10 Things to Do in Alameda
Looking for ideas while in Alameda, California? Well, get excited for your trip because we have found the coolest things to do in "The Island City"! Living in the Bay Area is amazing exactly because you can visit cool places like Alameda on your day trip or weekend getaway.
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USS Hornet Museum
I was completely wowed by this place and was glad we started by exploring this historic place because of its location right on the San Francisco Bay.
You could walk right up to the massive aircraft carrier, see the flight deck, rows of vintage aircraft. Inside the ship, you'll see narrow hallways, control rooms, and sleeping quarters. We loved how immersive it all was and it kept our son interested.
We learned that the USS Hornet is most famous for leading the recovery of the Apollo 11 mission, when Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin returned from the moon mission.
Admission is $25 for Adults, $12 for kids 7-17, and free under 6 years of age.
What I loved Best:
The self-guided tour was my personal highlight because it let us explore at our own pace. Docent Daily Tours are very cool too ($12 per person) because they give you so much historical background.
Local tip:
I have to warn you that the museum is closed on Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday so mid-week is not a good time to visit Alameda is you want to see this unique museum!
Pacific Pinball Museum
This was one of one of the quirkiest places I ever visited. If you’re even a little nostalgic, you’ve got to check out the this place! Pacific Pinball Museum quickly became one of my favorite Alameda attractions on our road trip.
We admired the retro artwork, and shared with our son what games were like when we were growing up. It was such a fun family stop in Alameda.
There were nearly 100 machines you could play on. Locals told us that they rotate them often, so there’s always something new to try. In all, the museum has 1,500 historic (many are one-of-a-kind!) pinball machines.
Admission is $22 for Adults, $15 for students, $12 for kids ages 5-12, and free for kids under 4. You can save with a $55 Family pass. In addition to machines you can play on, there are exhibits, jukeboxes, self-guided tours, and activity sheets for kids.
What I loved Best
I even played a few games that dated back to the 1940s, my favorite highlight. How cool is that?
Crown Memorial State Beach
I was absolutely stunned by the beauty of this place! Alameda has its own state park with a cool beach called Robert W. Crown Memorial State Beach.
It stretches for about two and a half miles along the coast of the San Francisco Bay.
The beach you see today was actually carefully restored to look like what it used to be before erosion from wind and water. They’ve done an amazing job. New sand is added periodically.
What I loved Best
There are heaps of sandy dunes, wide lawns, bike trails, and picnic areas at Crown Memorial State Beach. You can swim, kayak, and relax.
Crab Cove
My son loved this family-friendly spot! While enjoying Crown Memorial State Beach, be sure to stop by Crab Cove. You'll find this aquarium and education center at the north end of the beach. Kids love it here. You get to learn about local marine life in the Bay Area (under water of course!).
Inside the visitor center, there’s an 800-gallon aquarium. You can look at crabs, little fish, and even lean about mudflats and marshes through interactive exhibits. They’re super hands-on and great for all ages.
What I loved Best
There’s also an outdoor viewing area where you can watch the tide come in and out.
Downtown Alameda
I loved that Alameda's layout was so friendly and walkable. Downtown, you can visit independent boutiques, local cafes, and public art.
I love spending time along Park Street. The vibe still feels like a classic small town here. Be sure to look at the Old Masonic Temple, the Old Alameda Post Office, and the Old Alameda Theater.
Altarena Playhouse
We spent an exciting evening watching a play here. If you’re like me and love a good night at the theater, you’ve got to check out Altarena Playhouse. It dates back 75 years which makes them one of the oldest community theater groups in the entire Bay Area.
Frank Bette Center for the Arts
We attended a one-of-a-kind poetry reading which was super memorable. Another place for art lovers in Alameda is Frank Bette Center for the Arts. There is always something new on, like poetry, music or a hands-on workshop.
Alameda Theatre & Cineplex
I was absolutely stunned by the historic architecture! Even if you don't have time to stay for a performance, you should pop by this 1932 Art Deco building on your Alameda day trip.
The ticket booths still look like they’re straight out of the 1930s. Thanks to the Cinema Grill, you can order food and drinks right to your seat.
Admiral Maltings' Historic Malting Facility and Taproom
If you’re into craft beer, or just curious about where your favorite brews come from, you’ve got to stop by this unique place. It’s not just a pub. It’s also a working malthouse which made our trip extra interesting.
At the pub, you can sample regional craft beers made with their malt. If you’re into cask-conditioned ales, you’ll find those here too. I also dug into a charcuterie board and a sandwich that totally hit the spot.
Shoreline Park
On a sunny day, going for a walk in Shoreline Park was one of the best things to do in Alameda! The park lies along the waters of the Lake Merritt Channel, a scenic estuary which provides lovely views for visitors.
The trails are great for solo walkers, couples, families, tourists, bikers, and locals. In addition, Shoreline Park is accessible from two locations: the Pacific Marina, and the Marina.
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