26 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Oakland - Atlas Obscura

Unusual Attractions in Oakland

Oakland, California

Chapel of the Chimes

Julia Morgan's Moorish-Gothic labyrinth of fountains, trees, natural light and Oakland's notable dead.

Oakland, California

Lake Merritt's Bonsai Garden

Bonsai garden in Oakland is curated by the first non-Japanese female bonsai master in the United States.

Oakland, California

Mazzariello Labyrinth

Spiral labyrinth hidden in the hills above Oakland, CA.

Oakland, California

Heinold's First and Last Chance Saloon

Dive bar built out of the remains of a whaling ship.

Oakland, California

Jonestown Memorial

The memorial to the victims of the Jonestown Massacre carries the names of 918 lost, including one name people wish wasn't there.

Oakland, California

Children's Fairyland

This Oakland fairytale kingdom, fiercely devoted to childlike whimsy, was an early inspiration for Disneyland.

Oakland, California

Dunsmuir-Hellman Historic Estate

Neoclassical Revival mansion and set of horror cult classic Phantasm.

Oakland, California

Bay Area Thelemic Temple

A temple devoted to inner esoteric mysteries located in a California commercial strip.

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Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Oakland

Oakland, California

Ratto's Market & Deli

International delicatessen has been owned and operated by the same family for more than 110 years.

Oakland, California

Watermelon Rock

A unique piece of graffiti offers a little slice of local history and mystery.

Atlas Obscura Trips

City of Secrets: Underground in Los Angeles

On this an insider’s journey into the City of Angeles, we'll discover the murals and art of the famous Arts district with a resident artist, clink glasses at an underground speakeasy, and hike through hidden ruins with a suspicious past, all in pursuit of the less angelic side of the City of Angels.

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Stories About Oakland

Behold: a minty-fresh monster.

Oakland's Favorite Monster Is Back—and Greener Than Ever

A restoration project has given a once-iconic sculpture a new lease on life.

by Sabrina Imbler

A design for the rebooted Doggie Diner that Atchley hopes to build.

The Quest to Revive the Bay Area's Fabled Doggie Diners

One man is determined to get these giant dachshunds smiling down on customers once more.

by Matthew Taub

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