Choose wisely. Connect locally.Add your business 
San Leandro sits on the eastern shore of San Francisco Bay just south of Oakland, between the bay and the East Bay hills. The land was part of Rancho San Antonio, granted to Luis Maria Peralta, and later Rancho San Leandro of the Estudillo family. The town grew in the 1850s, served for a time as the Alameda County seat, and was incorporated in 1872.
San Leandro has long been known for its cherry orchards, still celebrated each year at the San Leandro Cherry Festival, and for a strong Portuguese heritage. Downtown keeps the historic Casa Peralta, a 1901 house later remodeled in Spanish style with colorful tiles, and the classic Bal Theatre from 1946.
Along the bay, the San Leandro Marina and Marina Park offer shoreline paths, picnic lawns and views across to San Francisco, while the San Francisco Bay Trail continues to Oyster Bay Regional Shoreline. In the hills, Lake Chabot Regional Park has a lake and wooded trails.
A historic house built in 1901 on land of the Peralta family, remodeled in the 1920s in Spanish style with colorful tile murals showing Don Quixote scenes. It is run as a city museum with period rooms. It is open only on limited days, so check the city schedule before visiting.
A Victorian house from the 1870s in downtown San Leandro, once the home of a local pioneer family and now owned by a women's club. It is used for community events, weddings and meetings, and is one of the city's historic landmarks. View the exterior and gardens from the sidewalk, or attend a public event.
The city's historic core around East 14th Street and Davis Street, with cafes, restaurants, small shops and a Thursday farmers market. Public art and murals are spread across the area. The BART station is a short walk away, making it easy to visit without a car.
A restored 1946 movie theater on East 14th Street, now a venue for concerts, comedy, film screenings and community events. Its neon marquee is a local landmark. Check the event calendar online, and plan dinner at one of the local restaurants nearby before the show.
An annual June festival celebrating the city's history as a cherry growing center, with a parade, food booths, craft vendors, live music and kids' rides downtown. It is the city's biggest community event. Go early to find parking, or ride BART to downtown San Leandro.
A bayfront park with lawns, picnic areas, a playground and shoreline paths with views of the bay, airplanes and the San Francisco skyline. It is a good place for kite flying and sunsets. Bring a windbreaker, as afternoon winds are strong, and connect to the Bay Trail for longer walks.
A park built on a former landfill on the bay, with rolling grassy hills, walking and biking trails, a disc golf course and views across the water. It is good for birdwatching along the marshes. It can be very windy and has little shade; bring layers and come in the morning for calmer conditions.
A large park around Lake Chabot in the hills above San Leandro, with a paved lakeside path, boat rentals, fishing, a cafe, campgrounds and wooded trails. The paved West Shore Trail is good for families and bikes. There is a parking fee; rent a kayak or pedal boat to explore the lake.
A public golf complex at the San Leandro Marina with a championship course, a nine-hole course and a driving range, all with views of the bay. It is popular for affordable rounds close to Oakland. Book tee times online, and be ready for afternoon winds off the water.
An indoor and outdoor shopping center next to Bay Fair BART station, with chain stores, a movie theater and restaurants. It is convenient for transit users and everyday shopping. Parking is free, and it is easy to reach from Interstate 880 and BART.
No reviews yet. Been to San Leandro? Be the first to share your experience.
Share what you loved, what to skip and tips for other travelers.
Log in to write a reviewBeen to San Leandro? Add your best shots to the gallery.
Log in to add photos
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
Photo: Annalynn, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Sanfranman59, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Pi.1415926535, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Clyde Charles Brown, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Pi.1415926535, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Pi.1415926535, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Pi.1415926535, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Pi.1415926535, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Pi.1415926535, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Pi.1415926535, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Mx. Granger, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Mx. Granger, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Sesamehoneytart, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Mercurywoodrose, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: EastshoreEmpire, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Oleg Alexandrov, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Oleg Alexandrov, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0