Garfield Elementary School in Oakland, California is a vibrant elementary school bathed in golden sunshine and community warmth. More than just a place of learning, it serves as a cultural hub for neighborhood events and festive celebrations. When visiting Oakland, take a stroll past this charming school to soak up the small-town Americana vibe and its passionate educational spirit.




















Everything you need to know about Garfield Elementary School
Built in 1926, the school exemplifies Neoclassical architecture with its red brick facade and stone columns. It's listed on Oakland's Local Historic Resources inventory and reflects Progressive Era educational design principles.
As an active public school, visits require advance authorization from the administration. The Oakland Unified School District occasionally organizes heritage tours showcasing its historic auditorium and original 1920s architectural details.
Combine your visit with Lake Merritt (3 blocks away), America's first official wildlife refuge. The Oakland Museum of California (15-min walk) offers excellent exhibits on the region's social history and environmental diversity.
Street parking is limited; nearest paid lots are near 19th Street BART station. Consider using ParkMobile app for meters. Bike share stations are available nearby, as Oakland has extensive protected bike lanes.
The adjacent Koreatown-Northgate district hosts annual Oakland Lunar New Year Festival. Art Murmur (first Fridays) transforms nearby streets into an open-air gallery, while Paramount Theatre (0.7 miles away) presents Broadway shows.
The historic building has ADA-compliant ramps and elevators added during 2010s renovations. For special needs access, contact the Main Office in advance. Nearby BART stations also provide wheelchair-accessible routes to the campus.
See what other travelers say about Garfield Elementary School

The price is a bit on the higher side, but considering it's located right in downtown Oakland, that makes sense. For business travelers like me, having a solid place to rest and recharge is essential—this hotel delivers exactly that. The room was clean, quiet, and the bed was incredibly comfortable, making it easy to unwind after a long day. Being just steps away from public transit and local restaurants added to the convenience. I woke up feeling refreshed and ready for the next day’s work. While not the cheapest option, the location and quality make it worth every penny. I’ll definitely be staying here again on my next trip.

I stayed at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Oakland-Airport and was thoroughly impressed with the overall experience. The hotel is spotlessly clean, with well-maintained rooms and comfortable beds that made for a restful night’s sleep. The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful throughout my stay—check-in and check-out were smooth, and they even offered local tips and assistance with luggage. The breakfast buffet was a highlight: fresh, hot options like pancakes and avocado toast stood out, and there was plenty of variety to suit different tastes. The elevator worked efficiently, which was great when traveling with heavy bags or kids. The 73 bus stops right outside the hotel, making it super convenient for getting to the airport or downtown without needing a car. The only downside? There aren’t many dining options nearby, but I used the platform to book a restaurant in advance, so it wasn’t an issue. Overall, this is a reliable, well-located choice with excellent value, and I’d definitely recommend it to fellow travelers.

The free airport shuttle was a game-changer—punctual, comfortable, and saved us so much hassle getting to and from the airport. The room was spotless, with fresh linens and a cozy bed that made for a great night's sleep. Everything was clean and well-maintained, from the bathroom fixtures to the shower water pressure. It's a quiet, convenient location right near Oakland International Airport, perfect for travelers on a tight schedule. Highly recommend this hotel for both business and leisure stays—excellent value and service!

Located in a great spot just minutes from downtown Oakland, this hotel offers convenient access to local attractions and public transit. The building is over 100 years old, but well-maintained with clean, comfortable rooms and friendly front desk staff. One thing worth noting: the bathtub lacks safety grab bars along the walls and doesn’t have a non-slip mat at the bottom. This could be a concern for guests who prioritize bathroom safety, especially elderly travelers or those with mobility issues. That said, the overall experience was positive—great value for the price, and the location makes it a solid choice if you're visiting the area. A small upgrade in bathroom safety features would make it even better.

I stayed at Piedmont Place in Oakland and was pleasantly surprised by how convenient and comfortable it was. The location is excellent—just a short walk to public transit and close to restaurants, cafes, and local shops. My room (212) was clean, quiet, and well-maintained with all the essentials I needed. While it’s not your typical hotel in appearance, it definitely works as a great budget-friendly option for travelers who value practicality over luxury. The staff were friendly and helpful, and check-in/check-out went smoothly. Overall, it’s a solid choice if you're looking for a no-frills stay without compromising on comfort or safety. Perfect for solo travelers, weekend getaways, or even extended stays on a tight budget.

I stayed at Bay Breeze Inn during J-Hope's concert in Oakland, and it was an absolutely perfect choice! The staff were incredibly polite and welcoming from check-in to check-out. The room was spotlessly clean, well-maintained, and offered great value for money—especially considering how close we were to the Oakland Arena. I didn’t have to worry about long commutes or traffic, and parking was convenient and free. The location made everything so easy—just a short walk to the venue, yet quiet enough to get a good night’s sleep after the show. Everything about this stay felt thoughtful and comfortable. If you're visiting Oakland for a concert or just want a cozy, affordable place with friendly service, I highly recommend this gem. It’s definitely my go-to hotel now!

Staying at this motel was a pleasant surprise! The location is incredibly convenient—just a short walk to the downtown area and easily accessible by public transit. There are plenty of great dining options nearby, so you don’t have to go far for a good meal. The room wasn’t huge, but it was clean, well-maintained, and had all the essentials. The bed was comfortable, and I slept really well. What stood out most was the incredible value for money—great quality without the high price tag. The staff were friendly and helpful, making check-in smooth and stress-free. If you’re visiting Oakland on a budget but still want a reliable, comfortable stay, this place is a top pick. I’d definitely book here again and recommend it to anyone looking for a no-fuss, smart choice.

Staying at Highlander Motel was an absolute delight! This family-run gem stands out from the rest with its warm, welcoming atmosphere. The owners are incredibly approachable and genuinely kind—like staying with friends rather than a hotel. The rooms are clean, comfortable, and well-maintained, with all the essentials you’d need for a relaxing stay. It’s perfectly located for exploring Oakland and nearby areas—super easy to get around by public transit or car. I’d highly recommend this place to anyone visiting the Bay Area, whether traveling solo, with family, or on a weekend getaway. I’ve already planned my next trip back—Highlander Motel is definitely my top pick.

I was genuinely impressed by my stay at Bay Bridge Inn. Coming from a long history of budget motels that often come with questionable vibes, I had low expectations—worried about noisy rooms, sketchy characters, or unclean spaces. To my delight, none of those concerns came true. The front desk staff were friendly, efficient, and helpful without being overbearing. The room was spotless, well-maintained, and felt peaceful throughout my visit. While the neighborhood isn’t the most glamorous part of Oakland, I knew what to expect going in, and it didn’t detract from the overall experience. With its convenient location, clean facilities, and great value, I’d definitely stay here again. Highly recommend for travelers looking for a no-frills, reliable place to rest in Oakland.

The stay at Imperial Inn was a pleasant surprise. I arrived around midnight, and the front desk was still open—24/7 check-in is a huge plus when you're traveling late. The room was clean, spacious, and came with a mini-fridge, which was perfect for storing snacks and drinks. While the microwave wasn’t in the room, I asked for one and it was delivered within 10 minutes—super responsive service. The hotel is conveniently located near MacArthur Station, making it easy to get around Oakland by train. There are several local restaurants nearby offering Chinese, Korean, and burgers—great for late-night cravings or casual meals. The area is quiet and peaceful during the night, though I’d advise tourists to be cautious if walking around after dark. What stood out most was that I requested a late checkout, and they happily accommodated me at no extra charge—friendly and flexible. If I ever return to San Francisco, this will be my go-to place. It’s affordable, well-maintained, and offers a welcoming atmosphere without breaking the bank.

The stay was overall pleasant. The room was clean and spacious, with a convenient kitchenette including a working fridge, freezer, and microwave—perfect for light meals. One unexpected detail was the requirement for a cash deposit, but unfortunately no receipt was provided for the payment. That lack of documentation felt a bit off, especially since it’s not common practice. Despite that minor hiccup, the location is excellent—just steps from the Lake Merritt BART station, making downtown Oakland easy to reach by transit. The value for money is solid, and I’d definitely consider staying here again if visiting the area.

My stay at this hotel in Oakland was mixed. The main issue was the room key and lock system— it didn’t respond properly, which forced me to request a room change, causing some inconvenience. There’s no breakfast included, which was surprising, especially for travelers who prefer starting the day with a meal. The elevator feels outdated and occasionally acted up during use. Unfortunately, maintenance staff aren’t available after a certain time, so any issues late at night had to wait until morning. That said, the night front desk team was friendly and approachable— they made the experience more bearable. The location is convenient, just a short walk or ride from the airport, which is great for early flights. Overall, while the hotel has potential, improvements in basic amenities and after-hours support would make a big difference.
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