San Leandro

San Leandro (known locally as SL) is in Alameda County in the East Bay portion of California's Bay Area. Historically a town with dozens of huge cherry farms and a Spanish missionary ranch, San Leandro today is a rapidly growing city home to prominent business firms and is a suburb of Oakland. Founded in 1872, it is one of the oldest cities in California. San Leandro does not have as much to offer as its neighbors, however its central location may make it a very economical home base for tourists and commuters, and its panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay and its hills are worth a trip for visitors.
San Leandro has a diverse population, with Asians forming a plurality at roughly 30% of the population, Whites and Hispanics each at around 27%, African-Americans at 12%, and one of the lower 48 states' larger Pacific Islander populations forming about 1% of the city's population.

Climate

Weather in San Leandro is very comfortable throughout most of the year, ranging from the mid 50s to upper 70s (F). However, early morning weather in the winter (5AM-7AM) can reach as low as the mid 20s with frost, and in high pressure systems in the summer can cause temperatures to reach as high as the mid to upper 90s.

By car

San Leandro is easy to access by car, it is located by two major Bay Area freeways, Interstates 580 and 880. 580 leads to the Civic Center, Downtown, Bayfair Center and the BART station. The exits on 580 to San Leandro include, Grand Avenue/Downtown, 150th Avenue/Fairmont Drive, 164th Avenue/Miramar Avenue and Junction California State Route 238 to Hayward, when traveling westbound, the exits are, Carolyn Street/164th Avenue, Fairmont Drive/150th Avenue, Benedict Drive and Estudillo Avenue/Downtown. Exits on 880 are, Davis Street, Marina Blvd., Washington Avenue and Junction Interstate 238 to 580.
Other highways include Interstate 238, which begins in Castro Valley before arriving into San Leandro at the first exit. 238 connects 580 with 880 and vice versa. Also in San Leandro is an off-ramp to California State Route 238 to Hayward off 580. California State Route 185 is East 14th Street, which leads non-freeway traffic to either Oakland or Hayward. California State Route 112 is Davis Street, which begins in Downtown San Leandro before turning into California State Route 61 (Doolittle Drive) which leads to Alameda. 580 Eastbound leads people to Hayward, Stockton, Fresno and Los Angeles the latter which is via Interstate 5. 580 Westbound leads people to Oakland, San Francisco, Berkeley, Sacramento (via Interstate 80) and San Rafael. 880 Northbound leads people to Oakland, Downtown Oakland, Berkeley (via Interstate 980 to 580) and San Francisco (via Interstate 80). 880 Southbound leads to Hayward, San Jose and Santa Cruz (the latter via California State Route 17).

By public transportation

San Leandro is also easy to access by public transportation. BART, or Bay Area Rapid Transit, is a subway that connects San Francisco, SFO, Concord, Fremont and Pleasanton/Dublin with 2 stations (San Leandro and Bayfair). San Leandro also has bus services that service throughout the town.

By plane

San Leandro is 5–20 minutes from the Oakland International Airport (OAK), and bus services and BART link San Leandro with the airport. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is also accessible to San Leandro by BART and bus services and is about 25–30 minutes from San Leandro. San Jose International Airport (SJC) is the least accessible to San Leandro, because BART doesn't go into San Jose, so access by car, bus or an expensive taxi ride are the only options, San Jose International Airport to San Leandro is 30–40 minutes.

By train

San Leandro is close to the Oakland Amtrak station and is accessible to San Leandro by BART or bus.

By bus

San Leandro is linked to Bay Area cities by bus services, and has local bus services, Flex Shuttle and LINKS linking parts of town to another.

By ferry

San Leandro's former ferry pier and building have closed and are being threatened with demolition. The closest ferry terminals are in Oakland's Jack London Square and in Alameda. They can be accessed to San Leandro by car or bus. Ferry services also take riders to San Francisco and Sausalito.

By bike

San Leandro's scenes and landscape is best seen by biking around the city and comes in handy in downtown rush hours, when streets are clogged by cars and buses. Miles and miles of bike lanes are found on practically every major street and residents enjoy biking in the city's parks and shoreline.

Interstates 580, 880 and 238, California State Routes 238, 185, 112 and 61, BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) 2 stations, San Leandro and Bayfair, local bus services and close access to Oakland International Airport. When visiting downtown, the civic center or Wells Fargo Tower parking meters are always likely to be full. Instead, park at the 2-story Estudillo Parking Garage, which is free of charge, but has a time limit of 1 hour, unless you are a Wells Fargo Tower employee.

Traffic

During rush hour on weekdays (8AM-9AM) and (4PM-6:30PM) traffic on all interstates can be terrible. Traffic on 580 is troublesome from Downtown on both sides and at the Bayfair Center on Eastbound 580 at 150th Avenue. 880 and 238 are clogged during these times. On weekends, 580 and 880 fare better while 238 is clogged on Sundays. Traveling on California State Routes 185 and 112 are also troublesome on Sundays.

Parks

Oyster Bay and Oyster LighthouseA regional park, shoreline and landmark. Historic site of the former Oyster Bay Beds, the largest oyster fishery in the Americas, the oyster beds are a California Historical Landmark.
San Leandro Marina and Shoreline

address: 13801 Monarch Bay Dr
A city park and San Leandro's only city shoreline and one of the city's four water recreational facilities.
Lake Chabot Regional Park

phone: +1-510-562-7275

address: 17930 Lake Chabot Dr
One of the largest regional parks in Northern California, this park offers great views, picnic areas, boat trips on the lake, a coffee shop, golf, fishing, birdviewing, camping and sightseeing.
Washington Manor Park and Pool

phone: +1-510-362-7665

address: 14900 Zelma St
Boasts one of the tallest waterslides in the Bay Area.
Chabot DamThe first dam built in Northern California.
C.Burrell Field

address: 2451 Teagarden St
A football stadium that hosts local football events.
San Leandro Ball Park

phone: +1-510-351-4252

address: 1193 Aladdin Ave
A baseball field that hosts local baseball games, including the minor league.
Fairmont Ridge Regional Park

address: 2200 Fairmont Dr
A scenic path that is an alternative to Lake Chabot on busy days.
Root Park

address: 1071 East 14th St
The only park that gives a close-up view of the locally famous and important San Leandro Creek. The portion of the creek closest to the creek is a California Historical Landmark due to the rainbow trout that thrive in the creek, possibly the largest rainbow trout population in a Californian creek.

Museums

Casa Peralta

phone: +1-510-577-3474

address: 384 West Estudillo Ave
A Spanish adobe-like building, remnants of a former ranch owned by Spanish in colonial times.
San Leandro History Museum

phone: +1-510-577-3990

address: 320 West Estudillo Ave
A museum about San Leandro's history, from its founding to present day.

Other sights

San Leandro Public Library

phone: +1-510-577-3971

address: 300 Estudillo Ave
Main branch, one of the largest libraries in the East Bay, it hosts a book store, cafe,art gallery and convention stage.
Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory and Headquarters

phone: +1-510-483-6970

address: 1111 139th Ave
Otis Spunkmeyer Factory and Headquarters

phone: +1-510-357-9836

address: 14490 Catalina St
Rancho San Antonio (Peralta Grant) commemorative plaque

address: on San Leandro Blvd. at W. Estudillo Ave
Peralta Home

address: 561 Lafayette Ave
Mulford Point

address: 40 Mulford Point Dr
A scenic vista point next to the San Leandro Marina that offers a view of the San Francisco Bay and the Oakland Airport.
Veterans Memorial Building

phone: +1-510-352-3785

address: 1105 Bancroft Ave
A building dedicated to the veterans of the United States. In 1933 A site for the Veteran's Memorial Building was jointly purchased by the City of San Leandro and the local veterans organizations. From 1927 to 1935, Alameda County funded the construction of ten such memorial buildings throughout the county. County architect Henry Haight Meyers oversaw the designs. When completed the Veterans Memorial building would house activities for the Legion, VFW and the Spanish War Veterans. Ground-breaking ceremony was held on Armistice Day Nov 11, 1933. On March 18, 1934, the cornerstone of the building was placed in position by William Bostaph, a local Civil War Veteran and holder of the Order of the Purple Heart. On July 6, 1934, the building was completed. At the time there was enormous civic pride over the building. It was described as one of the finest Italian-type buildings in Alameda county. The total cost of construction came to $89,000. A dedication ceremony was held on Sep 23, 1934. Over 1500 people attended the ceremony. The $80,000 New Wing was dedicated July 5, 1951.

Festivals

San Leandro has several annual festivals (listed chronologically):

Chinese New Year and Têt FestivalA celebration of Chinese and Vietnamese New Years at the San Leandro Public Library, every Saturday before the observed dates, or the observed date if the New Year falls on a Saturday.
San Leandro Watershed FestivalA celebration of the San Leandro Creek at Root Park, every last Saturday of April.
Cinco De Mayo FestivalA celebration of Cinco De Mayo at the Civic Center, every first Saturday of May.
Cherry FestivalA celebration of San Leandro's historic start of the annual cherry harvest season, every first Saturday of June.
Veterans' Day ParadeThe largest Veterans' Day Parade in the county honoring soldiers for World War I to the Iraq War. Held every Sunday before Veterans' Day in Downtown on East 14th Street.

Recreation

San Leandro has over a dozen parks and recreational areas for tourists and residents:

Bonaire Park

address: 14841 Juniper St
A 5.4-acre park with picnic tables, barbeques, horseshoes and a softball field.
Boys and Girls Club Pool

address: 401 Marina Blvd
An alternate to the Washington Manor Pool for lap swims.
Farrelly Pool

address: 864 Dutton Ave
An alternative to the Washington Manor Pool on crowded weekdays and Saturdays.
Heath Park

address: 1220 143rd Ave
A park with 4 tennis courts.
Thrasher Park

address: 1300 Davis St
A 12.8-acre park with a softball field similar to the baseball field at the San Leandro Ball Park.

The sales tax rate in San Leandro is 9.25%.
San Leandro is a shopping hub of the East Bay and is home to various malls:

Bayfair Center

phone: +1-510-357-6000

address: 15555 East 14th St
Macy's, Target, Kohl's, Bed Bath and Beyond, Old Navy, Staples, Century Theaters, Petsmart, 24 Hour Fitness, Ross, Michaels, Pier 1 Imports, Lucky, etc.
Westgate CenterWal-Mart, Pet Food Express, Costco, Sports Authority, The Home Depot, Office Depot, etc.
Marina Square CenterMarshalls, Ann Taylor, Eileen Fisher Outlet, Nordstrom Rack, Talbots Outlet, Shoe Pavilion, Office Max, Men's Warehouse, GAP, etc.
Greenhouse MarketplaceFactory 2-U, 99 Cents Only, Safeway, Food Maxx, Big Lots, etc.
Pelton PlazaSafeway, Hallmark, Longs Drugs, Avenue, USPS, Payless Shoe Source, etc.

There are also plenty of shops selling gifts, souvenirs and other merchandise throughout the town. Pelton Plaza is well known for its shops and dining. Located in the heart of downtown, one can enjoy delicious food hailing from various nations, go book shopping at friendly independent stores, buy artisan crafted jewelry, treat oneself to gourmet goods, or take a break with a pint or ice cream cone. Family-friendly Pelton Plaza is a destination for many locals.

San Leandro has a vast array of restaurant options, including typical American chains such as KFC, Baskin Robbins, McDonald's, Denny's and Chevy's.

American

Pelton Café

phone: +1 510 483-0943

address: 194 Pelton Center Way
Continental breakfasts
Emil Villa's

phone: +1 510 351-7427

address: 1800 East 14th St
Steakhouse and ribs.
Cozy Kitchen

phone: +1 510 352-3541

address: 14811 Washington Ave
Diner
Ploughman's Restaurant

phone: +1 510 483-0326

address: 1600 Washington Ave
Ernie's Sea Food

phone: +1 510 357-2246

address: 13775 East 14th St
Seafood, salads, sandwiches and soups.
Bookmark Café

phone: +1 510 577-3984

address: 300 Estudillo Ave
Nick's Family Restaurant

phone: +1 510 351-5676

address: 14660 Washington Ave
Mutt Hut

phone: +1 510 352-7794

address: 1904 Washington Ave
Hot dogs and salads
Vila Cereja

phone: +1 510 562-3916

address: 1045 MacArthur Blvd
Casual Californian cuisine.
Nations Giant Hamburgers

phone: +1 510 352-8820

address: 1335 Washington Ave

Mexican

Taqueria Los Pericos

phone: +1 510 352-7667

address: 101 Pelton Center Way
La Piñata #2

phone: +1 510 352-8901

address: 2699 Merced St
Mexican cuisine.
El Torito

phone: +1 510 351-8825

address: 5 San Leandro Marina
Mexican cuisine on waterfront.
Tito's

phone: +1 510 276-1793

address: 15508 East 14th St
Taqueria Guadalajara

phone: +1 510 614-7060

address: 14327 East 14th St
Viva Pancho Villa Restaurant

phone: +1 510 569-2542

address: 599 Dutton Ave
La Pequena Taqueria

phone: +1 510 895-6839

address: 2014 Marina Blvd
Mi Tierra Mexican Restaurant

phone: +1 510 352-4883

address: 14393 Washington Avenue, Suite D
Taqueria Los Pericos #5

phone: +1 510 895-0660

address: 1389 East 14th St
Viva Mexico

phone: +1 510 317-2042

address: 15100 Hesperian Blvd

French

Joaquin Deli

phone: +1 510 895-3234

address: 275 Joaquin Ave

German

Bavarian Bread Company

phone: +1 510 483-0100

address: 14226 Doolittle Dr

Chinese

The Rose Garden

phone: +1-510-278-1788

address: 15754 East 14th St
This is a small mom & pop place that serves really, really good Szechuan, Hunan, Mandarin, and Cantonese food... and absolutely no MSG. Small place, maybe 6 tables at the most. The folks there are super friendly, enthusiastic, remember many guests, and they whip up their food very fast. Try the Rose Garden Vegetable. They deliver, and at night they usually have coupons for a free appetizer, fried rice, or chow mein with a $20 purchase.
Chili Palace

phone: +1 510 895-1818

address: 699 Lewelling Boulevard, Suite 270
Asia Delight #2

phone: +1 510 614-7191

address: 156 West Juana Ave
Hidden Wok

phone: +1 510 357-6577

address: 145 Pelton Center Way
Chinese cuisine.
Jasmine

phone: +1 510 357-7028

address: 14393 Washington Avenue, Suite G
New Hong Kong

phone: +1 510 357-6288

address: 1750 East 14th St
Chopsticks Express

phone: +1 510 483-1218

address: 13780 East 14th St
Daimo Chinese Restaurant

phone: +1 510 351-8131

address: 1456 East 14th St
China Cook

phone: +1 510 357-8858

address: 14400 Washington Ave
Imperial Garden

phone: +1 510 562-3246

address: 310 MacArthur Blvd
Chinese restaurant and dim sum.
Lee's Garden Restaurant

phone: +1 510 483-2328

address: 21 Thornton St
China Wok

phone: +1 510 351-8200

address: 14405 East 14th St

Filipino

Little Pi Express Cuisine

phone: +1 510 351-3312

address: 13876 Doolittle Dr

Vietnamese

Vo's Restaurant

phone: +1 510 357-6600

address: 277 Parrot St
Phð An Hòa

phone: +1 510 352-2728

address: 14391 Washington Ave
Vietnamese noodle house
Le Soleil

phone: +1 510 614-0122

address: 1515 East 14th St

Italian

Angelina's

phone: +1 510 568-8646

address: 485 East 14th St
La Bella Italia Inn

phone: +1 510 278-5899

address: 15015 East 14th St
Paradiso

phone: +1 510 430-9310

address: 685 Bancroft Ave
Italian seafood.
Porky's Pizza Palace

phone: +1 510 357-4323

address: 1221 Manor Blvd
Family atmosphere, pizza, pasta, sandwiches and chicken. 15 California & Northwest microbrews on tap.
Sergio's Pizzeria and Restaurant

phone: +1 510 895-0880

address: 150 W Juana Ave
Pizza, pasta, sandwiches, salads, and appetizers. Free delivery in San Leandro.

Korean

Ohegane Korean BBQ

phone: +1 510 568-4795

address: 1292 Davis St

Portuguese

Al Lunardi & Sons Meat Co.

phone: +1 510 483-3273

address: 570 Williams St
Also a deli.

Japanese

Nikko Sushi

phone: +1 510 483-0398

address: 13805 Catalina St
Sushi Avenue

phone: +1 510 352-5536

address: 1042 Marina Blvd
Tsuru Sushi

phone: +1 510 352-3748

address: 1427 East 14th St
Ozeki Sushi Teriyaki

phone: +1 510 614-8300

address: 14701 E. 14th St

Greek

Luke's Grill

phone: +1 510 614-1010

address: 1509 East 14th St
Also serves Italian cuisine.

Thai

Thai Satay

phone: +1 510 351-2345

address: 1376 East 14th St

Jamaican

Sweet Fingers

phone: +1 510 553-9869

address: 464 East 14th St

Hawaiian

Ono Hawaiian BBQ

phone: +1 510 618-1218

address: 13808 East 14th Street, Suite C
Be sure to try the chicken katsu.
Ohana Hawaiian BBQ

phone: +1 510 383-9898

address: 1933 Davis Street #135A
Waikiki Hawaiian BBQ

phone: +1 510 430-8832

address: 635 East 14th St

Family restaurants

Buffet Fortuna

phone: +1 510 614-8768

address: 1330 Washington Ave
Chinese cuisine and BBQ.
Elio's Family Restaurant

phone: +1 510 351-0463

address: 260 Floresta Blvd
Cre Asian

phone: +1 510 895-8028

address: 1269 MacArthur Blvd
Horatio's

phone: +1 510 351-5556

address: 60 San Leandro Marina
Casual seafood waterfront restaurant.
Cherry Pit

phone: +1 510 632-8851

address: 550 San Leandro Blvd
American and Chinese cuisines.
Fifth Wheel Food

phone: +1 510 635-7538

address: 898 San Leandro Blvd
Greasy spoon type restaurant.

Snacks & dessert

Slikker's Donuts

phone: +1 510 351-1383

address: 1321 MacArthur Blvd
East 14th Bakery

phone: +1 510 351-7318

address: 1780 East 14th St
Chinese bakery.
Loard's Ice Cream and Candies

phone: +1 510 633-1330, +1 510 351-0405

address: 2000 Wayne Avenue,401 Bancroft Ave
2 locations in the town.

Coffee & tea

Starbucks has nine locations in San Leandro and Jamba Juice can be found at the Bayfair Center and Westgate Center. Other options include:

Tapioca Express

phone: +1 510 357-3781

address: 129 West Joaquin Ave
Coffee, tea, juice and snow bubble
Zocalo's Coffeehouse

phone: +1 510 569-0102

address: 645 Bancroft Ave
Wireless Internet available
Café Sorriso

phone: +1 510 357-1746

address: 1746 Washington Ave
Wireless Internet available
Sabinos's Coffee

phone: +1 510 357-JAVA

address: 1273 MacArthur Blvd
Wireless Internet available.
Planet Coffee

phone: +1 510 351-5527

address: 1423 East 14th St
Wireless internet available.

Bars & clubs

Englander Sports Pub and Restaurant

phone: +1 510 357-3571

address: 101 Parrott St
Pub and British cuisine.
Cunha's Cocktails

phone: +1 510 483-4911

address: 155 Pelton Center Way
Washington Club

phone: +1 510 357-1746

address: 1746 Washington Ave
Broadcasts sports games.
Pagano's Sports Bar

phone: +1 510 351-5484

address: 14830 Washington Ave
Broadcasts sports games.
Sports Fan Club

phone: +1 510 276-0474

address: 15294 Liberty St
Broadcasts Oakland Raiders and Oakland Athletics games.
Ricky's Sports Theatre & Grill

phone: +1 510 352-0200

address: 15028 Hesperian Blvd

San Leandro Marina Inn

phone: +1 510 895-1311

address: 68 Monarch Bay Dr
Great views of the bay, golf, dining nearby and near San Leandro Marina and Oyster Bay.
Hilton Garden Inn

phone: +1 510 346-5533

address: 510 Lewelling Blvd
Near Oakland Airport, Oakland Arena, Greenhouse Marketplace and restaurant on-site.
Budget Inn

phone: +1 510 276-6290

address: 16500 Foothill Blvd
Fairmont Inn

phone: +1 510 276-4484

address: 16320 Foothill Blvd
Nimitz Motel

phone: +1 510 357-9770

address: 555 Lewelling Blvd
Travelers Inn

phone: +1 510 276-3660

address: 17290 Foothill Blvd
Valley Inn

phone: +1 510 276-8151

address: 17130 Foothill Blvd

Despite its suburban characteristics, San Leandro does have its tough neighborhoods at its borders with larger cities. One area to be aware of is the portion of MacArthur Boulevard near the Oakland border. This area is next to the notorious and impoverished "deep" East Oakland, which has some of the Bay Area's highest drug trafficking and murder rates. The area between the Hayward and Ashland borders (just south of the Bayfair Center) is reasonably safe during the day, but gets sketchy after dark. Nevertheless, San Leandro is a safe city with designated crime free zones, including the area near the Castro Valley border at Lake Chabot to the end of Estudillo Avenue (where downtown begins), near the marina, and a large portion of the Washington Manor neighborhood (including the Washington Manor Park and Pool) from Interstate 880 to Farnsworth Avenue. Due to the presence of a juvenile hall, Fairmont Drive in the city's eastern hills is heavily secured between Lake Chabot Park and 152nd Avenue. Police patrols are very frequent and security cameras are hidden on trees and fences.

As with almost every city in the United States, San Leandro has at least one hospital. The San Leandro Hospital is a health care facility treating the most basic of health needs such as the flu to various surgeries and basic emergencies. If in a dire emergency head to Eden Hospital in Castro Valley as it is a Level 1 trauma center. San Leandro also has another hospital, Kindred Hospital in the hills. The hospital has no emergency service.

San Leandro Hospital, 13855 East 14th Street, +1 510 357-6500
Kindred Hospital, 2800 Benedict Drive, +1 510 357-8300

Oakland. San Leandro's northern neighbor and a diverse and vibrant city and has been regaining that title due to a growing economy and a general renaissance of the city.
Hayward. San Leandro's southern neighbor and boasts of a central bay shoreline, a quaint city center with a small town feel in the city flatlands and hills which overlook the bay.
San Francisco. A 20-30 minute drive from San Leandro, San Francisco is the dominant city in the Bay Area and features many attractions and sights and boasts many upscale hotels and dining.
San Jose. A 25-45 minute drive from San Leandro, San Jose is the largest city in the Bay Area and is the center of the famed Silicon Valley.
Fremont. Accessible from San Leandro by BART, Fremont features a suburban lifestyle between Oakland and Silicon Valley.
Castro Valley. San Leandro's eastern neighbor does not offer much, but has spectacular views of the San Francisco Bay from its hills.