Oakland, the other side of the Bay

Where I grew up and where I teach. Come for the lake, stay for the tacos. BART from the city is fifteen minutes; no excuses.

1. Walk the Lake Merritt loop

   3.4 miles. Sunday afternoons are a party.

   Diego did it 19 Sep

   Lake Merritt
2. Al pastor from Tacos Mi Rancho

   The truck by the lake on 1st Ave. Get the horchata.

   Diego did it 12 Sep

   Tacos Mi Rancho
3. A movie at the Grand Lake Theatre

   Friday or Saturday, for the organ before the show.

   Diego did it 23 Aug

4. The Oakland Museum of California

   The California galleries, then the rooftop garden.

   Diego did it 17 Jan

5. A drink at Heinold's

   The floor's tilted from the 1906 earthquake. Jack London drank here.

   Diego did it 8 Feb

   Heinold's First and Last Chance Saloon
6. Redwood Regional Park's Stream Trail

   Redwoods fifteen minutes from downtown.

   Diego did it 5 Sep

   Redwood Regional Park
7. Telescope night at Chabot

   Free on Friday and Saturday nights when the sky is clear.

   Diego did it 25 Apr

   Chabot Space & Science Center
8. Pizza at the Cheese Board in Berkeley

   One pizza a day. Live jazz. The line moves fast.

   Diego did it 21 Jun

   Cheese Board Pizza