[gillynova]

^^ Well, good choice! Oakland has honestly changed A LOT in the past 10 years. Their downtown core is continuously evolving but unfortunately, we don't have many eyes there compared to SF and SJ.

Definitely check out:
- Lake Merritt
- Jack London Square
- Alameda (Downtown or grab a drink around Rock Wall Wine Company)
- Walk around UC Berkeley like a student
- Indian Rock Park in Berkeley (Safe area)
- Grizzly Peak (part of UC Berkeley Campus. On top of a hill)
- Go around Marina Park in San Leandro

If you need anymore places to check out, I have A TON! Also, I'm not sure how it's like in your area of Chicago, but do not leave your belongings in your car. There has been a spike in car break ins in the past 2 years but it kinda slowed down cuz of covid. Just a heads up!