Oakland, CA

Feel zen at the Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt. The garden contains one of the most beautiful open-air bonsai collections in the nation, with more than 150 outstanding bonsai trees. Tour this and other rare spectacular garden wonders such as a Japanese Garden, Mediterranean Garden, and Rhododendron Garden.

Address: 666 Bellevue Ave., Oakland, CA 94610 - MAP
Phone: (510) 763-8409
Web: www.gardensatlakemerritt.org

Tour sacred architecture at the Cathedral of Christ the Light. Shine bright when you take a self guided tour to learn about the church's architectural transcendent beauty, history, and treasured art. Reflect on the sights as you stroll along the grounds and witness inspirational books and gifts at the Cathedral Store.

Address: 2121 Harrison St., Oakland, CA 94607 - MAP
Phone: (510) 832-5057
Web: www.ctlcathedral.org

See the world through a different lens at the Chabot Space & Science Center. Look through the largest public telescope in the United States. The center is 86,000-square-feet of scientific space that hones in on exciting, hands-on science and technology exhibits with a cool planetarium and MegaDome theater.

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

Tour the arts at the Paramount Theater. The historic landmark features an elaborate, ornate interior with secret passages and a magnificent grand stage. When the velvet curtains are pulled back, you can expect magical performances by the Oakland East Bay Symphony, the Oakland Ballet Company, and movie classics from Hollywood's Golden Era.

Address: 2025 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612 - MAP
Phone: (510) 465-6400
Web: www.paramounttheatre.com

Let your nose be your guide at Morcom Rose Garden. Delight your senses when you tour the eight acre rose garden blooming with more than 6,000 immaculately pruned varieties of roses from all over the world. Stop and smell the roses in a municipal garden sprouting since the 1930s.

Address: 700 Jean St., Oakland, CA 94610 - MAP
Phone: (510) 238-3187
Web: www.oaklandnet.com