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Alameda is an island city in San Francisco Bay, just across the estuary from Oakland, made up of Alameda Island and the smaller Bay Farm Island. The land was part of Rancho San Antonio of the Peralta family, and after the 1850s it grew into a popular resort and residential town with beaches, bathhouses and fine Victorian homes. Alameda was incorporated in 1854 and became an island in 1902 when a tidal canal was cut through the peninsula.
Alameda keeps one of the largest collections of Victorian houses in California, along shady streets of a quiet small town feel. Park Street, the main commercial street, has shops, restaurants and the restored 1932 Alameda Theatre.
From 1940 to 1997 the island was home to Naval Air Station Alameda, and the aircraft carrier USS Hornet, now a museum, is docked at the former base. Visitors also come for Crown Memorial State Beach, the bay views, wineries and distilleries along Spirits Alley, and ferries to San Francisco.
The USS Hornet Museum is a World War II aircraft carrier docked at Alameda Point, later the recovery ship for the Apollo 11 and 12 astronauts. Visitors explore the flight deck, hangar deck with historic aircraft, bridge, engine rooms and crew quarters. Wear sturdy shoes for the steep ladders, and allow at least three hours.
The Alameda Museum on Alameda Avenue near Park Street covers the island city's history, from the Ohlone and the Peralta rancho to Victorian homes, the old Neptune Beach amusement park and the naval air station. It has small rotating exhibits and a gift shop. Entry is free or by donation, with limited weekly hours.
The Pacific Pinball Museum on Webster Street holds around 100 playable pinball machines and vintage arcade games, from early wooden bagatelles to modern electronic tables. One admission covers unlimited play on all machines. Allow a couple of hours, and check opening days, since it is closed early in the week.
Park Street is Alameda's historic main shopping street, lined with Victorian and Art Deco buildings housing restaurants, cafes, bookstores and independent shops. It hosts the Park Street Art and Wine Faire in summer and holiday events. Walk from Lincoln Avenue to Encinal Avenue and look up at the decorated facades above the stores.
The Gold Coast is a leafy neighborhood near the island's south shore with some of Alameda's grandest Victorian, Colonial Revival and Craftsman homes, built around 1900. Alameda has thousands of preserved Victorian houses, and this area shows many of the best. Walk the side streets respectfully, as all of the homes are private.
The Alameda Theatre on Central Avenue is a restored 1932 Art Deco movie palace with a tall neon sign, a lavish lobby and murals, now part of a cinema complex showing current films. Its main auditorium keeps much of its original decoration. Choose a screening in the historic main house to see the full Art Deco interior.
Crown Memorial State Beach is a long sandy beach on the bay side of Alameda, with views of San Francisco, a paved shoreline path and calm, shallow water for wading and windsurfing. It is managed by East Bay Regional Parks. Afternoon wind is common, and a parking fee is charged in the main lots on busy days.
Crab Cove Visitor Center at the north end of Crown Memorial State Beach is a marine reserve and education center with aquariums, touch tanks and exhibits on bay life. At low tide visitors can explore the mudflats with naturalists. Check the tide tables and the center's program schedule for guided low-tide walks.
The Elsie Roemer Bird Sanctuary is a tidal marsh along Shore Line Drive at the east end of Alameda's south shore, where shorebirds, herons and ducks feed, especially in winter. A path and viewing spots along the edge let you watch without disturbing the birds. Bring binoculars and visit about an hour or two before high tide.
Spirits Alley is a cluster of craft distilleries, wineries and breweries in old naval buildings at Alameda Point, including tasting rooms with views of the San Francisco skyline. Visitors hop from one tasting room to the next. Most are open on afternoons and weekends, so check hours, and take the ferry or a rideshare if you plan to drink.
St. George Spirits is one of America's pioneering craft distilleries, operating in a huge former Navy hangar at Alameda Point, known for its gins, whiskeys, fruit brandies and absinthe. Tastings and guided tours show the stills and production. Reserve tours ahead online, and note that visitors must be 21 or older to taste.
The Alameda Point Antiques Faire is held on the first Sunday of each month at the old naval air station and is one of Northern California's largest antiques markets, with hundreds of dealers selling furniture, vintage clothing and collectibles. Items must be at least 20 years old. Arrive early for the best finds and bring cash.
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California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
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