A Great Good Place for Books

Reach for the stars at the Chabot Space and Science Center. The 86,000-square-foot learning and teaching center places focus on astronomy and space sciences. Spend a family fun, scientific day exploring the center's many interactive space and science exhibitions and attractions like the star dropping planetarium, and giant screen movie MegaDome!

Spend some time hanging out at Café Van Kleef. Gather with politicians, artists, entrepreneurs and a host of other very interesting people at a café bar. This nightlife destination is fast becoming the hippest spot to mingle with intellectuals, enjoy elegant drinks, and hear the best from local blues, jazz and contemporary musicians.

Set sail at Lake Merritt Boating Center. The waters of Lake Merritt can be calm or extreme when it comes to your interest in water recreation. Learn to sail, rent a paddleboat, canoe or kayak, or sign up to be on an exciting dragon boat team, the fastest growing water sport in the world.

Life is a fairytale at Children's Fairyland. The 10-acre park rests on the scenic shores of Lake Merritt and is a children's imaginative playground dotted with giant whimsical storybook sets, fun amusement rides and attractions, funny puppet shows, and magical entertainment for hours of fun for the whole family.