A city with both economic and racial diversity, Oakland has done much recently to shake off some of its past difficulties. A port city, some parts of it still suffer from urban blight, but the shadows are receding as already successful redevelopment plans accelerate. Presently Oakland is a city with interesting architecture, a couple of great museums, and a fascinating history.

A good spot to begin a walking tour of the city is City Hall, built in 1914. Nearby, the aptly named Victorian Row has several different well-preserved buildings dating from the 1860s. Also of note is the Paramount Theatre, which besides being an important and stylistically excellent example of art deco, is also host to ballet and orchestra performances.

Two fine museums are worth a visit in Oakland. Its best facility is the Oakland Museum of California, which offers a professional and highly detailed history of the Gold Rush state's rise to prominence. Also of note is the African American Museum and Library, with its focus on the African American experience in the region.

Visiting Lake Merritt

Lake Merritt, a mesmerizing body of water, is Oakland's focal point. Once lined with the fine mansions of the city's elite, there is today only one survivor of that bygone era. The Camron Stanford House, with some carefully restored rooms, is open to the public and charges only a nominal entrance fee.