$36 Rental Cars in Oakland, CA

Find the best car rental deals in Oakland, California

With San Francisco just a short hop over the water, the edgy, exciting city of Oakland often gets unfairly overlooked. The up-and-coming city, now inhabited by countless young professionals, is a mixture of trendy breweries, forested hills, enthralling museums and famous entertainment venues.

The best way to explore Oakland is by rental car – it’s deceptively big, winding all the way up into the hills on the eastern edge of the city. Renting a car with the help of Orbitz means you can explore the Oakland Museum of California in the morning before wandering around the Oakland Zoo in the afternoon.

Oakland and beyond: Three destinations by car

Once you’ve explored the sights of Oakland, hop in your rental car to discover the incredible destinations surrounding the city.

San Jose

The city of San Jose, just a short trip south from Oakland, is both a booming financial center and an underrated tourism destination. Even if you’re just visiting to attend meetings in the heart of Silicon Valley, take some time to drive around this thriving, characterful city. The Tech Museum of Innovation offers an interactive insight into the region’s pioneering spirit, while Downtown San Jose is packed with bars, restaurants and entertainment venues to keep you awake long into the warm nights.

Journey time: Around 45 minutes

Distance: Approximately 40 miles

Napa Valley

Northern California’s famed wineries are scattered all around the valleys to the north of Oakland. Napa is justifiably the most famous, effortlessly producing award-winning wines year in, year out. Once you’ve parked up in the valley, join one of the numerous vineyard tours available in the area. There are over 400 wineries in the area, and counting, so you don’t have to just hit the famous ones. Go a little off the beaten track to find independent vintners crafting exquisite wines.

Journey time: Around one hour

Distance: Approximately 55 miles

San Francisco

There’s no resisting the pull of San Francisco. The City by the Bay is just a short trip over the bridge and is full of genuinely delightful attractions beyond its more famous tourist haunts. Of course, Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman’s Wharf bring in the crowds, but drive around the city for just a few minutes to discover stunning art galleries by the ocean, vast parks housing incredible museums, and artsy neighborhoods where craft-brewed beer flows freely.

Journey time: Around 20 minutes

Distance: Approximately 13 miles