About Oakland
Sitting pretty just across the bay from San Francisco, Oakland is sometimes overshadowed by its glamorous neighbor. That’s a real shame, as there are plenty of good reasons why Oakland deserves its fair share of the spotlight.
This city boasts wonderful cultural diversity, thriving arts and dining scenes, and character-filled neighborhoods. All of this means it’s practically overflowing with great production venues — and we’re not the only ones who think so, with scenes from movies like Mrs. Doubtfire, Moneyball, and The Matrix: Reloaded all filmed here.
The choice of venues for parties, meetings, social events, and corporate gatherings is similarly diverse, so keep reading for tips on finding the right space for any occasion in Oakland.
Attractions in Oakland
Oakland is one of those cities that offers something for everyone. From hipster bars to family-friendly parks, street food to fine dining, professional sports to eclectic arts and culture, Oakland is bursting with life. Here are just a few of the popular attractions worth checking out in the local area.
- Lake Merritt
Known as the jewel of Oakland, this remarkable urban lake is found right in the heart of the city. Featuring both freshwater and saltwater, this 155-acre lake is a popular spot for kayaking, picnicking, bird watching, and good old-fashioned relaxation.
- Oakland Zoo
If you’re searching for family-friendly fun in Oakland, look no further than Oakland Zoo. This 100-year-old zoo is home to 850-odd species, from African lions and elephants to Amazon milk tree frogs, jaguars, and wallaroos. A must-visit for any animal lover.
- Tilden Regional Park
This stunning natural haven, found just a short drive north of Oakland, is perfect for anyone who wants to escape the city hustle and bustle. Encompassing more than 2,000 acres of eye-catching natural beauty, the park is the place to go if you want to swim in Lake Anza, enjoy a relaxing picnic, or just immerse yourself in nature.
Production Locations in Oakland
The sheer range of production venues in Oakland is almost as diverse as the city’s population. From pretty outdoor scenery to busy city streets, cramped apartments to spacious outdoor patios, you’ll find a huge range of filming and photoshoot venues to choose from. Here are just some of the options worth checking out.
- Photo and Video Studios
In a big city like Oakland, there’s no shortage of professional studios available for hire. Whether you’re filming a small project or a big-budget production, or just looking for a high-quality space for still photography, there are lots of options to choose from. Best of all, they’re equipped with all the facilities you need to capture memorable images.
- Industrial Warehouses
With its port, shipyards, and railyards, Oakland has a proud industrial history. That history lives on today in many of the old industrial warehouses in the area. The redwood timber and high ceilings of this 1890s warehouse, for example, make it feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
- Outdoor Patios
Some of the best production spaces in Oakland can be found outdoors. If you know where to look, tucked away behind the busy city streets you’ll find secluded pockets of calm in the form of peaceful outdoor patios and courtyards — perfect for capturing a distinctive urban look and feel.
- Private Homes
From luxury modern apartments to mid-century modern homes and even bright and airy lofts, homes in Oakland come in all shapes and sizes. Happily, there’s an eclectic collection of private residences available for rent as Oakland filming venues or photography locations, allowing you to find a space that matches your project perfectly.
- Parks and Outdoor Spaces
The East Bay Area is famous for its many wonderful parks. So if you’re searching for somewhere to capture some memorable outdoor scenes, check out what’s on offer in Oakland’s favorite outdoor spaces. Just remember to check whether you need a permit before reaching for your camera.
Event and Meeting Venues in Oakland
If you’re searching for the best event venue in Oakland, choosing just one space might be harder than you think. The same goes for Oakland meeting spaces, which are also in abundance and available to suit an extensive variety of needs. Compare a range of venues to find one that’s right for you.
- Office Spaces
From converted industrial warehouses to more traditional modern office spaces, Oakland meeting venues are a diverse bunch. Consider the size of your guest list, the type of meeting you’re having, and the key facilities or equipment you need before choosing a space.
- Breweries
The craft brewing scene in Oakland is as vibrant as it is delicious. Happily, some of the city’s best breweries are also available to rent as unique event venues. Whether it’s a bachelor party, birthday celebration, or even a company party, you’ll feel right at home in one of these fun-filled taprooms.
- Function Rooms
Looking for an Oakland event venue you can tailor to suit your needs? Check out the best function rooms on offer in hotels around the city. These venues are versatile enough to be molded to suit a wide range of occasions, from social gatherings to corporate soirees, plus they come with all the essential equipment and professional venue staff for a stress-free event from start to finish.
- Outdoor Patios and Courtyards
Hosting a classy cocktail reception or an intimate birthday bash? Make the most of the beautiful local climate and take your celebration outside to one of Oakland’s many private and secluded outdoor courtyards. The lush garden space in this urban backyard oasis is just one of the city’s many hidden gems, and perfect for giving your event a cozy and welcoming vibe.
