Surprise yourself with this San Franciscan spin-off. Oakland may have had its setbacks in the past. But with its vibrant community, diverse arts scene, and more edge and grit than its trendy neighbour, Oakland is making a comeback. The beautiful old downtown has been preserved along with several architectural gems. The Art Deco Paramount Theater is one of them, and it’s the place to see Oakland’s symphony and ballet.
Downtown is a mecca of restaurants and bars. And the Oakland and Brooklyn-based Blue Bottle Coffee Factory is well worth a visit to enjoy a tasting of their speciality blends. At last, escape the city for a few hours and go horseback riding in the scenic Oakland Hills. Forget about San Francisco and go direct with Oakland flights.