Downtown Oakland’s ongoing renaissance has captured national media attention, with the Uptown District emerging as a premier arts and entertainment destination.

In fact, Expedia Viewfinder recently ranked Oakland among the super cool U.S. cities to visit. Local residents and visitors can glimpse both today’s happening scene and landmarks from Oakland’s past during the 2017 Oakland Tours season.

Free 90-minute walking tours of downtown Oakland will be offered every Wednesday and Saturday through October. The twice weekly guided tours showcase the city’s changing skyline, landmarks, churches and high-rises.

The six-month long tour season ensures ample opportunity to take in each of the eight different tour itineraries. Each tour, led by a volunteer guide, begins at 10 a.m. from various starting locations depending on the itinerary. Reservations are recommended by leaving a message on the Tours’ 24-hour hotline at (510) 238-3234 or via email to aallen@oaklandnet.com. The tour brochure, itinerary descriptions, dates and starting locations are available at oaklandnet.com/walkingtours.

Tour 1 – Old Oakland
Tour 2 – City Center
Tour 3 – Uptown to the Lake
Tour 4 – Preservation Park
Tour 5 – Oakland Chinatown
Tour 6 – Jack London Waterfront
Tour 7 – Churches and Temples
Tour 8 – New Era/New