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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Loved by locals

Spots with nice views and parking in Oakland

A scenic outlook that you can enjoy without circling the block for forty minutes to find a spot.

Based on 788 Opinions
+785
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Updated April 2026
01
Port View Park image 1
Port View Park image 2
Port View Park image 3
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Open space with harbor views and walking paths offers a relaxing atmosphere with occasional activity from nearby port operations. The park stays quiet on weekends and features picnic areas and a playground, making it suitable for unwinding and casual outdoor activities.

Free and convenient parking is available. Restrooms sit quite far from the parking lot.

Beautiful views of the Bay Bridge and San Francisco skyline stand out here. The spot offers scenic waterfront sights with container ships arriving and departing, especially striking at sunset.

People are saying

"I loved the beautiful bay views and the sunset."

"The views of the Bay Bridge and the city lights are beautiful."

"I found the parking available here was free."

Good to know

1

Free parking is available at Port View Park.

2

Restrooms are located far from the parking lot.

3

Dogs are not allowed in the park.

02
Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park image 1

Second-growth redwoods form a lush, cool canopy that creates a peaceful, tranquil forest atmosphere. Wide trails and picnic areas with BBQ pits offer spots for relaxation and family activities. The park combines natural beauty with dog-friendly, stroller-accessible paths for casual hiking.

Plenty of free parking exists near the canyon meadow staging area and below. The parking area is spacious and easy to access during the week.

Trails wind through redwood trees and ferns, offering stunning views of the surrounding hills and Bay Area. Open grassy areas and picnic spots add to the scenic experience.

People are saying

"I loved hiking the well-maintained trails amongst the redwoods."

"The trails offer nice views of the surrounding redwood trees."

"There's lots of parking available, and it stays open late."

Good to know

1

Reservations and barcode for parking are required before arriving at the park.

2

The park offers clean restrooms and water fountains at the entrance.

3

Expect a 30-minute uphill hike on the trail; consider a hiking stick for balance.

03
Ramen Station image 1
Ramen restaurant

Decor and sounds mimic a Japanese train station with loudspeaker announcements and JR Rail-themed design. Vending machines offer Japanese snacks and drinks featuring anime characters. Outdoor seating overlooks water, providing a tranquil view alongside the immersive subway atmosphere.

Ample parking exists in a safe parking lot with plenty of spaces. Access to the location is easy from the parking area.

Seating includes both indoors and outdoors with a public shoreline view. The spot offers great views next to a Starbucks.

People are saying

"I thought the ramen here was the best I've ever had."

"The themed decor really makes it feel like a Japanese train station."

"There's plenty of parking available and it's easy to access."

Good to know

1

Orders are placed through a kiosk or iPad and food is delivered through an opening.

2

Drinks are ordered through a vending machine.

3

There is ample parking that is safe in a parking lot.

04
Temescal Regional Recreation Area image 1

Park features redwoods, a lake with a beach, and a boathouse creating a peaceful atmosphere despite nearby freeway noise. Visitors enjoy picnicking, fishing, hiking, and playgrounds amid grassy open spaces. The setting offers a quiet, relaxing vibe with beautiful views and varied areas to explore.

Plenty of parking exists with a $5 fee at the main lots. Free parking is available on Broadway Street, about a 10-minute walk away. The lower lot offers open green space and bathrooms near big event areas.

Beautiful lakefront views surround a small lake with ducks and various animals. Trails for biking and hiking offer scenic nature views enjoyed by families, couples, kids, and dogs.

People are saying

"I found the park to be beautiful and nice."

"I loved the beautiful nature view with the lake and trees."

"Parking available here is easy and plentiful."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $5, and there is ample parking available.

2

Reservations are required to use the facilities at the park.

3

The park has plenty of bathrooms, but they are latrines.

05
Chappell Hayes Observation Tower image 1

Observation tower offers panoramic bay views and free telescopes for close-up sights. Surrounding park features semi-paved trails and a peaceful waterfront atmosphere with frequent bird activity. The area remains quiet and uncrowded, making it suitable for relaxing walks and picnics.

Plenty of parking exists at the main lot near the entrance. Handicap parking spots are available by the Chappell Hayes Observation Tower, though the parking is far from the tower.

The observation tower offers great views of the bay and the city skyline. Free telescopes enhance the experience, and the short walk to the tower includes several scenic spots along the way.

People are saying

"I loved the beautiful bay views from the tower."

"The tower offers awesome city views and is a cool hidden gem."

"Parking available right near the entrance, it's great."

Good to know

1

There is a warning about car break-ins at 9 am on Sundays at the park.

2

All handicap parking is available at the Chappell Hayes Observation Tower.

3

I would advise visitors not to go alone to the observation tower.

06
Fox Theater image 1
Live music venue

Historic theater offers an intimate setting with beautiful architecture and excellent sightlines. The atmosphere feels classy and nostalgic, supporting clear sound where vocals stand out. Services include a VIP room and accommodations for handicapped individuals, enhancing the overall experience.

A parking garage with a $5 deal near the theater offers easy entry and convenience. Valet parking sits right in front and center, with staff directing traffic and plenty of garages within a short walk.

Most seats offer an amazing stage view. The balcony and private areas near the sound booth provide excellent views and comfortable seating to enjoy live music and cocktails.

People are saying

"This venue is gorgeous and perfect for seeing a show."

"Parking was easy to find nearby."

"I found the venue to be beautiful and gorgeous."

Good to know

1

Tickets must be shown at the door, and metal detection screening is required.

2

Parking is available in nearby garages, but be cautious of break-ins.

3

Valet parking is conveniently located right in front of the theater.

07
Best Western Plus Bayside Hotel image 1

Hotel offers waterfront views with balconies overlooking the bay and city skyline. Atmosphere stays calm and tranquil despite nearby freeway noise. Amenities include clean, spacious rooms, a small pool and spa, and complimentary breakfast with coffee options.

Plenty of parking available makes check-in quick. Security in the lot adds safety despite nearby homeless encampments.

Rooms on the top floor offer excellent Bayside views with a private balcony for relaxing. The breakfast room also provides an impressive waterfront view along with city lights.

People are saying

"I loved the beautiful bay view from my room's balcony."

"The complimentary breakfast here is nice and tasty."

"Parking costs an extra $17 per night."

Good to know

1

Expect potential safety issues in the parking lot; thefts have been reported.

2

Rooms are spacious and clean, with some featuring balconies.

3

The hotel has a beautiful view of the bay from many rooms.

08
The Lake Chalet Seafood Bar & Grill image 1

Waterfront setting offers breathtaking views and a relaxing atmosphere with outdoor seating and live music. Guests enjoy heated covered decks and shaded patios, creating a comfortable space for socializing. The vibe suits casual gatherings with friends or romantic outings by the lake.

Parking stays easy to find even on busy evenings. A valet is present and actively handles security concerns in the lot.

Spectacular views of Lake Merritt dominate the setting, especially from the top floor with its spacious and comfortable seating. Outdoor spots offer a beautiful natural backdrop, making the water views a key highlight.

People are saying

"I loved the nice view from the outdoor seating area."

"The cocktails here are crafted to perfection."

"Parking was surprisingly easy to find."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs on Tuesdays with menu items priced between $7 and $10.

2

Reservations are recommended due to the restaurant's popularity.

3

Valet parking is available, but car burglaries are common in the area.

09
Executive Inn & Suites image 1

Rooms overlook spectacular water views with calm estuary scenes and occasional jet skis. Main areas feel beautiful and well maintained, featuring a clean pool and Jacuzzi for relaxation. Noise levels vary, with quiet lakeside rooms contrasting louder areas near the highway and ground floor.

Plenty of parking spaces fit even big trucks. Parking stays affordable alongside options like large room upgrades with water views.

Rooms offer spectacular water views with a cozy balcony overlooking the lake. The scene includes rowers training, quiet boats, and occasional jet skis on the estuary.

People are saying

"The staff here is so friendly and helpful."

"I loved the beautiful water views from the lake."

"Parking was plentiful and affordable."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $17 per day, which can add up during your stay.

2

The hotel lacks an elevator, so be prepared for stairs.

3

Rooms are generally clean, but some reports mention issues with mildew.

10
Motel 6 Oakland, CA - Embarcadero image 1

Motel sits along the marina with waterside views and a public fishing pier at the back. Atmosphere feels quiet and peaceful, offering a cozy and clean environment ideal for relaxation. Pet-friendly policy and benches along the water add to the calm, scenic setting.

Free parking comes with a permit system requiring the permit taped to the windshield. The lot stays well-lit and patrolled by OPD, with a substation nearby for added safety.

Rooms and shoreline offer a beautiful sunset view over the marina. Water views from the rooms create a cozy and clean atmosphere with amazing scenery.

People are saying

"This hotel is super affordable and in a good location."

"The view from the rooms is pretty good."

"I felt safe with the police presence and lit lot."

Good to know

1

The motel charges $10 a day to rent fridges and microwaves.

2

There is a regular police presence, so it feels pretty safe.

3

The location is great with a walking path by the marina.

11
Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum image 1

Vast concrete bowl with brutalist architecture and signs of disrepair hosts lively crowds. Loud environment filled with music and cheering fans creates an energetic atmosphere. Pre-game parking lot buzzes with BBQs and socializing, adding to the overall experience.

Massive and secured parking areas surround the stadium. Plenty of spots make parking easy even with pre-paid options available.

Great views exist from every seat in the park, including the diamond level seats which are also comfortable. The suites offer an amazing view, and section 320 provides a clear sightline as well.

People are saying

"The live sports here have amazing fireworks and drone shows."

"The parking available here is massive and there's plenty of space."

"You get a great view from almost any seat here."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $40 and can be a nightmare to navigate.

2

Food and drinks are not allowed inside the stadium.

3

Bags, including backpacks, are not permitted inside the stadium.

12
AC Hotel Oakland Downtown image 1

Modern hotel with soundproof rooms and excellent blackout curtains offers a quiet atmosphere despite some external road noise. The well-equipped gym supports active stays, while rooms provide modern decor and some feature outstanding city and bay views. Lobby space is small but functional with seating and charging outlets.

Valet-only parking offers hassle-free and safe service. Street parking costs about $5 for three nights, making it a cheaper alternative.

Rooms offer outstanding views of the bay, city skyline, and downtown Oakland. Windows showcase both the sea and cityscape, creating a striking backdrop from high floors.

People are saying

"This hotel is so clean and modern, I was really impressed."

"The breakfast here was awesome and included real scrambled eggs."

"The valet parking here costs $50 a day."

Good to know

1

Only valet parking is available for $50 per night.

2

Street parking costs about $5 for three hours.

3

The hotel is a short walk from the BART station.

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Oakland, California

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