Local Guides
From hiking trails to fancy restaurants, there are so many ways to take in Oakland’s beauty. Whether you’re looking for the perfect sunset, a classic skyline photo opportunity, or just a great place to kick back by the lake, you’re sure to find it in our collection of the 10 best views in Oakland.
Joaquin Miller Park
3450 Joaquin Miller Rd, Oakland, CA 94602
Joaquin Miller Park offers one of the best skyline views in Oakland, framed by coastal redwoods, live oaks, and majestic pines. It also offers diverse outdoor entertainment, including an off-leash dog area, horseback riding trails, a picnic area, and even an amphitheater that hosts live shows, so you can take in the view at your own pace. Joaquin Miller Park doesn’t just offer some of the best views in Oakland — it offers a lot more besides.
Grizzly Peak
Grizzly Peak Blvd, Berkeley, CA 94705
A short drive up into the hills above Oakland and into Berkeley, you’ll head up the winding single-lane curves of Grizzly Peak Boulevard. Prepare to find a spot to pull off and park, because you’ll want to step out of your car to take in the vast beauty of the Bay Area as it sprawls out before you.
Locals call Grizzly Peak one of the best places to take in the Oakland skyline at night, and it’s a great place to watch the sunset too.
Jack London Square
472 Water St, Oakland, CA 94607
For that classic waterfront feel, head down to Jack London Square, where the beautiful plaza invites guests to take in the beauty of the bay and those who work on it. A sunset at Jack London Square is like nothing you’ve experienced before!
Lawrence Hall of Science
1 Centennial Dr, Berkeley, CA 94720
Up in the hills of Berkeley, the Lawrence Hall of Science boasts a large viewing area where you can take in the vastness of the Bay Area as it stretches for miles. Watch as Oakland and the greater Bay Area unfold before you as you approach the edge — the view is simply breathtaking.
The Lake Chalet Seafood Bar & Grill
1520 Lakeside Dr, Oakland, CA 94612
For a quiet date night, check out The Lake Chalet Seafood Bar & Grill on scenic Lake Merritt. You’ll dine on exquisite, fresh seafood while taking in the splendor of Oakland’s stunning Lake Merritt. It’s a great place to watch the sunset in Oakland, and much closer to downtown than some of the other options on this list.
The Terrace Room Restaurant
1800 Madison St., Oakland, CA 94612
Located in the Lake Merritt Hotel, the Terrace Room offers panoramic views of the lake with a classic 1920s art deco interior. This venue also offers live music and is available for private events, making it one of the livelier spots with a great view of Oakland.
Chappell R. Hayes Memorial Observation Tower
2777 Middle Harbor Rd, Oakland, CA 94607
Middle Harbor Shoreline Park is a 38-acre public preserve with trails, public barbecues, and the usual park amenities, but don’t miss the observation tower that nearly puts you on the water. It also puts you next to the Port of Oakland’s iconic cranes, in case you ever wanted a closer look.
Chabot Space & Science Center
10000 Skyline Blvd, Oakland, CA 94619
Further south up in the hills, Chabot Space & Science Center sits above Skyline Boulevard. Not only is it a great place to see the entire Bay Area laid out before you, but at night, the Space and Science Center occasionally holds stargazing events.
Oakland Zoo & Gondolas
9777 Golf Links Rd, Oakland, CA 94605
Nestled in the hills of lower Oakland, the Oakland Zoo boasts a wide variety of animals from around the world, with stunning views of the local landscape. For an extra-high vantage point, take a ride on the zoo’s gondolas as you travel even further up the hillside for a breathtaking view of Oakland and the greater Bay Area.
Strawberry Canyon Hiking Trail
425 Lower Fire Trail, Berkeley, CA 94704
If you’re looking for a view you have to work for, why not give the Strawberry Canyon Hiking Trail a go? Not for the faint of heart, this trail takes you up through sweeping hillsides and landscapes that open out into a stunning view of much of Oakland and the Bay.
Do you already have a great view from your patio, rooftop, or balcony in Oakland? We offer cable railing installation services that can make it even better. Call today to learn more or to get your free estimate.
