An island vacation in Alameda
Discover a wealth of West Coast fun in Alameda, an island getaway packed with family-friendly activities and tons of local history. San Francisco and Oakland are just a short drive away, so you’ll never run out of parks and trails to explore, tasty international dishes to savor, and insightful cultural sites to visit. After you locate your ideal Alameda vacation rental, you’ll find that the little island is the perfect escape from the neighboring big cities, whether you prefer to spend your days building sandcastles and learning to windsurf, or digging into the city’s aviation legacy at former military sites.
Flying high in Alameda
Once the site of a United States Naval Air Station, Alameda preserves its military legacy at fascinating museums. The USS Hornet, a National Historic Landmark that served in World War II, has a Sea, Air and Space Museum located on the ship and more than a dozen historic aircrafts on display. Thrill seekers can try out the flight simulators, while kids will enjoy dressing up as sailors and learning to tie knots in an activity space. Close by, the Alameda Naval Air Museum tells the story of the former air station through a collection of photos, archived newspapers, model planes, and old uniforms and badges.
Swim and surf in Alameda
With the San Francisco Bay and Pacific Ocean beckoning, there are endless options for enjoying the sand and sea near Alameda, but you don’t have to leave the island for a fun beach day. Pack a picnic lunch and bring the family down to Crown Memorial State Beach, where you’ll find sand dunes and shallow, warm water perfect for swimming. Water sports like windsurfing and kiteboarding are popular here too, and in summer you can take lessons and rent boards to practice on. Bring your buckets and shovels if you plan to visit in June, when an annual sandcastle-building contest crowns the best creations.
Beautiful days in Alameda
This part of California has pretty mild weather in every season, with comfortable daytime temperatures that typically call for no more than a light jacket, even in the winter months. Look for an Alameda vacation rental with a hot tub or fireplace to enjoy cool evenings year-round. Summer is the dry season, so you’ll have more opportunities to fly kites on the beach, bike the trails at nearby parks, or take a whale-watching boat tour. You’ll find that different whale species migrate through during different seasons, though, so you won’t miss out on the experience even if you come in winter.
Exploring the beaches and other natural features in Alameda
Whether you're an adventurous traveler or just want to appreciate the scenery, you'll be sure to find the perfect setting for your vacation in Alameda. Here are a few of the area's most eye-catching sights, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city center:
- San Francisco Bay (5.1 mi / 8.1 km)
- Alcatraz Island (10.8 mi / 17.3 km)
- Golden Gate Park (12.9 mi / 20.7 km)
- Lake Merritt (2.8 mi / 4.5 km)
- Redwood Regional Park (5.4 mi / 8.7 km)
- University of California Botanical Garden at Berkeley (7.6 mi / 12.2 km)
Transportation options to and around Alameda
The nearest airport is in Oakland Intl. Airport (OAK), located 4 mi (6.4 km) from the city center. If you're unable to find a flight that fits your schedule, you could book a flight to San Francisco Intl. Airport (SFO), which is 13.1 mi (21 km) away.
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