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

Staying at the Courtyard Oakland Airport felt like coming home—warm, welcoming, and incredibly comfortable. The views of San Francisco from the room were breathtaking, especially during sunset when the city lights began to sparkle. The location is fantastic: just a short ride from downtown and super convenient for airport transfers. Staff went above and beyond to make our stay memorable. I’ll definitely be back next time I’m in Oakland—this hotel truly delivers on comfort, service, and value.

Staying at this hotel was a real highlight of my trip to Oakland. Located right on the lake, the views are absolutely stunning—especially in the morning when I went for a peaceful jog along the waterfront. The breakfast included was simple but satisfying, and the staff were friendly and attentive. Parking is paid, which is fair considering the prime location. While dining options are a bit of a walk away, I actually preferred staying in and relaxing on the balcony, watching the calm waters reflect the sky. It’s such a serene atmosphere that made me want to stay put all evening. The overall experience was excellent, and I’d definitely return without hesitation.

The Executive Inn & Suites Oakland offers a peaceful and comfortable stay with excellent service throughout. While the surrounding area is quiet and lacks nearby shopping or dining options, the hotel itself has a convenient on-site restaurant—perfect for those who prefer staying in during their trip. If you value a serene atmosphere and don’t mind limited dining choices outside the property, this hotel delivers great value. The location is also well-connected to public transit, making it easy to explore downtown Oakland. Overall, it’s an ideal choice for travelers seeking comfort and convenience without the noise of a bustling neighborhood.

Staying at the Courtyard Oakland Downtown was an absolute steal for the price—around $110, I got a premium experience that rivals much higher-end hotels. The location is unbeatable, right in the heart of downtown Oakland, with easy access to public transit and all the local hotspots. Rooms are clean, spacious, and well-appointed with comfortable beds and modern amenities. The staff went above and beyond to make my stay smooth and welcoming. What really stood out was how great the value felt—luxury-level comfort without the luxury price tag. If you're visiting Oakland and want a reliable, convenient, and affordable place to stay, this hotel delivers on every front. Definitely recommend it for travelers who want quality without overspending.

Located near Oakland's waterfront, the hotel offers a pleasant atmosphere with a small bay view—great for relaxing. However, the surrounding neighborhood can be a bit concerning, especially after dark. I’d recommend avoiding walking around the area unless necessary and opting for rideshare services instead for safety. The hotel itself is clean, well-maintained, and staff are friendly and helpful. While the location has its risks, the property’s comfort and service make it a solid choice if you’re cautious about movement outside the premises. Overall, a good stay with a few caveats for security-conscious travelers.

Staying at B-Love's Guest House was a wonderful experience! The place is perfect for unwinding after a busy day—clean, cozy, and thoughtfully designed. It's just a short walk from downtown Oakland, with easy access to public transit and plenty of local cafes and shops nearby. The staff were incredibly welcoming and helpful, making the whole stay feel personal and comfortable. The bed was super comfy, and the room had all the essentials you’d need for a relaxing break. I’d definitely recommend this hidden gem to anyone visiting Oakland—it’s a great value and truly feels like home.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Continental Lodge is a hidden gem in Oakland—clean, well-maintained, and incredibly affordable. The staff went above and beyond to make our stay comfortable and hassle-free. We appreciated their warm welcome and quick assistance with any questions we had. While the neighborhood is still evolving, we felt safe throughout our visit. Our car stayed securely parked overnight with no issues at all. For a reliable, budget-friendly option in a city where good deals are hard to find, this motel stands out. Highly recommend for travelers looking for comfort without the premium price.
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