THERE’S SO MUCH GOING ON IN OAKLAND that using it as a mere stopover en route to somewhere else doesn’t make much sense. But you can’t look at a map without noticing the city’s proximity to a whole host of pretty amazing places. Here are some ideas for which way to point yourself when you’re finally ready to leave town, or just looking for an epic daytrip.
1. Yosemite National Park – Yosemite Village
Travel time: 3 hours, 39 minutes
Follow 1-580 E till 1-205 E. Take CA-120 E, continuing onto Evergreen Rd in Tuolumne County.
Bathed in a blanket of snow or dotted with pastel wildflowers, Yosemite Valley is a sight in any season. Wind through the valley and take in the sweeping vistas and wildlife from afar, or participate in outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing.
2. Golden Gate Fields – Berkeley
Travel time: 11 minutes
Take 1-80 to Gilman St in Berkeley. Take the Gilman St exit from 1-80 E until Eastshore Hwy. Turn onto Gilman St.
Situated on the edge of the bay, Berkeley’s famed racing track is the perfect way to spend a warm afternoon. Come on a Sunday, when everything costs a dollar — yes, even the beer.
3. Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve – Antioch
Travel time: 45 minutes
From 1-880 N, take CA-24 E, 1-680 N, and CA-4 E to Auto Center Dr/Somersville Rd in Antioch. Exit CA-4 E at Somersville Rd.
In Mt. Diablo’s backyard, the preserve offers some 65 miles of trail to explore. Venture deep into the Hazel-Atlas mine to glimpse ancient geological features.
4. Lake Tahoe – Tahoe City
Travel time: 3 hours, 6 minutes
Take 1-80 E to US-50 E. Continue onto CA-89 S.
To everyone that has ever asked a Californian if they’ve ever seen snow, here’s your answer. The popular winter destination holds its own in summer, too, when Tahoe’s forest-enclosed, emerald freshwater lake mirrors the sky overhead.
5. Chabot Space & Science Center – Oakland
Travel time: 17 minutes
Take CA-13 N to the Joaquin Miller Road Exit. Turn right at Joaquin Miller Road and follow signs for Chabot Space & Science Center.
As a very hands-on learning experience — and the largest public telescope facility in the US — Chabot excels in its mission to engage visitors of all ages in science and space education.
6. Muir Woods – Mill Valley
Travel time: 43 minutes
Follow 1-580 W to US-101 S in Marin County. Take the E Blithedale Ave exit.
Take a walk through the 100-foot canopies of redwoods, and don’t forget to stop at the park cafeteria for the famed grilled cheese. Of course, make sure to check out Oakland’s own Redwood Regional Park as well.
7. Rafting the American River – Sierra Nevadas
Travel time: 2 hours
Take I-580 E, I-680 N, I-80 E, and US-50 E to the Placerville area.
The South Fork of the American is one of the most popular rafting and kayaking runs in the western US. With both rigorous rapids and calmer spots, this stretch of the American provides a unique perspective on the Californian landscape. It’s also steeped in history — the gold found in the South Fork’s stream inspired California’s 1849 Gold Rush.
8. Claremont Hotel Club & Spa – Oakland
Travel time: 5 minutes
Exit at Claremont Avenue off of CA-24 E.
A landmark resort and spa, the Claremont is located at the base of Claremont Canyon in the Berkeley Hills (in Oakland), overlooking the beautiful San Francisco Bay. Stop by for tea time to see why the Claremont’s prestigious reputation has endured.
9. Wine Country – Napa Valley
Travel time: 1 hour, 9 minutes
Follow 1-880 N and 1-80 to CA-37 W in Vallejo. Take the CA-37 exit from 1-80 E. Drive to CA-29 N in Napa County.
California’s wine country is second to none in the country. With a whole web of vineyards to choose from, you’re sure to find a blend to your liking. Or, if you don’t want to make the drive, you can find many regional offerings at one of Oakland’s highly rated wine bars and urban wineries.
10. Mavericks – Half Moon Bay
Travel time: 51 minutes
Take CA-92 W to CA-1 N in Half Moon Bay. Continue on CA-1 N to your destination in El Granada.
True, you can’t actually reach the site of the Mavericks Invitational surf competition without getting a little wet. But the panoramic coastal view of Half Moon Bay is worth the drive.
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11. Fishing Lake Chabot – Castro Valley
Travel time: 30 minutes
Take 1-580 E to 35th Ave, which becomes Redwood Rd as it winds through the hills and leads to the lake’s north shore. For the marina, arrive on the south.
Just south of Redwood Regional Park and a quick drive from downtown Oakland, Lake Chabot Regional Park has well-stocked waters that make it a great place for casual fishing, especially for kids / first-timers. You can also take a boat tour, or explore the park via hiking and bicycle trails.
12. California Academy of Sciences – San Francisco
Travel time: 28 minutes
Get on 1-880 N until 1-80 W to Octavia Blvd in San Francisco. Take Fell St and Kezar Dr to Music Concourse Dr.
One of the largest natural history museums in the world, the Academy of Sciences is an interactive display of wonderment, curiosity, and exploration. Where else can you wander through a rainforest biome and marvel at an albino alligator?
13. Pinnacles National Park – Paicines
Travel time: 2 hours, 3 minutes
Follow 1-880 S and US-101 S to CA-25 S in Santa Clara County. Take CA-25 S to CA-146 W in San Benito County.
Home to some of the best routes for all skill levels, Pinnacles National Park seems made for climbers. There are also caving and camping options for those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground.
14. Sonoma Plaza – Sonoma
Travel time: 55 minutes
Take I-580 W and US-101 N to CA-37 E in Novato. Take the CA-37 exit from US-101 N.
From Mexican military outpost to Spanish mission village, historic Sonoma Plaza is California historical icon. Stroll by the duck ponds or circle the plaza for some window-shopping in the surrounding boutiques.
15. Bay Bridge – Oakland
Travel time: 5 minutes
Take I-80 west out of town.
After a long wait, the new eastern span of the Bay Bridge (between Oakland and Yerba Buena Island) opened to much fanfare last fall. The attractive structure includes pedestrian and bike paths, allowing non-motorists to enjoy the striking views of the East Bay for the very first time.
16. Telegraph Avenue – Berkeley/Oakland
Travel time: 2 minutes
Exit at Claremont Avenue from CA-24 E. Turn right onto Telegraph from Claremont.
Home of many historic counterculture protests of the 1970s, Telegraph continues to attract conscientious citizens and students championing social causes. It also has some excellent restaurants, particularly those serving Ethiopian cuisine.
17. Mount Diablo – Contra Costa County
Travel time: 1 hour, 4 minutes
Take I-880 S, I-238 S, I-580 E, Crow Canyon Rd, and Diablo Rd to Mt Diablo Scenic Blvd in Blackhawk.
Mount Diablo’s famous double pyramid caps out at almost 4,000 feet. The Bay Area landmark gives remarkable views of the region — on a clear day, you can see the Sierra Nevadas on the far eastern horizon.
18. Calistoga spas – Calistoga
Travel time: 1 hour, 24 minutes
Follow 1-80 E to CA-29 N/Sonoma Blvd.
The car ride to Calistoga may be a breezy trip, but it still warrants a little R&R. Revitalize yourself with a mud bath, massage, or dip in the hot springs at one of the many spas in the area.
19. Monterey Bay Aquarium – Monterey
Travel time: 1 hour, 54 minutes
Follow I-880 S and US-101 S to CA-156 W in Prunedale. Take the exit toward Monterey/Peninsula from US-101 S. Follow CA-1 S to Del Monte Ave in Monterey. Exit at Del Monte Ave off of CA-1 S.
A real-life Finding Nemo, the Monterey Bay Aquarium exhibits an impressive variety of marine life — from stingrays you can touch to luminescent jellyfish, kelp forests and, of course, sea otters.
20. California State Railroad Museum – Sacramento
Travel time: 2 hours
Catch the Amtrak Capitol Corridor train from downtown Oakland.
Bringing to life the golden days of railroad travel, this museum features 19 steam locomotives and interactive educational programs. Even better, you can get there via Amtrak’s Capitol Corridor service. Catch the train in Jack London Square and two hours later you’re in downtown Sacramento, a short walk from the museum.
21. Google Headquarters – Mountain View
Travel time: 45 min
Drive on CA-84 W until you hit US-101 S in Menlo Park. Take the Rengstorff Avenue exit in Mountain View.
Dive into the heart of the digital world at Googleplex in Mountain View. You’re sure to leave inspired to create a new app. Don’t worry, this is a common side effect of visiting Silicon Valley.
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22. Hot air ballooning – Wine Country
Travel: 1 hour, 26 minutes
Take the Suisun Valley Rd/Pittman Rd exit from 1-80 E. Follow Suisun Valley Rd to CA-128 W in Napa County.
Drift over the elaborate patchwork quilt of vineyards that comprise Napa Valley. Take in the rolling hills and expansive greenery, culminating in a tasting or two at the wineries below.
23. Hearst Greek Theatre – Berkeley
Travel time: 14 minutes
Exit at Claremont Avenue from CA-24 E. Take College Ave to Gayley Rd.
UC Berkeley’s outdoor amphitheater has hosted multi-genre musical legends and motivational speakers (such as the Dalai Lama) for over a hundred years now.
24. Gold Country – Columbia
Travel time: 2 hours, 18 minutes
Take 1-580 E and 1-205 E to CA-120 E. Take CA-108 E to Jackson St/Yankee Hill Rd in Columbia.
Experience your own taste of gold fever as you immerse yourself in historic gold country. For an authentic experience, visit Columbia State Historic Park just north of Sonora. From the traditional garb to the stagecoach rides and panning for gold, you’ll be hooked in no time.
25. The Mountain Play – Mill Valley
Travel time: 1 hour
1-580 W to US-101 S. Exit toward Stinson Beach from US-101 S, following CA-1 S to Panoramic Hwy.
Every spring atop Marin County’s landmark Mt. Tamalpais brings a unique theatrical tradition — the Mountain Play. Pack a picnic, lather on the SPF, and settle into the stone rows built into the mountainside. Not a fan of musicals? Just enjoy the one-of-a-kind view of the bay.
26. Hearst Castle – San Simeon
Travel time: 3 hours, 40 minutes
Take US-101 S to CA-46 W/Green Valley Rd in Paso Robles. Take the CA-46 W exit from US-101 S. Follow CA-46 W/Green Valley Rd and CA-1 N to Hearst Castle Rd.
Both a National and California Historical Landmark, Hearst Castle is the embodiment of early-20th-century excess. Lavish and opulent (56 bedrooms!), the estate’s impressive architectural features and extensive art collection are open to the public for tours — and gawking.
27. Six Flags Discovery Kingdom – Vallejo
Travel time: 33 minutes
Follow I-880 N and I-80 to CA-37 W in Vallejo. Take the CA-37exit from I-80 E.
This 135-acre amusement park showcases animal attractions in addition to the usual Six Flags roller coaster thrills. Head to the water rides for an opportunity to cool down after your day of fun in the sun.
28. Bass Lake – Madera County
Travel time: 3 hours, 18 minutes
Follow 1-580 E to 1-205 E and then CA-99 S. Get on CA-140 E, exiting at Red Bud in Madera County.
Bass Lake is a popular destination for water recreation and camping in the Sierra Nevada foothills just south of Yosemite. Rent a boat or jet ski, or just enjoy the sandy beach shores that line the lake.
29. Gott’s Roadside – St. Helena
Travel time: 1 hour, 9 minutes
Drive on 1-80 E until CA-37 W in Vallejo. Merge onto CA-29 N in Saint Helena.
Gott’s Roadside (formerly — and fondly — known as Taylor’s Refresher) takes everybody’s favorite American drive-in to a wonderful new level. Locally sourced California ingredients, the winery town of St. Helena as its backyard…Gott’s makes for a worthy daytrip from Oakland. Try the ahi burger.
30. Bixby Creek Bridge – Big Sur
Travel time: 2 hours, 12 minutes
Take 1-880 S to US-101 S. Get on CA-1 S in Monterey County.
That iconic arched bridge you always see in photographs and car commercials? Yeah, that’s the Bixby Bridge. With a stunning panorama of the Pacific Ocean and Central California’s lush coastal cliffs, Bixby Bridge is one span of road that itself is worth a drive. 