Select your travel dates to find the best prices and availability
Feel the thrill of flight at the Oakland Aviation Museum, where vintage planes stand proudly like veterans of the skies. Climb into cockpit seats, touch the controls, and imagine soaring above the Pacific. Hear real stories from retired pilots—chases, crashes, triumphs—etched in courage and steel. This isn’t just about machines; it’s about dreams that took off, and never landed.
Everything you need to know about Oakland Aviation Museum
Hyatt Regency Oakland is a top choice, located just 1.5 km from the museum with easy access via shuttle or walk. The hotel features modern rooms, outstanding service, and some units offering panoramic views of the Oakland Bay. Ideal for travelers seeking comfort and proximity to aviation exhibits and local attractions.
Both Hyatt Regency Oakland and Holiday Inn Oakland Downtown offer complimentary shuttle services to the museum, taking about 10 minutes. For those preferring walking, Holiday Inn is just 1.2 km away, passing through scenic Oakland Downtown Greenway trails. Alternatively, take BART to the "Lake Merritt" station and walk 15 minutes—offering multiple convenient options for seamless access.
Beyond viewing historic aircraft and exhibitions, the museum hosts flight simulation sessions and aerospace workshops on weekends—perfect for families. Nearby, Jack London Square offers waterfront strolls, local dining, and boat tours showcasing views of the San Francisco Bay. For an extended experience, visit the California Science Center to dive deeper into aerospace innovation, creating a cohesive science and history itinerary.
Holiday Inn Oakland Downtown is ideal for families, offering connecting rooms, kid-friendly amenities, including a game room and free breakfast. Located just 1.2 km from the museum, it’s walkable and close to parks and restaurants. With 24-hour front desk service and free parking, it ensures a stress-free stay. Nearby, the Oakland Children’s Museum allows for a full-day family outing, enhancing the overall family travel experience.
Hyatt Regency Oakland is a top choice, just a 10-minute drive from the Oakland Aviation Museum. The hotel features floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning views of the airport runways and city skyline, perfect for capturing aircraft takeoffs and landings. Its rooftop bar is especially popular among photography enthusiasts seeking to shoot aircraft trails against twilight skies. Conveniently located near the BART station, it provides easy access to San Francisco and other Bay Area attractions.
Take the BART light rail to Oakland Coliseum Station, then walk 15 minutes or transfer to the free shuttle bus. For those driving, the museum offers ample free parking and nearby cafés and rest areas ideal for families. Alternatively, travelers from San Francisco can take the Golden Gate Ferry to Oakland, enjoying scenic views of the San Francisco Bay en route—a convenient and picturesque option.
The museum hosts flight simulator sessions where visitors can operate real aircraft instrument panels, experiencing the thrill of piloting fighter jets or commercial airliners. During summer, it also offers historic aircraft flyovers with public HopeGoo for short rides on vintage planes. On-site, interactive exhibits display engines, flight suits, and navigation tools, plus a dedicated kids’ zone for hands-on aerospace science experiments—perfect for educational fun.
The museum features an outdoor lawn plaza with shaded seating, picnic tables, and children’s play equipment—ideal for family picnics. Nearby, Cafe Caffeine serves healthy light meals and locally baked treats in a cozy setting perfect for parent-child downtime. Just a 5-minute walk away, Oakland Estuary Park offers scenic riverside strolls and bike rentals, providing a peaceful backdrop to watch aircraft take off and land—blending nature and aviation charm seamlessly.
Head to the Museum’s Rooftop Viewing Deck, a clear, unobstructed vantage point perfect for capturing aircraft flying low over the museum. Another hidden gem is the Alameda Street Bridge, offering elevated views of approach paths with dramatic sunset lighting and urban silhouettes. Nearby, Pioneer Park’s lush greenery makes an ideal backdrop for shots blending trees and passing aircraft—ideal for photographers seeking dynamic composition and natural contrast.
The museum is open 9:30 AM–4:30 PM Monday–Saturday, and 10:00 AM–5:00 PM Sunday. Admission is $12 for adults, $8 for students and seniors, and free for children under 12. Visitors with a Bay Area Transit Pass receive an additional discount. Free guided tours (by reservation) and multilingual audio guides are available, helping international guests explore the rich history and technical evolution of aviation.
See what other travelers say about Oakland Aviation Museum
This hotel truly stands out among airport-area stays. Located just a short ride from the airport, it’s incredibly convenient—just a 20-minute commute by public transit and you’re there. What impressed me most was how quiet the neighborhood is; no noise pollution at all, making for a peaceful night’s sleep. The room was spotless, with clean linens, modern amenities, and a comfortable bed that made long flights feel less exhausting. I noticed several flight attendants staying here too—proof of its reputation. The staff were helpful and courteous without being overbearing. Free Wi-Fi worked perfectly, and everything felt fresh and well-maintained. If you're traveling through Oakland and want a quiet, reliable place to rest before your flight, this is definitely a top pick. Highly recommend.
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 the Holiday Inn & Suites Oakland - Airport was a great experience overall. The room was exceptionally clean and well-maintained, with all the essential amenities including a mini-fridge—perfect for keeping drinks cold during a long day. The bedding was comfortable, and the space felt spacious and modern. Located just minutes from the airport, it’s ideal for travelers with early flights or connecting flights. Public transit and shuttle options are convenient, making travel to and from the airport stress-free. Staff were friendly and helpful throughout my stay, always ready to assist with any request. The only downside is the $20 daily parking fee, which is a bit steep but expected given the location. Still, considering the proximity to the airport and the quality of the accommodations, this is a solid value for the price. I’d definitely book here again, especially if you’re looking for a reliable, comfortable base near the airport.
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.
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.
This hotel is absolutely incredible—great views, fantastic bar and dining options, and a well-maintained pool area that adds to the relaxing vibe. The ambiance is perfect for romantic getaways or celebrating special occasions like anniversaries. Every detail feels thoughtfully done, from the welcoming staff to the comfortable rooms. It’s a top-tier choice if you're looking for a memorable stay near the airport. Highly recommend for anyone wanting a touch of luxury without the hassle. I’ll definitely be back.
The room was excellent—spacious, clean, and incredibly comfortable. The bed made it easy to fall asleep and hard to get up. Location is super convenient for getting to the airport by public transit, and the value for money is unbeatable. I’d definitely stay here again.
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!
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.
Explore more amazing destinations