Oakland Named Among 28 Best Places to Visit in 2019

With the publication of its annual Best Trips issue, National Geographic Traveler magazine has revealed its 28 must-see destinations and travel experiences for 2019.

Together, Traveler editors and National Geographic Explorers have selected their top places to travel across four categories: Cities, Nature, Culture, and Adventure – and Oakland was selected in the Culture category. Oakland was one of only four U.S. destinations included in the list and the only city in California chosen.

Oakland is one of the most diverse cities in the country, with over 125 languages spoken within the city. This diversity has created a vibrant culture and welcoming community in Oakland, and is reflected within the city’s culinary scene, arts, nightlife and events. The Town has long been home to innovators, creatives, and artists and offers unique experiences to explore many types of art forms. Oakland’s culinary scene welcomes visitors to experience its epicurean endeavors where chefs test out their creative culinary skills and deliver amazing cultural experiences. Another way visitors can indulge in Oakland’s culture is through the city’s major events, including Restaurant Week in January, Black Joy Parade in February, Art Month in May, Pride Parade and Festival in September and festivals throughout the summer. 

This year’s Best Trips list is relevant, surprising and inspiring, highlighting a globe-spanning mix of destinations from the Peruvian Amazon to Kansas City, Missouri. 

“Our Best Trips issue features 28 destinations and experiences that can inspire us, change our perspectives and connect us with cultures, places and ideas that matter in the world,” says George Stone, National Geographic Traveler editor in chief. “The issue is packed with spectacular National Geographic photography and is driven by our mission to explore, conserve, respect and engage with our planet.” 

“Oakland’s culture of diversity and inclusion is the hallmark of our civic identity,” says Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf. “We’re honored to be recognized and we welcome all visitors to enjoy our city. Oakland is famous for a lot of things, and one of them is our community’s welcoming spirit – no matter who you are or where you came from, Oakland welcomes you.”

“We are thrilled that Oakland was chosen as one of National Geographic’s 28 Best Places to Visit in 2019,” says Mark Everton, CEO of Visit Oakland. “Oakland was selected for its vibrant and diverse culture, and we welcome visitors to experience our culture by immersing themselves into our community and exploring our many neighborhoods.”

National Geographic’s Best Trips destinations for 2019 are:

CITIES

• Dakar, Senegal
• Salvador, Brazil
• Kansas City, Missouri
• Toronto, Canada
• Matera, Italy
• Perth, Australia
• Mexico City, Mexico

NATURE

• Peruvian Amazon
• Montenegro
• Belize 
• Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique
• South Walton County, Florida
• Fanjingshan, China
• Tahiti, French Polynesia

CULTURE

• Cairo, Egypt
• Hoang Lien Son, Vietnam
• Galway, Ireland
• Bauhaus Trail, Germany
• Oakland, California
• Vervey, Switzerland
• Dordogne, France 

ADVENTURE

• Greenland
• Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness, New Mexico
• Isla de los Estados, Argentina
• Macedonia
• Canterbury Region, New Zealand
• Caño Cristales River, Colombia
• Oman