Richard J Lee

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.

Tree huggers love spending time outdoors at Redwood Regional Park. Oakland's hidden redwood forest is the perfect 1,829-acre park to hug a really big tree. The park scurries with deer, raccoons, rabbits, and squirrels sharing their home with joggers, hikers, bikers, and mild-mannered walkers. Overnight reservations welcome, so campers pack your gear!

Celebrate the sound of music at the Art and Soul Festival. Put your dancing shoes on for two days of the best jazz, rock, gospel, Latin, R&B, acoustic and blues performed by national artists and local superstars. Sample exotic foods, view great art and be sure to bring the kids to enjoy carnival rides, face painting, hands-on art projects and more!