Grier Cooper Photography

It's zenful at the Huckleberry Botanic Regional Preserve. Maintaining the fragile nature of this Oakland ecological treasure is of the utmost importance due to its relic plant life found only in a few areas along the California coast. Outdoor enthusiasts and nature photographers alike enjoy traveling across the 240 acres to discover the rare native plants and flowers.

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.

A rose by any other name is still a rose at the Morcom Rose Garden. The municipal rose garden opened in 1920 with a green thumb that reaches across eight acres of green space blooming more than 6,000 roses. The classic rose garden is the ideal place for you to stop and smell the roses and capture picture perfect memories.

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!