Feel zen at the Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt. The garden contains one of the most beautiful open-air bonsai collections in the nation, with more than 150 outstanding bonsai trees. Tour this and other rare spectacular garden wonders such as a Japanese Garden, Mediterranean Garden, and Rhododendron Garden.
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.
Trace the Pardee family tree at the Pardee Home Museum. The museum tells the story of three generations of the Pardee family who lived at the residence for more than one hundred years and had their hands in everything from gold to politics. Stroll through the impressive home and gardens, sip tea on the veranda and shop at the gift shop.