24 Hours in Oakland: Stay, Eat, Shop, Do
Looking to visit California’s Bay Area? Well, don’t just stop at San Francisco make sure you add Oakland to the list! I recently spent 24 hours ( actually 30 to be exact) in downtown Oakland and I wish I had more time! Over the past couple of years, the downtown Oakland area has gone through a revitalization phase and seen a surge in new businesses and developments, while steadily trying to maintain a sense of the city’s culture and community.
Stay
Proof of this revitalization came in the form of The Moxy Hotel, nestled in the arts and culture district of downtown Oakland is one of the first new hotel developments in downtown Oakland in nearly a decade.
The Moxy Hotels are Marriott’s take on boutique/lifestyle hotels and are meant to appeal to the “young at heart”. (think the Ace Hotel on a budget) The hotel offers a mix of stylish decor/design, fun, modern tech, and sustainability all at an affordable price. To check-in, guests head to the bar to get their room key and an offering of their signature cocktail or mocktail. In my opinion, the room decor kind of leaned more on the masculine side and gave very Urban Outfitters vibes. The retro in-room rotary phone offers guests the option to call for bedtime stories and adds a fun touch to the experience. Overall I’d give it 4/5, due to their choice to put knobs on the wall to hang your clothes as opposed to an actual closet.
While visiting, here’s a list of things you won't want to miss, including some amazing black-owned businesses that I discovered on my trip!
EAT
Brown Sugar Kitchen (Black Owned-Soul Food)
Daughter’s Diner (American)
Belly (Asian Fusion)
Fentons Creamery (Retro Ice Cream Parlor)
World Famous HotBoys (Hot Chicken-Southern)
Lois the Pie Queen (Soul Food-Breakfast)
Shop
McMullen - Black-owned all-inclusive concept shop for luxury womenswear featuring emerging and established designers from around the world.
Sweet July - Ayesha’s Curry’s Cafe and Retail store
Oaklandish - Local apparel line designed to show Oakland pride while giving back and creating jobs for the local community
Taylor Jay - Black-owned high-quality, eco-friendly fashion basics for all women.
Black Girl Greenhouse - Plants, beautiful ceramic and clay pots, and thoughtfully curated goods for the home (magazines, coffee table books, candles, wall hangings, specialty teas, and more!)
Good Body (Hair Salon) - Black-owned wellness-inspired Beauty Bar celebrating texture diversity, prioritizing self-care.
Do/SEE
Once you step out of the hotel, you will quickly see that the city of Oakland has an appreciation for the arts. With its mural-lined streets and great architecture, Downtown Oakland provides the perfect backdrop for a scenic walk. While you’re walking, be sure to head over to Lake Merritt for a stroll along the lagoon.
Lake Merrit
Jack London Square- Oakland’s only publicly accessible mixed-use waterfront and marina area
Overall I enjoyed my time in Oakland and definitely plan to visit again soon!
Until next time…
Take a stroll
In just a few steps from the hotel you will quickly see that the city of Oakland has an appreciation for the arts. With it’s mural lined streets and great architecture, Downtown Oakland provides the perfect backdrop for a scenic walk. While your walking, be sure to head over to lake Merritt for a stroll along the lagoon.
*Btw it seems to always be a bit chilly so little so bring a jacket!
And while you’re there check out some of my favorite black owned businesses just steps from the hotel you’ll find
Steps away from flashing black owned businesses such as
Brown sugar kitchen
McMillan
Good body
Sweet July