Where to Stay?
Claremont Hotel & Spa
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This historic landmark offers a unique stay just outside the hustle & bustle of San Francisco. It's reasonably priced, location and amenities considered. Some rooms have views of the San Francisco Bay.
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Morning
Oakland's stunning hiking and biking trails draws many outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy some time outdoors in the Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve with a quick, cardio-blasting hike that has a huge payoff with views of Oakland, the bay and San Francisco. Afterwards, head over to my absolute favorite French bakery and enjoy on the oversized wooden lawn chairs in front of the Claremont hotel.
Stonewall-Panoramic Trail
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Short but sweet hike that provides a nice combination of exercise and views
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Fournée Bakery
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Ambiance: Sidewalk wait for the BEST pastries cooked fresh daily.
My recommendation: Egg & Ham Roll, Chocolate Almond Croissant, Morning Bun (honestly everything is amazing)
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Afternoon
Head down to College Avenue to the easily accessible and very walkable neighborhood of Rockridge. There are many unique shops and restaurants to suit many tastes. Slowly make your way to Wood tavern which is open for lunch 11:30-3:00PM.
The Wardrobe Project
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One of Oakland's newest vintage & modern consignment shops in Rockridge
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Nathan & Co
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Perfect store to find quirky home goods, kitchenware, décor, or gifts
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Market Hall Foods Oakland
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Gourmet grocery store that has a cafe, bakery, gourmet food hall, wine shop, and florist
My recommendation: Spicy Beef turnover
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Wood Tavern
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Ambiance: Modern, rustic farm-to-table restaurant that offers a unique balance of crafting both fine dining dishes and a welcoming atmosphere.
My recommendation: Prosciutto wrapped rabbit terrine and a cheese board (everything is made in house), porchetta sandwich, duck confit
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Evening
Lake Merritt is the heart of Oakland. It wraps 3.4 miles in circumference as was established as the first protected wildlife refuge in America. Spend your evening sipping a glass of wine in Oakland's Grand Lake district and experience Lake Merritt at night.
Ordinaire Wine Shop & Wine Bar
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Ambiance: Organic, rustic style wine bar, wine shop, and bistro-style restaurant located in the Grand Lake District. They only sell natural wine, produced from organic grapes with minimal chemical and technological intervention.
Pros: Location, dog friendly, small food menu
Cons: Beer/wine only
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MAMA Oakland
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Ambiance: Warm and welcoming Italian cuisine with top tier service and an incredible price fixe menu.
Tip: Make reservations in advance.
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Viridian
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Ambiance: Stylish Asian American cocktail bar and lounge.
My recommendation: Return to Guava Island
Pros: Full bar, classy vibes, women & Asian owned
Cons: Dogs not allowed, wait times can be long/no reservations
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Day 2
Morning
Check out Fourth Street for a leisurely Sunday morning. If you need your caffeine fix, head to Artis Coffee for a quick pit stop before browsing the shops or heading to breakfast/brunch at the staple restaurant, Oceanview Diner. Put your name on the walk up waitlist as this is a popular spot.
Artís Coffee
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Ambiance: Clean and spacious atmosphere with unique espresso drinks and an assortment of sweet & savory pastries.
My recommendation: Iced Honey lavender almond milk latte
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Oceanview Diner
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Ambiance: Bustling classic breakfast diner with red vinyl booths and checkered black and white floors. Previously known as Bette's Oceanview Diner for over 40 years, was about to close until staff banded together to reopen the neighborhood staple.
My recommendation: California Benedict subbed with lox and a Soufflé pancake
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Afternoon
Hit the outdoors again with this 3.5-mile loop trail in Tilden Regional Park. This hike offers panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay, Marin Headlands, and Mt. Diablo. If you want a more leisurely activity, head to the UC Berkeley Botanical Garden or Rose Garden.
Seaview Trail
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A moderately challenging 3.5-mile loop trail in Tilden Regional Park that takes about 1 h 51 min to complete.
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University of California Botanical Garden
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Beautiful and diverse 4-acre garden home to one of the most diverse landscapes in the world, with over 10,000 types of plants including many rare and endangered species.
Open Daily: 10:00 am–5:00 pm
Tip: You can purchase tickets at the entrance however to reduce wait times you can purchase tickets in advance online
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Berkeley Rose Garden
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Stunning city-owned park in the North Berkeley with 1,500 rose bushes and 250 varieties of roses. The roses are pruned in January in preparation for mid-May when they are in full bloom.
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Pack a blanket before heading out as I recommend enjoying the rest of the sunny day with a picnic at Cesar Chavez Park. When you are ready to grab a bite to eat, head over to Grégoire Restaurant for a picnic food takeout. If you want to grab beer or wine for your picnic head over to North Berkeley Imports down the street.
Grégoire Restaurant
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Ambiance: French inspired salad and sandwich casual takeout spot with picnic tables out front.
My recommendation: Crispy Potato puffs, Fried Chicken Sandwich
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Cesar Chavez Park
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City park directly on the peninsula on the north side of the Berkeley Marina in the San Francisco Bay. Great spot to picnic or catch sunset.
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Evening
The Claremont Resort & Spa has its own restaurant and bar that has some of the best views for sunset. I recommend just grabbing drinks and apps here as the food is a bit to pricey for me to justify but the atmosphere is laid back and gorgeous. After sunset, head down to Temescal area for some outstanding Burmese food and a spectacular cocktail bar afterwards.
LIMEWOOD BAR & RESTAURANT
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Ambiance: Located inside the Claremont Resort and Spa, this beautiful restaurant/bar boasts views of the San Francisco skyline.
My recommendation: Oysters and a glass of bubbly
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Burma Superstar
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Ambiance: Homey atmosphere serving rich & flavorful Burmese food.
Tip: Add your name to the Yelp Waitlist about 45 minutes before you want to eat there.
My recommendation: Shrimp & eggplant, Platha with chicken curry dip, Tea Leaf salad, coconut rice
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North Light
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Ambiance: Indoor/outdoor setup with a dimly lit interior old bookstore meets retro bar vibe playing vinyl records. Outdoor patio is heated and great for groups.
My recommendation: Juice Diet cocktail
Pros: Full bar, dog friendly, food menu
Cons: May have a wait
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