3 Best Places To See in Oakland, CA

“Oakland Zoo has more than 750 native and exotic species living there. The California Preservation Society operates the Zoo and is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization committed to nature conservation locally and internationally. The Zoo is located in the Grass Valley neighborhood of Oakland. Zooy is known for its outstanding animal care, particularly their elephant care program. California Trail, a historic expansion and education, will continue its commitment to animal care and preservation, emphasizing the state's extraordinary past and present native wildlife. Oakland Zoo offers natural and enhanced habitats to promote captive wildlife behaviors typical of the species. The gift shop has strollers and wheelchairs available for rent. Free admission for children under 2 years of age and seniors 76 and over.”

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“Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) provides various educational and outreach programs that allow guests to share their views, questions, and stories. The Museum is perfect for exploring California's art, history, and natural sciences. Oakland Museum of California is intended to encourage all Californians to create a brighter future for themselves and their communities. The Museum has over 1.9 million objects, including seminal works of art, historical artifacts, ethnographic artifacts, natural objects, and photos. OMCA provides free events to enjoy, including extended DJ sets from the finest and most hands-on family experiences in the Bay Area. OMCA is the Bay Area's leading cultural organization and a tool for exploring and learning California's diverse cultural and environmental heritage. Free admission for children 12 and under.”

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“USS Hornet Museum has a large collection of helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, Apollo artifacts, and many other interesting and educational exhibits on board. The Museum is a State and National Historic Landmark and is berthed at Pier 3 on Alameda's former naval air station. Their mission is to use USS Hornet and its exhibitions, educational programming, and collections to encourage understanding and awareness of science, technology, history, and service. The USS Hornet is a Navy aircraft carrier that opened as a museum in 1998. The museum's mission is to develop an awareness of history, science, and technology. The ship's active-duty years spanned from 1943 to 1970 and served in World War II, the Cold War, and the Vietnam War. It finished up a long career by picking up the Apollo 11 and 12 astronauts, the first two missions that landed on the Moon. The Docents there have a wealth of knowledge about its history and are happy to share that knowledge. Free admission for children 6 and under and museum members.”

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