Oakland is continuously described as a “real” city. Its gritty history, diverse community make-up, headline-grabbing arts scene, and involved locals draw a frequent nickname: “Brooklyn of the West”.
With recent pivots needed to comply with new health and safety guidelines brought on by COVID-19, Oakland hospitality has worked diligently to connect with and support the heart of what really makes Oakland, Oakland: Its people.
From hotels and restaurants ensuring physical distancing and other safety measures, to Visit Oakland working with local tourism partners to promote the city’s open spaces and unique corporate social responsibility opportunities for larger groups, “The Town” is ready to make plans to meet. For real.
Oakland destination and hotel health and safety updates
Oakland hotels are working hard to ensure guests feel safe in their hotels away from home, whether they be traveling to Oakland for a mid-week work trip or extended weekend vacation.
Visit Oakland has made it easy for guests to see Oakland hotels’ health and safety updates. By visiting VisitOakland.com/Stay, visitors can immediately see each hotel’s Cleanliness Brand Guidelines to achieve “COVID Compliance”.
Additionally, Visit Oakland has listed new Health and Safety Amenities to help visitors filter hotel searches by precautions including but not limited to:
- 24 Hour occupancy hold
- contactless check-in
- keyless entry
- social distance gym configurations
- grab & go food options
- room service
- social distancing guidelines enforced
- mobile payments accepted
- hand wash / sanitizer stations
- CDC recommended cleaning
- masks required (staff and guest)
- masks provided for guests
- health screening required for staff
Visit Oakland created a COVID-19 Travel Updates landing page to provide visitors, locals, and partners with the latest news and resources to navigate the COVID-19 crisis. It includes: Shelter in Place information and other updates from the Alameda County Health Department and City of Oakland; business resources including links to relief funds, grants, and loans; official health resources; and guidelines for business reopening.
Get out into the open, in Oakland
Contrary to popular belief, Oakland abounds with open spaces – it’s the land of oaks, after all!
If you’re itching to get out of the concrete jungle, you don’t have to go too far! With over 100,000 acres of parks and trails, breezy bay sunshine, not one but two lakes, and 19 miles of coastline, Oakland is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Hikers, bikers, stand up paddlers, and everyone in between can enjoy the great outdoors in Oakland.
Not only is Oakland centrally located and easy to get to, but Visit Oakland has updated one of its most popular Blog Posts “100 Things To Do In Oakland” with a special section “20 Things To Do At A Distance”.
Corporate social responsibility opportunities
Every meeting is a story to be told, so why not make yours a story of team building, cooperation and giving back? If you’re planning an upcoming meeting in Oakland and looking for opportunities to get involved in Oakland’s creative, eclectic community consider adding Corporate Social Responsibility activities to the itinerary. From painting murals in Chinatown to helping to preserve beautiful Lake Merritt, there’s no shortage of Oakland volunteer opportunities for groups to give back to the diverse community that calls the San Francisco Bay area home.
#OaklandFromHome
Until you can get to Oakland, get to know the City on the other side of the San Francisco Bay with our #OaklandFromHome web page. This interactive web page includes ways to support local Oakland businesses, engage with local Oakland artists/DJs/influencers, visit attractions like the Oakland Museum of California or Zoo through virtual tours, as well as virtual events and activities to do at home.
