i stayed in hayward. i did not stay in oakland. but if talking about the place i stayed in, it was ok; friendly people, and quiet environment. i went to DTSF by myself, exploring was fun. i like the place, because DTSF is small and there's a lot of public transpo (which was really convenient for me. [an easy way to learn the city]).

Oakland has a lot to offer. It does have a very negative image to overcome. I you really explore the city and it's parks you will find a different place than you see on the news. Oakland has a lot of crime and many area's should be avoided especially at night. The same thing should be done for any large city.

If you visit Oakland do some ...

How can any review of Oakland be complete without a mention of the legendary OAKLAND RAIDERS! There are plenty of museums and scenic things in Oakland, but come Sunday during football season, there is no better reason to visit Oaktown than the RAIDERS!

Oakland has a rich history. Check out the Chamber of Commerce for a more detailed view.
There are many places to go in Oakland: Museums, parks, eateries & hotels. My favorite was Temescal Park. I share many memories growing up with 6 brothers and sisters at the parks in Oakland.
Jack London Square is a nice place to eat, shop and take in the ...

Oakland is often lambasted as a "ghetto," full of "crime," most often by people who have never lived, visited, or even seen the city.

In reality, Oakland reflects the very American reality of beauty and tragedy, wealth and poverty, hope and despair. In fact, Oakland does have exceptionally wealthy and beautiful ...

Oakland has a split personality. Nouveau-rice neighborhoods hug ghettoes (ie Piedmont/Montclair and the area around MaCarthur Bart, for one), but on the whole, it's a great place to visit and live. Just be careful that you don't stumble into a bad neighborhood (i've had debris thrown at when I accidentally drove down a ghetto ...

Very Nice People. The places were fabolous, FDR's yatch was fantasic.Goodness have fabolous views.

San Francisco's sister across the Bay has a scruffy reputation but it is rich in culture, history, and fun ways to spend a day. Take a walk in Lakeside Park, which contains the first bird sanctuary in the United States (in the middle of an urban area, no less!). Check out the California exhibits at the Oakland Museum. Take little children to ...