How to make the most out of your layover in Oakland

Because of its location on San Francisco Bay, Oakland has almost always been overshadowed by its neighboring city, San Francisco. But Oakland Airport is an extremely popular place to travel through, attracting a diverse crowd of tourists in part because it offers easy access to San Francisco.

Still, Oakland has plenty to offer all by itself. Because rents are cheaper here than in sky-high San Francisco, much of the local artistic community has moved across the bay to Oakland, creating a kind of cultural renaissance here. Oakland offers the same incredible scenic views that you'll find in San Francisco, and in recent years, the food scene has also come to rival that of its neighboring city. In many ways, the relationship between Oakland and San Francisco reflects the one between, say, New York and Brooklyn, with Oakland filling the role Brooklyn does as a center of vibrant counterculture and coolness compared to wealthier but more conservative San Francisco.

If you find yourself on a layover in Oakland, consider taking a little time to explore the city for yourself. Though often underrated, Oakland is a great place to enjoy what Northern California has to offer, and the robust public transportation links make it easy to reach Jack London Square with enough time to sample some of what makes the city so special.

That's even more true if you remember to leave your bags behind at a Bounce luggage storage location in Oakland. We partner with local businesses to make sure you always have a place to leave your things, making it much easier to see new places whether you are on a short or long layover. Let us worry about your belongings so you can focus on getting to grips with Oakland itself.

Things to know before leaving Oakland International Airport

Navigating Oakland Airport

OAK is a smaller, efficient airport with two terminals that makes it easy to navigate. It offers a variety of dining and shopping options, including local flavors like Blue Bottle Coffee. If you have a short layover, the airport provides a comfortable place to relax.

Note that to leave the airport, some non-US residents will require a visa. This applies even if you're only venturing out for a few hours. It's best to research your country's visa requirements in the US, and fortunately, some countries get visa-free entry. These include the UK, the EU, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Transportation from the airport

Oakland is well-connected to the city center and nearby areas:

• BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit): The BART station is accessible via the Oakland Airport Connector, which connects to Coliseum Station. From there, you can reach downtown Oakland or other Bay Area destinations quickly. You can reach Coliseum Station in eight minutes, which will then connect you to the rest of the city's public transit system.
• Taxis and rideshares: Readily available and typically take about 15–20 minutes to reach downtown.
• Shuttle services: Many hotels and attractions offer shuttle services from the airport.

Minimum layover times in Oakland

Depending on your layover length, here’s what you can do:

• 2-3 hours: Stay at the airport and enjoy local food and shops.
• 4-6 hours: Visit downtown Oakland for a quick exploration.
• 8+ hours: Venture further into Oakland or across the bay to San Francisco.

What to do in Oakland during a layover

Oakland’s compact downtown, vibrant neighborhoods, and waterfront make it an ideal city to explore during a layover. And thanks to the city's cultural excellence, you can find interesting museums, fascinating galleries, or bars that play great music at just about any hour of the day. Step out of the air-conditioned airport and enjoy some fresh air on San Francisco Bay, and you just might find yourself planning another trip to Oakland as soon you have more time to devote to this fun place.

Short layover in Oakland (2-3 hours): Stay put at OAK

If your layover is brief, take advantage of the airport’s offerings.

• Activities: Grab a coffee at Blue Bottle Coffee, an Oakland-born specialty coffee chain. Or, browse airport shops for unique local gifts, like Oakland-themed merchandise or Bay Area wines.
• Dining: Try local flavors at Peet’s Coffee & Tea or enjoy a south-of-the-border-themed meal at Cancún Sabor Mexicano. Both options are in Terminal 1.

Half-day layover in Oakland (4-6 hours): Explore downtown

When you have a few hours to spare, head to downtown Oakland to experience its vibrant energy.

• Activities: Visit Jack London Square, a waterfront area with shops, restaurants, and scenic views of the bay. You can take a leisurely walk along the marina. Also stop by the Oakland Museum of California, which offers fascinating exhibits on California’s art, history, and natural sciences. As is the case with most museums, you can't bring heavy and large bags inside here, and the storage space in the museum cloakroom is limited. The best option is to leave your bags behind with a Bounce luggage storage so you can visit the museum hands-free.
• Walk through Old Oakland, a historic district with restored Victorian buildings, boutique shops, and eateries. This is one of the most atmospheric districts of the city and is definitely worth exploring if you have enough time.
• Dining: Enjoy lunch at The Plank in Jack London Square, which features waterfront dining and entertainment options like bowling and bocce. For something quick, try Swan’s Market, a historic food hall with diverse culinary options like tacos, ramen, and artisanal ice cream.

Full-day layover in Oakland (8+ hours): Discover more of the city

A longer layover allows you to dive deeper into Oakland’s culture and nearby attractions.

• Activities: Spend time at Lake Merritt, a picturesque urban lake with walking paths, gardens, and boating activities. You can also visit the Oakland Bonsai Garden nearby. Explore the African American Museum and Library at Oakland, which highlights the contributions of African Americans to California’s history.
• If you’re a sports fan, check the schedule for a game at the Oakland Arena or the Coliseum. But make sure you don't try to bring big bags inside the stadium with you. Instead, leave them behind at a Bounce luggage storage so you can focus on the game and not run into any problems with security.
• For art lovers, visit Temescal Alley, a hub for local artists, indie shops, and cafes.
• Dining: Try Commis, a Michelin-starred restaurant offering creative, modern American cuisine. But for a more casual experience, visit Homeroom, a beloved spot for gourmet mac and cheese.

Evening layover in Oakland

If your layover extends into the evening, Oakland’s nightlife and dining scene offer plenty to enjoy. Many locals prefer the nightlife in Oakland to that in San Francisco, so if you have a late night or even an overnight layover, you can enjoy it for yourself.

• Activities: Head to The Fox Theater, a restored 1920s theater that hosts live music and performances. There's always something going on at The Fox, so make sure to check the website and see what they're putting on while you're in town. You can also explore Telegraph Avenue, known for its bars, restaurants, and street art. This is a great area to eat, drink, or just hang out and enjoy the atmosphere.
• Dining: A great place to grab a drink is at Drake’s Dealership, a popular beer garden offering craft brews and wood-fired pizzas.
• Hotels: If your layover in Oakland extends overnight, there are some good options right at the airport, including the Courtyard Oakland Airport and Oakland Airport Executive Hotel.

Tips for making the most of your Oakland layover

• Plan wisely: Allow at least an hour to return to the airport and clear security, especially during peak travel times. You can save yourself some time by leaving your bags behind at a Bounce luggage storage close to the airport, and then picking them up on your way to catch your connecting flight. That way, you'll be ready for the security checks with plenty of time.
• Weather: Oakland has a mild climate year-round, but bring a jacket for cooler evenings.
• Transportation: Use BART or rideshares for efficient travel between the airport and downtown. Oakland Airport is close enough to the city it serves that you don't have to think about renting a car, but a taxi or rideshare can help you get to the city faster if your time on your layover is limited.
• Local currency: The U.S. dollar (USD) is used, and credit cards are widely accepted.

Oakland has so much to offer, and you can see it all without the high prices and crowds of neighboring San Francisco. Leave your bags behind with Bounce so that you can travel hands-free and really get into the city's highlights. Storing your bags with us for as long as you need can be done on the fly at the last minute and will make it much easier to save time and really experience some of the best of what Oakland has to offer.