Elaine's Alameda Guidebook
Sightseeing
This beach has everything you can ask for - picnic area, BBQ grills, dog park, little garden, kite surfing, and right next to Washington Park
106 locals recommend
Robert W. Crown Memorial State Beach
Otis DriveThis beach has everything you can ask for - picnic area, BBQ grills, dog park, little garden, kite surfing, and right next to Washington Park
One of the biggest parks in Alameda that is part of a continuous stretch of land to the beach. There’s a baseball field, basketball court, play structure, dog park, several small ponds where you’ll see cute ducks and amazing views of San Francisco.
9 locals recommend
Washington Park
740 Central AveOne of the biggest parks in Alameda that is part of a continuous stretch of land to the beach. There’s a baseball field, basketball court, play structure, dog park, several small ponds where you’ll see cute ducks and amazing views of San Francisco.
Less than 10 minute walk from the property! You can even see great views of San Francisco’s skyline from across the Bay.
38 locals recommend
Alameda Beach
2351 Shore Line DrLess than 10 minute walk from the property! You can even see great views of San Francisco’s skyline from across the Bay.
This USS Hornet aircraft served in WWII and the Vietnam War before docking for good as a floating museum. This historical landmark is packed with nostalgia you don’t want to miss.
88 locals recommend
USS Hornet - Sea, Air and Space Museum
707 W Hornet AveThis USS Hornet aircraft served in WWII and the Vietnam War before docking for good as a floating museum. This historical landmark is packed with nostalgia you don’t want to miss.
Crab Cove Visitor Center
1252 McKay AveThere's a sense of tranquility that lingers here.
Food scene
Most of these recommendations are in Alameda with a few from Oakland that I must include :)
Order their signature waffles by dining in this famous old school diner since 1927!
30 locals recommend
Ole's Waffle Shop
1507 Park StOrder their signature waffles by dining in this famous old school diner since 1927!
Scolari's Good Eats
1303 Park StKnown for its famously stacked cheeseburgers
“Life is uncertain. Eat dessert first.” An Alameda favorite since 1941.
31 locals recommend
Tucker's Super Creamed Ice Cream
1349 Park St“Life is uncertain. Eat dessert first.” An Alameda favorite since 1941.
La Penca Azul
1440 Park StLocal favorite to get fancy cocktails and great Mexican food!
Located on the West End of Alameda (also another downtown area), Cafe Jolie has the best brunch options!
40 locals recommend
Cafe Jolie
1500 Webster StLocated on the West End of Alameda (also another downtown area), Cafe Jolie has the best brunch options!
Some top faves: disco fries, shrimp garlic noodles, salt and pepper wings, mango and guava margarita
12 locals recommend
Monkey King Pub & Grub
1315 Park StSome top faves: disco fries, shrimp garlic noodles, salt and pepper wings, mango and guava margarita
I personally love all of their special rolls. Whenever my family and I eat Sushi House, we almost always order the Sashimi Boat!
41 locals recommend
Sushi House
2375 Shore Line DrI personally love all of their special rolls. Whenever my family and I eat Sushi House, we almost always order the Sashimi Boat!
Move over Popeyes, and gimme some HOTBOYSSS!! Best chicken sandwich ever! (located in Oakland)
7 locals recommend
World Famous HotBoys
1601 San Pablo AvenueMove over Popeyes, and gimme some HOTBOYSSS!! Best chicken sandwich ever! (located in Oakland)
Located right inside South Shore Center, this ;ovely Italian restaurant has such a beautiful ambiance and great for special occasions!
71 locals recommend
Trabocco Kitchen and Cocktails
2213 S Shore CenterLocated right inside South Shore Center, this ;ovely Italian restaurant has such a beautiful ambiance and great for special occasions!
There's a bunch of KBBQ establishments in Oakland but I'm really glad there's one in Alameda now!
Ohgane Alameda
2211 South Shore CenterThere's a bunch of KBBQ establishments in Oakland but I'm really glad there's one in Alameda now!
Craft Beer & Spirits Scene
Great vibes in this spacious barn-looking-warehouse with awesome selection of beers. Group/kid/dog-friendly!
19 locals recommend
Almanac Barrel House, Brewery, and Taproom
651 W Tower AveGreat vibes in this spacious barn-looking-warehouse with awesome selection of beers. Group/kid/dog-friendly!
Located in what used to be a navy base. Great alternative if you don’t want to make the drive to Napa. Great views of San Francisco especially during sunsets.
56 locals recommend
Rock Wall Wine Company
2301 Monarch StLocated in what used to be a navy base. Great alternative if you don’t want to make the drive to Napa. Great views of San Francisco especially during sunsets.
Alameda literally has everything, including it’s very own tiki bar! They serve top-notch tropical cocktails and flaming punch bowls!
71 locals recommend
Forbidden Island
1304 Lincoln AveAlameda literally has everything, including it’s very own tiki bar! They serve top-notch tropical cocktails and flaming punch bowls!
Within walking distance from the property, AIBC is on the main street of Alameda. They have several beers on tap. If you’re hungry, you can get Monkey King next door and even ice cream from Alameda Scoop!
20 locals recommend
Alameda Island Brewing Company
1716 Park StWithin walking distance from the property, AIBC is on the main street of Alameda. They have several beers on tap. If you’re hungry, you can get Monkey King next door and even ice cream from Alameda Scoop!
Things To Do
This 1932 Art Deco theater had its curtains closed for nearly 40 years until it reopened in 2008. Today the cineplex draws moviegoers with its historic neon sign, ornate lobby, and dining options.
87 locals recommend
Alameda Theatre & Cineplex
2317 Central AveThis 1932 Art Deco theater had its curtains closed for nearly 40 years until it reopened in 2008. Today the cineplex draws moviegoers with its historic neon sign, ornate lobby, and dining options.
Fellow pinheads: this museum features upwards of 90 fully restored machines all set for free play (except a few coined games in the front lobby)
68 locals recommend
Pacific Pinball Museum
1510 Webster StFellow pinheads: this museum features upwards of 90 fully restored machines all set for free play (except a few coined games in the front lobby)
Level up at High Scores, where $6 gets you an hour of free play on dozens of classic arcade games, Donkey Kong and Galaga included.
18 locals recommend
High Scores Arcade
1414 Park StLevel up at High Scores, where $6 gets you an hour of free play on dozens of classic arcade games, Donkey Kong and Galaga included.
AMF is now called Bowlero Alameda and it's located right across the street from Alameda Beach and South Shore Center.
10 locals recommend
AMF Southshore Lanes
300 Park StAMF is now called Bowlero Alameda and it's located right across the street from Alameda Beach and South Shore Center.
Boba or Bubble Tea
I feel like it's appropriate to have a boba section considering how much boba culture have grown ;)
Yifang Taiwan Fruit Tea
409 South Shore CenterDing Tea
1342 Park StreetiTea Alameda
1626 Park StreetT4
4532 Lone Tree WayGong Cha
110 S B StRaretea
2670 5th StreetTop Up Tea
650 Central AvenueHappy Lemon