Alameda Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City • Area

Facts and practical information

Located in the California region of the United States, Alameda is a charming city that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. With its picturesque waterfront, Victorian architecture, and vibrant arts scene, Alameda is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking an authentic Californian experience.

One of the highlights of Alameda is its stunning waterfront, which stretches for miles along the San Francisco Bay. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll or bike ride along the shoreline, enjoying breathtaking views of the city skyline and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge in the distance. The Alameda Marina is also a popular spot for boating enthusiasts, offering opportunities for sailing, fishing, and other water activities.

For history buffs, Alameda boasts a rich heritage that can be explored through its well-preserved Victorian architecture. The renowned Alameda Museum showcases the city's history through its extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits. Visitors can step back in time as they wander through the beautifully restored Victorian homes and buildings that line the streets of Alameda, capturing the essence of a bygone era.

Art and culture thrive in Alameda, with numerous galleries, theaters, and cultural events taking place throughout the year. The historic Alameda Theatre & Cineplex is a popular venue for film screenings and live performances, while the Frank Bette Center for the Arts showcases the works of local artists. The Alameda Art Walk, held annually, offers a chance to explore the vibrant art scene and meet local artists in their studios.

Nature lovers will find solace in the many parks and green spaces that dot the city. Crown Memorial State Beach is a favorite among locals and tourists alike, with its sandy shores and calm waters perfect for picnicking and swimming. Crab Cove Visitor Center, located within the park, provides an educational experience about the local marine life and offers guided nature walks.

In addition to its natural and cultural attractions, Alameda also offers a wide range of dining options to suit every palate. From trendy bistros to family-owned restaurants, visitors can savor a variety of cuisines, including fresh seafood, farm-to-table fare, and international flavors.

Alternative names: Population: 78.6 thous. (2020)Area: 22.96 mi²Elevation: 23 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 37°45'55"N, 122°15'18"W

Location

CaliforniaUnited States

Contact

Website

Social media

Add

Alameda Top Attractions

Alameda Attractions - What to See and Explore

Alameda offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: USS Hornet Museum, Pacific Pinball Museum, Bay Farm Island Bridge, Croll Building. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Museum • Night tours • Ship
USS Hornet Museum
The USS Hornet Museum is a distinguished maritime museum located in Alameda, California, and is an essential visit for those interested in naval history and military heritage. This historic aircraft carrier, the USS Hornet (CV-12), played a significant role in World...
Historic and playable pinball machines
Pacific Pinball Museum
The Pacific Pinball Museum is a Board Managed and certified 501 C nonprofit interactive museum/arcade offering a chronological and historical selection of rare bagatelles and early pinball games in addition to over 90 playable pinball machines ranging in era from the 1940s to present day located on Webster Street in Alameda, CA.
Bridge
Bay Farm Island Bridge
The San Leandro Bay Bridge, better known as the Bay Farm Island Bridge, is a single-leaf bascule drawbridge spanning the San Leandro Channel, the inlet of San Leandro Bay within the San Francisco Bay Area, California, United States.

Victorian architecture • Italianate architecture
Croll Building
The Croll Building, in Alameda, California, was the site of Croll's Gardens and Hotel, famous as training quarters for some of the greatest fighters in boxing history from 1883 to 1914. James J.
Bridge
Park Street Bridge
The Park Street Bridge is a double-leaf bascule drawbridge spanning 372 feet of the Oakland Estuary in the San Francisco Bay Area. It links the cities of Oakland and Alameda. In a year, the bridge is opened approximately 1700 times and carries approximately 40,000 vehicles per work day.
Museum • History museum • Specialty museum
Alameda Museum
The Alameda Museum is a history museum about the history and culture of Alameda, California. It is located in Alameda, California, in the United States.
Church • East End
Basilica of St. Joseph
The Basilica of St. Joseph is a Roman Catholic church located in Alameda, California at 1109 Chestnut Street. Its history dates back to early settlement of the City of Alameda, California. A former mission church of St. Anthony's in Oakland, the parish of St. Joseph's was established in 1885. It is part of the Diocese of Oakland.
Church • East End
First Presbyterian Church of Alameda
The First Presbyterian Church Sanctuary Building is a historic church building at 2001 Santa Clara Avenue in Alameda, California. It was built in 1904, and was added to the National Register in 1980.
37°45'58"N • 122°16'41"W
Crab Cove Visitor Center
Park • Visitor center • Beach
37°47'2"N • 122°15'50"W
Oakland Yacht Club
Sailing • Marina
Tunnel • West End
Posey and Webster Street Tubes
The Posey and Webster Street Tubes are two parallel underwater tunnels connecting the cities of Oakland and Alameda, California, running beneath the Oakland Estuary. Both are immersed tubes, constructed by sinking precast concrete segments to a trench in the Estuary floor, then sealing them together to create a tunnel.
Palace • East End
Alameda Theatre
The Alameda Theatre is an Art Deco movie theatre built in 1932 in Alameda, California. It opened with a seating capacity of 2,168. It was designed by architect Timothy L. Pflueger and was the last grand movie palace built in the San Francisco Bay Area. It closed in the 1980s as a triplex theatre and was later used as a gymnastics studio.
Park • East End
Chochenyo Park
Chochenyo Park, formerly known as Jackson Park, is a small municipal park in Alameda, California located on Park Avenue south of Encinal Avenue, one block off of the Park Street business district. description In July 2020, the Recreation and Parks Commission voted to dename...
37°46'59"N • 122°15'43"W
Encinal Yacht Club
Sailing • Marina
37°45'60"N • 122°17'10"W
Ballena Isle Marina
Sailing • Marina
Library • East End
Alameda Free Library
The Alameda Free Library is the city library of Alameda, California. The Carnegie library was built from 1902 to 1903 and was the first designated building for the city's library, which had been housed in various other buildings since 1877.
Victorian architecture • East End
Masonic Temple and Lodge
The Masonic Temple and Lodge are two adjacent Masonic buildings in downtown Alameda, California. The older Masonic Temple at 1329–31 Park St was built from 1890 to 1891.
Beach • East End
Crown Memorial State Beach
Crown Memorial State Beach is a state park in the city of Alameda, California on the shores of San Francisco Bay. It is operated by East Bay Regional Parks District, under a cooperative agreement with the State of California and the City of Alameda.
37°45'53"N • 122°14'31"W
High Scores
Museum • Game and entertainment center

Things to See and Do in Alameda by Category

Sights, interesting and unusual places and attractions valued by most tourists. See the list of places to visit in Alameda.

Entertainment

Pacific Pinball Museum
AlamedaHistoric and playable pinball machines
MuseumHistory museumWest End
Subpar Miniature Golf
Alameda
Game and entertainment centerGolfEntertainmentEast End
High Scores
Alameda
MuseumGame and entertainment centerEast End

Other categories

Museum Marina Sailing

Day trips

Alameda – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Alameda, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Golden Gate Bridge (San Francisco), de Young Museum (San Francisco), San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (San Francisco).

13 milesW
Iconic art deco span opened in 1937
Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco
Spanning the strait that connects San Francisco Bay to the Pacific Ocean, the Golden Gate Bridge stands as an iconic marvel of modern engineering and a celebrated symbol of San Francisco. Completed in 1937, this suspension bridge is renowned for its striking...
12 milesW
Fine-arts museum with a sculpture garden
de Young Museum, San Francisco
Nestled in the heart of San Francisco's vibrant Golden Gate Park, the de Young Museum stands as a testament to the city's rich cultural tapestry and dedication to the arts. This premier public art institution, known for its distinctive copper facade that naturally...
8.1 miW
Vast collection of prominent artworks
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, San Francisco
Nestled in the heart of San Francisco's bustling downtown, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) stands as a beacon of contemporary creativity and innovation. This temple of modern and contemporary art, reopened in 2016 after a significant expansion, is one...
8.2 miW
Hands-on science museum
Exploratorium, San Francisco
The Exploratorium, nestled in the vibrant city of San Francisco, is a public learning laboratory that invites exploration and discovery at the intersection of science, art, and human perception. This innovative museum, located at Pier 15 along the city's bustling...
12 milesW
Museum with science exhibits and research
California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco
Nestled within the verdant Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, the California Academy of Sciences stands as a beacon of knowledge and an ode to the natural world. This prestigious institution is not just a museum; it is an expansive realm of exploration that includes an...

Show all

Best Time To Visit Alameda

Learn when is the best time to travel to Alameda weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Alameda?

The top attractions to visit in Alameda are:

What is the best time to visit Alameda?

June and July are the busiest months in this location. The highest air temperature is in May, June, July, August, September and October. While the coldest is in January and December.