Thornhill Nursery

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.

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.

Experience the drama on stage at the TheatreFIRST. Oakland's resident professional theater company is home-grown talent at its best, with a knack for bringing the house down with provocative plays that excite and engage audiences. Past performances on the entertainment schedule have included The Grapes of Wrath, Welcome Home, Jenny Sutter, and Anton in Show Business.

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.