Oakland, California gay city guide

Oakland may not be as popular as some of the other Californian cities, but it still attracts plenty of visitors, due to the great weather and amazing scenery, as well as its diverse social make-up and the array of cultural events held there throughout the year. There are also a number of gay villages in the city, including Adams Point, which many gay individuals have chosen to call their home. Here you will find all kinds of gay-owned businesses and amenities, with numerous gay bars and clubs, restaurants, cafés and shops to choose from.

An indication of Oakland’s ethnic diversity is the large number of languages spoken in the area, as well as the range of events held from the Cinco de Mayo Fruitvale Festival Parade held in May to the Chinatown Streetfest that takes place in August. The Oakland Pride festival is a relatively new event on the calendar, but nevertheless attracts a significant crowd with four different stages and the opportunity to enjoy a variety of performers and forms of entertainment.

There are also plenty of places to visit and activities to do in Oakland. If you’re interested in the history of the area, you may want to take a trip to the Oakland Museum of California, the Peralta Museum of History and Culture or the African American Museum & Library at Oakland. Other locations of historical note include Jack London Square, named after the writer, and USS Potomac that served as Franklin Roosevelt’s presidential yacht from 1936 until his death in 1945. The Chabot Space and Science Center is another popular tourist destination in Oakland, as is Oakland Zoo.

Overall, then, it is the diversity and openness to different cultures that make Oakland a city with a fascinating history. Its willingness to embrace difference also makes for an interesting present, as you will find when you visit the city.