Oakland Food & Wine Weekend Escape
VacationWeekend
$$$ Comfortable

Oakland

Oakland Food & Wine Weekend Escape

Savor Oakland's bold bites, brews, and urban wine vibes

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This packed 3-day itinerary immerses a couple in Oakland's vibrant food scene, local wines, and lively neighborhoods, blending must-have cooking classes, street markets, and tastings with comfort-focused pacing. Activities cluster by district for easy walking, pairing mid-range eats with nearby highlights to maximize flavor-packed moments without stress. Expect 5-7 experiences daily, with free explore time in buzzing areas.

Where to Stay

Waterfront Hotel Oakland
Stay

Waterfront Hotel Oakland

Modern 3-star hotel with bay views, plush beds, and complimentary breakfast.

$180/night
Temescal Inn
Stay

Temescal Inn

Cozy boutique spot with craft coffee bar and easy parking.

$200/night

Good to Know

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Cluster by Neighborhood

Stick to 1-2 districts per block (e.g., Temescal morning to Dimond afternoon via quick BART) to avoid transit fatigue.

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Pack Layers for Bay Weather

Mornings foggy/cool, afternoons sunny/warm—bring light jacket and comfy shoes for all-day pacing.

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Book Classes & Tastings Ahead

Reserve cooking/wine spots 1-2 weeks early, especially weekends; use apps for real-time availability.

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Use Clippr for Luggage

Free/cheap bike taxis shuttle bags between hotels or stations if switching stays.

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Know

Cash for Markets

Many street vendors prefer cash; ATMs sparse in markets—grab $50 daily.

Your Weekend Itinerary

Commis
Eatmorning

Commis

Artisan pastries and coffee; order avocado toast and lattes.

1h
$20-30 per person
Lake Merritt Stroll & Gardens
Domorning

Lake Merritt Stroll & Gardens

Circle the lake, visit boathouse gardens, and spot wildlife.

1h 30m
Free
Lakeside Cafe
Eatafternoon

Lakeside Cafe

Fresh salads and sandwiches; try the crab roll with lake views.

1h
$25-40 per person
Old Oakland Street Market
Doafternoon

Old Oakland Street Market

Browse vendors for global street eats, crafts, and live tunes (weekend focus).

2h
$20-30 pp
Free Explore Old Oakland
Doafternoon

Free Explore Old Oakland

Wander historic alleys, pop into indie shops and murals.

1h
Free
Pasta Pelican
Eatevening

Pasta Pelican

Handmade pasta; share the seafood linguine and local wine.

1h 30m
$30-50 per person
Jack London Square Waterfront
Doevening

Jack London Square Waterfront

Stroll piers, watch ferries, enjoy yacht views and buskers.

1h
Free
Temescal Coffee Works
Eatmorning

Temescal Coffee Works

Organic brews and breakfast burritos; get the chorizo scramble.

1h
$20-30 per person
Rosenblum Cellars Tasting
Domorning

Rosenblum Cellars Tasting

Sip bold reds and zinfandels in industrial-chic space.

1h 30m
$25 pp
Temescal Farmers Market
Doafternoon

Temescal Farmers Market

Sample cheeses, olives, and baked goods from local producers.

1h 30m
$20 pp
e
Eatafternoon

Chava's Tacos

Authentic al pastor tacos with handmade tortillas.

1h
$20-35 per person
d
Doafternoon

Dim Sum Cooking Class

Learn to fold dumplings and steam buns (5-min walk from Temescal via AC Transit).

2h
$80 pp
e
Eatevening

Soulé

Modern soul food; try fried chicken and waffles.

1h 30m
$30-50 per person
Uptown Night Markets
Doevening

Uptown Night Markets

Evening street stalls with snacks, art, and music.

1h
$15 pp

19 activities across 3 days

Map

Map unavailable

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