Oakland’s downtown is
a mosaic of
neighborhoods, each
with its own rhythm,
flavor, and history.
Whether you’re drawn
to artsy Uptown or
historic Old Oakland,
there’s always
something new to
explore.
Oakland’s downtown is a mosaic of neighborhoods, each with its own rhythm, flavor, and history. Whether you’re drawn to artsy Uptown or historic Old Oakland, there’s always something new to explore.
Uptown: The
entertainment heart
of Oakland, anchored
by the Paramount
Theatre and the Fox
Theater, buzzes with
bars, music venues,
and eclectic eateries.
Downtown: A
dynamic mix of
historic architecture,
world-class dining
and hidden
storefronts filled
with books, art, and
history.
Uptown Oakland grew out of the city’s early shopping corridors and Broadway’s historic Auto Row, where many car dealerships once lined the street. Over time, the neighborhood reinvented itself—shaped by artists, musicians, entrepreneurs, and longtime businesses who saw opportunity in its wide sidewalks and historic storefronts.
Today, the Uptown Arts and Entertainment District is the soul that moves the city. Cafés, galleries, and neighborhood shops keep the area active during the day. While the Fox and Paramount theaters alongside other music venues carry that momentum into the evening. Former garages now house restaurants, bars, and creative spaces; murals stretch across brick facades that tell stories of Oakland’s culture and voice.
Uptown’s skyline is anchored by the 28-story Kaiser Center at 300 Lakeside Drive. Built in 1960 for Kaiser Industries, it contains a beautiful rooftop garden overlooking the lake built by Osmundson & Staley. It now houses PG&E’s headquarters as they bought the building in 2025. In the creative sector, Pandora’s “main stage” office offers 360-degree Bay views; and beauty brand e.l.f. doubled its Oakland footprint. Together, these employers infuse the arts-driven district with daytime energy and long-term investment.
Uptown blends creativity, commerce, and community in a way that feels distinctly Oakland—independent, expressive, and always evolving.
Uptown Oakland grew out of the city’s early shopping corridors and Broadway’s historic Auto Row, where many car dealerships once lined the street. Over time, the neighborhood reinvented itself—shaped by artists, musicians, entrepreneurs, and longtime businesses who saw opportunity in its wide sidewalks and historic storefronts.
Today, the Uptown Arts and Entertainment District is the soul that moves the city. Cafés, galleries, and neighborhood shops keep the area active during the day. While the Fox and Paramount theaters alongside other music venues carry that momentum into the evening. Former garages now house restaurants, bars, and creative spaces; murals stretch across brick facades that tell stories of Oakland’s culture and voice.
Uptown’s skyline is anchored by the 28-story Kaiser Center at 300 Lakeside Drive. Built in 1960 for Kaiser Industries, it contains a beautiful rooftop garden overlooking the lake built by Osmundson & Staley. It now houses PG&E’s headquarters as they bought the building in 2025. In the creative sector, Pandora’s “main stage” office offers 360-degree Bay views; and beauty brand e.l.f. doubled its Oakland footprint. Together, these employers infuse the arts-driven district with daytime energy and long-term investment.
Uptown blends creativity, commerce, and community in a way that feels distinctly Oakland—independent, expressive, and always evolving.
Downtown is where the community expresses itself. Historic Victorian storefronts stand alongside Art Deco towers, and long-standing institutions share the street with new businesses building their future. Landmarks like the Tribune Tower and the Lionel J. Wilson Building anchor this neighborhood that embraces its past and continues to move forward.
Murals and mosaics reflect Oakland’s culture and civic voice; while restaurants, cafés, galleries, and small businesses keep the sidewalks active throughout the day. Public spaces, such as Latham Square and Frank Ogawa Plaza, host markets, performances, and community gatherings while the surrounding streets oftentimes host social movement marches or parades for Black Joy and Pride. These spaces help foster energy that feels both local and hard-earned.
Downtown’s character isn’t defined by culture alone—it’s also a center of employment and urban living. The 24‑story Clorox Building, which has served as its headquarters since the modernist tower opened in 1976, anchors the City Center. Blue Shield of California underscored the district’s economic pull when it relocated from San Francisco in 2019. Residential towers are also rising alongside these offices such as the 40‑story Atlas, currently the second tallest building in downtown Oakland. These developments show how downtown is simultaneously an employment hub and a growing, vibrant neighborhood.
Downtown houses residents, businesses, and events which creates an active neighborhood that supports both economic activity and public life.
Downtown is where the community expresses itself. Historic Victorian storefronts stand alongside Art Deco towers, and long-standing institutions share the street with new businesses building their future. Landmarks like the Tribune Tower and the Lionel J. Wilson Building anchor this neighborhood that embraces its past and continues to move forward.
Murals and mosaics reflect Oakland’s culture and civic voice; while restaurants, cafés, galleries, and small businesses keep the sidewalks active throughout the day. Public spaces, such as Latham Square and Frank Ogawa Plaza, host markets, performances, and community gatherings while the surrounding streets oftentimes host social movement marches or parades for Black Joy and Pride. These spaces help foster energy that feels both local and hard-earned.
Downtown’s character isn’t defined by culture alone—it’s also a center of employment and urban living. The 24‑story Clorox Building, which has served as its headquarters since the modernist tower opened in 1976, anchors the City Center. Blue Shield of California underscored the district’s economic pull when it relocated from San Francisco in 2019. Residential towers are also rising alongside these offices such as the 40‑story Atlas, currently the second tallest building in downtown Oakland. These developments show how downtown is simultaneously an employment hub and a growing, vibrant neighborhood.
Downtown houses residents, businesses, and events which creates an active neighborhood that supports both economic activity and public life.
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