Downtown Oakland is in the midst of a major revitalization–new luxury high-rise lofts mix with renovated historic buildings like the Paramount Theatre, cozy townhomes and unique retail districts. Like the architecture, Downtown Oakland’s residents are a diverse mix of Asian, African American, Caucasian and Hispanic.

Chinatown, centered around 8th and Webster Streets, is a vibrant 25-block long commercial and cultural district and home to many of Oakland’s diverse Asian community. You’ll find many restaurants, food markets, bakeries, shops and the Oakland Chinatown Streetfest draws large crowds each summer.

Jack London Square, bordering the estuary, is a lively waterfront destination where one can go to the movies, catch a jazz show, go out to dinner, or shop at one of the many retail outlets, including Barnes and Nobles and California Canoe and Kayak. Weekends bring a lively artisan fair and the Sunday Farmers’ Market. Residential lofts and newly built condos mix comfortably with industrial warehouses. The Amtrak station is located here as is the Alameda/Oakland ferry with service to San Francisco (and Angel Island from May through October).

Old Oakland, located between Broadway and Clay, is a bustling retail district with elegantly restored Victorian-era buildings dating from the 1870’s. Gorgeous galleries, hip coffee shops and enticing restaurants make this a popular place to stroll. Don’t miss the Swan’s Specialty Market, the Housewives Market or Le Cheval, an inexpensive and wildly popular Vietnamese restaurant at 10th and Clay Streets.

Learn more in local newspapers: The Oakland Tribune, East Bay Express.