In part three of our Bay Area blog series, I offered a complete meal itinerary for San Francisco’s South Bay. In part four, you’ll learn where to enjoy the music and art the East Bay is known for. First, a bit of information about this region: The East Bay encompasses cities along the eastern shores of the San Francisco and San Pablo Bays and inland communities within Alameda and Contra Costa Counties, and is the largest populated region in the area.

With rolling hills and relatively warmer weather, the East Bay boasts many lively and vibrant downtown areas from Oakland and Berkeley to the tree-lined suburbs of Pleasanton and Fremont. 

As you meander through the area, don’t miss the abundance of art and music that hails from Berkeley and Oakland. A plethora of musical acts hail from the East Bay. Some of these music legends include:

• Folk: Creedence Clearwater Revival and Counting Crows.
• Hip-hop, rap, and R&B: Tupac, Too Short, Mac Dre, and Tony! Toni! Toné!
• Rock: Green Day, Primus, and Rancid. 

Plus, the Pointer Sisters, Sheila E, and Keyshia Cole are just a few of the powerful women in music that trace their roots back to the cities by the Bay. 

The East Bay is more than a music hub; there’s art almost everywhere you look. In fact, Oakland alone is home to over 1,000 murals. To experience the art of the East Bay, start your day with brunch at the newly opened Occitania restaurant in Oakland; not only will you experience art in the form of food, you’ll also dine under suspended ceramic pieces by Peter St. Lawrence. Notice the gold leaf, which reflects the light and hints at the mistral winds that blow through southern France. You’ll also spot textiles by artist Ramona Downey on the walls and a mural by Sam Strand in the private dining room. No matter what line of work you’re in, you’re sure to leave inspired to create something new.

Next, take an eight-minute walk to the corner of 27th Street and Northgate Avenue (at the entrance to the Koreatown Northgate District, or “KONO”) to view a huge mural collaboration between three local artists. Then, stroll down 25th Street to find 13 art galleries showcasing a wide variety of art created in the East Bay. If you happen to be there on the first Friday of the month, be sure to browse Oakland art and culture festival “First Fridays.” As you stroll through KONO, you’ll see mosaic artwork on the city garbage cans and mini murals on utility boxes throughout the district.

After all that walking, stop at Gogi Time, one of the best Korean barbecue restaurants in the Bay. For an interactive and fun experience, take advantage of the all-you-can-eat menu and grill your meats at your table. Gogi Time is the perfect spot to get to know your new neighbors and workmates. 

Finish your day with a visit to the Bay Area’s oldest piano bar, The Alley. Think of this experience as the original karaoke — before karaoke was a machine! The same local pianist headlined at this hot spot nightly for 50 years (up to 2017). If you want a turn at the mic, take a seat at the piano! If you’d rather spectate than participate, enjoy dinner and the unique decor; over 50,000 business cards — from past mayors to celebrities and musicians — adorn the walls. See how many you can recognize!

By now, you’ll happily doze off with a song stuck in your head and newfound creativity in your day-to-day routine.

Thanks for reading part four of our Bay Area blog series, and be sure to check out our latest Relocity market spotlights on:

• San Francisco (part one)
• The Peninsula (part two)
• The South Bay (part three)
• The North Bay (part five)

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