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What to See & Do in Oakland

Looking for intriguing, enlightening, or just plan fun things to see and do in Oakland?  The must sees are the now Chabot Space and Science Center, the ever popular Lake Merritt, and the fabulous Jack London Square waterfront.  A walking tour through Chinatown or to African American points of interest brings Oakland's rich history to life, as do visits to the Dunsmuir House and the Pardee Home Museum.  The Oakland Ice Center and the Oakland Zoo are also surefire hits as well.  Come have fun by the bay.
Attractions & Activities
Camron Stanford House - This beautifully restored house is the last Victorian on Lake Merritt.  Built in 1876, it features period rooms and restoration exhibits.  Guided tours available.  (510) 444-1876
Chabot Space & Science Center - Chabot Space & Science Center (CSSC) is an innovative teaching and learning center focusing on astronomy and the space sciences and the interrelationships of all sciences. Its observatory, planetarium, exhibits, and natural park setting are a place where a diverse population of students, teachers, and the public can imagine, understand, and learn to shape their future through science. (510) 530-3480
Children's Fairyland - Younger children will enjoy the enchanting three dimensional fantasy world in picturesque Lakeside Park, where popular nursery rhymes come to life.  (510) 452-2259
Jack London Square - You will discover a great place to be! Whether you live across town or across the country you'll want to spend a day exploring. Never before have there been so many places to go, people to see, and things to do at the Square. You'll have fun discovering all the facets of this dynamic hot spot. Jack London Square is a special spot at the water's edge where places for shopping, dining, and daydreaming are all waiting for you.   (510) 814-6000
Pardee Home Museum - is one of the great undiscovered gems of the Bay Area, located at 672 Eleventh Street in downtown Oakland. Built in 1868, the three-story Italianate villa and its charming gardens were home to three generations of the Pardee family. The house is open for tours and available for event rentals. (510) 444-2187.
Oakland Ice Center - Offering public skating, classes, private parties, and in house hockey  programs, this world class facility is also a training rink for Olympic competitors and hopefuls.  (510) 268-9000
Oakland Zoo - The Oakland Zoo is nestled in the rolling hills of 525-acre Knowland Park. Each year thousands of families and school groups from around the Bay Area come to visit over 300 native and exotic animals that live in naturalistic habitats at the Zoo.   (510) 632-9525
Academy of Sciences, California - Consists of the Steinhart Aquarium, Morrison Planetarium, Natural History Museum. Golden Gate Park/8th Ave. (C, 10) (415) 750-7145
Hershey Factory & Visitor Center - Free tours showing the process of making Hershey chocolate from cocoa beans to candy bars. 120 South Sierra Ave., Oakdale. (209) 848-8126
Jelly Belly - Visit the Jelly Belly Visitor Center and take the free factory tour. Monday-Sunday 9am-5pm. Visit the cafe, java bar and gift store. (800) 953-5592 www.jellybelly.com
Lawrence Hall of Science - This user-friendly museum features interactive experimentation in geology, animal behavior and plant life. UC Berkeley. (510) 642-5134.
Morrison Planetarium - Star and sky shows in an indoor universe. Also, Laserium, a laser light and music show. Located at the Academy, Golden Gate Park/8th Ave. (C, 10) (415) 750-7141
Monterey Bay Aquarium - This nonprofit aquarium is home to more than 6,500 specimens of Marine life indigenous to the Monterey Bay. Monterey. (408) 648-4888.
Old Faithful Geyser of California - One of only three Old Faithful Geysers in the world. Erupts every 40 minutes to a height of 60 feet. 1299 Tubbs Lane, Calistoga (707) 942-6463
PIER 39 - Home to over 100 specialty shops, 10 restaurants and family attractions including Turbo Ride, the Venetian Carousel and the sea lions. Beach/Embarcadero (M, 2) (415) 981-PIER
San Francisco Zoo - Home to over 1,000 exotic, wild and domestic animals. Visit the primate center, penguin island and children's petting zoo. Sloat/Great Hwy. (A, 13) (415) 753-7061
SkyDeck - San Francisco's only observation deck. Spectacular views & multimedia kiosks featuring the City's history & culture. One Embarcadero, Battery/Sacramento (800) 733-6318
Steinhart Aquarium - Over 1,000 species of salt and fresh water fishes, reptiles, amphibians, marine mammals and even penguins. At the Academy, GG Park/8th Ave. (C, 10) (415) 750-7145
Turbo Ride - Experience Turbo Ride, the ultimate thrill adventure! Fasten your seat belt for a ''motion theatre'' adventure movie! PIER 39/Beach (M, 2) (415) 392-TURBO
Under Water World - America's first "under the sea" aquarium experience. An all-new 707,000-gallon aquarium. Walk inside an acrylic see-through tunnel. PIER 39 (M, 2) (415) 546-2700

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