This year the honey and I decided we would try out a couple different Christmas Tree Lanes instead…read moreof just driving around hoping to find different lit neighborhoods. This Christmas Tree Lane is perhaps the ultimate Christmas Tree Lane, considering it's an extremely dense block where every single home is lit up with different displays. On one end there was a table with kids selling cookies and hot chocolate and in the middle there was a frosty ice cream truck. We got a bit lucky as it was less busy when we drove in around 6pm or so, but it was a madhouse by the time we wrapped up our visit. We later drove over to the San Ramon Christmas Tree Lane on Woodland Drive and found it to be much less busy and a bit more enjoyable as their streets were wider. All in all, this Christmas Tree Lane is definitely something to experience once, but unless you're local to Alameda I'm not sure I'd make it a yearly trip.

This was our first time going to Christmas Tree Lane here! There are not much areas with Christmas…read moredecoration / lights in this area, so it was nice to be able to find an area with beautiful Christmas decorations and lights. Not much parking that was close by and it was a bit cold / windy during our visit, so we just drove down the street and it was beautiful still.

Gotta luv "Old Oakland", and all it has to offer!! It's not very big, but there's a lot packed…read moreinto a small area. I used to always find myself down here on a Friday night which usually started at the now closed Air Lounge, and went from bar to bar from there. Surprisingly, parking is pretty good down here, and there are plenty of bars, clubs and restaurants all within walking distance. You can even walk to Chinatown and Jack London Square if you really want to. One of the few places in Oakland that hasn't changed too much for a long time, but the changes that did occur are good ones. Big Ups to Old Oakland!!

It's a known fact that I spend most of my time in the Rockridge District. But, that's simply…read morebecause I work in that area. Way before I worked in Rockridge, I would spend the majority of my time between Old Oakland and Uptown. Nowadays, I don't get out to Old City as much as I used to. But when I do make it out to this side, it always reminds me of how I need to spend more time here. Old City is filled with so much rich history. After all, it was the "original" downtown area back in the 1860's. What I love most about this area (other than the many dining establishments of course) is the architecture. Many of the buildings have been restored, however you can still spot some of the most gorgeous original Victorian style buildings as you walk down the streets. I love coming to Swan's Market and feasting at the many restaurants that they have. My favorite wine bar (District) is located right in the heart of this area! Cute little Mom and pop shops can be found in this area along the way. Some of the town's oldest businesses have been operating here for years. So many adorable vintage boutique hotels around. Sometimes, I just want to take pictures of them all! The people here are so friendly and the crowd is super diverse. It's like a breath of fresh air. Old Oakland is also just a hop and a skip away from Chinatown, Jack London Square, and the financial district. They are constantly opening new businesses in this part of town now because let's face it; this is the "new" Old Oakland. Completely underrated and overlooked, but that's okay because this area is slowly starting to build a great reputation. I've seen some great businesses come and go over the years, but that's just how it goes sometimes. I know people call it "Old Oakland", but this District is the "New Oakland" in my eyes. It's a new spin on the older part of the city that still encompasses what this area used to be back in the day. I've got so much love for Old Oakland! Always have and I always will. And that, ladies and gents, will never change.

We took a tour inside of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Temple's Visitor's Center…read more The Visitor's center is open to the pubic and it's free. In addition you don't need to make reservations. We were warmly welcomed when we entered and were asked if we wanted a tour or would we just like to look around on our own. We opted for the tour. There was a short video presentation on families and them being together for ever. It was a sweet presentation. Unlike the Carousel of Progress at Disney World where the room moves for you, in this presentation you have to walk to each viewing area. It wasn't an issue. You just moved down the seats 5 feet or so to the next stage. It was a well done presentation. After that we wandered around. In the back part of the visitor's center there are floor to ceiling windows and today was a clear day and you could clearly see the Golden Gate Bridge. What a sight. They also had 3 examples of historic temples. One all the way back in the Old Testament to Moses's time. I thought that was really cool to see temples were built back in the biblical times and not something just made up for today. My parents enjoyed their theater and sat though many of the 8 stores of missionaries and there journeys of faith and service. I listened to 2 and really enjoy hearing about their stories and struggles. The Visitor's Center is Staffed with full time missionaries from the Church off Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Unlike what you may have heard about missionaries, these are just sweet kids trying to make everyone feel welcome and if you're intreasted they will tell you about God and his plan of happiness. These are not used car salesmen they aren't trying to sell you something or pull wool over your eyes. If you are interested in knowing more about them or there church you are free to inquire, but they aren't going to push anything on you. The grounds are beautifully maintained and well manicured. There are always flowers in bloom and the trash is always lush. If you go to the top of the temple you can see a view of the city. There is a staircase to the right and left of the entrance that will take you to the roof. Parking is great. They have there own private lot and parking is free. The spaces are wide and I had no issue parking. Bathrooms, the visitors center has plenty of clean well stocked bathrooms. Concerts and Programs, all free of charge- Their are lots of different offerings depending on the season. I wanted to take a picture of the Easter Celebrations for the week, but my phone died on me. They have some Holy Week activities, if you are interested I'd give them a call and asked for the list of activities that are happening soon. During December there are lots of programs and organizations and other churches participated. I believe they have an interfaith concert which brings people of many faiths together. The last concert I went to was a bell concert. People with musical bells came to perform in the concert hall. It was something I've never heard of before, but enjoyed. Family history center- They have a family history also referred to as genealogy center in the basement and that is also free to the public. We didn't pop our heads in, but we heard it's there.

Really gorgeous building and sunset view but they didn't allow service animals past the gate onto…read morethe rooftop garden (I asked security). I was confused because temples and churches are meant to be inclusive to all people... some cannot go too long without their service animal for medical reasons. It felt like it goes against the message establishments like these pride themselves on... Hoping they will change this soon, for safety reasons.

This wolf sculpture gets a lot of attention, but really it goes hand-in-hand with Jack London's…read moreCabin just steps away (see my separate review for that). The wolf and cabin together create an engaging scene for visitors to appreciate, commemorating the great author and some of his most famous literary works, ie. Call of the Wild and White Fang. The art and history displayed here is beautiful, especially with its waterfront setting. There's plenty of seating in the area for public use, as well as a lovely fountain flowing with water. There wasn't much foot traffic on a Saturday evening, and hardly anyone on site except for those dining at Heinold's First and Last Chance Saloon situated adjacent to the cabin, so it was easy to pay a visit with minimal distractions.

beautiful. clean and fun. Had a fantastic time here. Restaurants, shops, views & photo ops.read more

I have fond childhood memories of Oakland Chinatown carrying groceries of fresh vegetables or…read morebakery items that my parents bought for the day to bring home to San Jose. Or also eating at the various restaurants for dim sum or late night won ton noodle soup or roast duck from Yung Kee. Oakland Chinatown is more compact and smaller then the one across the bay but still holds on to their own enduring charm.

Review #900 Oakland…read moreChinatown is alright by me!! It's no where near as big as SF Chinatown, with somewhat better parking. Lots of times I will park in Old Oakland and just walk over here. The Pacific Renaissance Plaza is located in the heart of Oakland Chinatown, and they keep this plaza extremely clean. There's also parking available underneath here. As for the rest of Chinatown, not so much. But there are plenty of businesses and shops here that are always busy during the day. I've also been here multiple times for their New Years celebrations, poke restaurants, and street festivals. Walking around here is definitely the best way to enjoy this place!!

Montclair Village is a neighborhood in the Oakland Hills area of the city!!…read more A small, yet, very walkable area with a good mix of restaurants, grocery stores, coffee shops, cleaners, banks, you name it!! Montclair Park and Recreation Area is right here also, which is very popular, especially on weekends as there are multiple tennis courts there along with a duck pond. Located right off Highway 13, this small, quiet neighborhood is one of the best areas in the city!!

From the owner: Montclair Village is a charming and vibrant community, nestled in the beautiful, tree-covered…read moreOakland Hills. The Village has a laid-back, small town feel, plenty of parking in the City-owned garage, and over 200 retailers, service providers, restaurants, and financial services.

This giant mural is the largest in Oakland. It's located on 19th street just a few blocks down…read morefrom Snow Park in downtown Oakland!! They did a great job showing the Oakland A's mascot Stomper carrying the Town on his back!! It's painted on the side of the PGE building, and it's so big, it's very hard to miss!! This mural has been here for a while, glad Yelp finally gave it its own listing!!

this mural can only be seen while driving up 19th St. it's on the 19th St. of the P, G & E…read more building. while it ovesees a parking lot, the cars don't detract form the view. Rise & Grind celebrates 50 years of the Oakland A's. some Oakland landmark minatures can be seen on the back of the A's mascot. "Holy Toleda" is posted at the left and "Oakland is Proud" is posted at the bottom. btw, i have never seen the A's mascot doing any heavy labor, just swinging a bat with his trunk. creator: illuminaries

It's a short and steep hike up here. However don't expect a blazing 'C' at the top. We went…read moreduring a hot day and there isn't much shade around the area. If you're looking for a short burst workout this is a pretty good one with a fabulous view. I'm sad the swing isn't there. I would have like floating in the air. We paid for parking by the wooden stairs. However, there must be another area to park for free as there were other hikers en route.

Fast hike with nice views but no swing and poorly maintained. There is a lot of construction in…read morethe area as well.

Do you long for world class walks along the Bay? Are picnics by the SF Bay romantic enough for you?…read moreWhat about a very long walk down an endless pier? Sadly the pier itself is closed, but the shoreline is timeless and gorgeous. And let's not forget fishing on a perfect day. Along the Bay Trail, you will find happy visitors and families. There is history here with free knowledge Mon-Sun, bring your own container.

The Berkeley Pier has been closed for several years now!! No doubt they either need to retrofit it…read moreor tear it down altogether and build another one. The 4 stars is for when it was open, and you could walk all the way out to what felt like the middle of the Bay. A great way to walk off the dinner and/or drinks that you had at Skates which is right next to it. People would be out here all day and night fishing, or just hanging out. I really miss walking on this Pier, I really hope they repair or replace it, if not, I'll always be glad I got to experience it when it was open!!

All Man, The Entwined Lighted Festival is FIRE. You have to come check out the vibes and beauty…read morehere of the forest and lights. Its like a scene in a Fairy Tale. Its not far from the Golden Gate Bridge, but it is a joy to see and be around. I took plenty of photos that I will have our every chance I get. It was just a scene to see for me. I will visit again.

Had the chance to visit this art installation during my work trip in San Francisco! It's a…read morebeautiful piece of art that captures the night and great for a walking date in Golden Gate Park. It's an installation that turns off at 9:30 pm until late April, 2024. It's near peacock meadows, so be careful if you're taking an Uber/Lyft there as Golden Gate Park as your intended destination will bring you to the other side, which is what I experienced! Great attraction for families, couples, and all ages!