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O'Hare International Airport

O'Hare International Airport is one of the biggest and busiest airports in the world. It serves the city of Chicago and the rest of the Chicagoland area, with connecting flights to smaller cities throughout the Midwest.

Understand
This is no Changi, no Kansai; in other words, it's nobody's favorite airport. O'Hare is huge, but it's from an era before airports had much in the way of amenities, and it's been stretched beyond capacity for a while now. Although safety has never been a concern, O'Hare has one of the worst on-time records of any major airport. In the winter, snow and ice storms can cause delays, and during the summer, heavy winds can make take-off and landings dangerous. These weather conditions sometimes cause air traffic control at O'Hare to hold traffic from smaller airports from even taking off. However, most of the world's airlines fly through O'Hare, so international travellers and those making transfers aren't likely to have much of a choice. The title of the world's busiest airport oscillates between O'Hare and Altanta's Hartsfield-Jackson. Those travelling to the area can use Chicago's Midway or Milwaukee's General Mitchell International (connected to the Loop via the Amtrak Hiawatha train service). Alternatively, travellers may consider the Airport Express operated by Coach USA/Wisconsin Coach Lines, connecting General Mitchell International, the Milwaukee Intermodal Station and points in-between.

There are multiple TSA Pre lines in terminal 3, so travellers who have paid for this service can clear security very quickly even in high traffic conditions.

Flights
O'Hare has four passenger terminals. Terminals 1-3 handle domestic traffic and a few international departures. Terminal 5 handles all international arrivals and international departures that are not covered by Terminals 1-3. (Terminal 4 is something of a fnord, its temporary space since re-appropriated as the shuttle bus depot; the name has been set aside for potential future expansion). The O'Hare 21 plan is already changing this, however - more details below..

United Airlines has its main hub at O'Hare, since its corporate offices are located in downtown Chicago. O'Hare is also a major hub for American Airlines. As such, a rule of thumb is that Terminals 1 and 2 are dominated by United and its alliance partners; Terminal 3 is given over to American and its partners, and only Concourse L of Terminal 3 and several gates in Concourse E of Terminal 2 are for everybody else.

Here is a detailed list of terminals and airlines. The terminal color is the same here as it is on signage and maps at the airport.

See also: view a full list of airline info.

With the exception of flights from airports with U.S. border preclearance, such as those from major Canadian airports, all international arrivals are processed at Terminal 5 regardless of the departure terminal of the airline.

Note: If you are traveling with the following airlines they may only serve the following area airports:
 * Chicago Midway International Airport  Avelo, Allegiant and Porter operate only from Midway. Southwest and Frontier connect Chicagoland to more destinations through MDW than through ORD. Delta/Delta Connection and Volaris serve both airports. It is connected from O'Hare by CTA trains via downtown (the 'Loop'). See 'By train' under 'Ground transportation' in the below on getting there by public transportation. Midway is an older and smaller airport  south/southwest of the Loop in downtown Chicago via the Stevenson Expy (I-55) and S Cicero Ave (IL-50).
 * Milwaukee Mitchell Airport Some travelers from within the U.S. may opt to fly directly to Milwaukee ( north of the 'Loop' or  from ORD) if they plan to spend their entire stay there (or anywhere in Wisconsin) while saving time in picking up a rental car here and then drive up there (1hr 30 min on I-94). Others may choose to fly into ORD or MDW, rent a car, and drive up there; or take a bus or shuttle to get there in order to save money on the airfare or to include additional stopovers en-route. It is served by Coach USA/Wisconsin Coach from Chicago O'Hare and by Amtrak Hiawatha from Chicago Union Station. American Airlines and United also offer direct (Short) flights between Chicago O'Hare and Milwaukee Mitchell in 0:50 min.
 * Chicago Rockford International Airport is another area airport located  northwest of Chicago O'Hare in Rockford.  It can be accessed via I-90 & US 20 by car or by Coach USA Van Galder bus from Chicago O'Hare.  It is served only by Allegiant Airlines from Punta Gorda/Fort Myers, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Nashville, Orlando, Phoenix/Mesa, and Tampa/St Petersburg.

Arrive
For passengers arriving on international flights, Immigration and Customs formalities typically take 15-30 minutes, but can take over 2 hours at peak times. The busiest times are in the afternoon, and the full statistics can be seen here.

Transfer
Passengers transferring between international flights should note that there are no special transit facilities, which means that even if you have an immediate connecting flight, you have to pass through Customs and Immigration. After you clear customs, but before you exit into the public area, there are some check-in counters run by the major mainline carriers for you to check your bags that have already been checked through to the final destination, so you don't have to lug your bag to Terminals 1-3. For details of entry and visa requirements see get in section of United States page. Passengers arriving on international flights and transferring to another international or domestic flight will have to go through security again.

For passengers transferring between from domestic flights (or from international flights from airports with US border preclearance), Terminals 1-3 are connected to each other both landside and airside, so if your luggage is checked through, you do not need to clear security again. Terminal 5 is in a completely separate area and not physically connected to Terminals 1-3, so you will have to exit the restricted area and go through security again after transferring using the AirTrain.

O'Hare 21
This major renovation plan, named due to its planned full completion in 2021, is already making an impact in the airport. For example, the first new gates in two decades (the L Stinger concourse for American Eagle regional jets), the temporary closure of the ATS for renovation and extension, the new Multi-Modal facility, and the move of all Delta and Frontier flights - even domestic ones - to Terminal 5 have already happened.

The long term plan is that the Terminals 1-3 complex will become a unified Global Terminal with customs implementation as well as TSA and landside amenity improvements. This Global Terminal will make O'Hare the first North American airport to be built around the airport alliances as United and Star Alliance carriers as well as American and Oneworld airlines will move there while Delta and their SkyTeam partners will move to the current Terminal 5, which will be extended to meet the demand.

Ground transportation
Ground transportation is located at the centralized at 10255 W. Zemke Blvd at the southeastern corner of Zemke Blvd and Manheim Rd. It is at the eastern terminus of the free Airport Transit System (ATS) train from the airline terminals. This 2.5 million+ square feet facility serves as the rental car center, Economy Parking 'F', intercity bus & shuttle station, Metra's "O'Hare Transfer Station", and bus stop location for PACE buses.

By train
The terminates at the space-age station for O'Hare, designed by the firm of architect Helmut Jahn. Trains run 24 hours a day, as frequently as every six minutes during peak periods and as infrequently as every half-hour overnight. The trip to the Loop should take about 48 minutes, but never cut things close with the CTA. The station is located beneath the Bus/Shuttle Center, closest to Terminal 2 but easily accessible by underground passages, with moving walkways, from Terminals 1 and 3. Those arriving at or departing from Terminal 5 (international) must take the automated Airport Transit System between Terminals 2 and 5. The cost of the train from O'Hare is $5 instead of the regular $2.50 anywhere else in the city. When taking the CTA to O'Hare, it's recommended to board the train at the front in the O’Hare direction, as the entrance is at the front of the train (back of the train in the Forest Park direction). You do not need to pay the extra fare upon exiting the station. Get off at the Clark/Lake Station in downtown Chicago (the 'Loop') and transfer to the Orange Line train to continue to Chicago Midway Airport. Get off the Blue Line train at the Clinton Station and walk up a couple blocks on Clinton St to reach Union Station.

trains stop at the "O'Hare transfer" station, located adjacent to parking lot F (with shuttle bus service connecting to the ATS at the Remote Parking stop). The train reaches Chicago's Union Station in approximately 30 minutes, but service is infrequent, operates only on weekdays and is concentrated in the peak commute direction. In the future, Metra-ATS transfers will be direct at a new consolidated rental center.

By bus
Pace is one of the three transit agencies (the others are Metra and CTA) serving the surrounding suburbs of Chicagoland in Cook, Lake, Will, Kane, McHenry, and DuPage counties with the following routes going directly into the Multi-Modal Facility (MMF):
 * Routes 250 and Pulse Dempster Line go north to Des Plaines/Des Plaines Metra Station; and then east towards Evanston via Skokie on Dempster St. Both run along the same route except the 250 route makes more local stops along the way then the Pulse Dempster Line.
 * Route 330 goes south towards Harlam / Archer in Summit via Manheim (US 12) and Granger Roads. It stops at the Rosemont (CTA) Station and La Grange Road Station (Metra BNSF Line; Amtrak Illinois Zyphyr and Carl Sandburg trains).

There are additional ("airport") Pace bus routes from and the, the next two stops in the surrounding areas, on the CTA Blue Train from O'Hare. The station names in the above are linked to the PACE website listing the PACE bus routes serving the two stations in Rosemont.

By taxi
Chicago taxis charge a metered rate based on time and distance. Expect to pay around $45 (plus tip) from O'Hare to the Loop. It is illegal for Chicago taxis to charge a non-metered flat rate except for special shared-ride services. Taxi drivers rarely participate in shared-ride services.

Except for a few suburbs immediately adjacent to the airport, Chicago taxis charge one and a half times the meter rate for non-Chicago destinations. Most suburban taxi companies have flat-rate taxi service to their respective suburbs. It is illegal for a suburban taxi to take you from O'Hare to a point within the City of Chicago. American Taxi, Universal Taxi and 303 Taxi are three large suburban taxi associations that have taxis stationed near the airport. But the suburban taxis cannot come to the airport unless you call them after you arrive.

Of the many shuttle/limo services, Go Airport Express vans are the most commonly seen doing the rounds of downtown hotel pick-ups. Fares to the downtown business district are $32/46/54 (plus tip) for a party of one/two/three persons, with a discount for a return ticket if bought in advance and lower fares for children under 14.

Ride app pick-up zones are on the upper level (the departure level) of Terminal 2. If your flight lands at any of the other terminals, you will need to make your way to Terminal 2 to be picked up by a ride share. Only premium services such as Uber Black and Lyft Black are allowed to pick up passengers at the arrival level of all terminals.

By intercity bus and shuttle
Except with Greyhound Lines the airport intercity bus and shuttle companies stop at the Multi-Modal Facility (MMF) outside the airport grounds (10255 W Zemke Blvd):

To reach the downtown bus station (Greyhound & Burlington Trailways) at 630 W Harrison St, take the CTA Blue Line train from O'Hare to Clinton Station. Walk one block south on S Clinton St to Harrison and go a couple blocks west, along Harrison, towards S Des Plaines St to reach the bus station (Harrison & Des Plaines).

By car
Access to O'Hare's terminals is via I-190, which originates near the interchange between I-294 (the Tri-State Tollway) and I-90 (the  Northwest Tollway to the northwest and the Kennedy Expressway to the east). From downtown Chicago, follow I-90/94 northwest, continue on I-90 when I-94 splits off, then follow I-190 into the airport, which splits eventually into arrival (lower-level) and departure (upper-level) roadways serving Terminals 1, 2, and 3 in turn. For Terminal 5, exit on Bessie Coleman Drive. This exit also serves numerous rental car companies and the economy parking lots. To drop off a passenger without the harrowing experience of navigating the departures roadway, try Kiss n'Fly: follow signs for remote lot E where you can leave your friend at the terminus of the Airport Transit System, just a short ride away from the terminals.

Most major car rental companies are located in the Multi-Modal Facility (MMF) which is connected from the passenger terminals via Airport Transit System (ATS) train. Call to arrange shuttle pick-up by off-airport car rental companies at MMF (10255 W. Zemke Blvd).

Parking
O'Hare runs a parking hotline and broadcasts parking information on 800 AM radio within two and a half miles (4 km) of the airport. Parking at O'Hare is no simple affair. If you're the sort of person who likes to meet friends at baggage claim with a cordial "Come on, run with those bags!" you'll be glad to know that parking in the main garage is free for stays of under 10 minutes. For the rest of us...

Short-term

 * Level one of the main garage (lot A) is designated for short-term parking, charging $2 for the first hour, and $4 for stays of up to three hours. But keep an eye on the clock, as a fourth hour sees the rate jump to $21, and it doesn't take long to reach the $50/day maximum. Other lots (under long-term, below) also charge $2 for the first hour, but rates increase faster, and as they are further away from the terminals, this option really only benefits you if the hourly parking area is full.
 * Lot D, adjacent to Terminal 5, also offers short-term parking: $2 for an hour, $6 for two hours.
 * A portion of remote lot F is now the cell phone lot where you can park for free and wait in your car for an arriving passenger to call your cell phone, at which point you can pick up your friend curbside without circling endlessly. Shuttle buses run from lot F to E.

Long-term
If leaving a vehicle at the airport during a trip, numerous options are available. Visitors are advised to notify the parking hotline if they plan to park for longer than thirty days.
 * The upper levels of the main garage (lot A) and the adjacent surface lots (lots B and C) charge $40/day.
 * International Lot D charges $74/day.
 * Remote economy lots E and H charge $17/day, remote lot G charges $10/day. A shuttle takes you between lots G, H, and the ATS terminus in lot E.
 * And if money is no object, valet parking is available at $26 for up to 9 hours and $61 for the day.

On foot
Passengers may walk between Terminals 1, 2, and 3 both land-side (prior to clearing security) and air-side. The distance can be considerable; make sure to allow adequate time for layovers between different terminals.

Airside shuttle buses
United Airlines runs an air-side shuttle bus between Gate E2A in Terminal 2 and Gate C9 in Terminal 1 (convenient for people going from a United Express flight to a Star Allaince flight). There is also a bus stopping at gates G17, K20 and L24 in Terminal 3 before going to Terminal 5, allowing you to bypass the security checkpoint there. Due to immigration and customs processing, you can't take the bus back.

Airport Transit System
O'Hare has an automated, land-side, transit system cleverly called Airport Transit System or ATS. Stops are made at all four terminals (and Lot D at Terminal 5), remote parking lot E and the Multi-Modal Facility (MMF) for rental cars, Lots G & H; Metra train, intercity buses & shuttles, and Pace buses. This is the only way to reach the three domestic terminals and the Blue Line station from the international terminal, which means that passengers connecting to or from a Terminal 5 flight should allow abundant time for border formalities, inter-terminal transit, and a second security screening. There is no charge for the use of the ATS.

Wait
O'Hare doesn't have much in the way of amenities, but there are at least a few distractions:

 * Kids Play interactive exhibits are in Terminal 2 ("Kids on the Fly"), operated by the Chicago Children's Museum from Navy Pier. They're open during airport hours.
 * Kids Play interactive exhibits are in Terminal 2 ("Kids on the Fly"), operated by the Chicago Children's Museum from Navy Pier. They're open during airport hours.
 * Kids Play interactive exhibits are in Terminal 2 ("Kids on the Fly"), operated by the Chicago Children's Museum from Navy Pier. They're open during airport hours.

Eat
O'Hare has plenty of places to eat, most of which won't provide you with an experience beyond keeping you alive through your upcoming flight. You'll pay more than you should for meals you won't remember anything about, save for the grease. There are a few, though, that stand out enough to be worth hunting down, namely The Berghoff and Tortas Frontera, which are good enough to make a delayed flight seem like a good opportunity.

Budget

 * Gold Coast Dogs, 6AM-8PM, serves airport versions of Chicago-style hot dogs in Terminal 3. It would be a crime against taste if this was your only encounter with a Chicago-style hot dog, with Superdawg only a short distance away on the Far Northwest Side!
 * McDonald's, 5AM-11PM, has its greasy claws in all four terminals and is notable mainly for being open later than anyone else.
 * Sky Bridge, 5AM-9PM daily, is run by Greeks and serves gyros, kebabs, and some other Greek fare along with the basic burger and dog. A step up for the usual fast food joint, most meats here aren't cooked until you order.  The omelets are good, the hash browns greasy.  Terminal 2, near F7.
 * Sky Bridge, 5AM-9PM daily, is run by Greeks and serves gyros, kebabs, and some other Greek fare along with the basic burger and dog. A step up for the usual fast food joint, most meats here aren't cooked until you order.  The omelets are good, the hash browns greasy.  Terminal 2, near F7.
 * Sky Bridge, 5AM-9PM daily, is run by Greeks and serves gyros, kebabs, and some other Greek fare along with the basic burger and dog. A step up for the usual fast food joint, most meats here aren't cooked until you order.  The omelets are good, the hash browns greasy.  Terminal 2, near F7.

Mid-range

 * Billy Goat Tavern & Grill, 6AM-9:30PM, serves beer, steaks, and cheeseburgers in Terminal 1. For the sake of any locals who might be around, travelers should take it as a given that everyone has already heard their John Belushi impression, thanks.
 * Chili's, 5:30AM-9PM, serves a limited version of their burgers-and-pasta menu in Terminals 1, 2, and 3.
 * Johnny Rockets, 6AM-9:30PM, airport version of the retro-diner/soda fountain hamburger chain in Terminal 2. Mixed reviews compared to a real standalone JR, but it's a change of pace from a fast-food burger.
 * Pizzeria UNO, 5:15AM-9:30PM, slums it in Terminals 1, 2, and 5, pushing watery versions of Chicago's hallmark deep dish pizza, while Reggio's does the same in Terminals 1 and 3.
 * Pizzeria UNO, 5:15AM-9:30PM, slums it in Terminals 1, 2, and 5, pushing watery versions of Chicago's hallmark deep dish pizza, while Reggio's does the same in Terminals 1 and 3.

Splurge

 * Romano's Macaroni Grill, 8AM-8PM, Terminal 3 gate K3, has entrées priced mostly in the $10-$16 range, topping out at $28 for high-end steak meals. Food is of good quality, comparable to the standalone Macaroni Grill restaurants, though is a little more oily than standard Italian fare.
 * Wolfgang Puck, 5AM-10PM, in Terminals 1 and 3 has an extremely limited menu to compensate for demand and limited preparation space. It's overpriced and not tasty enough to justify the price, but if you're on an expense account, go for it.

Drink
There are a few options for booze in O'Hare. Some restaurants, including Billy Goat and The Berghoff, also have liquor licenses. As with food, options are more limited in the international terminal.

Buy

 * Chicago Historical Society Gift Shop, 8AM-9PM daily, has a better class of Chicago Souvenir than most. They're in Terminal 3.
 * Field Museum Store, daily 8AM-8PM, takes the gift shop from the great museum to Terminals 1 and 3.
 * Hudson's Booksellers, daily 7AM-9:30PM, has a good selection of magazines as well as other items in Terminals 1, 2, 3, and 5.
 * Barbara's Bookstore, daily 6AM-10PM, has a reasonable selection of books, in Terminals 1, 2, and 3.

Duty free
For passengers departing on international flights there are some somewhat limited duty free shopping possibilities:

Connect

 * Wi-Fi is available throughout O'Hare Airport from Boingo. After a 30-minute free trial period, day passes cost $6.95, while monthly rates are $4.98 for the first three months and $21.95 thereafter.

Cope

 * There are three family/companion restrooms in Terminal 2, and one in Terminal 3. There is a mother's room in Terminal 3 on the mezzanine level of the rotunda, in between G and H gates.
 * If you just can't wait, there are HeartSave defibrillators in all four terminals, intended to be within a minute's reach from any point in the airport.
 * The U.S.O. has a center in front of security for active, reserve, and retired military personnel in Terminal 2, above the Delta Ticket Counter, on the Mezzanine level (open 24 hours) For more information call . Navy recruits reporting to Recruit Training Command go here.
 * If you just can't wait, there are HeartSave defibrillators in all four terminals, intended to be within a minute's reach from any point in the airport.
 * The U.S.O. has a center in front of security for active, reserve, and retired military personnel in Terminal 2, above the Delta Ticket Counter, on the Mezzanine level (open 24 hours) For more information call . Navy recruits reporting to Recruit Training Command go here.
 * The U.S.O. has a center in front of security for active, reserve, and retired military personnel in Terminal 2, above the Delta Ticket Counter, on the Mezzanine level (open 24 hours) For more information call . Navy recruits reporting to Recruit Training Command go here.

Sleep
Many hotels serving O'Hare are actually located in the nearby suburbs of Schiller Park, Elk Grove Village, Mount Prospect, Des Plaines, and most of all in Rosemont. Amenities are fairly standard, with an eye toward business travelers. The area's upscale hotels are all in Rosemont, with the lone exception of the Hilton at the airport:

All hotels run shuttles to and from the airport. Some run on a schedule and do regular pick-ups, while others have to be called from the airport concierge. Shuttle stops are clearly sign-posted. Make sure the shuttle is going to your specific hotel — Marriott, for example, runs separate shuttles for each of its brands. A taxi should cost $10-15 at the most.

O'Hare is well known for weather issues that cause flights to be canceled, particularly in the winter and summer months. If you get stuck at O'Hare and need a hotel room for the night there is a service, Airport Accommodations, that provides discounted rates at full service hotels in the airport area that provide free shuttle service. Call their 24/7 customer service center at and they will help you find a room in the airport area. They do not charge for their services.

If you're driving to a hotel, get on I-190, the small expressway that operates to/from the airport. Most hotels are clustered on Mannheim Road or River Road, which have exits from the expressway, or off roads that connect with Mannheim going north (Higgins, Touhy) or south (Irving Park). I-190 merges with I-90/94, which heads to the center of Chicago.

Budget
Cheap hotels near O'Hare tend to be cheap for a reason — don't be shy about asking to see the room first.

Splurge
If you're going to spend a lot of money on a hotel and you plan to be in town for more than one night, you'll have a much better time in downtown Chicago. That said, these hotels are big and do a lot of business.

Nearby
Chicago's Far Northwest Side is the closest part of the city to O'Hare. While it does have some charms, the most popular attractions for tourists are much further on, in the Loop, Near North, and Near South.

title: O'Hare International Airport


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Oachira

Oachira (or Ochira) is a coastal town in Kerala in India.

Understand
The palace once under the rulers of Kayamkulam during the times of Marthanda Varma became a part of Travancore kingdom.

Get in
The town lies on the highway NH-47 and lies 100 kilometers north of Thiruvananthapuram.

Oachira has a small railway station for regional trains. Express trains stop at Kayamkulam from where it is 10 kilometres by road on the southern side of NH-47.

Buy
Local handicrafts and merchandise.

Eat
Local fare.

Drink
Fresh toddy.

Go next

 * Vethalan Kavu Mahadeva Temple (Malayalam: വേതാളൻ കാവ് മഹാദേവ ക്ഷേത്രം) is located at Krishnapuram near Kayamkulam in Alappuzha District, Kerala. It is one of the rarest temples in the world where Lord Siva is worshiped as Vethala. It is about 3 km East of famous Oachira Parabrahma temple.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Oachira


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Oahu

Oahu (Hawaiian: Oʻahu) is the most populous of the Hawaiian islands, the third largest in size (after the Big Island and Maui) and the cultural, financial, and top tourist destination of the Hawaiian islands. As the home of the city of Honolulu, the state capital, and as home to over 85% of the state's population, Oahu is appropriately nicknamed "The Gathering Place."

Understand
Oahu is truly at the heart of Hawaii. The city of Honolulu is busy, and its Waikiki district even more so. Oahu is home to the only real metropolitan area in all the Hawaiian Islands. For some, this has been both a blessing and a curse for the island.

On the plus side, visitors to Oahu and local residents share in all the amenities and conveniences that only a large city such as Honolulu can provide—days spent dashing about, bustling nightlife, great restaurants, exciting cultural events and establishments, good public transportation, and a variety of shopping and lodging options. Combine this with the city and island's extensive beaches, parks, mountains, recreational areas, and quaint towns and this makes one enjoyable metropolitan area. On the minus side, Honolulu is a big city and has all the big city problems that come along with it, such as traffic, high cost of living, and some crime.

Honolulu may not embody the vision that some visitors have of Hawaii after looking at so many postcards: serenity and relaxation. True, one can relax on Oahu just by going to the right destinations on the island, you just need to know where to look. A calming oasis can be found as there are many resorts located outside of Waikiki that offer less crowded surroundings. Natural beauty can be found in the two mountain ranges, the Koolau and Waianae ranges. Some great hikes are just a short drive into the mountains from Waikiki. Secluded white sand beaches, funky beach towns, pounding winter surf on the North Shore. All of which can be found in other parts of Oahu.

So enjoy Honolulu and all it has to offer. But if you don't see the North Shore during the wintertime when monstrous waves pound the shore (think of the opening scene of the 1970s show Hawaii Five-O), then you have really missed something. Brave and experienced surfers attack these waves! If you don't take a drive through miles of pineapple fields, and if you don't take time to visit some of the white sand beaches, mountain trails, and scenery outside of Waikiki, then you really haven't seen all Oahu has to offer.

Regions
Two mountain ranges make up the island of Oahu. The Koolau Range (Hawaiian: Koʻolau) runs along the east side of the island and forms the backdrop for Honolulu; the Waianae Range (Hawaiian: Waiʻanae) runs parallel to the Koolau Range along the west side.

The majority of visitors to Oahu stay in Honolulu and its Waikiki district. The rest of the island is less visibly touched by tourism, with only a few B&Bs among the houses and natural sites on the Windward Coast and the North Shore.

Cities
Besides Honolulu, there are a number of towns of note on the island:
 * Kailua - The largest town on the Windward Coast, with secluded beaches and lush scenery.
 * Kahuku - A small town on the North Shore.
 * Kapolei - A relatively new town on the Leeward Coast that's a focus of suburban expansion, with few tourist attractions but a developing resort area.
 * Nanakuli - A small town on the Leeward Coast.
 * Waianae - Another small town on the Leeward Coast.
 * Hale'iwa - A small and pleasant beach town that's the focal point of activity on the North Shore.
 * Waipahu - A prominent bedroom community and former sugar plantation town in Central Oahu.
 * Kaneohe- Known For its sheer natural beauty, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more stunning Oahu neighborhood than Kaneohe, on the other side of the mountains from Waikiki. Kaneohe Bay has nearly 20 square miles of turquoise water.

Other destinations

 * - The tourist center of the Hawaiian Islands, with its famous beach and block after block of highrise hotels sitting beneath the striking Diamond Head crater.
 * Pearl Harbor in Western Honolulu is noted for the surprise attack of December 7, 1941 that launched the United States into World War II; today visitors will find a striking memorial atop one of the battleships sunk that day, and naval vessels open for tours.
 * Hanauma Bay in Eastern Honolulu is arguably the best place for snorkeling in the islands, with a very accessible reef situated in the crater of a flooded volcano.

Get in
Flights from all over the world land at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport just outside of downtown Honolulu. Free Wiki-Wiki (Hawaiian for "quick") shuttle buses run between the Main Overseas Terminal and Interisland Terminal every 15 minutes. These will eventually be replaced with moving walkways and people movers.

When taking TheBus from the airport to Waikiki, make sure the destination sign reads "Waikiki Beach and Hotels". The westbound #19 bus continues to a military installation (Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam), and Military Police check all passengers for military ID at the gate. Do not get on this bus if you do not have military ID: you will be left at the gates with no way to return to the main highway.

Get around
Bike sharing services are available to visitors via Biki. Visitors can pick up a bicycle from one Biki station and drop it off at a different station. A one-way ride with Biki costs $4. Biki also offers subscription plans starting from $15 per month.

Car sharing services are available via Hui Car Share. Visitors can rent a car for $10 per hour or $80 per day.

Car rentals are available at the airport and various locations downtown. A car is worth having for visits to the North Shore or if you are staying outside of Honolulu/Waikiki.

The Oahu bus system, officially called TheBus, runs between almost all towns on the island and to most tourist destinations.
 * One-way fare is $2.75 adults, $1.25 youth (Dec 2018), with exact change required. This fare does not include any transfers; once you get off the bus, a new fare is required.
 * A day pass is $5.50 adults, $2.50 youth (Dec 2018), and includes unlimited trips for the remainder of the service day (until 2:59AM the following day). Be sure to specifically ask for it when you first board the bus. If you expect to make a round trip, multiple trips, and/or to transfer buses, the day pass will be worth getting. Simply show the day pass to drivers as you board.

Also available from ABC Stores and other Waikiki-area shops is a very handy guide to TheBus for $2.95.

An elevated rail project, officially called HART, is under construction and is expected to be completed in phases through 2022. The line will connect Kapolei on the southern Leeward Coast with Downtown Honolulu, with stops at Pearl Harbor/Aloha Stadium and the airport.

Major highways
The following are some of the more important major highways on Oahu. Both the common name and the state route number are given here. With the exception of H-1, H-2, and H-3 locals refer to most state highways by name, rather than route number.

Interstate highways
A common question that mainland visitors ask is why Oahu has Interstate highways when they don't cross state lines (or even county lines for that matter). The answer lies in the full name of the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways. Each of the Interstates has a current or former military base at or close to its terminus, and all of them run close to Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam. (In any event, there are a number of Interstates on the mainland that also run entirely in one state.)

 * H-1 is an interstate freeway that runs from Kahala in East Honolulu west, through downtown Honolulu, past the airport and out to the western suburb of Kapolei where it joins Farrington Highway. H-1 is the busiest and most heavily used freeway on Oahu.
 * H-2 is an interstate freeway that runs from the town of Waipahu through Mililani to the town of Wahiawa in Central Oahu.
 * H-3 is an interstate freeway that runs from the suburb of Aiea, through the windward communities of Kaneohe and Kailua, to the gate of Marine Corps Base Hawaii.
 * Moanalua Freeway/H-201 is an interstate freeway auxiliary route that serves as an alternative route for H-1. It runs from the Middle Street Merge (H-1, H-201) in the community of Kalihi in West Honolulu to the H-1, H-3, H-201 merge in Aiea.  Some freeway signs may still label Moanalua Freeway as Route 78, even though Route 78 became H-201 in 2004.

Other highways

 * Nimitz Highway/Ala Moana Boulevard (state route 92) runs from Pearl Harbor to Waikiki; it is the main route from the airport to Waikiki.
 * Pali Highway (state route 61) runs from downtown Honolulu to the Windward town of Kailua.
 * Likelike Highway (state route 63) runs from the Kalihi district of Honolulu to the Windward town of Kaneohe.
 * Kalanianaole Highway (state route 72) starts from the east end of H-1 and runs through the East Honolulu suburbs around Makapuu Point, and through the rural community of Waimanalo, ending in Kailua.
 * Kamehameha Highway (state routes 99, 80, and 83) is the main highway on Oahu, starting from Pearl Harbor, going through the leeward communities of Aiea and Pearl City, then through Central Oahu, around the North Shore, and along the Windward coast ending at the town of Kaneohe.
 * Farrington Highway (state route 93) is two separate roads: the south side starts where H-1 leaves off in Kapolei and leads to the Leeward coast communities of Nanakuli, Waianae, and Makaha, ending at the south end of Kaena Point State Park. The north side starts from Waialua on the North Shore through the community of Mokuleia to the north end of Kaena Point State Park(the road used to go around the point but the part that actually rounded the point has been closed and replaced with a nature preserve. A trail connects the two portions).
 * Fort Weaver Road/Kunia Road (state routes 76, 750) goes from Schofield Barracks near Wahiawa south to Ewa Beach.

Do

 * Try windsurfing, surfing and body-boarding at Waikiki and (less crowded and more scenic) North Shore and Kailua Beach. - see Oahu Surf Conditions, Radar, and Forecasts.
 * Enjoy horseback riding on the North Shore and Windward Koolau Range
 * Explore hiking all over the island: in particular, Diamond Head State Park (excellent view of Honolulu and the surrounding area). Also visit Lanikai's Pillbox (leftover from World War II sitting above Lanikai). Gives spectacular view of Waimanalo, the Koolau Mountains, Kailua and the Mokulua Islands sitting in the distance.
 * Kayak on the Windward side to the Mokulua Islands which are a bird sanctuary and also offer encounters with turtles which have made a huge comeback in the Windward bay area. It is against state law to violate the sanctuary area. The beach on the islands is not part of the restricted zone, however.
 * Circumnavigate the east half of the island: From Honolulu, take H1 east until it turns into Route 72. Follow Route 72 around the southeast corner of the island. Then go on Route 83, which goes along the east coast of the island around the northeast corner to the North Shore. Return to Honolulu along Route 99, Interstate H2, and Interstate H1. Unfortunately, it is not possible to circumnavigate the entire island because there is no road between the North Shore and the Leeward Coast around the northwest corner of the island.
 * Driving tour around East-side of island gives spectacular views. Stop several times along the route to see blowhole, swim in secluded cove, hike up to the Lighthouse for amazing views or check out ancient Hawaiian drawings and Heiaus (Hawaiian temples).
 * Drive up to the Round-Top Forest Reserve (excellent view of Honolulu and the surrounding area), or over the Pali Highway; be sure to visit the Pali Lookout.
 * Viewing Marine Wildlife (the best 1/2 of Oahu is underwater!)- see Wild Side Specialty Tours to sail with whales, dive with dolphins, and snorkel coral reefs with turtles and tropical fish.
 * If the hot weather is too much for you, go ice skating at the Ice Palace in Honolulu (see "Do" in the Honolulu article).

Scuba diving
Although Oahu is generally not regarded as a premier dive destination, there are many reasons to consider diving here. The islands have fewer types of coral than any other part of the tropical Indo-Pacific, and reef health has been impacted by a variety of human forces, including population increases, shoreline development, land-based sources of pollution, increased sediments in the water, damage by tourists and divers, groundings, poor water quality from runoff and sewage treatment, and over-fishing. But Hawaii has a greater number of endemic tropical marine fishes than any other region except the Red Sea.

There are three MLCDs (Marine Life Conservation Districts) on Oahu - Hanauma Bay, Waikiki, and Pupukea. The MLCDs are designed to conserve and replenish marine resources. The taking of any type of living material (fishes, eggs, shells, corals, algae, etc.) and non-living habitat material (sand, rocks, coral skeletons, etc.) is generally restricted, if it is permitted at all.

Reef dive sites:
 * Hanauma Bay - Water depths in the inner bay range to about 30 feet, and visibility is generally good. The outer bay is recommended only for experienced divers. Depths range up to about 70 feet, and there is a large finger coral reef on the left side.
 * Pupukea - includes three dive sites on Oahu's north shore - Shark's Cove, Firehouse, and Three Tables - with depths ranging from 20-45 ft. Many ledges, arches, lava tubes and other features. From about May through October the water is generally calm, but surges are possible. During winter months current and wave conditions become extremely dangerous in all areas.
 * Kahe Point Beach Park (also known as Electric Beach) An adjacent electric generating facility outflows clean warm water through two giant cooling pipes offshore. Easy beach entry when the surf is low, with depths ranging from 5-35'.
 * Trench Dive - (also known as Haleiwa Ali'l Beach Park) Park your vehicle in Western parking Lot of the park. Entry is easy, walk to left side of Main building. Water depth is only 1-2 ft for about 100 m then starts to drop off. The wall starts at 10 ft and drops to about 90 ft. The trench was built to hide submarines. Southern wall is most dramatic.

Wreck dive sites:
 * The Seaplane Wreck - a twin engine Beechcraft airplane off the west coast with a maximum depth of 100 ft (30 m). Sunk in 1986 as an artificial reef project.
 * Corsair Airplane Wreck - a deep dive with a maximum depth of 107 F (32 m). A mostly-intact wreck submerged since 1945 when the pilot ditched it after engine problems during an exercise.
 * Mahi Wreck - a former minesweeper/cable layer sunk off the west coast in 95 ft (29 m) of water, with the deck between 60-80 ft (18-24 m). Shortly after being sunk as an artificial reef project in 1982, Hurricane Iwa repositioned the ship 180 degrees.
 * San Pedro Shipwreck - a former a Korean fishing boat resting in 85 feet of water with the main decks at 65 and 70 feet. Sunk in 1996 by Atlantis Submarines.
 * Sea Tiger Shipwreck - Rests upright on a sandy bottom off the Waikiki coast at 130 ft (40 m), but dive depth is generally between 80-100 ft (24-30 m). Sunk on June 24, 1999 by now-defunct Voyager Submarines.
 * YO-257 Shipwreck - Rests upright at 95 ft (28 m) off the Waikiki coast. Often in Rodale's Scuba Diving Magazine's top 5 of US best wrecks. Sunk in 1989 by Atlantis Submarines.

Dive shops
 * Honolulu Scuba Company. 670 Auahai Street, Honolulu, +1-808-220-0577 full service dive center.
 * Honolulu Scuba Company. 670 Auahai Street, Honolulu, +1-808-220-0577 full service dive center.

Stay safe
Some areas, including parts of Downtown/Chinatown, Pearl City, Waianae, Nanakuli, Waipahu, and Kalihi, are not very safe after dark. Officers from the Honolulu Police Department are extremely helpful to visitors and will steer you away from potential problems.

Some beaches are unsafe due to surf conditions or currents. Always check the Local Oahu Beach Conditions in advance to know the dangers. Check with the lifeguards and look for flags (Yellow=Caution; Red=Dangerous; Black=Extremely Dangerous). Underwater rocks and coral can be very shallow in some locations even with large waves, so know before you go. Some beaches (like Sandy's Beach) have very large very dangerous shorebreak at times. It is good to know general beach safety to understand the risks.

Take care when hiking on trails. Several trails are hazardous, especially after large amounts of rain, go with someone who is familiar with the area. It is very easy to get to dangerous locations that are not marked by signs or railing. When hiking near on rock shelves beside the ocean, dangerous areas are not blocked off. Understand the conditions of the oceans and take note how high up the water has splashed due to wave action. It is not uncommon to have areas that are safe and fun to explore until surf conditions change making them dangerous or deadly. If you fall into the water in high surf near rock walls, swim away from the rocks and shore, do not panic, call for help and swim parallel to the shore to location of little wave action or toward sandy areas.

Remember that as much as you need to keep yourself safe, you need to keep Hawai'i safe as well. Please practice the leave-no-trace principles to make sure everyone can enjoy the islands. It's not only illegal to do things like feed or hassle wildlife, take rocks, sand or plants, but it's also immoral and detrimental to the Hawaiian Islands. They are the most isolated land mass on the globe and have many species and landscapes that are struggling to survive under the pressures of tourism. Respect the 'aina the best you can. Do not cut trails, litter, or desecrate natural or man made sites.

Go next
To get to the other Hawaiian islands, fly Hawaiian Airlines or Mokulele Airlines from Honolulu International Airport.

title: Oahu


text:
Oak Bluffs

Oak Bluffs is a town on the northeast shore of Martha's Vineyard. Its harbor is a terminal for ferry boats arriving from the mainland.

By ferry
There are five ferries that come to Oak Bluffs from different destinations: Steamship Authority, Island Queen, Martha’s Vineyard Fast Ferry, Hyline Cruises, and New England Fast Ferry Company

 * Steamship Authority, Woods Hole MA, +1 508 477-8600. This is the main public car and passenger ferry between Martha's Vineyard and the mainland at Woods Hole. Round trip ticket prices: adults $16, children (age 5-12) $8.50, bikes/surfboards/windsurfers $8. Round-trip fare for cars ranges from $85 to $135 depending on season (to bring your car, be sure to book in advance). Operates year-round between Woods Hole and neighboring Vineyard Haven, but from May-Oct about half the scheduled routes are between Woods Hole and Oak Bluffs. The trip takes about 45 minutes one-way.
 * Rhode Island Martha’s Vineyard Fast Ferry, Quonset Point, North Kingstown, RI, info@vineyardfastferry.com, +1 401 295-4040. This ferry operates from May-Oct (exact dates vary). It takes trips from Quonset Point in North Kingstown (8 minutes from interstate 95) to Oak Bluffs. Dockside parking is $10 a day. Round trip ticket prices: $75 adults, $52 children (4-12), $6 infants (3 and under), $70 seniors, $12 bikes and surfboards, and $14 bike with trailer.
 * Hyline Cruises, 220 Ocean St, Hyannis MA, +1 508 693-0112. This ferry has year round operation (with the exception of Christmas) of high speed and traditional ferries from Hyannis, MA to Oak Bluffs. There is another high speed ferry which travels from Nantucket to Oak Bluffs under the same company from mid-Jun-mid-Sept. Parking is $17 in-season. Round trip ticket prices: $69 adults, $48 children (age 5-12), free for children under 4, and $12 bikes.
 * New England Fast Ferry Company, 49 State Pier, New Bedford MA, +1-866-453-6800. This ferry operates daily from May-Oct (exact dates vary yearly) from State Pier, New Bedford to Oak Bluffs. Round trip ticket prices: $70 adults, $40 children (3-12 years old), free trip for children under 3, $62 seniors, and $12 bikes.
 * New England Fast Ferry Company, 49 State Pier, New Bedford MA, +1-866-453-6800. This ferry operates daily from May-Oct (exact dates vary yearly) from State Pier, New Bedford to Oak Bluffs. Round trip ticket prices: $70 adults, $40 children (3-12 years old), free trip for children under 3, $62 seniors, and $12 bikes.

On foot
Oak Bluffs is compact and you can easily walk off the ferry and spend the day on foot exploring the town or visiting the beach.

By bus

 * Martha's Vineyard Regional Transit Authority (aka VTA), 11A Street, Airport Business Park, Edgartown, MA. +1 508 693-9440.  This public transit system operates buses island-wide year round.  One-way fares are $1 per town, including town of origin.  Discounts are available in the form of 1-day, 3-day, 7-day, or longer passes.  All VTA vehicles are handicap accessible.
 * MV Tours operates private sightseeing bus tours.

By taxi
Van-sized taxis are ubiquitous on Martha's Vineyard. There are taxi stands in Oak Bluffs near the Steamship Authority dock and near the base of Circuit Ave by the harbor. When picking up passengers from a ferry, the drivers will often group several parties going the same direction into one vehicle. Fares for parties of 1-2 people may range from $7 in-town, to as much as $75 to go from one end of the island to the other.

By car

 * AAA Island Auto Rental, 31 Circuit Ave (across from Island Queen and RI Fast Ferry Dock). +1 508 693-0011 or +1-800-696-0233. This auto rental has been in business for over 12 years. They rent Jeeps, convertibles, SUVs, and minivans (economy through full-size vehicles) for daily, weekly, or longer durations.  They accept MasterCard, Visa, AMEX, and Discovercard and take reservations for vehicles.
 * Budget Car Rental, 12 Circuit Ave, +1 508 693-1911 or +1-800-527-0700. This car rental has economy through full-sized vehicles with free customer pick-up from most locations on the island. Most major credit cards, such as MasterCard, Visa, and Discovercard, are accepted.

By bicycle and moped
Most ferries to the island will let you bring your bicycle for an extra charge. There are several moped/scooter rental shops in town.

 * Anderson’s Bike Rentals, Circuit Ave (between the Hy-line and Island Queen Ferry dockings), . An excellent bike shop for its supply of rentable bikes, bike repairs, and bike sales.  The shop is open from 8 AM–6PM daily from April 1-October 31.
 * Sun 'N Fun Bike Rental, Lake Av., Oak Bluffs,.
 * King's Rental, Inc., for Mmpeds. Circuit Av..
 * Vineyard Bike & Moped, Oak Bluffs Av..
 * Vineyard Pedicab , +1 978 270-6150. Rides are free. Profits donated to charity. Drivers work for tips. Also available for tours. Open Memorial Day through Columbus Day: noon-1AM.

Parks and recreation

 * Pecoy Point Preserve, Pecoy Point (located off of County Road via Pulpit Rock Road). There are 14 acres of trails that can be accessed by car (6 parking spaces), foot, or bike. Trails include marshes, woodlands, and shoreline. Free to public.
 * Farm Pond Preserve, Beach Road (before Hart Haven going towards Edgartown). Open all year, every day. Access this preserve by car, foot, or bike and enjoy 27 acres of marshlands and woodlands trails which all connect to Tradewind Field Preserve. Free to public.

Beaches
The beaches in Oak Bluffs face into Vineyard Sound and usually have very minimal surf. This makes the water ideal for swimming, and for wading by small children. For real ocean waves on Martha's Vineyard, you need to visit beaches along the southern shore of the island, in Edgartown, West Tisbury, Chilmark or Aquinnah.

 * Oak Bluffs Town Beach, Sea View Ave (runs along the eastern shore of the town between the harbor and the Farm Pond; adjacent to Steamship Authority dock and Ocean Park).
 * The Inkwell, Sea View Ave (southernmost section of Oak Bluffs Town Beach, across from Waban Park). This historic traditionally African-American beach is today frequented by a diverse crowd.
 * East Chop Beach, East Chop Drive (located west of Oak Bluffs harbor entrance). Open all year, every day from dawn to dusk. This beach has great views of Nantucket Sound and all of the boating activity in the area.  Free to public.
 * Joseph Silvia Beach, known locally as "State Beach", located from the first bridge after Hart Haven to the Edgartown town line. Open all year, every day from dawn to dusk to the public. Accessible by bike, car, bus, or foot.  This beach is ideal for windsurfing and shell fishing (which is allowed by special permit only from the town hall on School Street).  Free to public.

Sightseeing tours

 * Martha’s Vineyard Camp Meeting Association Tours, located at the Tabernacle, +1 508 693-0525, Tu or Th at 10AM in July and August. Take tours of the MVCMA grounds for approximately 1 ½ -2 hours and listen as they describe MSCMA’s historical background. Private tours can be arranged. Adults $10 and children under 12 are free, both include a free pass to the Cottage Museum.
 * Martha’s Vineyard Sightseeing, Circuit Ave (behind Mad Martha’s Ice Cream), +1 508 693-0058/4681. Open May-Oct from 9AM-4PM. A fully narrated or private tour with professional guides and drivers.  Tour takes route through all of the island’s towns and stops at Gay Head Cliffs for a ½ hour.  Tour takes a total of 2 ½ hours.

Eat

 * Lola's, Beach Rd., +1 508 693-5007. Open Apr–Nov 4PM-11PM for dinner and 10AM-2PM for Sunday brunch. Entertainment nightly until 12:30 AM. This restaurant sells many seafood favorites with a southern flair such as Jumbalaya, Blackened Catfish, Steak from Hell and Swordfish with live entertainment nightly. Family-dining style.
 * Sharky's Cantina, Tex-mex food and drink.
 * Lola's, Beach Rd., +1 508 693-5007. Open Apr–Nov 4PM-11PM for dinner and 10AM-2PM for Sunday brunch. Entertainment nightly until 12:30 AM. This restaurant sells many seafood favorites with a southern flair such as Jumbalaya, Blackened Catfish, Steak from Hell and Swordfish with live entertainment nightly. Family-dining style.
 * Sharky's Cantina, Tex-mex food and drink.
 * Lola's, Beach Rd., +1 508 693-5007. Open Apr–Nov 4PM-11PM for dinner and 10AM-2PM for Sunday brunch. Entertainment nightly until 12:30 AM. This restaurant sells many seafood favorites with a southern flair such as Jumbalaya, Blackened Catfish, Steak from Hell and Swordfish with live entertainment nightly. Family-dining style.
 * Sharky's Cantina, Tex-mex food and drink.
 * Sharky's Cantina, Tex-mex food and drink.
 * Sharky's Cantina, Tex-mex food and drink.
 * Sharky's Cantina, Tex-mex food and drink.
 * Sharky's Cantina, Tex-mex food and drink.
 * Sharky's Cantina, Tex-mex food and drink.
 * Sharky's Cantina, Tex-mex food and drink.
 * Sharky's Cantina, Tex-mex food and drink.

Drink

 * Sharky's Cantina. 31 Circuit Ave, Oak Bluffs.
 * Sidecar Cafe and Bar. 20 Kennebec Ave, Oak Bluffs, +1 508-693-6261
 * Sharky's Cantina. 31 Circuit Ave, Oak Bluffs.
 * Sidecar Cafe and Bar. 20 Kennebec Ave, Oak Bluffs, +1 508-693-6261

title: Oak Bluffs


text:
Oakdale

Oakdale is in the San Joaquin Valley of California along California Highway 120, which is the fastest route from the Bay Area to Yosemite. Oakdale claims to be the Cowboy Capital of the World.

Do
The Oakdale Dinner Train takes visitors on a scenic ride in the countryside east of Oakdale.

Go next
Knights Ferry just east of Oakdale makes a nice outing and has one of the few remaining covered bridges in the west.
 * Yosemite

title: Oakdale


text:
Oakfield

There is more than one place called Oakfield:

United States of America

 * Oakfield (Georgia) - a town in Georgia (state).
 * Oakfield (Maine) - a town in the state of Maine.
 * Oakfield (Michigan) - a town in the state of Michigan.
 * Oakfield (New York) - a town in New York.
 * Oakfield (Wisconsin) - a town in the state of Wisconsin.

title: Oakfield


text:
Oakfield (Maine)

Oakfield is a small town located in Aroostook County, which is situated in the northeast corner of Maine.

Understand
Oakfield, and Aroostook County in general, are heavily forested areas.

Do
Outdoor activities include hunting, fishing, hiking, and biking.

title: Oakfield (Maine)


text:
Oakham

Oakham is a town of 11,000 people (2011) in Rutland. Tourist attractions in Oakham include All Saints' Church and Oakham Castle. Another popular and historic feature is the open-air market held in the town's market square.

Understand
Oakham is the county town of Rutland, England's smallest county.

Get in
From the north traffic usually comes along the A606 via Melton Mowbray. Traffic coming from Leicester in the west is generally directed via the A47 before travelling north on the A6003 with Uppingham to the south. Traffic from Peterborough in the East comes either via the A1 and the A606 through Stamford and along the north bank of Rutland Water.

is located near the centre, and is served by CrossCountry Rail. Services travelling west call at Melton Mowbray, Leicester, Nuneaton, Coleshill and Birmingham New Street on an hourly basis. Hourly services travelling east call at Stamford, Peterborough, March, Ely, Cambridge, Audley End and Stansted Airport.

On foot
Being a small market town, Oakham is easily navigable on foot. The Oakham Chopper services the town and is free with a pass for those over 60.

By taxi
Berridges Taxi company are a reputable and local firm who frequently have cars waiting outside of the station and can arrange longer distance journeys and airport transfers.

By bike
Cycling is a popular means of transport around Rutland and Oakham is no exception with the bypass proving to be a popular cycling diversion en route to the Rutland Water circular.

By car
On market days (Wednesday and Saturday) the traffic can be particularly heavy around the town and as the market is held in one of the town centre car parks, parking can be tricky. Traffic on the High Street can also jam when the level crossing barriers go down.

Buy
An open-air market held in the town's market square every Wednesday and Saturday, near the ancient octagonal Buttercross with its pyramidal roof and wooden stocks, a Grade I listed building.

Eat
Although it is only a small town, Oakham is lucky enough to be the home of many excellent and varied restaurants. Whether it is a country pub lunch you are after or a five-star gourmet celebration, Oakham can cater for all tastes.

Go next

 * Melton Mowbray
 * Stamford (England)
 * Uppingham

title: Oakham


text:
Oak Harbor

Oak Harbor is a city on Whidbey Island in the Puget Sound region of Washington State.

Understand
Oak Harbor's history goes back to the early 1850s, when two settlers staked claims where the city now stands—Zakarias Martin Taftezon, a shoemaker from Norway; C.W. Sumner from New England Houses and businesses sprouted up along the shores of Oak Harbor as the pioneers relied entirely on water transportation until the 1900s. For the next thirty years, steamers and freighters carried passengers and freight from the Island to the mainland and back as well as Fidalgo Island to the north.

The Irish came in the late 1850s, making Oak Harbor grow and prosper as they fished and farmed the area, and the city's Dutch heritage arrived in the 1890s. Churches, schools, and more businesses followed the arrival of the Dutch. A high school was built in 1906. Oak Harbor flourished as a small country town until Deception Pass Bridge and the U.S. Navy Base connected the city to the rest of the region and the world.

See

Eat
There are many restaurants in Oak Harbor. Below are the most popular ones.

title: Oak Harbor


text:
Oak Hill (West Virginia)

Oak Hill is a city of 8,100 people (as of 2019) in West Virginia. The largest city in Fayette County, it was incorporated in 1905.

Get in
Oak Hill is located on US-19 off I-77 and I-79, between Beckley and Sutton. Coming from the north, take I-79 exit 57; from the south, take I-77 exit 48.

A taxi from Yeager Airport in Charleston to Oak Hill will cost you around $120; from Beckley will cost around $50.

Get around

 * Mountain Transit Authority, 1096 Broad Street in Summersville, +1 304-872-5872 or +1-877-712-9432. Daily bus service throughout Fayette County, as well as Greenbrier, Nicholas, Pocahontas and Webster counties.

See
Main Street is the heart of downtown and the location of many area shops and restaurants. Storefronts are decorated with fodder shocks and bows during the autumn, and icicle lights and greenery at Christmas.

 * The Hank Williams Memorial is a plaque dedicated to the country music singer, who was pronounced dead in Oak Hill on January 1, 1953.
 * The small village of Minden (Minden Road, off WV-16) was a mining town in 1899, and still features examples of the company-built miners' homes. The mines themselves closed in the 1950s, and today the village - although it's only about 5 minutes outside Oak Hill - has a very different look than most small country towns. If you pay it a visit, drive slowly - the roads are narrow, with homes crowded close in, and young children are often playing in the streets. Minden has been a source of contention due to its status as a Superfund site and the community's contamination with PCBs in the 1980s, which many have claimed led to a "cancer cluster" in the area.
 * The small village of Minden (Minden Road, off WV-16) was a mining town in 1899, and still features examples of the company-built miners' homes. The mines themselves closed in the 1950s, and today the village - although it's only about 5 minutes outside Oak Hill - has a very different look than most small country towns. If you pay it a visit, drive slowly - the roads are narrow, with homes crowded close in, and young children are often playing in the streets. Minden has been a source of contention due to its status as a Superfund site and the community's contamination with PCBs in the 1980s, which many have claimed led to a "cancer cluster" in the area.
 * The small village of Minden (Minden Road, off WV-16) was a mining town in 1899, and still features examples of the company-built miners' homes. The mines themselves closed in the 1950s, and today the village - although it's only about 5 minutes outside Oak Hill - has a very different look than most small country towns. If you pay it a visit, drive slowly - the roads are narrow, with homes crowded close in, and young children are often playing in the streets. Minden has been a source of contention due to its status as a Superfund site and the community's contamination with PCBs in the 1980s, which many have claimed led to a "cancer cluster" in the area.
 * The small village of Minden (Minden Road, off WV-16) was a mining town in 1899, and still features examples of the company-built miners' homes. The mines themselves closed in the 1950s, and today the village - although it's only about 5 minutes outside Oak Hill - has a very different look than most small country towns. If you pay it a visit, drive slowly - the roads are narrow, with homes crowded close in, and young children are often playing in the streets. Minden has been a source of contention due to its status as a Superfund site and the community's contamination with PCBs in the 1980s, which many have claimed led to a "cancer cluster" in the area.

Do
Most of the whitewater rafting companies base themselves in adjacent Fayetteville, but if you don't want to go that far, there's one option in town.

Go next

 * Fayetteville is practically adjacent to Oak Hill on US-19.
 * Beckley is about 20 minutes south on US-19.
 * Summersville is about 30 minutes north on US-19.
 * Lewisburg is a little over 1 hour east on US-60 and I-64.
 * Charleston is a little over 1 hour west on I-64 and I-77.
 * Bluefield is a little over 1 hour south on I-77.

title: Oak Hill (West Virginia)


text:
Oakhurst

Oakhurst is a settlement of 2,800 people (2010) in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountain range of California. It is south of the entrance to Yosemite National Park.

Stay safe
Dial 911 for all emergencies

Law enforcement in Oakhurst is provided by the Madera County Sheriff's Department and the California Highway Patrol.
 * Oakhurst Sheriff's Substation. 39884 Road 425B..
 * CHP Oakhurst Area Office. 35500 Highway 41, Coarsegold..

Fire and Emergency Medical Service is provided by the Madera County Fire Department from Oakhurst Station #12. 49015 Civic Circle. .

Go next

 * Yosemite National Park - Oakhurst is the closest city of any size to Yosemite. 12 miles north on SR 41, about 25 minutes.  Expect to wait as long as 30 minutes in line at the entrance to Yosemite.
 * Bass Lake - North on SR41, east on Bass Lake Road, 9 miles, about 20 minutes.

title: Oakhurst


text:
Oak Island

Oak Island is a city on the North Carolina Coastal Plain.

Get in
Most visitors come by car and get around by car or bike.

Drink

 * Lazy Turtle Bar & Grill, 601 Ocean Blvd.

Sleep
A couple of companies offer both vacation rental and long-term rentals:

Go next

 * The scenic town of Southport is just a short drive away.
 * Just beyond Southport is the nearest city, historic Wilmington. It is definitely worth the day trip if you are interested in seeing a coastal city.

title: Oak Island


text:
Oakland

Oakland is a port city in the Bay Area of California in the United States of America. Once an industrial area overshadowed by San Francisco, its larger neighbor to the west, this city of 440,000 people (2020) has begun to step out from under San Francisco's shadow with its notable natural and architectural features and its rise as the multicultural "hipster" city of the Bay Area.

Understand
"What I loved the most about Oakland was that all of my neighbors came in as many colors, ideas, and religions as there are people on the planet. How lucky I was to know so many people that were so different and yet so much alike!"

- Patricia Polacco

While Oakland has neither the concentration of tourist amenities present in its western neighbor, San Francisco, nor the suburban sprawl of San Jose to the south, the visitor can easily spend a few pleasant days here. From the mid-1960s through the early twenty-first century, popular media stoked American racial and class biases to generate negative perceptions about Oakland. Since the late 1990s, however, the actual basis for these often exaggerated portraits of Oakland life have receded, as the city is experiencing an economic and cultural revitalization, as well as the more controversial hyper-gentrification. Oakland is now the Bay Area's most diverse city. Although still an underrated cultural center, its heady arts and culinary scene and ongoing revitalization have generated enthusiastic coverage in the world media of record, including the New York Times, The Guardian (UK), The Independent (UK), NPR, and the Los Angeles Times. The city gets its name because it has an abundance of oak trees.

Since the 1960s, Oakland has been a hub of progressive politics and radical, sometimes outlaw organizations. For example, while Oakland gave rise to civil-rights-conscious labor movements in the mid-century, it was also the birthplace of the Black Panther Party and a crucial hub for the early era Hell's Angels.

Oakland's history in the arts and entertainment arena is notable as well, as Oakland has nurtured or been a second home to novelists Gertrude Stein and Jack London; actors Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks; architect Julia Morgan; environmentalist Julia "Butterfly" Hill; classical conductor Calvin Simmons; rappers MC Hammer, 2Pac, Messy Marv, and notables in the liberal arts and sciences.

Climate
Oakland, like San Francisco, has a Mediterranean climate with temperatures moderated by the San Francisco Bay and the nearby, greater expanse of the Pacific Ocean. Rain generally occurs in winter, not summer, since rains share more similarity to monsoons than they do to thunderstorms. Also, the effects of the San Francisco Bay and the East Bay's Mediterranean climate mean that below-freezing temperatures are unlikely, and if they do occur, the air will be dry.

By plane

Other air travel options include the San Francisco and San Jose  International Airports which are connected by BART and CalTrain  if transferring by public transportation:
 * Coliseum Station to Balboa Park Station on the 'Blue' or 'Green' Line trains going towards Daly City. Transfer from the 'Blue' or 'Green' Line trains in Balboa Park Station to the 'Red' or 'Yellow' Line trains going towards SFO Airport/Millbrae Transit Center and get off at the 'SFO Airport Station' at the International Terminal
 * Downtown San Francisco is accessed through Embacardero, Montgomery St, Powell St, UN/Civic Plaza or Van Ness Stations. For going to downtown Oakland, take the northbound Orange Line train, going towards Richmond, and get off at either 12th St, 19th St, or MacArthur Stations.
 * For going towards San Jose Mineta International Airport stay on the 'Red' or 'Yellow' Line trains from SFO to the end of the line in Millbrae and transfer to the southbound Caltrain (going towards San Jose or Gilroy) to the Santa Clara Caltrain Station. Transfer to VTA #60 bus going towards Milpitas BART from the Santa Clara Caltrain Station, which goes by the airport terminals.
 * One can also take the southbound 'Green' or 'Orange' Line trains from the (Oakland) Coliseum Station, going towards Berryessa/North San Jose, and get off at the Milpitas Station. Transfer to the VTA #60 bus going towards 'Winchester Station via SJC Airport' from Milpitas to get to SJC airport.
 * Take Groome Transportation bus or van from Oakland to Marin and Sonoma Counties up north and from San Jose (SJC) for going to Monterey Bay in the south.

For private pilots, Oakland General Aviation Airport has a separate General Aviation area "North Field", essentially the equivalent of another airport to the north of the commercial facilities, with separate tower, taxiways, and radio frequencies. Its long runway is frequently used for jet travel, and Oakland makes a far better GA destination than SFO's complex, heavily trafficked field.

By train

 * Routes stopping in Oakland:
 * Coast Starlight operates daily between Seattle and Los Angeles. Stops include Tacoma, Lacey, Centralia, Kelso, Vancouver, WA, Portland, Salem, Albany, Eugene, Klamath Falls, Dunsmuir, Redding, Chico, Sacramento, Davis, Martinez, San Francisco (Emeryville), Oakland, San Jose, Salinas, Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Oxnard, Simi Valley, Van Nuys, and Burbank.
 * Capitol Corridor San Jose to Auburn via Sacramento). The route also includes a stop at the Oakland Coliseum/Airport Amtrak station. adjacent to the Oakland Coliseum BART station. The Oakland Coliseum/Airport Amtrak station has no station agents. Passengers may board the train and buy the tickets from the conductor at no surcharge.
 * San Joaquins (Oakland to Bakersfield, California)Jack London Square station panorama, October 2018.jpg
 * San Joaquins (Oakland to Bakersfield, California)Jack London Square station panorama, October 2018.jpg

 * Adjacent to the northwest of Oakland in Emeryville, is Amtrak's area hub station with more train route options.
 * Connections to the Pacific Surfliner are in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara, are available with Amtrak Thruway Motorcoaches (see By bus below).

By car
From San Francisco, Interstate 80 east leads over the beautiful Bay Bridge to I-580, I-880, and I-980, which go to east, west, and downtown Oakland respectively.

From Marin, Sonoma, and other counties along the northern coast of California, take US-101 to I-580 and cross the Richmond Bridge. I-580 leads directly into Oakland.

From Monterey, Salinas, and the Central Coast, follow US-101 to San Jose and connect to I-880, which leads to Oakland.

From Tracy, Modesto, and San Joaquin Valley's southern portion (Southern California, too), take the scenic I-580 over Altamont Pass.

From Stockton, either follow the Altamont Pass route or take California Route 4 through Contra Costa County to Route 242, then to Route I-680, which connects to Route 24.

From the outer East Bay, Route 24 leads to north Oakland through the Caldecott Tunnel.

From the northern East Bay, Vallejo, Fairfield, and the greater Sacramento, I-80 west leads directly to Oakland.

Alternatively, you can connect to Highway 123 and San Pablo Avenue in Richmond, and follow it to Oakland, if there is trouble on the parallel I-80. It's city streets, so will likely take extra time, and it will mean driving into and through everything between Richmond and West Oakland, including both El Cerrito and Berkeley.

Most northern entries to Oakland go through the heinous MacArthur Maze, a spaghetti-like mashup of four freeways trying to merge and pass each other. It's got terrible traffic during commute times (7AM-10AM, 4PM-8PM), so you might want to avoid driving on the freeways at these times.

By bus
The is also the bus stop location for the following intercity bus lines in Oakland: This BART station is also the bus transit center for routes #29, 36, 62 and 800. The 800 only stops at the corner of 7th and Mandela Pkwy.
 * Amtrak Thruway Motorcoaches connects Amtrak trains in Emeryville and Oakland Jack London Stations with downtown San Francisco, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo by bus.
 * Amtrak Thruway Motorcoaches connects Amtrak trains in Emeryville and Oakland Jack London Stations with downtown San Francisco, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo by bus.
 * Amtrak Thruway Motorcoaches connects Amtrak trains in Emeryville and Oakland Jack London Stations with downtown San Francisco, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo by bus.
 * Amtrak Thruway Motorcoaches connects Amtrak trains in Emeryville and Oakland Jack London Stations with downtown San Francisco, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo by bus.

By ferry
The San Francisco Bay Ferry has departures from both Pier 41 and the Ferry Building in San Francisco. Its Oakland terminal is at the foot of Clay St. in Jack London Square, a block from the AC Transit stop and easy walking distance to the Amtrak Station.

Get around
Oakland is a good-sized city, with attractions more than a fair distance from the center of town. Car rentals tend to be more expensive than other locations in the country, and streets are frequently lined with meters, unless they're in completely residential zones. Some of the larger attractions have their own parking of course, and some of the more visitor-friendly neighborhoods have sizable parking lots - some paid and some not. Most residential areas allow parking for only a limited time for non-residents, so the wise traveler is best-advised to use public transit of some kind.

Clipper
The frequent and long-term visitor to the area may be best-advised to acquire a Clipper card, which is touted as an 'all-in-one' transit electronic flash pass. It allows much easier use of almost all of the entire Bay Area's public transit agencies, allowing the user to use simple cash value or a specific transit agency's monthly pass. Cash value may be added at any of BART's stations, as well as a certain stores in Oakland or throughout the Bay Area.

By bicycle
Oakland has a wide and increasing infrastructure of bicycle lanes. If you need a bike, rental shops are close to nonexistent. Oakland enjoys a pumping bike culture, with lots of bike parking, and especially at some "parklets" at many of the city's coffee shops. If you like mixing bikes with your nightlife, you can join the 300+ people that cycle together monthly at East Bay Bike Party.

Bike sharing
Most of the bike sharing in Oakland is through Ford GoBike and their trademark blue bikes and docking stations. LimeBike is known for its trademark lime green rental scooters. Both tend to be quite pricey. GoBike's machines allow only a limited time of use, 30 minutes at a time for a day-long access pass or 45 minutes a ride for an annual membership fee.

By car
Unlike the often-tightly packed and crowded streets of nearby San Francisco, many locations of Oakland are much more friendly to cars. Parking lots are a more frequent sight, some requiring a nominal fee, as well as larger parking structures near the airport, and some of the BART stations.

In addition to the freeways and route mentioned in the "Get In" section, there are a couple of smaller intraurban freeways in Oakland:

The Warren Freeway (CA 13) is a two-way narrow four-lane highway that intersects CA-24 near the Caldecott Tunnel at one end and follows the feet of the Oakland Hills, passing alongside the wealthy Montclair neighborhood, through a wooded valley until it merges with I-580. It's often used to bypass the often-circuitous route taken by I-580 and the MacArthur Maze, but its narrowness can turn it into a traffic jam far more easily. Interstate 980 is a north–south freeway that becomes CA-24 when it nears the Cloverleaf merge with I-580. It meets I-880, passing around the western edge of Old Oakland.

Car sharing
Car sharing has been available since 2001 in Oakland, when City Carshare (absorbed by Getaround in 2016) opened its doors for the first time. Rates are usually by the hour or the day, depending on the individual service. Getaround, Gig Car Share, Upshift and Zipcar offer easily-accessible services to account holders city-wide.

Rental cars
Rental car facilities may be found scattered throughout the city, though Oakland Airport has a dedicated facility; including a connecting rental car bus. Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Fox, Hertz, National and Thrifty all maintain offices and rental lots at the Rental Car Center at 7600 Earhart Road (entrance is at the corner of Langley and Doolittle), outside of the Airport proper.

In addition, Avis, Enterprise and Hertz all operate smaller car rental facilities at various locations in the city itself.

Ride hailing
Uber and Lyft both do a bustling business in the entire Bay Area, including Oakland. As of August 2018, Uber offers services for a minimum fare of about $7.20 and $1.33/mile, and Lyft about $3.50 minimum and about $1.50/mile or $0.18/minute. Uber offers wheelchair-accessible services, and both offer SUV services. Both services have additional fees for rides beginning or terminating at Oakland Airport. Surge pricing applies during certain heavy traffic hours with both services. Be careful - with heavy traffic during rush hours, surge pricing and mileage can result in a very hefty bill.

By taxi
Taxi services in Oakland tend to be a very mixed experience. Prices tend to be high, and even the more reliable taxi companies can be very hit and miss for reliability and prompt response time. There are a large number of companies with "Yellow" and "Cab" in their name, without being the same company.

See
Oakland has many attractions to the eye and for the mind. Where some believe that it is a city of run-down Victorian houses or endless stretches of urban blight, this is very far from accurate. Oakland is a city with roots as far back as the earliest years of the admission of the State of California, and as such, it has architecture extant from many different eras. The Victorian architecture preserved and restored in Old Oakland, the Art Deco glory of Uptown, and the history of the Port of Oakland itself are among the many things to see. New York City has Manhattanhenge, towers of glass and steel; Oakland has the valleys of stone.

Neighborhoods
The first place many visitors are likely to visit is Downtown, especially if they are in town on business, or simply do not know where to start. The center of transportation by BART and by bus is there, if you want to branch out. Only a few streets away is Old Oakland, along 10th Street, just west of Broadway. Just east of Broadway and continuing north and south is Oakland's famous Chinatown, where many of the buildings and streets of Chinatown reflect the diverse nature of its history, in architecture and in the bilingual signs seen throughout the neighborhood.

The curious traveler can venture to take a bus southwards along Broadway, and come to Jack London Square. The unlikely mixture of warehouses and very expensive restaurants and posh atmosphere alongside some of the landmarks of the city's waterfront makes the Square an interesting place to visit and explore, even for locals. It's the home of the USS Potomac and the site of the namesake author's residence, still preserved and humbly standing not far from a saloon from the same era.

Just west of Downtown and slightly north of the Financial District is Uptown. In the evening it buzzes with art galleries, theaters and residents and Bay Area visitors coming into the area to see concerts. A popular area on the weekend with a mixed vibe of hipster and hip hop. It's a burgeoning neighborhood of performing arts ranging from nightclubs to music halls, and some of the best in the city's vintage architecture, like the Gothic Revival Cathedral Building and the Art Deco Fox and Paramount Theaters, as well as several nationally renowned restaurants, including Flora, Duende, and Pícan.

North Oakland is a sweeping term, referring to just about everywhere north of Uptown and Lake Merritt. Temescal is a neighborhood that lies north-northwest from Downtown; it is home to a range of restaurant cuisines, from Korean to Ethiopian. Northeast of Temescal lies Rockridge, a picturesque and affluent neighborhood mixed with family friendly and artistic vibes. South of Rockridge lies Piedmont Avenue, a street home to many renowned eateries, close to the small, sleepy and wealthy town of Piedmont. East along I-580 are the Grand Lake and Lakeshore neighborhoods, which share a friendly, early 20th-century suburban ambiance. The Grand Lake Theater stands at the entrance to the neighborhood that bears its name, a matter of a few hundred feet from Lakeshore Avenue - both neighborhoods have a range of eateries no matter what your budget, be it burgers or a romantic meal.

West Oakland was once a burgeoning working-class neighborhood with its roots tracing as far back as the opening decades of the 19th century. The neighborhood is a gritty paradox, featuring separate blocks of slums and industrial sites and on others, stately restored Victorians and arts-rededicated warehouses. Marred by among the city's higher crime rates, West Oakland also boasts a growing number of stylish hipster cafés, drawing a clientele ranging from the port's dock workers to concept-conscious hipsters from around the Bay Area.

Parks and gardens
Public parks are a very common sight no matter what part of Oakland you are in. From green gardens to athletic fields and playgrounds to the massive open space of the Oakland Hills, if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle for a breath of fresh air or the like, there are plenty of places to relax in.

Art galleries
News on many of Oakland's fine arts exhibitions can be found at Oakland Art Murmur.

Do
Oakland is a city of passionate interests - among the strongest of them are the love of the performing arts. Theater, live DJs, nightclubs, concerts, dance and even more unusual avant-garde activities are common sights and experiences in the city. Not just the obvious locations like the convention center or the Oracle Arena are home to the passion of performance. The Fox and Paramount Theaters host live concerts; the Paramount in particular is home to Oakland's East Bay Symphony, but that is by no means the end of the list. The nightlife of Oakland swings to the beat too, with popular spots like the Uptown and Yoshi's (Found in the Bar/Nightclub section under Drink) keep the music moving far into the evening hours. And that is only the beginning.

Events
Oakland is an amazingly diverse city, with roots in a range of cultures and traditions. Reflecting this, many annual events are held in Oakland usually but not always centered around Downtown.

Recreation and film

Buy
Most shops in Oakland are local establishments, some with distinctive personalities that reflect local culture. If you're looking for big-box chains, try Emeryville instead.

Bike shops
Bike shops are a reasonably easy find in Oakland - used as an alternative means of transportation, to say nothing of exercise, throughout the city.

Shopping centers
Though once a common sight, with Eastmont Mall (the last operating fully enclosed mall) being used almost exclusively for other services, large enclosed malls are a thing of the past in Oakland. There are however a few open-air spots.

Eat
The third great passion after art and music that is shared by residents and visitors to Oakland alike is food. Oakland is foodie country. No matter what your budget is - if you want to find something to eat from a hamburger to a full-course meal, you're going to find both and just about everything in between. Though any city would look spartan and lackluster next to San Francisco, Oakland is not found wanting.

Crime
Oakland has some problems with both property and violent crime. Smash-and-grab attacks on parked cars are common, so do not leave any valuables visible in your car, not even bags that might look like they could contain valuables.

The parts of the city with the most serious crime problems are unlikely to be interesting to tourists, but be careful when you venture into areas where there are not many people on the streets, keep your wits about yourself, and be aware of where you are at all times. The hills of Oakland are safe when it comes to violent crime but there is still property crime there. Think twice about going to West Oakland (south of 580 and west of 980) or East Oakland (southeast of Lake Merritt), especially at night.

Traffic
The number of reckless drivers in Oakland seems to be higher than in the average US city. As a pedestrian, pay attention when crossing the street, even if you have the right of way; as a driver, drive defensively; and as a cyclist, stay alert and don't rely on cars to accommodate you. International Boulevard in particular is notorious for traffic fatalities and speeding.

The quality of Oakland's roads is relatively poor. Residents complain bitterly about persistent potholes, and if you're driving or biking, you should take that as a warning.

Connect
The area codes for Oakland are 510 and 341; the latter is an overlay added in 2019. You only need to dial the seven-digit phone number for calls within the city. For calls within the US or Canada, dial 1+area code+number, and for international calls, dial 011+country code+city code(if applicable)+number. Pay phones are getting less and less common with the increasing popularity of mobile phones. Unfortunately, broken phones and empty phone booths are also a common sight. When you do find one, keep in mind that they only take coins and phone cards with a dial-to-use number. Local calls start at $0.50.

Internet access is available for free or with a fee in cafes and coffeehouses in several neighborhoods throughout the city, most notably the Financial District, Piedmont Avenue and Rockridge. Internet cafes, though once a common sight in Oakland, have dwindled down to nothing. The best bet for finding free Wi-fi Internet is to find one of the larger hotels, one of the branches of the Oakland Public Library, or one of the more well-known coffeehouses especially Starbucks or Peet's.

Parks
Parks are a common sight in Oakland, ranging from the small green with attached baseball field to the large wilderness of Redwood or Joaquin Miller in the hills. They are therefore easy to find, and if one needs some time away from the hustle and bustle of city streets and traffic, especially in the case of Lake Merritt, they may be a short walk away.

Smoking
As with the rest of California, tobacco-friendly venues are very rare in Oakland. State labor laws prohibit smoking in places of employment with only a few exceptions. Hotel lobbies may have a smoking section, and many hotels and motels have rooms and areas specifically for smokers. There are a handful of tobacco shops in the city, and the laws permit smoking in places such as privately owned casinos and bingo halls and such, but by and large, smoking in public is very rarely permitted.

Go next

 * San Francisco. Oakland's neighbor across the Bay.  Take BART, or the ferry for some great views.  (Bridge tolls are paid crossing into San Francisco, not exiting it.)
 * Berkeley. Eclectic, political and always interesting neighbor to the north.
 * San Leandro. Oakland's quieter suburban neighbor to the south, home to worldwide firms, malls, regional parks and shorelines.
 * Alameda. Oakland's sleepy island suburb to the southwest, home to the former Alameda Naval Air Station, and miles of pretty beaches and Victorian houses.
 * Emeryville. Home of Pixar and several major animation schools, as well as plenty of shopping and industry.

Oakland

title: Oakland


text:
Oakland (disambiguation)

There is more than one place called Oakland:

United States of America

 * Oakland - A city in California.
 * Oakland (Maine) - A town in Maine.
 * Oakland (Maryland) – a town in Maryland.
 * Oakland County - A county in Michigan.
 * Atlanta/Oakland City - A district in Atlanta
 * Chicago/Oakland - A district in Chicago
 * Pittsburgh/Oakland - A district in Pittsburgh

title: Oakland (disambiguation)


text:
Oakland (Maine)

Oakland is a town in the Kennebec and Moose River Valleys region of Maine, which is a suburb of Waterville.

Get in
If you are coming from I-95, take exit 127 from north and south. (the Oakland / Waterville exit). If coming from the south, take a left and follow the traffic flow, or from the north, take a right. You will be on ME-137, the main road of Oakland (known to localers as KMD- Kennedy Memorial Drive) which links Oakland with Waterville. You will soon see the town sign that shows you are entering Oakland. If you continue through Oakland on 137, you will end up in Smithfield. 137 ends at the Intersection of US-2 in East Mercer. There are also roads linking the towns of Fairfield (Rt. 23), Smithfield (Rt. 137), Belgrade (Rt. 8 or 11), and Sidney (Rt. 23).

See
Memorial Hall

title: Oakland (Maine)


text:
Oakland (Maryland)

Oakland is a small town in Garrett County, and one of the westernmost towns of Maryland. With a historic district, Oakland is one of the prettier towns in the area for a stroll.

Get in
Oakland is a quick drive along US Route 219, southwest of Deep Creek Lake.

title: Oakland (Maryland)


text:
Oakland County

Oakland County is in Southeast Michigan.

Cities

 * and Farmington
 * and Farmington
 * and Farmington
 * and Farmington
 * and Farmington

Other destinations

 * West Bloomfield

Understand
Oakland County is diverse in its types of communities. These range from blue-collar to elite communities. It is ranked as one of the richest counties in the United States with over 1 million people.

Talk
English is the predominant language in and around Oakland county, and there are no dialects unique to this area.

Get in
There are many interstate highways leading in and through the county. Charter plane service is provided by Oakland County International Airport and commercial services are provided by Detroit Metropolitan Airport in Wayne County and Bishop International Airport in Genesee County.

Get around
Oakland County is huge! Do not depend on public transportation. A car is needed and if you do not have one, rent one. Also there is limited bus services provided by SMART, which has been expanding services in the region. This includes express routes on major thoroughfares like Woodward.

Itineraries
There are plenty of malls and concert venues located throughout Oakland County. Malls of note in the county include Great Lakes Crossings in Auburn Hills and The Somerset Collection in Troy.

Do
If shopping is your thing then head to Somerset Collection. This is a rather upscale mall; be prepared to spend and walk a lot. Somerset Collection is located on Big Beaver (16 Mile Road) and Crooks. North of Somerset in Auburn Hills is Great Lakes Crossing. This outlet mall offers a lot of shopping, a theatre, an aquarium, and plenty of dining. Great Lakes Crossing can be accessed via I-75 exits 83 and 84.

 * The Detroit Zoo. The Detroit Zoo has 125 acres of naturalistic habitats for more than 2,000 animals from anteaters to zebras and features award-winning attractions such as the National Amphibian Conservation Center, Great Apes of Harambee and Arctic Ring of Life. The Polk Penguin Conservation Center is the largest facility for penguins in the world.
 * Michigan Renaissance Festival. Inside turreted gates, visitors enjoy the sights and sounds of a 17-acre village, complete with building reproductions of Renaissance shops, taverns and a magnificent castle. Continuous entertainment takes place on the streets and on 17 themed stages; featuring full-contact armored jousting, comedy and theater shows, music, games, and people-powered rides. Fabulous food and more than 300 artisans displaying their works.
 * Alpine and Cross Country Skiing. State parks throughout the county offer numerous cross country skiing trails which in the warmer months double as excellent hiking trails. Alpine skiing can be done at several small hills across the county as well. Notable ski hills in the county include Pine Knob in Auburn Hills, Alpine Valley in White Lake, and Mt.Holly in Holly.
 * Golf. Oakland county offers excellent locations for golfing including driving ranges, numerous public 18 hole courses, as well as numerous private and country club courses. Notable public courses include Glen Oaks in Farmington Hills and Lyon Oaks in Lyon Township. The Links of Novi, which is private has 27 holes, one full and one half course. Oakland Hills Country Club, in Bloomfield Hills boasts the most extraordinary history and future of maybe any course in the county. Oakland Hills has hosted 17 major championships since its founding in 1916.
 * Golf. Oakland county offers excellent locations for golfing including driving ranges, numerous public 18 hole courses, as well as numerous private and country club courses. Notable public courses include Glen Oaks in Farmington Hills and Lyon Oaks in Lyon Township. The Links of Novi, which is private has 27 holes, one full and one half course. Oakland Hills Country Club, in Bloomfield Hills boasts the most extraordinary history and future of maybe any course in the county. Oakland Hills has hosted 17 major championships since its founding in 1916.

Eat
There are many places to eat in Oakland County, however if you are into the non-franchise type restaurants try Oakland Grill. It is in Oakland Mall which is on the corner of I-75 and 14 mile Rd. The service is top notch, the food is excellent and the atmosphere is warm and inviting.

 * Sagebrush Cantina. In Lake Orion on Broadway, this charming restaurant has great atmosphere, amazing food and fantastic service.
 * Vinsetta Garaga. On Woodward in Berkley, just north of the Detroit Zoo. Fantastic restaurant owned by the same people who own the Clarkston Union. The food is delicious, service is amazing and the atmosphere is top notch.

Drink
If the club/bar scene is your thing then head to downtown Pontiac. Tiki Bob's Cantina, Tonic, Sevin, and Clutch Cargos are some of the popular destinations. There are lots of bars. If you like the more classy atmosphere go to Downtown Birmingham for Blue Martini or Royal Oak.

There are many breweries peppered throughout Oakland County, such as Griffin Claw in Birmingham, Rochester Mills Beer Co. in Rochester, Royal Oak Brewery in Royal Oak, Witch's Hat in South Lyon, and The Woodward Avenue Brewers (stylized The WAB) in Ferndale.

Stay safe
Oakland County is a diverse economic and social landscape, as with any destination, act with caution and understand the areas you are travelling within.

Almost the entirety of Oakland County is safe. increased precaution should be utilized when travelling on the southeast border of the county near 8 Mile Road.

The City of Pontiac has excellent food and recreation during the day and night but caution should be observed and belongings tucked away. Exercise common sense and be aware of surroundings at all times.

Go next
Detroit is pretty neat

title: Oakland County


text:
Oakley

Oakley is in the east part of Contra Costa County in the San Francisco Bay Area to the east of Antioch.

Get in

 * Main St. exit east from Highway 160 or take Brentwood Blvd. north from Brentwood
 * BART goes from Daly City, San Francisco, Oakland, Orinda, Lafayette, Walnut Creek and Concord, and Pittsburg to Antioch station. Tri-Delta Transit bus service route #391 goes to and from the Pittsburgh and Antioch stations and many places in Brentwood and Antioch.

Get around
Walking isn't really recommended as there really isn't a lot of sidewalks and most of the roads are two lane roads.

By car
A car is necessary to get around unless you only have a short distance to go.

By bus
Tri Delta has four bus routes serving inside Oakley. They are #300, #391, #393 and #383. They all go around Oakley.

By taxi
Taxi service is available, but on a much reduced scale as compared to major cities. but you won't be able to hail a cab; it is necessary to call and arrange for a taxi to pick you up. Rates are fixed by city ordinance and do not vary among companies.

Go next
Buses go to Brentwood, Antioch, Pittsburg, Bay Point and Pittsburg/ Bay Point Bart. Trains from there go directly to Concord, Walnut Creek, Laffayete, Orinda, Oakland, San Francisco and Daly City.

title: Oakley


text:
Oakley (Kansas)

Oakley is a town in Western region of Kansas.

Get in
Located along the east-west route of Interstate 70 and US 40 in northwest Kansas. North-south access is via US 83.

title: Oakley (Kansas)


text:
Oak Park

Oak Park is a city of 52,000 people (2018) in the Chicagoland area. It's essentially an outdoor museum dedicated to architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

Get in
Only about 10 miles (16 km) west of downtown Chicago, Oak Park is easily accessible by the CTA Blue Line, Green Line or Metra Train.

Metra or the Green Line are most convenient for getting to the more scenic parts of Oak Park. Metra's service is limited outside of rush hour. Take the Union Pacific West line out of Ogilvie Transportation Center (schedule). The Green Line runs regularly every day and is accessible from the Loop; exit at the Austin, Ridgeland, Oak Park or Harlem stop.

Taxis will go to Oak Park, but Chicago taxi drivers are unlikely to know the streets in this suburban destination.

Oak Park is close to both of Chicago's major airports. Taxi fare to either O'Hare or Midway is around $35.

Get around
Oak Park is very pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly. A self-guided walking tour starting and ending on the Green Line would allow you to see most destinations within a few hours.

Oak Park does not follow Chicago's street numbering system. East-west streets start at 0 at Austin Boulevard and increment as they head west, reaching 1200 at Harlem. North-south streets include a north-south designation in their addresses. The zero line is the elevated freight/Metra/Green Line track running through the center of the town. Visitors from Chicago are sometimes confused that Madison Street, the north-south zero line in Chicago, is 500 south in Oak Park.

Two local taxi companies serve the Oak Park area: 303 Taxi and Blue Cab. Both companies congregate near the Metra/Harlem Green Line stop. Their dispatch services are professional and fast.

Frank Lloyd Wright
Oak Park has the world's largest concentration of Wright's Prairie School works, including his workplace home.

Buy
Oak Park offers a variety of independent boutique shops. The most active cluster of these shops is called Downtown Oak Park, on Lake Street from Harlem east to Oak Park Avenue. This stretch includes the historic Unity Temple and post office. Don't miss the rebuilt stretch of shops on Marion Street south of Lake. Continuing from this stretch, more shops and restaurants can be found on Oak Park Avenue, from Lake Street south to Pleasant Street.

Eat
A variety of restaurants representing numerous cultures are intermingled with the shops mentioned above.

Drink
Until the 1970s, Oak Park was a dry town. Alcohol restrictions have been lifted, though as a relic of this law, there are still no free-standing liquor stores in the city, and some grocery stores do not sell alcohol.

Owing to Oak Park's past prohibition, bars emerged on the borders of the city. The largest quantity of bars can be found on Madison Street in Forest Park, just west of Harlem Avenue. Roughly 16 bars exist on this stretch of about five blocks. All Forest Park bars are casual, focused on beer, and offer basic pub fare.

Sleep
Oak Park contains no major chain hotels, but it does have several independent hotels and B&Bs for visitors.

Stay safe
Oak Park borders Austin, a rough neighborhood on Chicago's Far West Side. The Oak Park police are active, but this nearby influence cannot be completely removed from Oak Park. Behave as you would in any urban environment. That warning aside, most destinations in Oak Park are removed from the Chicago border and are not risky to visit.

Go next
If you liked the dense, urban-like suburb of Oak Park, you might like Evanston, Chicago's other urban-like suburb.

Other Frank Lloyd Wright-designed landmarks in the area include Hyde Park's Robie House and The Loop's Rookery.

title: Oak Park