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Oakland, California is a quality retirement community and senior vacation area in the Bay Area.

Oakland CA History

The Ohlone Indians lived in the Oakland area thousands of years ago. Spanish explorers were the first Europeans to visit the area in 1772. The king of Spain awarded a 44,800-acre land grant to Luis Maria Peralta in 1820. In 1842, Don Peralta divided his land among his four sons. Most of Oakland lies within the shares given to Antonio Maria and Vicente.

New settlers began full-scale logging operations in 1842. During the California Golf Rush of 1849, Oakland became the mainland staging point for passengers traveling between the Bay and the Sierra foothills.

Oakland officially incorporated in 1852 and was called "Contra Costa" (the other coast) until 1855. In 1853, The College School was established on the corner of Fifth and Broadway. It later became the College of California, predecessor to the University of California.

Heinold’s First and Last Chance Saloon opened in 1883 and remains in business today. The bar was a favorite haunt of Jack London who referenced the bar 17 times in his novel John Barleycorn.

Oakland California – Hillside Neighborhoods & Bustling Waterfront

Today, Oakland California has hillside neighborhoods, diverse architecture, a bustling waterfront, two lakes and 19 miles of shoreline along the San Francisco Bay. Seniors love the year-round vacation weather with temperatures in the gentle 50's and 60's in the winter and spring, and 70's throughout summer and fall.