Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Campbell, CA to Oakland, CA
If you're looking for a fun day trip to escape the monotony of the daily routine, a drive from Campbell, California to Oakland, California is a great option. This route provides stunning views of the San Francisco Bay Area, beautiful rolling hills, and an opportunity to explore some unexpected hidden gems. The drive takes about an hour and a half, depending on traffic, and covers a distance of approximately 64 miles.
Halfway Point: Fremont, CA
The halfway point of this drive is Fremont, California. It is known as a hub for tech companies and businesses. The city has a wealth of recreational opportunities, including hiking, biking, golfing, and fishing. Fremont is very welcoming and provides an extensive range of dining and shopping options.
1. San Jose Municipal Rose Garden
One of the attractions to stop and explore along the way is the San Jose Municipal Rose Garden. This beautiful garden is home to over 3,500 roses of 189 varieties, which blossom from spring till fall. The garden’s idyllic setting, tucked into a quiet residential neighborhood, provides the perfect place to stop and take in the beautiful flowers. Visitors can bring a picnic lunch to enjoy while admiring the scenery.
Make sure to stop and have a bite to eat at “The Falafel’s Drive-In”, the drive to the establishment is an attraction of its own, boasting a vibrant neon-colored sign showcasing the best falafels in the Bay.
2. Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum
Another must-visit spot is the Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum, located in a small neighborhood of Fremont, California known as Niles. The museum presents a unique opportunity to travel back in time to enjoy a range of silent films and other related olden productions that immortalize popular comedians of the day such as Charlie Chaplin, Ben Turpin, and Fatty Arbuckle.
Visitors can enjoy breakfast on the go at Pan de Manila, a Filipino bakery that specializes in Pandesal, which translates to “bread of salt”, it’s a relative of bread, but with a unique flavor resulting from its salty tinge.
3. Lake Temescal, Oakland
Lake Temescal is one of Oakland's hidden gems, nestled in the beautiful Oakland Hills. It is an ideal place to fish, bike, hike, sail or have a picnic. The park surrounding the lake offers plenty of fun summertime activities, with amenities such as barbecue pits, picnic tables, and a children's play area.
Stop by “Brown Sugar Kitchen” in Oakland, to have a Southern-style meal that has roots in the African American community. The restaurant is a treasure well-known for its colossal sized waffles.
4. Oakland Museum of California
The Oakland Museum of California can be rightly encapsulated in one-word vivacity. It is situated in the heart of Oakland and, as the name hints, it solely focuses on California through its art, history, and natural sciences. Their program changes seasonally, making it a must-visit for tourists and the locals, who know their way around making a conscious effort to explore their communities.
“Souley Vegan” is a unique spot to fill up before embarking on an afternoon of exploring the museum. The location serves up vegan soul food and is highly-rated in the Oakland community.
5. Lake Merritt
Lake Merritt is yet another gem that Oakland has to offer. It boasts being the first official “Wildlife Refuge” in the USA, home to the United State's greatest variety of birds. With the beautiful gondolas rowing around the lake, it feels more like a romantic excursion than a place to jog or take a stroll.
If you're looking for some authentic Korean food on your last leg stop, “Jong Ga House” in Oakland has what you need. A family-owned establishment with dishes that will tickle your taste buds for the trip back home.
Conclusion
A drive from Campbell to Oakland, California, takes you on a thrilling journey with an unexpected twist of an abundance of hidden gems and natural beauty. So, what are you waiting for? Hop in the car and experience the sights, sounds, and flavors on this transformative road trip.