Popular State Guides
|
Free Traveling Guides » States » California » Greater San Francisco
Old Oakland
Located in the northwest side of Broadway, Old Oakland is a historic district in downtown Oakland. Old Oakland is an everlasting impression of the past that is inseparable from the present and the future.
The history of this area dates back to 1860s when the Central Pacific Railroad was built for the purpose of connecting the East Coast to the West. Old Oakland was once a bustling downtown district known as the Western Terminus of the Transcontinental Railroad. Blocks of hotels were constructed based on the exemplary Victorian commercial style of architecture for providing accommodation to people traveling on the Transcontinental Railroad. Most of these got damaged during the Loma Prieta earthquake that shook Oakland in 1986. However, many of these buildings are slowly being renovated to restore the lost glory of this historical and beautiful place.
One of the most memorable places to visit in Old Oakland is the African-American Museum and Library that houses an extensive collection of books, documents and magazines about the African-American community’s history in the Bay Area and California. Another prominent destination is the Lafayette Square, an urban park which is 150 years old. Apart from these, other important places include the Paramount Theater, Preservation Park, Pardee Mansion, Oakland Ice Center and Museum of Children’s Art.
Once a popular shopping destination, Old Oakland is home to a unique collection of restaurants, cafes, bars and shopping centers. Swan’s Marketplace is one of the oldest shopping complexes of this area that was restored in 1917. The marketplace includes a sushi restaurant, art galleries, low-income apartments and various other local vendors. An interesting experience in Old Oakland is the Farmers’ Market that is held on every Friday. Other popular shopping stops include the A-1 Fish Market, Bibliomania, The Bookmark Bookstore, De Lauer’s Super News Stand and G.B Ratto & Co International Grocers.
|
Top 5 National Parks
- Great Smoky Mountains
- Grand Canyon
- Yosemite
- Olympic
- Yellowstone
All 58 national parks. |
