Discover a vibrant, picturesque city! Oakland’s landscape is a mix of lovely hillside neighborhoods; exciting and diverse architecture; a bustling waterfront; two shimmering lakes; 19 miles of shoreline along the San Francisco Bay; unparalleled Bay views; and more parks and open space per capita than any other city in the Bay Area.  A city on the move, Oakland has emerged as a major economic force in the region. Long a center for international trade, the Port of Oakland is the nation's fourth busiest container port in the Bay Area. The Oakland International Airport is served by 12 major domestic and international airlines. Getting around is easy by train, automobile, BART, bus and ferry.

Oakland was founded in 1852 and has a history that goes back much further than its 150 years. Native Americans lived in the region for over 5,000 years. The Spanish visited the area in the 1770's, and came to settle about 50 years later. Asians, African Americans, and those of Northern European extraction came with the Gold Rush, and put down their own roots. Today, Oakland is one of the nation's most ethnically integrated cities. More than 100 languages and dialects are spoken in Oakland. Oakland has one of the largest visual and performing arts communities on the West Coast, and the arts are celebrated on every level here, from acclaimed symphony and ballet to museums, galleries, and small arts organizations.

All images on this page courtesy of the East Bay Economic Development Alliance.