9 Reasons Why You Should Visit Oakland

Guys, I’m back at it again with another pair of overalls! When I saw these overalls from River Island, it was so hard not to add it to the shopping cart. The fit hugs my curves and the flared bottom elongates my legs. I paired it with the cutest off-the-shoulder top. What drew me to this top was the ruffled sleeves. It adds a statement to this simple outfit.

I accessorized with a suede and snake skin saddle bag. It’s my favorite bag right now! And I completed the outfit with a pair of snake skin Dolce Vita sandals to match the purse.

I shot this outfit in front of Jack London’s waterfront. The sun was out, there was a farmers’ market going, and the waterfront was alive with people. I was pleasantly surprised by all the great bars and restaurants that were there. We ate at Steel Rail—their grilled cheese sandwich and potato was deelish! I thought to myself, why hadn’t I discovered this place sooner?!

Oakland has long had a bad wrap for a number of things: crime rate, violence, homelessness. But thanks to an influx of new professionals, Oakland is undergoing a major change. Young professionals who are being pushed out of SF due to high rent is moving across the Bay Bridge. Same with entrepreneurs and artists. Renovations are being made and new businesses are popping up, making this once perilous city into a happening spot.

Every time I’ve gone to Oakland, I find more reasons why I should visit more often. Here are the reasons why Oakland is a city worth venturing across the Bay Bridge for:

1. Lake Merrit – The lake has recently undergone a $22 million dollar renovation, making it even more gorgeous than it’s ever been. Locals find this place as a great location for a picnic, jogging, and watersports. You can even get a gondola ride across the lake.

2. The art scene – Oakland has a thriving art community. Oakland Art Murmur has a recurring art walk every first Friday and Saturday of the month. It takes you to galleries throughout Oakland. Find more info on OAM’s current events and exhibits here.

Art can also be found on First Fridays, a street festival that takes place on Telegraph Ave. from West Grand to 27th. Every first Friday of the month from 5 to 9pm, the streets are filled with live art, food, shop vendors, live music, and DJs.

3. Diversity – Oakland’s growing community is filled with colorful faces. The city is immersed with individuals with different interests and professional backgrounds. Single young professionals and small families are moving to Oakland. This city is becoming more diverse everyday.

4. The weather is better – Oakland almost never experiences the horrendous fog that SF gets. Escape to Oakland and you’ll be sure to find sunnier weather.

5. Gorgeous views of SF – Have you checked out Grizzly Peak? Or Indian Rock Park? They offer amazing views of the Bay Area. My personal favorite: watching the city light up from across the Bay at Middle Harbor Shoreline Park. Ah-mazing.

6. The food scene – Oakland is home to many amazing restaurants. You can find many of these popular spots on Grand Ave and Telegraph. My favorite spot is MUA. The quirky art decor and delicious food instantly captures you. My favorite dish: the no cheese “mac-n-cheese”. Sounds inconceivable, but trust me, you’ll love it. Oakland’s Urban Wine Trail is becoming a popular past time for both locals and visitors. Check out the map here.

8. Redwood Regional Park – Who knew there were redwood giants hiding in this concrete jungle? The park has the largest remaining coast redwood in the East Bay.

9. Catch a GSW game – Being among hard-core fans in the “roar-acle” arena illicit so much excitement. Not to mention, the athletic phenomenon, Steph Curry, is worth seeing live in person.

Photography by Rachel Radcliffe Photography

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