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 bets 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. So not only does Joaquin Miller Park offer some of the best views in Oakland – it also offers a lot more.
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 gather 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.
Grizzly peak, Oakland pic.twitter.com/WIrbQuZt5q
— Detective (@austindlau) April 19, 2014
Jack London Square
472 Water St, Oakland, CA 94607
For that more traditional Oceanside town feel, head down to Jack London Square, where the beautiful plaza invites guests to behold the beauty of the bay and those who operate on it. A sunset at Jack London Square is like nothing you’ve ever experienced before!
Lawrence Hall of Science
1 Centennial Dr, Berkeley, CA 94720
Above in the hills of Berkeley, the Lawrence Hall of Science boasts a large viewing area for people to come see the vastness of the Bay Area as it stretches around you for miles. Watch as Oakland and the Bay Area expand before you as you approach the edge! The view is simply breathtaking.
Beautiful day at @ Lawrence Hall of science! Great talk about geomorphology. pic.twitter.com/XXu5O6xbyI
— Matthew Morriss (@RockIceandSnow) December 14, 2019
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 and fresh seafood, while taking in the splendor and beauty of Oakland’s stunningly gorgeous Lake Merritt. It’s a great place to watch the sunset in Oakland, and much closer to downtown than some of the other options.
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 to get a closer look.
Chabot Space & Science Center
10000 Skyline Blvd, Oakland, CA 94619
Further south up in the hills, Chabot Space and Science Center sits above Skyline Boulevard. Not only is it a great place to see the entirety of the bay area before you, but at night, the Space and Science Center occasionally will hold 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 their newly opened gondolas, as you travel even further up the hillside for a breathtaking view of Oakland, and the greater Bay Area.
Take a Gondola to Eat at the Oakland Zoo https://t.co/GsXf1qf1xl pic.twitter.com/Qtqh9c1gKQ
— SF Weekly (@SFWeekly) July 25, 2017
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 Strawberry Canyon Hiking Trail a go? Not for the faint of heart, this hiking trail takes you up through sweeping hillsides and landscapes, that will open you out into a stunning view of much of Oakland and the Bay.
???? Nice @advlightsource spectrum as witnessed from the Strawberry Canyon fire trail today. (????: Carrie Scarvie) #photooftheday ???? pic.twitter.com/wvE9IHpQ30
— Berkeley Lab (@BerkeleyLab) January 25, 2018
Do you already have a great view from your patio, rooftop, or balcony in Oakland? We offer cable railing installation services in Oakland that can make it even better. Call today to learn more or to get your free estimate.
