Oakland
Oakland City Overview
If the idea of great year around weather appeals to you, come to Oakland. Tucked in between San Francisco Bay on the west and coastal hills to the east, the climate is pretty much ideal. Winter and Spring temperatures linger in the 50′s and 60′s, while 70′s and low 80′s mark the summer and fall.
Oakland is a city of neighborhoods, from the shopping and walking district of Old Oakland to waterfront Jack London Square to bustling Piedmont Avenue. It has close proximity to San Francisco, San Jose, Berkely, and Wine Country. Oakland is also one of America’s most culturally diverse cities – over 100 languages are spoken here and influences are felt in architecture, the arts, and local cuisine.
The Athletics (A’s) have called Oakland home since 1968 and have historically been one of baseball’s more successful franchises since then. The NFL’s Raiders also play here and have one of the most loyal and rabid fan bases in professional sports.
Spending a few days in the East Bay area is a great idea for a weekend baseball trip. You can explore all of Oakland’s neighborhoods and make your way up to Berkeley, a destination unto itself. Best of all, the Bay Area Regional Transportation system (BART) can whisk you to your destinations in a matter of minutes.
The Neighborhood – Oakland-Alameda Coliseum
The Coliseum is located in the southern portion of Oakland along with a multipurpose arena. It’s served by a BART station and is not far from the Oakland airport. It’s not a neighborhood ballpark per se, as it’s surrounded by parking lots and insulated from the surrounding communities.
The Ballpark
Now one of the older ballpark in the major leagues, the A’s have called Oakland-Alameda Coliseum home for 41 seasons. Recently, the facility underwent a $120 million dollar restoration. The stadium was opened up a bit, especially in the outfield sections, giving the facility a fresher, updated feel. For the most part, the top section of the stadium is used only for football seating, except for a few sections high above the home plate area. Suites and more amenities were added, including party areas.
The future of the A’s in Oakland-Alameda Coliseum is uncertain. A’s ownership has been aggressively pursuing a baseball only facility, but plans recently fell through for a new ballpark in neighboring Fremont. In the meantime, the tradition of Oakland-Alameda Coliseum carries on.
Ballpark Tours
No tours of the stadium are currently available.
Historic Baseball Sites
There are no historic baseball sites to speak of in the immediate Oakland area.
A’s Tickets
A’s tickets are generally available on the day of games, so feel comfortable with walking up to the box office if you haven’t secured tickets in advance.
Public Transportation
BART is one of the best public transportation systems in the country in our estimation. If you’re confining your visit to Oakland, San Francisco, and even Berkeley, you can navigate on BART quite efficiently. To get to Oakland-Alameda Coliseum is easy, as there’s a BART Stadium stop just a short walk from the ballpark’s main entrance.
Restaurants, Taverns, and Great Beer Bars
The Bay Area is one of the best in the country for interesting beer bars, and interesting beer in general. You won’t have to travel far to find places with great beer selections, and the area brewpubs are among the best and most adventurous in America.
We recommend spending time in three of Oakland’s neighborhoods, all of which combine a pedestrian friendly lively environment and ample choice for food and drink. Jack London Square along the bayfront is one such area, as is Old Oakland and the Piedmont Avenue district.
Further, don’t miss the opportunity to see Berkeley, just a few BART stops north by northeast of Oakland. This college and intellectual community has a fascinating array of unique shops and several outstanding brewpubs. We spent an entire afternoon and evening in Berkeley and shuttled safely back to San Francisco on the BART.
Here are six of our favorite beer bars in the Oakland and Berkeley area …
Pacific Coast Brewing: In the heart of the Old Oakland district, Pacific Coast Brewing is an excellent choice for lunch, dinner, or happy hour. The house beers are bold and adventurous and the California style pub food never fails to please. Try the Gray Whale Ale, a tasty pale ale. 906 Washington St., Oakland. Phone: 510-836-2729.
The Trappist: A fairly new beer bar that specializes in Belgian ales on tap. Open at 4 p.m. every day. 480 8th St., Oakland. Phone: 510-238-8900.
Cato’s Ale House: Cato’s is a great neighborhood pub in the Piedmont Avenue district. The food consistently wins awards in local publications and there’s a nice selection of draft beer ready and waiting for thirsty patrons. It’s right off Interstate 580 if you’re driving. 3891 Piedmont Ave., Oakland. Phone: 510-655-3349.
Jupiter Brewing: One of three brewpubs in Berkeley, and one of three you shouldn’t miss. Stop in for lunch or dinner and enjoy one of the twelve or so beers usually on tap. One interesting aspect of this brewpub is they serve a large selection of their beers on nitrogen, which gives a full, creamy, but less carbonated taste. 2181 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley. Phone: 510-843-8277.
Pyramid Alehouse, Brewery and Restaurant: This location is one of five restaurants from the Pyramid Brewing Company of Seattle. It’s a friendly, comfortable place that’s open for lunch and dinner and of course serves the full line of Pyramid beer. It’s a popular evening gathering spot for students and locals. 901 Gilman St., Berkeley. Phone: 510-528-9580.
Triple Rock Brewing: If we had to pick a Berkeley favorite, this would be it. Triple Rock has a neighborhood pub feel, with lots of regulars and a friendly staff eager to acquaint you with their beer. Try the Stonehenge Stout, a chocolaty offering that’s as smooth as silk. It’s just down the street from Jupiter Brewing. 1920 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley. Phone: 510-843-2739.
