Location: Alameda
Top Things to do in Alameda
10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Alameda That You Shouldn't Miss
Alameda (/ˌæləˈmiːdə/ AL-ə-MEE-də; Spanish: [ala'meða]) is a city in Alameda County, California, United States. It is located on Alameda Island and Bay Farm Island, and is adjacent to and south of Oakland and east of San Francisco across the San Francisco Bay. Bay Farm Island, a portion of which is also known as "Harbor Bay Isle", is not actually an island, and is part of the mainland adjacent to the Oakland International Airport. The city's estimated 2017 population was 79,928. Alameda is a charter city, rather than a general law city, allowing the city to provide for any form of government. Alameda became a charter city and adopted a council–manager government in 1916, which it retains to the present.
Restaurants in Alameda
1. St. George Spirits
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 137 reviews
Reviewed By mini - Fremont, United States
We went to St. George Spirits in Alameda. They offer tours and tastings. Its in the Alameda area where there are several wineries/distilleries/breweries to visit.
2. USS Hornet Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 542 reviews
The USS Hornet spent almost three decades traveling the world's oceans in service to our nation. The USS Hornet Museum, a State and National Historic Landmark, is berthed at Pier 3 on the former naval air station in Alameda. The ship's active duty years spanned the 1940's - 60's. The historic aircraft carrier was a key participant in WWII, the Vietnam War, the Cold War and the recovery of the first two lunar landing space missions - Apollo 11 and 12. She was stored in a naval mothball fleet from 1970-1995. When the Museum opened in 1998, it was the only sea, air and space museum on the West Coast. The Museum is a great resource for local and international visitors. Open 7 days a week (only closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day) with a large percentage of the ship accessible for visiting. There are over a hundred restored spaces and dozens of exhibits to learn about the Hornets' career and what it was like to live and work aboard her.
Reviewed By vipimehta - Los Altos, United States
In the Bay Area there is no dearth of things to do. But a visit to the USS Hornet is certainly without doubt a thing to do or a must must do. It is a nearly fully restored and permanently berthed post war legendary aircraft carrier located in what used to be NAS Alameda and now Alameda Point, off Oakland and not so far from San Francisco. It is open to the public as a museum. It does take somewhat confusing drive through empty fields and parking lots of an old military base to get to the ship itself and GPS helps. But once you arrive it's a sight to behold. You then get onto the carrier which requires going up a flight of stairs followed by walking an inclined gangway giving you a real feel of going aboard a ship. And you step into the USS Hornet. When you enter, you are greeted at a small desk located in the huge hanger deck and pay the entry fee of $20 but concessions are available as an online check will reveal. The admission fee includes highly recommended guided tours conducted by very knowledgeable docents who are all Veterans and are very friendly, courteous and full of good humor. We were talking to a docent, George, and in the meanwhile we missed the tour time. Since he was not required at that time he helpfully offered to take us around and so we had a very enjoyable exclusive private tour to explore the ship. He took us down several decks that you cannot access unless accompanied by an authorized person. George, was great. He gave us so much history and information about how the ship worked and operated. The only familiarity with aircraft carriers is what one has seen in some war movies but this is for real. It is massive, which makes it that much more awe-inspiring to know that this very ship was there at the forefront of WWII in the Pacific with exemplary record of combat accomplishments. So one is literally "stepping into history". This record is displayed on a huge board just as you turn left from the reception desk. It shows that during WWII it destroyed more than 1400 enemy aircraft and sunk and damaged more than 500 warships and though it was attacked several times never took any direct bomb or torpedo hit. It was also deployed in the Viet Nam war in the seventies and also as a recovery vessel for the Apollo space missions. The ship and museum is so huge that exploring it is actually a pretty decent workout. Walking shoes are very advisable. It's a lot of work going up and down the stairs, climbing ladders weaving through narrow corridors, passageways and bulkheads, tight spaces and steep stairwells which sometimes feels eerie and awesome at the same time but all of which invite exploration. We got to see how the crew of the USS Hornet lived. George took us through, the infirmary, sleeping area with rows of bunks, the kitchens and dining halls, coffee bars and many other posts and hubs. We also went down to the engine room and saw the huge boilers and large turbines and power generators. After all this was in the steam era. The huge fuel and oil storage tanks. George patiently answered all questions with good humor while imparting knowledge and many a rich humorous and tragic anecdotes. We saw the special designated area for the US Marine Corps, the munitions room with some bombs and torpedoes and also the 'brigs' or the prison area where unruly sailors or crew guilty of some petty crimes were confined. You then come out back to the huge hanger which is immediately below the flight deck where most of the aircraft are kept as due to the busy nature of the flight deck, only 20 or so aircraft may be on it at any one time. The fighter planes are taken from the storage deck to the flight deck by a pneumatic elevator. We saw some of the aircraft stored here as well as the elevator on one end of the hanger and the aircraft maintenance area on the other end. We then proceeded up to the magnificent flight deck which is the size of two football grounds. It really gives an idea of how big the carrier is. Walking around the Flight Deck is an awesome experience, and getting to check out some of the vintage aircraft up close is amazing. There's also some tremendous views of downtown San Francisco including the Golden Gate Bridge and Oakland from the end of the runway. The ship housed 90 aircraft and about 3400 personnel. It really makes one reflect on the country's history, military traditions, engineering, machinery and the sheer effort, skill, expertise and logistics that must have gone in to building this engineering super structure going even by today's highly advanced technology times. And to think that all this was done without any computers or even calculators as we know them today. It has seen the evolution of modern warfare and combat strategy. There must have been engineers, researchers, scientists, technicians, subject matter experts, and military brass working together on the design and construction, with each member of the team obviously top of the field in their specializations. And in a period when the war was raging elsewhere even then the task was completed in 16 months from start to finish!!! Mind boggles as respect, admiration and kudos for the extraordinary teamwork goes very high. It is a wonderful place that needs several hours and many visits to cover all there is to explore. We did not have time to see the Island - the Bridge and many other areas which we have left for the second visit which is a must and a hope that it comes soon.
3. Pacific Pinball Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 114 reviews
The Pacific Pinball Museum is an interactive museum offering a chronological and historical selection of rare bagatelles and early games, to over 90 playable pinball machines from the 1940’s to present day all set to "FreePlay" Throughout the museum are hand painted murals, vintage jukeboxes and rotating exhibits. We also have a room for parties, events, fundraisers and field-trips. The Pacific Pinball Museum is a must-see spot for Art, History and Science enthusiasts alike, plus you get to play Pinball! The museum was founded in 2004 and is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion and preservation of Pinball, one of America's favorite pastimes. In & Out All Day Admission Fees: Adults: $20 Seniors (62+), First Responders, Veterans/Military, Educators & Students w/ ID: $15 Family Pass (2 adults and 2 kids ages 5-17): $50 Tuesdays and Thursdays 2 for $20 All Day! Children 5-7 yrs $10 ( 4 and Under are FREE with paying adult) Just want to take a look? FREE!
Reviewed By klpopp - Sacramento, United States
This is a pinball lovers dream! All day rate rocks. The machines are in great shape, the staff is friendly and there are a ton of great restaurants nearby for quick refueling. This was our 4th trip and we’ll keep coming.
4. Rock Wall Wine Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 87 reviews
The Rock Wall Wine Company represents a new chapter in the East Bay winemaking scene. The winery offers wine lovers one of the most unique experiences in the wine world. Shauna Rosenblum is the winemaker for Rock Wall Wine Company. She learned everything she knows about winemaking from her father Kent Rosenblum who was known as the "King of Zin". The Rock Wall Wine Company is founded on the philosophy of the right grape in the right place and are the result of many long-term relationships with acclaimed vineyards. Grapes are sourced from all over California which creates a diverse winemaking environment, complete with different grape varieties, styles and regional flavor profiles. Ideally situated in Alameda, California, the winery boasts spectacular views of the San Francisco skyline, and more importantly its locale allows the winemaking team to be regionally centralized so fruit can be picked and transported to the winery within a few hours.
Reviewed By GGWD - Tampa, United States
We met a friend there. It is located in one of the old areas by the Hangars at the former Naval Air Station Alameda, right on a taxiway to the main runway (not used anymore). Cool place. 4-6 Half Off By the Glass so we got to try out some great wines. The bottles they produce are very cool looking. Food was AMAZING. The Burger with Blueberry and Blue Cheese was incredible with the Buffalo Fries. Super Good!
5. Alameda Theatre & Cineplex
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 145 reviews
Reviewed By chge2018
The Alameda Theatre is very convienent, the parking house is right around the corner, and you can park for free, Once you pay one time parking you will get a coupon for your next visit. They have several shows running at the same time in different theatres inside. the seating is very comfortable. I recommend it very much.
6. Subpar Miniature Golf
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By wensleyj2014
My rating of 5 stars is based on the following services, staff interactions and facilities I experienced during my visit on Dec 17, 2019. Time spent at the venue: 13:00 to 16:30 PM, games played: 6. My Experience at Subpar MiniGolf: Customer Service: When I go to the US, I love to minigolf, but the listed pricing they did not have all-day rate. So call the venue and manager offered me a deal, based on my circumstances, and on Dec 17, 2019 the arrangement we was noted and honored in their records. *I am not going to list the details as this was a special arrangement and it was honors because I was by myself. Customer Service during play: Pretty good! They also informed me that they had a office party coming in and had to attend to them. But I had time so it was a none issue. Food and Beverage: The course is equip for players to carry around their Alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages, because the hole marks are equipped with cup holders. That is very innovative as I have not seen that at any mini Golf venues I have visited. They can accommodate and cater to large groups, specifically adults as I was playing around an office party while I was there. (Rating based on service observed and presentation of the catered food provided to the office party only) Facilities: There is an arcade as well as the mini Golf course, there are programmable lockers (for paying customers), as well as cup holders on the Hole markers. The layout of the course will give you an overview of all attractions to visit and see in San Francisco, as all 18 holes are based on the main tourist sites and landmarks related to San Francisco. So if you are planning a trip to San Francisco I would definitely recommend visiting Subpar Minigolf for a round of Golf.
7. Faction Brewing
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 60 reviews
Reviewed By SwingerJ - San Diego, United States
The San Francisco Bay Area is perhaps the most expensive place to live in America. And at a time when most craft beers are costing $7-10+ each, somehow Faction has been able to continue to sell a good selection tasty craft pints for only $5...that's amazing! There are other choices $6+, but for the cheap SOAB such as myself and others like me, this is just fantastic. How can they economically do this? Makes no financial sense to me...but it could be the sheer volume that helps keep costs down. This place is always busy, yet we almost always find a place to sit pretty quickly. Pro Tip: On a lovely sunny day, wear sunscreen and maybe bring a hat.
8. Downtown Alameda
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
Downtown Alameda is the vibrant commercial, cultural, and civic center of Alameda, California. Over 450 locally-owned businesses are located in the historic shopping district -- restaurants, shops, professional and personal services, family entertainment venues, and the historic Alameda Theatre & Cineplex. Downtown Alameda is centrally located in the San Francisco Bay Area: - 5 minutes from Downtown Oakland - 10 minutes from Oakland International Airport - 15 minutes from Berkeley - 20 minutes from San Francisco - 40 minutes from San Jose Parking is available in the Civic Center Parking Garage located near the corner of Central Ave and Oak Street, and on nearby streets. Public transportation is available via AC Transit, with connections to BART.
Reviewed By JudithA700 - Pittsburgh, United States
Alameda is a charming town to walk around in. Many restaurants and attractive shops to suit all tastes and budgets.
9. Crab Cove Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 54 reviews
Fun family nature programs and Bay shoreline explorations, interactive exhibits and an 800-gallon aquarium displaying Bay creatures. Wheelchair access at low tide.
10. Crown Memorial State Beach
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 77 reviews
Reviewed By QuangBee - Walnut Creek, United States
Amazing beach stroll that is less cold and windy than the San Francisco’ Pacific Ocean. The area is small, but great to catch some fresh air. If you walk just two blocks out, it instantly becomes a hot and sunny pavement. Therefore, travel comfortably
