Oakland

Historic cruises on the bay are available Apr-Oct Th & Sa; these must be booked with TicketWeb (http://www.ticketweb.com) or by calling +1 866 468-3399. Originally built as a Coast Guard Cutter, the Potomac was remodeled as Franklin Delano Roosevelt's presidential yacht in 1936 and served in that role until his death in 1945. In 1941, a fishing trip on the Potomac served as a cover story for Roosevelt's secret meeting with Churchill in Newfoundland waters; this meeting led to the allied partnership during World War II and eventually to the formation of the United Nations.

Oakland's principal tourist destination, Jack London Square has seen serious renovation over the years. Named after writer Jack London, the city's favorite son, the area was the original wharf district of Oakland and retains some of its maritime feel. The main attractions today are shopping and restaurants, though, and it appears to be in a state of transition with several prominent stores like Barnes and Noble closing down recently.

16th Street Station

Erected in 1912, this once prominent train station has a great facade. Going inside it is officially off limits as of now due to reconstruction because it suffered significant damage in the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake.

A startlingly good museum dedicated to the art, history, and culture of California. The building itself is an admirable piece of architecture, and the exhibits are almost uniformly excellent and engaging. Well worth a visit.

A beautiful park in the Oakland hills, made up in part of "The Hights", the old estate of California poet Joaquin Miller. The park has some of the few remaining old-growth redwood groves in the East Bay. Lots of hiking and bike-riding opportunities.