This year the honey and I decided we would try out a couple different Christmas Tree Lanes instead…read moreof just driving around hoping to find different lit neighborhoods. This Christmas Tree Lane is perhaps the ultimate Christmas Tree Lane, considering it's an extremely dense block where every single home is lit up with different displays. On one end there was a table with kids selling cookies and hot chocolate and in the middle there was a frosty ice cream truck. We got a bit lucky as it was less busy when we drove in around 6pm or so, but it was a madhouse by the time we wrapped up our visit. We later drove over to the San Ramon Christmas Tree Lane on Woodland Drive and found it to be much less busy and a bit more enjoyable as their streets were wider. All in all, this Christmas Tree Lane is definitely something to experience once, but unless you're local to Alameda I'm not sure I'd make it a yearly trip.

This was our first time going to Christmas Tree Lane here! There are not much areas with Christmas…read moredecoration / lights in this area, so it was nice to be able to find an area with beautiful Christmas decorations and lights. Not much parking that was close by and it was a bit cold / windy during our visit, so we just drove down the street and it was beautiful still.

Gotta luv "Old Oakland", and all it has to offer!! It's not very big, but there's a lot packed…read moreinto a small area. I used to always find myself down here on a Friday night which usually started at the now closed Air Lounge, and went from bar to bar from there. Surprisingly, parking is pretty good down here, and there are plenty of bars, clubs and restaurants all within walking distance. You can even walk to Chinatown and Jack London Square if you really want to. One of the few places in Oakland that hasn't changed too much for a long time, but the changes that did occur are good ones. Big Ups to Old Oakland!!

It's a known fact that I spend most of my time in the Rockridge District. But, that's simply…read morebecause I work in that area. Way before I worked in Rockridge, I would spend the majority of my time between Old Oakland and Uptown. Nowadays, I don't get out to Old City as much as I used to. But when I do make it out to this side, it always reminds me of how I need to spend more time here. Old City is filled with so much rich history. After all, it was the "original" downtown area back in the 1860's. What I love most about this area (other than the many dining establishments of course) is the architecture. Many of the buildings have been restored, however you can still spot some of the most gorgeous original Victorian style buildings as you walk down the streets. I love coming to Swan's Market and feasting at the many restaurants that they have. My favorite wine bar (District) is located right in the heart of this area! Cute little Mom and pop shops can be found in this area along the way. Some of the town's oldest businesses have been operating here for years. So many adorable vintage boutique hotels around. Sometimes, I just want to take pictures of them all! The people here are so friendly and the crowd is super diverse. It's like a breath of fresh air. Old Oakland is also just a hop and a skip away from Chinatown, Jack London Square, and the financial district. They are constantly opening new businesses in this part of town now because let's face it; this is the "new" Old Oakland. Completely underrated and overlooked, but that's okay because this area is slowly starting to build a great reputation. I've seen some great businesses come and go over the years, but that's just how it goes sometimes. I know people call it "Old Oakland", but this District is the "New Oakland" in my eyes. It's a new spin on the older part of the city that still encompasses what this area used to be back in the day. I've got so much love for Old Oakland! Always have and I always will. And that, ladies and gents, will never change.

My friend and I were in town and came to visit the temple first thing off our iteniery…read more I've only visited once prior for the Christmas lighting and Nativity back in 2016. Christmas lighting happens almost every year and free to the public and members alike. They do free tours and put on quite the show with music ensemble and nativity from all different cultures. You'll see much more abundance of sister and brother missionaries as theyll be the one leading the tours. They're so sweet, kind, willing to answer any questions or concerns you have without pressuring you. I came to love the missionaries bc of that. Ofc if anyone does, feel free to let them know you arent comfortable and theyll back off. Hence, coming here during the summer was a nice treat. We actually happen to arrive in the middle of someone's wedding day. It was a beautuful Tongan wedding. Maybe its a sign?? Lol. The parking inside is ample but when it has events, it does fill quickly. We almost didnt find one, but thankfully we lucked in with the three parking. Everyone visiting was so friendly that we saw and met today. (Xmas, too, in 2016.) There's an abundance of flower garden at the front of the temple, a stream, and water fountain. Up the stairs, to the second floors, has another flower garden. It overlooks the city of SF, so its quite scenic. Our church focuses on making sure its clean so everyone that visits has a pleasant moment with our Heavenly Father. Though, a picnic does seem tempting, I would advise against any food or drinks on the premise as its church grounds and a reverent place. A place is only as beautiful,if everyone puts in the effort to keep it so. We hope everyone visiting can treat this place with the same respect. Other than that, feel free to enjoy. :) Such an ideal place to relax and meditate too.

If you are looking for view one the city this is a great place to come to. Just go onto the rooftop…read moregarden and depending on the fog situation you can see far off into the distance. If you are looking for a quiet place to meditate and to contemplate life this is your place. If you love flowers and want to see them blooming year round then this is your place, If you are looking to learn more about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints this is your place. They have a fabulous visitors center. The staff isn't pushy. I come here for the pure beauty of the place. It's such a great place to find some solitude. There are benches you can rest on.

This wolf sculpture gets a lot of attention, but really it goes hand-in-hand with Jack London's…read moreCabin just steps away (see my separate review for that). The wolf and cabin together create an engaging scene for visitors to appreciate, commemorating the great author and some of his most famous literary works, ie. Call of the Wild and White Fang. The art and history displayed here is beautiful, especially with its waterfront setting. There's plenty of seating in the area for public use, as well as a lovely fountain flowing with water. There wasn't much foot traffic on a Saturday evening, and hardly anyone on site except for those dining at Heinold's First and Last Chance Saloon situated adjacent to the cabin, so it was easy to pay a visit with minimal distractions.

5 stars for the Wolf in Jack London Square!!…read more The Wolf is right by Jack London's cabin, which is super small. Kids love to ride the Wolf, it's very sturdy and able to handle all the attention it gets. Although there is a small plaque there, I do wish there was more on the spot history here about Jack London, because with all the people that come here, it wouldn't hurt for them to know more about Jack London, the man, and his accomplishments. In short, he was a novelist, his famous books were 'Call of the Wild' and 'White Fang' which is where the Wolf comes from, amongst other things. Check out the Wolf next time you're in Jack London Square!!

We like Oakland Chinatown. We come here for the food. We try to park on the street, but usually…read morecan't find a spot so we park in the garage below the library. A few times we have been lucky enough to find a spot to park on the street. There are just so many people looking to park so it's hard to find a spot. The garage below the library is aways a reliable spot to park. We've never been turned away due to the lot is full. You do have to be careful when parking as the place is tight. And some spaces they ask you not to back into. The elevators are also tough when there is a crowd. The last few times we really had to squeeze in the elevators and no one seems to mind. The food here is phenomenal. I love there many bakeries. I just wish I planned ahead more and bring more cash. I never have enough for all that I want so usually have to skip the bakeries and just go for the main course. Most of the places are on a cash only basis. Our favorite restaurant is a cash only establishment. It's great food and we'll keep coming back, we just need to plan ahead and have more time allowed to browse. It seems like every time we come here we're in a rush. We have enough time to park and eat, but that's it. We don't have time to browse. Next time we come I'll have to remember to bring more cash and make time to dawdle.

I have fond childhood memories of Oakland Chinatown carrying groceries of fresh vegetables or…read morebakery items that my parents bought for the day to bring home to San Jose. Or also eating at the various restaurants for dim sum or late night won ton noodle soup or roast duck from Yung Kee. Oakland Chinatown is more compact and smaller then the one across the bay but still holds on to their own enduring charm.

Montclair Village is a neighborhood in the Oakland Hills area of the city!!…read more A small, yet, very walkable area with a good mix of restaurants, grocery stores, coffee shops, cleaners, banks, you name it!! Montclair Park and Recreation Area is right here also, which is very popular, especially on weekends as there are multiple tennis courts there along with a duck pond. Located right off Highway 13, this small, quiet neighborhood is one of the best areas in the city!!

From the owner: Montclair Village is a charming and vibrant community, nestled in the beautiful, tree-covered…read moreOakland Hills. The Village has a laid-back, small town feel, plenty of parking in the City-owned garage, and over 200 retailers, service providers, restaurants, and financial services.

This giant mural is the largest in Oakland. It's located on 19th street just a few blocks down…read morefrom Snow Park in downtown Oakland!! They did a great job showing the Oakland A's mascot Stomper carrying the Town on his back!! It's painted on the side of the PGE building, and it's so big, it's very hard to miss!! This mural has been here for a while, glad Yelp finally gave it its own listing!!

this mural can only be seen while driving up 19th St. it's on the 19th St. of the P, G & E…read more building. while it ovesees a parking lot, the cars don't detract form the view. Rise & Grind celebrates 50 years of the Oakland A's. some Oakland landmark minatures can be seen on the back of the A's mascot. "Holy Toleda" is posted at the left and "Oakland is Proud" is posted at the bottom. btw, i have never seen the A's mascot doing any heavy labor, just swinging a bat with his trunk. creator: illuminaries

It's a short and steep hike up here. However don't expect a blazing 'C' at the top. We went…read moreduring a hot day and there isn't much shade around the area. If you're looking for a short burst workout this is a pretty good one with a fabulous view. I'm sad the swing isn't there. I would have like floating in the air. We paid for parking by the wooden stairs. However, there must be another area to park for free as there were other hikers en route.

Fast hike with nice views but no swing and poorly maintained. There is a lot of construction in…read morethe area as well.

Do you long for world class walks along the Bay? Are picnics by the SF Bay romantic enough for you?…read moreWhat about a very long walk down an endless pier? Sadly the pier itself is closed, but the shoreline is timeless and gorgeous. And let's not forget fishing on a perfect day. Along the Bay Trail, you will find happy visitors and families. There is history here with free knowledge Mon-Sun, bring your own container.

The Berkeley Pier has been closed for several years now!! No doubt they either need to retrofit it…read moreor tear it down altogether and build another one. The 4 stars is for when it was open, and you could walk all the way out to what felt like the middle of the Bay. A great way to walk off the dinner and/or drinks that you had at Skates which is right next to it. People would be out here all day and night fishing, or just hanging out. I really miss walking on this Pier, I really hope they repair or replace it, if not, I'll always be glad I got to experience it when it was open!!

Had the chance to visit this art installation during my work trip in San Francisco! It's a…read morebeautiful piece of art that captures the night and great for a walking date in Golden Gate Park. It's an installation that turns off at 9:30 pm until late April, 2024. It's near peacock meadows, so be careful if you're taking an Uber/Lyft there as Golden Gate Park as your intended destination will bring you to the other side, which is what I experienced! Great attraction for families, couples, and all ages!

All Man, The Entwined Lighted Festival is FIRE. You have to come check out the vibes and beauty…read morehere of the forest and lights. Its like a scene in a Fairy Tale. Its not far from the Golden Gate Bridge, but it is a joy to see and be around. I took plenty of photos that I will have our every chance I get. It was just a scene to see for me. I will visit again.