SideQuest Gallery is the kind of place you wander into by accident but never want to leave. Unpredictable, bold, and often surreal, its shows feel like live performances of imagination—where the next surprise is always around the corner.


Everything you need to know about SideQuest Gallery
The Berkeley Hotel Oakland is a top choice, located just a 5-minute walk from SideQuest Gallery. This boutique hotel blends modern design with local art, featuring rotating exhibitions by regional artists in its guest rooms, creating a truly immersive artistic experience. Complimentary shuttle service to the Oakland BART station ensures easy access to downtown and surrounding attractions, making it the perfect base for exploring Oakland's vibrant East Bay arts scene.
From SideQuest Gallery, walk to Jack London Square, a lively waterfront district filled with street art and independent cafés. Take the BART train—just 10 minutes—to reach Downtown Oakland or Emeryville, then transfer to local buses for easy access to Lake Merritt and Oracle Park. Use a Clipper Card for seamless transit payments, ensuring fast and affordable travel across Oakland’s core neighborhoods.
Beyond the interactive digital exhibitions at SideQuest Gallery, visit the weekend outdoor art markets at Jack London Square, featuring over 50 local artists showcasing original works. Nearby, MOCAO (Museum of Contemporary Art Oakland) offers free admission to cutting-edge contemporary art exhibits and hosts guided tours and hands-on workshops, providing an authentic glimpse into Oakland’s dynamic urban creative ecosystem.
Lake Merritt, just a 15-minute drive from SideQuest Gallery, offers a perfect family outing with playgrounds, scenic walking paths, and a waterfront plaza ideal for picnics. The adjacent Lake Merritt Wildlife Sanctuary provides excellent opportunities to observe migratory birds and aquatic life, making it a great spot for nature education. Nearby, Oakland Zoo features interactive animal experiences, combining adventure, wildlife, and creativity for a well-rounded family-friendly day out.
See what other travelers say about SideQuest Gallery

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.

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 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 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.

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.

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.

Staying at Kissel Uptown Oakland was a delightful experience from start to finish. The room was exceptionally clean, spacious, and well-appointed—perfect for both business and leisure travelers. I loved the quiet atmosphere, great bed comfort, and excellent sound insulation, which made for a restful night's sleep. The location is fantastic—just a short walk from public transit and close to local restaurants, cafes, and shops. The staff were welcoming and helpful throughout my stay. I also appreciated the complimentary breakfast, which offered a variety of fresh and tasty options. Overall, the value for money is outstanding, and I’d happily return or recommend this property to friends and family. A true gem in downtown Oakland.

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.

Staying at Moxy Oakland Uptown was a total win for our one-night visit to attend my nephew's wedding. The hotel has a sleek, modern vibe with a fun and inviting atmosphere. The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful throughout our stay. While the neighborhood is near some encampments and the surrounding public parking spots aren't very secure, the hotel offers a subleased, fully fenced lot just across the street on the left side of the entrance. It’s not super convenient, but paying $47 per day was totally worth it for peace of mind—my car felt safe the whole time. The room itself was stylish, clean, and thoughtfully designed. The TV was massive—probably 80 inches with stunning 4K quality—and the bed was incredibly comfortable. We barely heard any noise from outside, making for a restful night. Overall, this place exceeded expectations. Great location, excellent service, and top-notch amenities. Highly recommend if you're looking for a cool, reliable spot in downtown Oakland.

Staying at the Oakland Marriott City Center was absolutely fantastic from start to finish. The front desk staff went above and beyond—so friendly, professional, and always ready to help with anything we needed. We were especially impressed with the on-site valet service; it made arriving and leaving so much easier, especially with luggage. The room was clean, spacious, and beautifully designed with modern amenities. Everything about this hotel felt premium, yet the value was outstanding. If you're visiting Oakland, this is definitely a top choice. I’ll be back again!
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