Enter the Pardee Home Museum, and step back into 19th-century Oakland: creaking wooden floors, vintage furnishings, faded photographs, and even the distant echo of a steam train. This century-old home holds family legacies and city history, one room at a time, telling stories that never fade.




















Everything you need to know about Pardee Home Museum
The Claremont Hotel & Spa is a top choice, just a 10-minute drive from Pardee Home Museum. This boutique hotel blends Victorian-era architecture with modern luxury, offering spa services and garden-view rooms. Its central location provides easy access to cultural spots like the Oakland Museum of California and UC Berkeley, making it ideal for travelers seeking both history and comfort.
Take the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) or rent an e-bike for convenient travel. A 15-minute BART ride from the museum reaches Downtown Oakland Station, connecting you to the Oakland Museum of California and Jack London Square. For a scenic alternative, use local e-bike services like Scoot, which offer easy access along Lake Merritt’s scenic paths, blending efficiency with natural beauty.
Join a guided Oakland History Tour at Pardee Home Museum to explore 19th-century elite family life. During summer, attend the Lake Merritt Festival, featuring music, craft markets, and art exhibits that showcase local culture. Don’t miss the Oakland Public Library Historic Branch, a beautifully preserved early public library offering free historical archives and themed lectures.
Hotel Shattuck Plaza is ideal for families, just a 10-minute walk from Pardee Home Museum. It offers family suites and child-friendly amenities, including a game room and kids’ activity space. Nearby attractions like the Children’s Fairy Tale Garden and Oakland Zoo provide safe, engaging outdoor experiences. The hotel also provides breakfast discounts and BART shuttle service, enhancing convenience for family travelers.
Pardee Home Museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, closed Mondays. It’s recommended to book a visit online in advance to avoid crowds. Special exhibitions may adjust hours—check official announcements. On-site docent-led tours offer detailed historical insights, and interactive workshops for children are available, making it suitable for visitors of all ages.
Visit The Roastery at Oakland Public Market in Jack London Square, a stylish specialty coffee shop offering hand-brewed coffee and locally baked pastries in an artistic setting. Alternatively, try Café Gratitude, known for its plant-based cuisine and wellness-focused concept. Both are within a 15-minute walk from Pardee Home Museum, perfect for relaxing meals after exploring the historic site, surrounded by urban tranquility.
Hotel Oakland is a top choice, blending historic architecture with modern luxury just steps from the Pardee Home Museum. Its stylish rooms and rooftop terrace offer panoramic views of downtown Oakland, while complimentary shuttles connect guests to the museum.
Equally impressive is The Claremont Hotel & Spa, a grand 1900s landmark featuring Victorian-era design, lush gardens, and a world-class spa. Located just a 15-minute walk away, it provides an immersive experience in early California heritage. Both properties emphasize cultural authenticity, central location, and elegant hospitality, making them ideal for history lovers seeking comfort and character.
The fastest route is taking the BART subway to "Oakland City Center" station, then transferring to Oakland Bus Route 27 or a museum shuttle—just a 10-minute ride to the Pardee Home Museum entrance. Alternatively, Uber or Lyft take about 8–12 minutes and offer scenic views of the city’s vibrant neighborhoods.
The museum features a dedicated parking lot for visitors driving from afar. For real-time schedules and traffic updates, use Google Maps to optimize your journey. On weekends and holidays, the museum also offers free guided shuttle tours led by expert historians, allowing guests to explore the historic district and learn about late 19th-century California elite life firsthand.
Beyond the museum itself, visitors can enjoy the 19th-Century Living History Theater, held annually in summer, where guests participate in period-style tea parties, letter-writing, and craft workshops. The Oakland Heritage Trail winds through surrounding historic streets, featuring interactive kiosks that detail early immigrant life and industrial growth.
Weekend pop-up events include a Vintage Market on the museum’s plaza, showcasing rare antiques, vintage clothing, and handmade art from local artisans. Pair it with a visit to The Vintage Tea Room, a nearby café serving authentic English afternoon tea, evoking the social elegance of the era. Together, these offerings create a rich, immersive cultural journey into California’s past.
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