Oakland sits on the east side of San Francisco Bay, a port city and the East Bay's largest, with a waterfront, a central lake and hills rising behind it. For a visitor it works as both a destination in its own right and a base for the wider Bay Area.
Most of what you will want is spread between the downtown core, the waterfront around Jack London Square and the Embarcadero, and the airport corridor to the south. This guide covers which of those areas to base yourself in, what each is like, and how the choice changes with your budget.
Best areas to stay in Oakland
1. Downtown Oakland
Downtown is the city's central grid, around Broadway and the streets running off it. It suits first-time visitors and anyone who wants to be in the middle of things, with restaurants, offices and evening activity within walking distance.
You find mid-range and upscale full-service hotels here. The practical advantage is transport: downtown hotels put you steps from a BART subway station, which gets you into San Francisco in minutes, and there is access to the downtown shuttle system. Expect paid parking at this level.
2. The Embarcadero and waterfront
The Embarcadero runs along the water south of the I-880 freeway, near Embarcadero Cove, with Jack London Square as the best-known point on the waterfront. It suits travellers who prefer a quieter setting with water views and easy access to the waterfront itself.
Accommodation here ranges from budget motels to executive-class and all-suite properties, several with waterfront views and shuttle service to Jack London Square and the airport. The trade-off is that you are somewhat separated from the downtown grid by the freeway, so you rely on a car, shuttle or taxi for some trips.
3. The airport corridor (Hegenberger Road and Airport Access Road)
The area around Oakland Airport, along Hegenberger Road and Airport Access Road, is an industrial and airport-service district. It suits travellers with early flights, short layovers or a car, and it is generally the most practical choice for budget stays.
This is where you find the greatest concentration of budget motels and mid-range chain hotels, nearly all offering airport shuttle service and some with pools and free breakfast. Note that it is an industrial neighbourhood rather than a place to wander in the evening, and it is well south of the sights.
4. Coliseum Way and the 50th Avenue area
Further south again, around Coliseum Way near 50th Avenue, the offering is no-frills motels. It suits budget travellers who mainly need a bed and a place to park, and who are comfortable driving or taking transit to everything else.
There is little within walking distance, so treat this as a base rather than a neighbourhood to spend time in.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: no-frills motels and simple inns, mostly in the airport corridor and along the Embarcadero, some with free breakfast, airport shuttles or a pool.
- Mid-range: chain hotels and business-class properties, concentrated around the airport and downtown, typically with fitness centres, pools, breakfast service and shuttle or BART access.
- Splurge: full-service and all-suite hotels downtown and on the waterfront, with restaurants, fitness centres, pools, kitchen-equipped suites and water views.
Best area for a first visit
Downtown Oakland is the best base for a first visit. It puts you steps from BART, so San Francisco and the rest of the Bay Area are minutes away, and it keeps you within walking distance of the city's central restaurants and evening activity. Choose the waterfront instead if views and quiet matter more to you than centrality.
Frequently asked questions
Should I stay in Oakland or in San Francisco?
Downtown Oakland hotels are steps from BART, which reaches San Francisco in minutes, so Oakland works well as a base for a Bay Area trip rather than only as a place to sleep.
Which part of Oakland is best if I have an early flight?
The airport corridor around Hegenberger Road and Airport Access Road, where most properties offer shuttle service to and from Oakland Airport.
Do I need a car to stay on the Embarcadero?
Not necessarily. Some waterfront hotels run a free shuttle to Jack London Square and the airport, but the I-880 freeway separates this area from the downtown grid, so plan on a car, shuttle or taxi for some trips.
Where should budget travellers look?
The airport corridor and the Coliseum Way area have the largest supply of no-frills motels, and the Embarcadero has some budget options as well.
Compare live prices for these areas with the booking tools on this page before you decide.