will catch a show on a night when one of the many contemporary music stars is making a guest appearance.
Hershey Visitor Center and Jelly Belly Visitor Center""Need one say more? If you have a sweet tooth, these "sugary" sites are the place to be. If the smells do not get your mouth watering, then the guided tours certainly will.
Western Aerospace Museum""Exploration is encouraged as you investigate some of the classic and contemporary captains of the sky: planes, helicopters, blimps"¦even a giant flying boat!
Port of Oakland""Even if you do not arrive in time for the harbor tour which commences the first Thursday of every month, this fifth busiest port in the United States will still offer plenty of seafaring sights.
Grand Bakery""Are you searching for some of the best Jewish baking specialties in the land? This is your place.
Berkeley Ironworks""14,000 square feet of climbing challenge await you on this 45-foot walled wonder. Enjoy a nice steam bath or massage afterward""if you brave the climb!
Side Note: For the true adventurer, skydiving and hang-gliding excursions also populate Oakland.
Pardee Home Museum""One of downtown's unsung heroes, this three-story Italiante villa will charm you with its postcard gardens and nineteenth-century architecture.
Side Note: If your architectural tastes are a little more "expansive," take a tour of the Dunsmuir House and Gardens: 37 rooms of Colonial Revival architecture, dome ceilings, and exquisite fireplaces.
Joaquin Miller Park""Last but not least, the MVP of Oakland's hilltop parks does its namesake, "Poet of the Sierras" Joaquin Miller, proud. 500 acres of rich redwood pay ultimate tribute to the great environmentalist.
The highlights of Oakland truly serve as the perfect companion for the lone traveler. But there are many more sights waiting to be discovered. So what are you waiting for?
