From Urban Streets To Magical Forestry, Welcome To The Oakland Hills

When most people think Oakland, California they certainly don’t think stunning redwood forests, lush hiking trails or quaint cottages. But that’s why the Oakland Hills flies under-the-radar of most. While surprising to some, this area is home to some of the Bay Area’s prettiest places to find tranquility.

For those looking to stay for a while, check in to the iconic Claremont Club & Spa which has been wowing guests since 1915. This California landmark can be seen from the highway as you drive into Oakland. Known as “The White Castle on the Hill,” this historic property is situated in the Oakland Hills, just 12 miles from San Francisco. The Claremont exudes luxury from every corner of its 2 acres of manicured grounds.

Most of its 276 rooms boast epic San Francisco Bay and skyline views along with super plush beds. The hotel offers a true country club feel with its activities offered which include tennis, swimming, fitness rooms and accompanying classes, Pilates and more. And of course it’s not called a spa for nothing! The Fairmont Spa has recently opened, so if you want to take your luxe stay up a notch, book an appointment.

For both guests and visitors alike, the property has an on-site restaurant which overlooks the Bay Area—ideal for dinner with a sunset! Limewood Bar & Restaurant offers a menu of seasonally-inspired dishes prepared with local ingredients and the expert culinary experience of executive chef Joseph Paire, III.

Dishes include Prawns And Polenta with San Marzano tomatoes, parmesan; Roasted Bone Marrow Tartare with beef tartare, sourdough, parsley; Crispy Rockfish and hot sauce, buttermilk, & pickled onions; Dungeness Crab Bucatini with uni carbonara, Calabrian chili; and Cioppino with Dungeness crab, mussels, clams, and sourdough fennel tomato broth.

So how to best enjoy the day after a restful stay at the Claremont (or a drive over to the Oakland Hills if you’re local)? Here’s what to eat, drink and do in 48 hours!

Breakfast

Two incredible places for breakfast pastries are Fournée Bakery, which is right across the street from the Claremont, and L’acajou. Fournée Bakery has the flakiest, most unbelievable pastries and viennoiserie items. Indulgent items include the ham and manchego croissant with Niman Ranch ham and manchego cheese; twice baked chocolate almond croissant with with almond cream spread, topped with almond cream; and the fruit croissant with organic apricot, vanilla bean cream cheese filling, topped with almond cream.

If you want something closer to the hills, check out the neighborhood gem, L’acajou. They have a variety of delicious pastries as well as savory breakfast items like the Parisian with egg, Zoe’s ham, dijon, spinach and gruyere cheese on a croissant and the Eggs D’acajou with eggs on a bed of spinach, topped with melted gruyere cheese, Zoe’s bacon, and a side of roasted potatoes.

If you’re in need for something heartier to start your morning, take a seat at Sequoia Diner for their breakfast classics made to order. Popular items include the breakfast sandwich no 1. with over medium egg, pepper jack, bacon, avocado; the corned beef breakfast sandwich with spicy kraut, Swiss cheese, Russian dressing, rye & over easy egg; and plates such as the goat cheese omelet with snap peas and green garlic or the corned beef brisket hash.

Lunch

Before you head in to the hills to hike, grab some upscale picnic food for lunch! Communite Table offers seasonal homestyle comfort food including deli case goodies that are perfect for packing in your picnic basket. From gourmet sides such as Yukon potato and green bean salad; deviled eggs; and grilled veggies to sandwiches that include French ham and gruyere sandwich and albacore tuna, it’s an ideal pre-hike pit stop.

For something fancier, stop by Farmstead Cheeses and Wines for, you guessed it, a nice selection of your favorite cheeses and wines. Grab a fresh baguette and you’re good to go!

Market Hall Foods is another great option to grab gourmet foods to-go. They have a variety of deli items, prepared foods, salads and vegetable sides and more. Think quinoa with roasted veggies; curried chicken salad; beets with lemon and olive oil… there’s a ton to choose from!

Redwood Regional Park

The best way to experience this part of Oakland is in nature. Unlike Muir Woods, one of the Bay Area’s most popular places to walk amongst the grandeur of redwood trees, Redwood Regional Park doesn’t require any parking reservations. This hidden forest is nestled within the hills, just a few miles over the ridge from Downtown Oakland.

The short drive from the bustling downtown area takes you what feels like towns away in to a whole new, extremely peaceful place. One where you’d probably find the characters of Narnia hiding somewhere in a wardrobe.

It’s a great alternative to other hiking areas that get filled with tourists and offers miles of trails that are lined with pretty ferns and looming coastal redwood trees. This park is nearly 2000 acres and is easily accessible for those with a car.

Plan on parking at the Skyline Gate Staging Area at 7876 Redwood Rd. located in the Montclair neighborhood of Oakland. From there you’ll quickly find yourself immersed in nature, eucalyptus and pine trees, wildflowers, and of course, epic redwoods.  

Chabot Space & Science Center

If nature isn’t what you’re seeking, check out the nearby Chabot Space & Science Center. This non-profit institution is located on 13 trail-laced acres in the Redwood Regional Park. Chabot is a hands-on institution, ideal for those with a love of science and technology.

It features a 241-seat full dome planetarium, interactive and hands-on exhibits, space artifacts, a giant screen theater, a Challenger Learning Center, and the only research-level telescopes regularly available to the public for weekly live viewing in the Western United States.

Currently the center is closed, but plans to reopen in November 2021 with new exhibitions, events and programs in partnership with NASA’s Ames Research Center.

Dinner

There are so many exciting spots to eat and indulge at in Oakland. Within a 10-12 minute ride back towards Downtown Oakland you can have a taste of nearly any cuisine.

For inspired Filipino cuisine, check out Temescal neighborhood’s FOB Kitchen. Owner and chef Janice Dulce features all the Filipino classics including pancit sotanghon with glass noodles, veggies and soy; daing na bangus, a whole milkfish marinated in palm vinegar, garlic and spices; pork adobo with soy and vinegar; and the always addictive lumpia Shanghai which is similar to egg rolls. Lively vibes, traditional cuisine and a welcoming atmosphere make this Instragramable spot a 10/10.

Also in the Temescal district is Burma Superstar which is known for their authentic Burmese cuisine. Must-try dishes include tea leaf salad which is mixed table-side, made with a unique fermented tea leaf dressing tossed with a crispy mixture of nuts, beans, and garlic with lettuce; Burmese style beef or lamb; nan gyi dok with flour noodles with coconut chicken curry, roasted chickpea flour, hard-boiled egg, cabbage, wontons, turmeric, chili and fried onions; and Burmese samusas. Read more here.

For a fun, friends’ night-out-type of vibe, check out Arthur Mac’s Tap and Shack which offers an expansive beer garden, with a large selection of beers, ciders and wine. They have a delicious selection of hand stretched specialty pizzas made with house-made, cold-fermented dough and locally produced ingredients. From pizzas like the bbq chicken and king salami to their Arty’s hot wings, it’s a great place to unwind and kick back! And it’s dog-friendly!