Alameda

Alameda is an island city with a consciousness of its history. It was founded as a Spanish settlement and then became a Mexican one. Many of the streets and neighborhoods have names dating back to the 19th century. There are a great many large Victorian houses throughout the town, including the original Alameda Library, Alameda City Hall, the Elks Lodge, and most particularly Historic Alameda High School. A few of the streets have been restored to Victorian grandeur, notably the shopping districts of Park Street and Webster Street. Once one of many of its kind, the Alameda Naval Air Station was decommissioned in 1997, and has since been the site of a few film and TV productions, in its present form, Alameda Point. Around the Christmas season, the residents of Thompson Street participate in lighting up the whole city block, houses and trees alike. The city is home to a single theater, the classic Art Deco Alameda Theatre, built in 1932, renovated and expanded in 2008. South of the main island is Bay Farm Island, a mostly-residential and markedly suburban district bordering Oakland International Airport.

Climate

By air

Oakland International Airport is a close neighbor to Alameda. The traveller's best bet for getting into town is by public transit (AC Transit Line 21). The easiest way for your money is likely to be a taxi, though the major (read: spendier) hotels of Oakland and Alameda offer free shuttle service to and from the airport.

By car

The proximity of Alameda to Oakland makes access by car the easiest. From Webster, 29th Ave. or Fruitvale in Oakland, all exits are clearly marked. From I-880/The Nimitz Freeway, the 23rd Ave. exit is easiest, and the exits leading to the island city are all clearly marked.

By ferry

The San Francisco Bay Ferry provides service from several points on both sides of the Bay. There are two terminals in Alameda, Main Street on the west side of the main island and Harbor Bay on Bay Farm Island. Service to Harbor Bay is only provided during rush hour.

By train

Amtrak does not service Alameda directly, but four of its train routes arrive at two nearby stations.

• 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.
• Coast Starlight Seattle to Los Angeles
• San Joaquins Oakland to Bakersfield, California

Passengers riding the Capitol Corridor, San Joaquins, and Coast Starlight trains should arrive at the Oakland Jack London Station (OKJ). Located at Alice and 2nd St., the station is just east of Jack London Square itself. Capitol Corridor conductors provide two free bus passes upon request. Getting to Alameda by bus requires one transfer. Pick up AC Transit Line 12 at its terminal on Alice, across the street from Amtrak. The bus may wait at this stop for several minutes before departing. Ride the 12 to the 7th and Broadway stop. From that stop, walk back along Broadway, cross 7th, and go with the flow of traffic to the bus stop at 7th and Franklin (less than one block). From this stop, four lines serve Alameda: Line 19, Line 20, Line 51A, and
Line 96.

• California Zephyr Emeryville to Chicago via Sacramento. Reachable by a bus ride via both AC Transit and the Emery-Go-Round.

Passengers riding the California Zephyr train should arrive at the Emeryville Station (EMY)—the train's western terminal. Getting to Alameda by bus requires one transfer. From the train, walk through the station, veer left, and continue two blocks along 59th St. to Hollis St. At the bus stop just to the right of this intersection, pick up AC Transit Line 29. Ride the 29 to the 11th and Broadway stop. Wait at this same stop for either Line 19 or Line 20. For Line 51A or
Line 96, turn right on Broadway and walk one and a half blocks to the Broadway and 9th stop.

By car

Alameda is an island, and as such it's difficult to get truly lost if you have your basic bearings. The island is bordered on the north by the Oakland estuary and to the south by the San Francisco bay. The west end of the island is taken up by the now closed Alameda Naval Air Station. At the south end, you'll find a bridge to Bay Farm Island.

By bus

Several AC Transit bus lines go around the island. There is a bus service 24 hours from Fruitvale BART to Broadway, down Santa Clara and up Webster to Downtown Oakland. There are also a coupe of rush hours shuttles from Wester St. commerical area to Jack London Square/Lake Merritt BART area.

By foot

Walking is a great way to get around. Walking from Oakland is not recommended.

By ferry

Traveling from the Harbor Bay ferry terminal area to the Main Street terminal area is faster by ferry than by bus. This only works during rush hour.

• USS Hornet (CV-12)

  phone: +1 510 521-8448
  address: Pier 3, Alameda Point
  The USS Hornet is a retired World War II aircraft carrier that fought numerous battles in the Pacific and also retrieved the astronauts of Apollo 11 and Apollo 12 after splashdown. The ship is run as a museum, with the hangar deck, flight deck, and some other areas open to wander around in, and tours offering the chance to see control rooms, engineering facilities, and other areas of this retired warship. Allow a minimum of three hours; ideally five or more.

• Crown Beach

  phone: +1 510 544-3175
  A good beach on the bay. Very popular with kiteboarders and joggers. Due to ongoing maintenance, some areas are inaccessible, but are clearly marked.

• Pacific Pinball Museum

  phone: +1 510 769-1349
  address: 1510 Webster St
  A 'museum' of over 100 classic pinball games, arranged approximately chronologically. The Pacific Pinball Museum showcases the "science, art, and history" of pinball. With admission, play is free on all but the oldest three of their 90 pinball machines, so allow several hours to explore the many variations there.

• AMF Southshore Lanes

  phone: +1 510 523-6767
  address: 300 Park St
  Alameda's bowling alley of many decades. 40 lanes as well as billiard tables and video games. Usually bustling during the weekends. Online reservations for bowling as well as parties.

• City View Skate Park

  address: 1177 W Redline Ave
  Great spot to ride skateboards and skates and great views of the bay.

• Color Me Mine of Alameda

  phone: +1 510 521-8893
  address: 2205 South Shore Center
  World famous paint-your-own-pottery studio located at South Shore Center by the beach. Hundreds of preformed ceramics to paint as you wish. No experience necessary. Kids and adults. No reservations needed on most days.

• Alameda Marketplace

  address: 1650 Park Street
  A large enclosed shopping center in a tidy vintage brick building. Artisan foods and kitchen supplies.

• Alameda Point Antiques and Collectibles Faire (Flea Market)

  phone: +1 510 522-7500
  address: 2700 Saratoga St
  Monthly extravaganza of antiques and vintage items. Hundreds of vendors. Free shuttle service to and from the Faire from Fruitvale BART and the Alameda Ferry at Main St.

• Hangar One

  phone: +1 510 871-4950
  address: 2601 Monarch St
  A vodka distillery in a former Navy hangar that offers a multitude of flavors, usually pricey. Good place to sip and view the Bay and San Francisco. Guided tours daily.

• South Shore Center

  phone: +1 510 521-8100
  Alameda's centrally-located open-air shopping center, home to Bankers' Row, and the city's main post office and courthouse. Next to the shore of San Francisco Bay.

Budget

• Dimitra's Sandwiches To Go

  phone: +1 510 521-3737
  address: 1251 Park St.
  Just like the name says - a sandwich shop that's primarily take-out. Seating and parking are both very limited.

• Ole's Waffle Shop

  phone: +1 510 522-8108
  address: 1507 Park St.
  Old school diner. It has been around since 1927, and has stayed the same. It has a good variety of greasy spoon food. Lines for tables are out the door every morning for the waffles and the pancakes.

• Pampered Pup

  phone: +1 510 521-2321
  address: 1401 Park St.
  A Park Street institution for decades, serving all the basic favorites of hot dogs, including sauerkraut and chili dogs.

• Q's Halal Chicken

  phone: +1 510 227-5870
  address: 2306 Central Ave.
  A clean, airy and well-lit favorite for cheap and delicious halal wraps, burgers and kabobs. Try the seasoned fries. Take-out orders only for last 30 minutes of each day. Catering available.

• Taqueria Viva Mexico

  phone: +1 510 769-8482
  address: 2327 Central Ave.
  A nice and friendly Mexican spot with very old country decor. Online ordering available.

• Troy

  phone: +1 510 522-2800
  address: 2318-A Central Ave.
  Small, homey little spot that serves food from the Mediterranean.

Mid-range

• Abigail's Moroccan Cuisine

  phone: +1 510 523-5500
  address: 1132 Ballena Blvd.
  Authentic Moroccan food - bellydancing and live music during Saturday dinner hours. Online reservations. Private parties. Catering.

• Asena

  phone: +1 510 521-4100
  address: 2508 Santa Clara Ave.
  Upscale Mediterranean spot, very romantic. Reservations available. Catering.

• Dragon Rouge

  phone: +1 510 521-1800
  address: 2337 Blanding Ave.
  Very friendly Vietnamese restaurant with an American twist. Online ordering and reservations.

• India Palace

  phone: +1 510 814-8778
  address: 737 Buena Vista Ave
  India Palace has an excellent (if small) buffet of Northern Indian dishes every lunch, and an equally good set of dishes every dinner.

• La Penca Azul

  phone: +1 510 769-9110
  address: 1440 Park St
  Full-service Mexican restaurant with a very large menu. They offer favorites like enchiladas and burritos and also have more obscure traditional dishes, such as a wide range of seafood, huitlacoche and many dishes served with mole sauce. They offer accommodations for large parties, as well as a considerable catering service and a tequila bar that boasts over 300 varieties. Service is very friendly. Online ordering. Reservations available for large groups. Delivery available.

• Pappo

  phone: +1 510 337-9100
  address: 2320 Central Ave
  American-European food, friendly atmosphere. Extensive wine list. Online reservations.

• Phnom Penh House

  phone: +1 510 893-3825
  address: 1514 Webster St.
  A recently relocated standard of Oakland's Chinatown that still offers a wide variety of Cambodian dishes on a budget.

• Speisekammer

  phone: +1 510 522-1300
  address: 2424 Lincoln Ave
  A traditional German restaurant. Great food, great beer. Online reservations.

• Sushi House

  phone: +1 510 865-0999
  address: 2375 Shoreline Dr
  Very good sushi and an impressively large menu with a view of the Bay. Very crowded for dinner, especially weekends.

• Yojimbo

  phone: +1 510 523-4120
  address: 1221 Park St.
  A pocket-sized sushi bar with a massive selection.

Splurge

Pubs

• The Churchward Pub

  phone: +1 510 521-4800
  address: 1515 Park St
  A little spot with strong drinks and a massive bar. Live DJs and events. Reservations welcome for groups and special events. Reservations for private parties available.

• Fireside Lounge

  phone: +1 510 522-7400
  address: 1453 Webster St
  There is a beautiful bar, nice lounge feel and pool table.

• The Hobnob

  phone: +1 510 769-1011
  address: 1313 Park St
  Friendly pub with upscale food and drinks without the upscale prices or stuffiness.

• McGee's Bar & Grill

  phone: +1 510 522-3470
  address: 1645 Park St
  Park street institution for many years, very friendly sports pub with hardwood finish and good (If pricey) food. Full catering services available. One of the few places on Park Street that has off-street parking.

Breweries

• Faction Brewing

  phone: +1 510 523-2739
  address: 2501 Monarch St
  Brewery with a variety of styles. Nice outdoor seating and rotating food trucks

• Alameda Island Brewing Company

  phone: +1 510 217-8885
  address: 1716 Park St
  A spacious hipster brewery with a massive tasting room and a long list of things to drink. Pet-friendly, off-site parking available, see website.

Bars & nightclubs

• Club House

  phone: +1 510 522-0228
  address: 1215 Park St
  Nice and friendly dive bar.

• Forbidden Island Tiki Lounge

  phone: +1 510 749-0332
  address: 1304 Lincoln Ave
  One of the owners is a former bartender of the venerable Trader Vic's so it's not surprising he and his cohorts have opened a bar that comes with all the 1960s-esque island interior fixings—waterfalls and bamboo trimmings.

• Lucky 13

  phone: +1 510 523-2118
  address: 1301 Park St
  Great beers on tap, motorcycle friendly, a jukebox that pumps out good music, and they have a bbq in the back if you want get something from the grill.

• Lost Weekend Lounge

  phone: +1 510 523-4700
  address: 2320 Santa Clara Ave
  This is a great neighborhood bar with a solid selection of beer, friendly, zero-attitude bartenders and a good jukebox. Check out their collection of lava lamps above the bar.

Coffee, tea & chocolate

• The Beanery

  phone: +1 510 521-8800
  address: 1650 Park St
  A good little spot that can serve strong coffee that's as black as pitch.

• Cafe Au Lait

  phone: +1 510 864-7672
  address: 3215 Encinal Ave. Suite D
  Small friendly family-owned coffee shop that makes its own pastries and will make your coffee exactly the way you ask for it.

• Coffee and Tea Traders

  phone: +1 510 769-7222
  address: 883 Island Dr. Suite B2
  A mom and pop coffee and teahouse with murals and fresh pastries.

• Julie's Coffee and Tea Garden

  phone: +1 510 865-2385
  address: 1223 Park St
  Friendly coffee and tea shop with huge loose tea selection and excellent vegan baked goods. Free wifi and a beautiful backyard garden with abundant seating.

• The Local

  phone: +1 510 523-2116
  address: 1333 Park St
  Just like the name says, locally-owned and operated, using coffee from a local grower. Weekly events, walls covered in art from local artists, check website for schedule.

• Coral Reef Inn & Suites

  phone: +1 510 521-2330
  address: 400 Park St
  Meeting/banquet facilities, Handicapped accessible, Tour desk, swimming pool, all facilities non-smoking, Safe deposit box, Fax/photocopy.

• Extended Stay America

  phone: +1 510 864-1333
  address: 1350 Marina Village Pkwy
  Full kitchens, kitchenware provided, ironing board and iron, free wifi, fitness room, complimentary breakfast, pet-friendly room, flat-screen TVs, free local calls. Stays under 1 week require a credit card. Pets will incur a non-refundable fee.

• Hampton Inn and Suites Oakland Airport

  phone: +1 510 521-4500
  address: 1700 Harbor Bay Parkway
  On Bay Farm Island, near Oakland International Airport. Complimentary breakfast, free newspaper during the week, full business center, meeting rooms, available audio-visual equipment, gift shop, free parking, free airport shuttle.

• Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham

  phone: +1 510 522-1000
  address: 1628 Webster St
  Complimentary breakfast, free parking, gym, spa, on-site laundry, free wifi, full HVAC

• Marina Village Inn

  phone: +1 510 523-9450
  address: 1151 Pacific Marina
  Complimentary breakfast, high-speed Internet, cable TV, Complimentary high-end bed and bath products, Waterfront rooms with private balconies.

• Rodeway Inn

  phone: +1 510 521-8400
  address: 1925 Webster St
  Free breakfast, free newspaper during the week, Copy machine, free Internet, HVAC, free local calls, cable/satellite TV.

• Alameda Sun

  phone: +1 510 263-1470
  address: 3215J Encinal Ave
  Alameda's only locally owned and operated newspaper.

San Leandro is across the bay by using California State Route 61, there are plenty of shorelines and beaches here, as well as malls, hotels and worldwide industries (including Otis Spunkmeyer's and Ghirardelli's worldwide headquarters)