The Expert Gate Company

The Layover music bar and art lounge dances to the beat of its own drum in the heart of downtown Oakland. The bohemian interior spins an eclectic mix of DJ line ups, bands and showcases art collections of Bay Area artists. Drinks are green with signature organic cocktails, and the location is sweet sitting next to top nightlife attractions like the Fox Theater, Paramount Theater, and 19th Street BART.

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.

Birds of a feather flock together at the Lake Merritt. The unique fresh and salt water lake is home to the oldest wildlife and bird sanctuary in North America. Spend time at Oakland's treasured waterfront traveling across 155 acres of land, ideal for nature lovers and fans of bayfront views.

It's a race to the finish line at the International Dragon Boat Festival. Come watch spectacular boats adorned with colorful dragon heads and tails manned with 20 or more paddlers as they reenact a Chinese tradition to appease the river dragons. Today it's one of the fastest growing watersports in the world.