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Uptown Oakland

4.6
·491k reviews·Oakland, United States

Uptown Oakland: A vibrant hub of art, culture, dining, and nightlife with diverse experiences from interactive exhibits to rooftop bars.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Friday evenings

Vibrant nightlife and events

CrowdHigh
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Uptown Oakland - Image 1

Uptown Oakland

Best Time

Friday evenings

Vibrant nightlife and events

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Uptown Oakland: A vibrant hub of art, culture, dining, and nightlife with diverse experiences from interactive exhibits to rooftop bars.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"Uptown Oakland buzzes with art, food, and nightlife – a dynamic destination for exploration."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Capture the Colors

Don't miss the vibrant photo ops at places like Bubble Planet!

🍸 Rooftop Views

Enjoy cocktails and city views at High5ive Rooftop Bar.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Bubble Planet Experience

Bubble Planet Experience

Oakland

An immersive, interactive wonderland with colorful photo ops and a memorable bubble bath ball pit. Pure fun!

TikTok
High5ive Rooftop Bar

High5ive Rooftop Bar

Kissel Uptown Oakland

Sip cocktails with a view in this stylish rooftop bar, perfect for evening drinks and soaking in the city lights.

Instagram+1
Lucuma Peruvian Restaurant

Lucuma Peruvian Restaurant

Uptown Oakland

A hidden gem offering an authentic and innovative Peruvian culinary adventure with vibrant flavors.

Instagram
Angus Cloud Park

Angus Cloud Park

Uptown Oakland

A new park dedicated to the memory of Angus Cloud, celebrating creativity and community spirit.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Vibe, Stay Aware

Uptown Oakland buzzes with art, food, and nightlife. While vibrant, be mindful of your surroundings, especially after dark. Many visitors enjoy the lively atmosphere and diverse culinary scene, but staying aware is key to a smooth experience. TikTok+1

Book Ahead for Popular Spots

From trendy restaurants to unique experiences like the Bubble Planet exhibit, booking in advance is often recommended, especially for weekend visits. This ensures you don't miss out on sought-after spots and can fully enjoy your time exploring Uptown Oakland. TikTokInstagram

Best Times

When
Friday evenings
Why
Vibrant nightlife and events
Crowd
High
When
Weekend afternoons
Why
Explore shops and cafes
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday evenings
Why
More relaxed dining
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

@Bubble Planet Experience IS NOW IN OAKLAND!! 🫧🫧🫧 this was such a fun interactive experience with so many colorful photo ops- my fav was the bubble bath ball pit 🌈📸🛁 #oakland #oaklandcalifornia #bayarea #sf #sanfrancisco #ballpit
@sarahsundrop
41.9K likes • 573.2K views

📸 Capture the Colors

Don't miss the vibrant photo ops at places like Bubble Planet! TikTok

🍸 Rooftop Views

Enjoy cocktails and city views at High5ive Rooftop Bar. Instagram

What’s the snobbiest neighborhood in Oakland? #oakland #thetown
@mario0o0o0o0o0o
21.1K likes • 334.6K views
It’s so nice we had to post it twice✌🏾UPTOWN STROLL - Come out! Part of the day will include the ground breaking of a safe, outdoor space for 800 Oakland School for the Arts students called Angus Cloud Park in memory of OSA student and actor Angus Cloud. In 8th grade, while at OSA, Angus wrote a persuasive speech about the need for a Downtown skateboard park for its positive impacts on youth men...
carrollforcouncil
0 likes • 20.6K views

🍽️ Culinary Adventures

Explore diverse cuisines, from Peruvian to Oaxacan. Instagram+1

🚶‍♀️ Walkable Exploration

Many attractions are within walking distance. Reddit

Whoever sent this wants to take you on a date in Uptown Oakland. 🌃🍸 #high5iverooftop #uptownoakland #visitoakland #oaklandeats #oaklandbars #sffood #bayareabuzz #bayareanightlife
high5iverooftopbar
311 likes • 12.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Capture the Colors

Don't miss the vibrant photo ops at places like Bubble Planet! TikTok

🍸 Rooftop Views

Enjoy cocktails and city views at High5ive Rooftop Bar. Instagram

🍽️ Culinary Adventures

Explore diverse cuisines, from Peruvian to Oaxacan. Instagram+1

🚶‍♀️ Walkable Exploration

Many attractions are within walking distance. Reddit

🏨 Stylish Stays

Consider The Kissel for a chic Uptown Oakland experience. Instagram+1

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Uptown Oakland is praised for its vibrant atmosphere, diverse culinary scene, and lively nightlife, with many visitors enjoying unique experiences like the Bubble Planet exhibit and rooftop bars. Some concerns have been raised regarding safety and awareness in certain areas, particularly at night. TikTok+1

What People Like

Vibrant nightlife
Diverse food options
Unique experiences

What People Dislike

Safety concerns
Parking challenges

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Uptown Oakland is accessible via BART, with the 19th Street Oakland station being a central hub. Several bus lines also serve the area. Driving is an option, but parking can be challenging and expensive. TikTok

Yes, Uptown Oakland is quite walkable, especially the main corridors like Broadway and Telegraph Avenue. Many restaurants, bars, and shops are clustered together. Reddit

For exploring within Uptown, walking is ideal. For longer distances or if you prefer not to walk, ride-sharing services are readily available. BART is also convenient for reaching other parts of Oakland and the wider Bay Area. TikTok

Yes, several parking garages are available in Uptown Oakland, though they can be pricey. It's advisable to check parking apps for real-time availability and rates. TikTok

Absolutely! The BART system provides a direct and convenient connection from San Francisco to Uptown Oakland, typically arriving at the 19th Street Oakland station. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Yes, tickets are required for the Bubble Planet Experience. It's highly recommended to book these in advance online to secure your preferred time slot. TikTok

While many attractions like the Bubble Planet Experience require tickets, simply strolling through Uptown, exploring its street art, and enjoying the atmosphere is free. The groundbreaking for Angus Cloud Park is also a community event. Instagram

Hours vary greatly by establishment. Restaurants and bars often open in the late afternoon and stay open late, especially on weekends. Shops typically operate during daytime hours. It's best to check individual business hours online. Instagram

Angus Cloud Park is a public space, so there is no entry fee. It's a place for the community to enjoy and remember Angus Cloud. Instagram

Check local event websites, social media pages of venues, and Visit Oakland for current event listings, especially for live music, comedy shows, and special happenings. Instagram+1

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Uptown Oakland boasts a diverse food scene. Don't miss Lucuma for Peruvian delights,Instagram Mixe Uptown for Oaxacan fare,Instagram and Otto's Uptown Kitchen for American dishes.Instagram Many other great options exist for various tastes. Reddit

Yes, High5ive Rooftop Bar offers great views and drinks.Instagram+1 Explore other local bars for unique craft cocktails and a lively atmosphere. Reddit

You'll find a wide array of cuisines, including Peruvian, Oaxacan, American, and more. The area is known for its vibrant and diverse culinary offerings. Instagram+1

Many restaurants and bars offer happy hour specials. Mixe Uptown, for example, has happy hour daily from 5-6 PM. Instagram

Given the diverse culinary landscape, you can generally find vegan and vegetarian options at many restaurants. It's always a good idea to check menus online or call ahead. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The Bubble Planet Experience is incredibly photogenic with its colorful installations.TikTok Rooftop bars like High5ive offer great cityscapes,Instagram+1 and the unique architecture and street art throughout Uptown provide endless photo opportunities.

While generally safe, it's always wise to be aware of your surroundings when taking photos, especially with your phone. Avoid displaying expensive equipment ostentatiously. TikTok

The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer beautiful lighting for exterior shots. For indoor attractions like Bubble Planet, lighting is usually managed for optimal photos. TikTok

Generally, casual photography for personal use is fine. However, commercial photography or filming may require permits. Always be respectful of private property and individuals. TikTok

Explore the vibrant murals, eclectic storefronts, and the stylish interiors of hotels like The Kissel Uptown Oakland for unique backdrops. Instagram+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Families visiting Uptown Oakland will find the Bubble Planet Experience a major hit, offering interactive fun and plenty of photo opportunities for kids and adults alike. TikTok The area is generally walkable, making it easier to navigate with little ones. Consider visiting during daytime hours when attractions are fully operational and the atmosphere is more family-oriented.

While specific kid-focused restaurants might require a bit more searching, the diverse food scene means you can likely find something to please picky eaters. Keep an eye out for community events or parks that might offer family-friendly activities. Always be mindful of your surroundings and plan for breaks, as exploring can be tiring for young children. Reddit

🥂 Couples & Date Nights

Uptown Oakland offers a fantastic setting for couples looking for a memorable date night. Start with a delicious dinner at a highly-rated restaurant like Lucuma Instagram or Mixe Uptown,Instagram followed by cocktails at the stylish High5ive Rooftop Bar for stunning city views. Instagram+1 Many venues offer a sophisticated yet relaxed ambiance perfect for conversation and connection.

Consider checking for live music or comedy shows happening in the area for some evening entertainment. Instagram Staying at a boutique hotel like The Kissel Uptown Oakland can add an extra touch of luxury and convenience to your romantic getaway. Instagram+1

✈️ Day-Trippers from SF

For a quick escape from San Francisco, Uptown Oakland is an excellent choice. It's easily accessible via BART, making it a stress-free journey. Reddit Spend your day exploring the unique shops, enjoying a diverse lunch at one of the many acclaimed restaurants like Mixe Uptown Instagram or Lucuma,Instagram and perhaps visiting the Bubble Planet Experience for some interactive fun. TikTok

In the evening, you can enjoy dinner and drinks at a rooftop bar like High5ive Instagram before heading back. The compact nature of Uptown makes it ideal for a fulfilling day trip without feeling rushed. Just be aware of parking if you choose to drive, as it can be a hassle. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Experiencing Uptown Oakland's Nightlife

Uptown Oakland truly comes alive after dark, offering a dynamic nightlife scene. From chic rooftop bars like High5ive Rooftop Bar Instagram+1 to intimate lounges and lively music venues, there's something for every mood. Many visitors recommend checking out local event listings for live music, comedy shows, and other special happenings, especially on weekends. Instagram+1

When planning your evening, consider the diverse culinary offerings that often extend into late-night dining. Restaurants like Mixe Uptown Instagram and Otto's Uptown Kitchen Instagram provide excellent pre- or post-nightlife dining options. Remember that popular spots can get crowded, so arriving early or making reservations can enhance your experience. Reddit

While the nightlife is a major draw, it's always wise to stay aware of your surroundings and plan your transportation accordingly, especially if you're venturing out late. TikTok+1

A Culinary Journey Through Uptown Oakland

Uptown Oakland is a haven for food lovers, boasting a rich tapestry of flavors from around the globe. Lucuma, a Peruvian restaurant, is frequently highlighted for its authentic and innovative dishes, offering a true taste of Peru. Instagram For those craving Mexican cuisine, Mixe Uptown presents delicious Oaxacan fare and a mescal and espresso bar, with a patio perfect for pet owners. Instagram

The dining scene also includes American comfort food, with Otto's Uptown Kitchen at The Kissel hotel receiving praise for its quality. Instagram Beyond these specific mentions, the area is dotted with numerous eateries, cafes, and bars catering to diverse palates. Many establishments offer happy hour specials, making it an ideal area for a culinary crawl. InstagramReddit

When exploring the food scene, consider the variety available. From quick bites to fine dining, Uptown Oakland offers a gastronomic adventure. Checking online menus and reviews can help you pinpoint the perfect spot for your taste and budget. Reddit

Arts, Culture, and Community in Uptown

Uptown Oakland is more than just dining and nightlife; it's a hub for arts and culture. The area is known for its vibrant street art and a growing number of independent businesses, including salons and wellness services, contributing to its unique character. Instagram The recent groundbreaking for Angus Cloud Park Instagram signifies a commitment to community spaces and honoring local talent.

For a truly immersive experience, the Bubble Planet Experience offers a playful and interactive art installation that's a hit for all ages. TikTok The neighborhood also hosts various events and performances, showcasing local artists and performers, making it a dynamic place to explore. Instagram

Uptown Oakland's cultural landscape is constantly evolving, reflecting the creativity and spirit of its residents. Whether you're interested in visual arts, performing arts, or simply soaking in the local atmosphere, there are plenty of opportunities to engage with the community's creative pulse. Instagram

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