Oakland, CA

Mingle at a mansion when you visit the Dunsmuir-Hellman Historic Estate. Built by a coal baron in the late 1800s, visitors can experience a horse-drawn carriage ride around the 50-acre estate and view miles of meadows and gardens. The end of the ride leads to the front steps of the 37 room Neoclassical Mansion where you can enjoy grand interior wonders, sip teas and shop the Dunsmuir Gift Shop.

Address: 2960 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland, CA 94605 - MAP
Web: www.dunsmuir-hellman.org

Go historical at the Pardee Home Mansion. This historical home belonged to Governor Pardee, whom with President Roosevelt as his close political mentor, co-founded the Progressive Party in California and was one of the most important early conservationists in the nation. All of the furnishings and collections are original in the reenactment of his story.

Address: 672 11th St., Oakland, CA 94607 - MAP
Phone: (510) 444-2187
Web: www.pardeehome.org

Enjoy a presidential cruise on the USS Potomac, Franklin Roosevelt's Presidential Yacht until his death in 1945. The "Floating White House" offers historical insight about FDR, along with cruises to visit Oakland's Angel Island, The Bay Model, The Bridges of the Bay, and the Islands of the Bay.

Address: 540 Water St., Oakland, CA 94607 - MAP
Phone: (510) 627-1215
Web: www.usspotomac.org

Discover all things California at the Oakland Museum of California. Learn everything you ever wanted to know about the Golden State's natural science, history and art through current exhibitions and collections, permanent galleries and community events aimed at sharing the fascinating stories about California and its people.

Address: 1000 Oak St., Oakland, CA 94607 - MAP
Phone: (510) 318-8400
Web: www.museumca.org

Explore man's concept of flight at the Oakland Aviation Museum. Hang around with the Wright Brothers and other high-flying greats to hear about their flights and see their planes. The museum hangers hold a varied and extensive collection of aircrafts, along with models, books, and other related aviation paraphernalia available for the pilot in you.

Address: 8252 Earhart Rd., Oakland, CA 94621 - MAP
Phone: (510) 638-7100
Web: www.oaklandaviationmuseum.org

Fly to the moon at the Chabot Space and Science Center. Get hands-on with cool interactive exhibits that explore myths and legends about Moon landings, Space Races and our solar system. Catch a star at the planetarium, a movie at the Megadome, and a meal at the Skyline Bistro!

Address: 10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland, CA 94619 - MAP
Phone: (510) 336-7300
Web: www.chabotspace.org