5 Things To Bring On Your Trip To Oakland
Oakland California is a vibrant multicultural city nestled in the heart of the bay area. Oakland California is world renowned for its culture, food, music, and cool people. With so many things to do in Oakland, it's no wonder that over 3 million people travel from all over the world to visit this city by the bay every year.
Whether you are coming to visit family, to be close to San Francisco, or you just want to see what all the hype is about, planning a trip to Oakland can be both exciting and nerve-racking for people who have never visited this area.
Like any new place that you visit, the first thing you want to figure out is what to pack. What items will be essential for your trip to this area, and what are things that you must bring with you. Luckily, here at B-Love’s Guesthouse we are very familiar with new travelers to the area and are here to help you out with your trip.
1. A Light Jacket
The weather in Oakland can switch at the drop of a dime. It is not an exaggeration to say that you might even feel multiple seasons in one day. This is why it is highly recommended to keep a lightweight jacket with you at all times. Even if it seems like it's nice, sunny, and warm when you leave for the day, I can guarantee you you will need that jacket by mid day. Even in the summer months everyone in Oakland has a jacket with an arm’s reach. We are right on the water after all, don’t get caught in the cold!
2. Your Appetite
Oakland boasts some of the best food and hippest eats in the whole Bay Area. Don't sleep on the food in Oakland! Whether you are eating at a trendy restaurant in Downtown or checking out one of the many renowned food trucks around the city, your tastebuds will be in for a never ending treat while you are here. When you are in Oakland, we recommend skipping out on chain and well-known restaurants and trying out the local cuisine. You will not be disappointed. If you need a starting point, check out Hella Nuts in downtown, we give this place a solid 5-stars.
3. Reusable Bag/Tote
If you are not from California, you may be surprised to learn that plastic shopping bags are restricted across the state. This means that most stores either do not give you a bag when you check out, they only have paper bags, or they will charge you for requesting a plastic bag for your purchase. Avoid the confusion by arriving with a bag of your own, and make sure that you pick one that shows a little bit of your personality and style since you'll be carrying it around with you. After a long day of tracking around Oakland, it's nice to get back to your room and pour your bag out and see all of the goodies you've gotten while you were out. As an added bonus your tote may come in handy when it’s time to travel back home. A spare tote in your suitcase can quickly become a carry-on to help you free up some space and avoid paying extra cost for luggage that is over the 50n pound limit.
4. Sun Protection
Oakland is a sunny and vibrant place and it's very likely that you will be spending a lot of time outside. This means that sun protection is a must, year around. Sunscreen, hat, and a nice pair of sunnies are a necessity for any trip to the bay area. And before you say anything, everyone needs sunscreen. Young, old, black, and brown you are never too hip to protect yourself.
5. Your Sense of Adventure
While you can spend an entire trip exploring the many gems around Oakland and never seeing the same thing twice, the great thing about Oakland is how close it is to so many other exciting places to explore. Oakland is only a few miles from San Francisco, Berkeley, San Jose, and a number of other cities which all have their own unique character and laundry list of activities to do. When you're in Oakland, make sure that you take some time to explore other parts of the bay as well.