The Zen Temple of Bliss

Ain't life Grand! Discover the coal baron Dunsmuir family, their gracious home and elegant lifestyle at Dunsmuir-Hellman Historic Estate. This attraction allows you to step inside a Neoclassical Revival mansion with 37 rooms standing on a 55-acre estate. Enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride across lush gardens, around a scenic pond and stop at the Carriage House Crafters for some tea and the Dunsmuir Gift Shop for unique mementos.

Love hiking and just being outdoors? At Bay Area Ridge Trail, over 330 miles of scenic trails are open for hikers, cyclists, walkers, joggers and anyone who loves the peacefulness of being outdoors. Enjoy eye-catching views, precious open spaces, and all the fresh air you can breathe!

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.

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.