Oakland , General info:
9/10

Oakland is the eighth-largest city in the U.S. state of California and the county seat of Alameda County. Oakland is located in Northern California in the San Francisco Bay Area, the Combined statistical area#Largest CSAs-twelveth-most-populous metropolitan area in the United States. Based on 2006 statistical data, Oakland is the 44th-largest city in the United States.

Rand McNally named Oakland as having the best weather in the United States.

Oakland is a major West Coast port, and is home to several major corporations including Kaiser Permanente and Clorox, as well as corporate headquarters for nationwide businesses like Dreyer's and Cost Plus World Markets.

Oakland , Cheap stuff:
8/10

Like any big city...

Oakland , Different stuff:
9/10

Symbols of Oakland’s arrival as a modern 20th century metropolis -- the Beaux Arts-style City hall and Rotunda Building, the Tribune Tower, and the Art Deco-style Financial Center building

Oakland , Don't miss:
8/10

Dunsmuir House, Grand Lake Theatre, Jack London Square, Lake Merritt, Children's Fairyland, Parkway Theatre, Paramount Theatre, Preservation Park, USS Potomac-National Historic Landmark

Oakland , Food:
9/10

Jack's Bistro, Horatio's, Garibaldi's on College, Citron, ...

Oakland , Hotels:
8/10

Clarion Suites Lake Merritt Restaurant & Hotel, Jack London Square Lodging, Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Oakland Airport, Regency Inn, North Oakland, Executive Inn & Suites Embarcadero Cove, Oakland Marriott

Quality Inn, Imperial Inn, Fairfield Inn by Marriott

Oakland , Safety:
9/10

Not so safe in here ...

Oranjestad , General info:
9/10

Located on the picturesque southern coast, Oranjestad is the historic Dutch capital of Aruba, where the traditional, tall, multicolored houses combine carved wooden doors and typical Dutch tiles with open-air patios. The charm of the city complements the beauty of this popular Caribbean island where the Dutch and indigenous cultures have merged to give Aruba its unique atmosphere.

Oranjestad , Cheap stuff:
10/10

It is very popular tourist destination so it is hard to find anything cheap.

Oranjestad , Different stuff:
9/10

Outdoor markets displaying tropical fruits, and local arts and crafts, and see Dutch-colonial buildings.

Oranjestad , Don't miss:
9/10

The water off Aruba is teeming with marine life. You can see it all up close by taking a submarine 150 feet below the sea. You'll pass scuba divers, coral reefs and shipwrecks on your journey.

Oranjestad , Food:
10/10

American, Argentinean, Aruban, Brazilian, Caribbean, Chinese, Cuban, Dutch, French, German, Indonesian, International, Italian, Japanese, Mexican, Seafood, Steakhouses, Vegetarian...You can find anything you wish.

Oranjestad , Hotels:
10/10

Aruba offers you a very large and varied choice of hotels, both low-rise and high-rise, apartments and guesthouses.

Oranjestad , Safety:
7/10

Aruba is generally a very safe place at any time of day or night. The running water in Aruba is absolutely safe to drink; the island's desalination plant is the second largest in the world.