Tax Magic

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.

Pick up tickets to the Oakland Ballet. From opening night to closing night, you'll be poised to experience classical ballet entertainment, including performances of favorites like The Nutcracker. The stunning shows are made even more dramatic by the accompaniment of the Oakland East Bay Symphony. Your trip to the ballet will be made even more memorable because the performances are at the historic Paramount Theater.

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.

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!