Why Cook

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.

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!

Visit Hong Kong at the Oakland Chinatown Streetfest. Travel eight city blocks of Asian market fair touting to one of the largest Asian American festivals in the United States. The two day free event goes international with more than 200 booths serving the taste of Asia, unique Asian products, entertainment and more!

Dimond Recreation Center is no diamond in the rough. This outdoor park is a cut above when it comes to outdoor recreation activities that shine with miles of hiking trails, a grand slam tennis court, a golf course, and five park side pools - all set to make sure you get an exercise glow!