One of the biggest port cities on the west coast, Oakland is a beautiful place to visit filled with unique opportunities for fun and adventure. Many events are happening throughout the city all year long, as well as exciting attractions to visit. So, if you’ve got a business trip or a short stay in Oakland, here are a few things to make your trip a pleasure.
Airport Information
Once you have your baggage, you can grab the Rental Car Shuttle, which operates on-demand between 1:30 a.m. and 4:30 a.m., and every 10 minutes throughout the rest of the day. It's important to remember that while the rental center is open 24 hours every day, you should check to verify when are reservations and hours of operation for National.
Downtown Oakland is only 15 mins from the airport. Hop on I-880 for nearly 9 miles and take the Downtown/Broadway exit to reach the city center.
Things to See and Do
In between work and play, grab a power lunch at Ba Le Sandwich shop. Here you'll find options such as meatballs and fried eggs, lemongrass pork, and avocado smoothies. For somewhere a little more upscale with the intention to impress clients or associates, check out Wood Tavern, with dinner options including grilled rib eye steak, pan seared Alaskan Halibut, or grilled double cut pork chops. Of course, it's tough to visit the west coast and not stop at an In N Out; double-double animal style, please!
If you have time while you're in Oakland, take a hike through Redwood Regional Park. This is an experience unlike anything else. For a little culture and history, consider the Oakland Museum of California. For a hidden gem, swing by port view park. This strip of land jettisons into the bay, offering incredible views in a secluded, off-the-beaten-path area.
A full day of work or exploring the area will work up your appetite. Stop by Lois the Pie Queen before 2 pm to pick up some slices of pie to satiate the most stubborn of sweet tooths.
Doing Business in Oakland
There are several meeting spaces throughout Oakland, enabling you to tailor a venue specifically to your event.
The Oakland Convention Center is 8 miles from Oakland International Airport and offers 64,000 square feet of space for any type of get together from a social gathering to a business convention. Meeting rooms, ballrooms, and more are all available.
Nearby, the Oakland City Center features two boardrooms, an events room, and private meeting rooms. You'll get state-of-the-art audio and visual equipment as well.
Of course, not all business is done in conference centers. There are many company headquarters based throughout Oakland, many found right in downtown or nearby. Wherever your work takes you, there is excitement around each corner, just plan accordingly to visit the best and most welcoming areas of this city by the bay.