Oakland is located in the East Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area. What was once staging post during the Golf Rush of California is now one of the major ports of the West Coast. The city’s shipping port is ranked fifth among the busiest in the United States. The city’s annual 300 days of sunshine and its Mediterranean climate is enjoyed by 390,000 residents. The major corporations located in the area are mostly dot.com companies and healthcare industries. Oakland is well remembered for its ethnic diversity and political activism. The city is filled with attractions and activities for outdoor adventurers to urban explorers.
Savings Tip:
There are plenty of airline and cruise packages that would give your good rates when you book your tickets early. Inexpensive hotel accommodations can easily be found by searching for online deals. It is always best to coordinate your airline, hotel, and airport transport so you can get the best rates without the discomfort. Tour companies also offer budget packages for vacationers.
Affordable what, where, and hows in Oakland
A vacation to Oakland does not necessarily entail emptying the bank. This artistic city is rife with inexpensive ways to enjoy your vacation. Oakland is also recognized as the fifth best place to visit in the world by the New York Times, so you can be sure to have an amazing vacation in this diverse city.
Accommodations. Budget-friendly Oakland hotels can be found all over Oakland. Consider first the location of the hotel and see, when coupled with transportation, if it really provides a more competitive rate. Some of the best placed and affordable hotels in the area are the Days Inn Oakland Airport Coliseum, Extended Stay America Oakland, Jack London Inn, Park Plaza Hotel, Quality Inn Oakland, and The Washington Inn.
Attractions. Any traveler can explore Oakland without spending big bucks. There are tons of destinations in Oakland that are inexpensive or totally free. Marvel at the scenic spaces and natural wildlife at the Patuxent Research Refuge, Sibley Volcanic Regional Park Reserve and the Huckleberry Botanic Regional Preserve. Children will be awed by the animals at the Oakland Zoo and families can have a whole day of fun at the Roberts Regional Recreational Area. Go fishing, picnicking, or swimming at the serene Lake Temescal. History buffs will be thrilled with the Dunsmuir House and Gardens Historic Estate and with a tour of the USS Potomac. Get moving at the Joaquin Miller Mountain Bike Trail or unwind with your furry best friend at the Hardy Dog Park.
Festivals. Oakland’s festivals are amazing extravaganzas full of culture and artistry. If you happen to be in town during the festivals, watching from the sidelines will bring lots of entertainment without you spending a buck. The most notable among the festivals are the Art & Soul Festival and the Oakland Greek Festival.
Food. Local restaurants are the best way to go for vacationers on a budget. Most of these food haunts are just along the way when touring the city’s finest destinations. Really hungry tourists can munch on well-priced buffets while those looking for local specialties will find them by the dozens. Bakesale Betty sells divine sandwiches and pastries you can eat while touring. The Wood Tavern Restaurant serves sumptuous heart-stoppers at good prices. La Spada’s Original Philly Cheese Steaks and Hoagies will have you licking your fingers. Graffiti Junktion grills fantastic American burgers while the Black Bean Deli bursts in your mouth with it Latin American and Cuban flavors. Tourists looking for more exotic fare can head to the Hawkers Asian Street Fair or have some famous noodles at the Little Saigon Restaurant.
