Oakland isn’t just a stop on the map — it’s a full-on sensory experience. The Town hits hard with bold flavors, deep roots, and a cannabis culture that’s been holding it down long before legalization hit the mainstream. Whether you’re chasing fire eats, dank flower, or better yet, both, Oakland delivers the goods.
Voted the #1 Best Food City in the U.S. by Condé Nast Traveler readers in 2024, Oakland doesn’t just talk the talk — it plates up serious flavor. And with its welcoming cannabis scene, you’ve got the recipe for a one-of-a-kind trip.
The Oakland Foodie Path along the Oakland Cannabis Trail maps out a 3-4 day journey that hits the sweet spot between munchies and Michelin stars. Think Chinatown steam, Fruitvale spice, and elevated eats all over town — with cannabis lounges, legacy dispensaries, and cultural gems woven in.
Hit it during springtime, and you’ll catch the double whammy of Oakland Restaurant Week and 4/20 — the perfect excuse to get lifted and feast like a local. Read on for an itinerary that helps you pair Oakland’s diverse cannabis offerings with a selection of culinary hot spots.
Where to Stay
- Kissel Uptown Oakland – A chic, modern stay in the heart of the city.
- Moxy Oakland Uptown – A stylish, budget-friendly boutique hotel.
- Claremont Club & Spa – A luxurious retreat with stunning views and spa amenities.
Day 1: A Welcome to The Town
Morning: Start your journey with a visit to Root’d in the 510, a stylish dispensary and lounge in the Temescal neighborhood that regularly hosts community events. Browse a curated selection of cannabis products and give them a try in the adjacent lounge space. Try a fuel-smelling cultivar rich in myrcene which is often reported to stimulate the appetite.
Lunch: On Telegraph Ave near Root’d you’ll find many great lunch options. Cholita Linda offers Latin-American street food favorites, Burma Superstar is a casual Burmese spot with vegetarian options and outdoor seating, or Hancook serves a tasty fusion of street night life and traditional Korean. Digest afterwards with a light and bubbly infused beverage.
Afternoon: Take a cultural dive into Oakland’s history with a visit to the Black Panther Party Mural and Museum or stroll through DeFremery Park, a significant site tied to the civil rights movement.
Dinner: Head to MAMA Oakland, a MICHELIN-rated restaurant serving comforting homestyle Italian cuisine. Their house-made pasta is sure to satisfy your munchies. Pair the experience with a mellow, terpene-rich edible before your meal.
Nightcap: Wrap up the evening at Urbana in Uptown, Oakland’s newest lounge, where you can enjoy a cannabis nightcap in an elegant setting before heading back to your hotel.
Day 2: A Global Gastronomic Journey
Morning: Fuel up with a cup of locally roasted coffee at Red Bay Coffee, an Oakland favorite with deep community roots.
Lunch: Explore Oakland’s famous Chinatown and indulge in the hand-pulled noodles at Shan Dong, the chew jow ho fun at Vien Huong, or a banh mi from Cam Huong.
Afternoon: Visit NUG Oakland, a dispensary and lounge that’s a Cannabis Trail Cultural Landmark honoring Oaksterdam University, a pioneering local institution in cannabis education. Ask a budtender to recommend products that align with your mood and planned activities for the evening.
Dinner: Head to Parche, a MICHELIN-rated restaurant that brings the bold flavors of Colombian cuisine to Oakland. Enjoy dishes bursting with fresh, herbaceous flavors while complementing the experience with a gassy cannabis cultivar to enhance your appetite and mood.
Evening: Immerse yourself in Oakland’s thriving art scene with a walk through the city’s street murals, featuring work by The Community Rejuvenation Project and Three Thirty Three Arts. If your visit coincides with the Oakland Art Murmur First Fridays, expect a lively night of creativity and culture.
Day 3: An Exploration of Flavors
Morning: Start with a nature walk along Lake Merritt, enjoying the sunshine and fresh air before exploring the day’s culinary and cannabis delights.
Brunch: Enjoy brunch on the patio at Portal for a lively selection of locally sourced dishes and even more views of Lake Merritt.
Afternoon: Check out nearby Oakanna, a friendly neighborhood dispensary where you can explore high-quality products with expert guidance. Grab something myrcene-rich to help stimulate your appetite.
Dinner: Take a taco-hopping adventure through Fruitvale, home to some of the best taco trucks in the Bay Area. Mi Grullense and Tacos Sinaloa serve up authentic flavors perfect for satisfying all tastes.
Alternatively, visit Millennium, a MICHELIN-recommended restaurant known for its inventive plant-based cuisine. Their globally inspired dishes could pair beautifully with an uplifting citrus cultivar. If vegan fare is your thing, be sure to take a detour down the Oakland Vegan Trail while you’re here.
Evening: End your night at Yoshi’s Jazz Club, where you can enjoy world-class live music and a nightcap before winding down at your hotel.
Day 4: Self-Care and a Sweet Farewell
Morning: Indulge in a CBD-infused spa treatment at Claremont Club & Spa, where relaxation meets luxury. Whether it’s a massage, facial, or full-body treatment, this is the perfect way to conclude your trip on a high note.
Brunch: Enjoy a final meal at Burdell, a new MICHELIN-rated gem serving elevated soul food that pays homage to Oakland’s Black culinary traditions.
Afternoon: Take a stroll through Redwood Regional Park, letting nature work its magic as you reflect on your delicious and inspired adventure.
The Oakland Foodie Path is more than just an itinerary—it’s an experience that combines the best of cannabis, cuisine, nature and culture in a dynamic city. Whether you’re indulging in Michelin-starred meals, exploring historic neighborhoods, or savoring the effects of top-shelf cannabis, this adventure offers something for every traveler.
So, are you ready to eat your way through Oakland? Pack your appetite and an open mind, and get ready for an unforgettable journey along the Oakland Cannabis Trail’s Foodie Path!
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