East Bay Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, eat and stay, hiking/biking routes, local culture and customs, things to do, safety tips, transportation options and nearby destinations of East Bay in California.


Introduction to East Bay

Located in the Bay Area of California, East Bay is a sprawling region named for being on the eastern shore of the San Francisco Bay. Comprised of cities like Oakland, Berkeley, and Fremont, it boasts of being one of the most ethnically diverse regions in the United States. East Bay is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, delicious cuisine, and abundance of outdoor activities.

List of Places to Visit in East Bay

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Oakland Museum of California
  • USS Hornet Sea, Air & Space Museum
  • Chabot Space and Science Center
  • Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park
  • Joaquin Miller Park

Natural Attractions of East Bay: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Mount Diablo State Park
  • Tilden Regional Park
  • Point Isabel Regional Shoreline
  • Redwood Regional Park
  • Lake Merritt

Hiking/Biking Routes of East Bay

East Bay offers some of the best hiking and biking trails in California. Here are some popular picks:

  • East Bay Skyline National Trail
  • Iron Horse Regional Trail
  • Lafayette Moraga Regional Trail
  • Bay Bridge Trail
  • Lafayette Reservoir Trail

Best Things to Do in East Bay: Activities and Tours

  • Visit the Oakland Zoo
  • Shop at the Berkeley Farmers’ Market
  • Explore UC Berkeley Campus
  • Take a Wine Tour in Livermore Valley
  • Catch a Show at Berkeley Repertory Theatre

Week-Long Itinerary for East Bay

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit the Oakland Museum of California and explore Lake Merritt
Day 2 Hike Mount Diablo State Park and visit Walnut Creek
Day 3 Take the Bay Bridge Trail and explore downtown San Francisco
Day 4 Shop at the famous Berkeley Farmers’ Market and visit Tilden Park
Day 5 Explore UC Berkeley Campus and catch a show at Berkeley Repertory Theatre
Day 6 Go wine tasting in Livermore Valley
Day 7 Visit the USS Hornet Sea, Air & Space Museum and Joaquin Miller Park

Food and Drink Scene of East Bay

Must-Try Dishes

East Bay offers a diverse and delicious food scene. Here are some must-try dishes:

  • Artichoke pizza from Zachary’s Chicago Pizza
  • Fried chicken sandwich from Bakesale Betty
  • Vegan barbecue from S + M Vegan
  • Cheeseboard Pizza
  • Tacos from Taqueria La Familia

Local Beverages

East Bay is known for being home to several notable breweries, wineries, and coffee roasters. Here are some popular picks:

  • Blue Bottle Coffee
  • Oakland Brewing Company
  • Donkey & Goat Winery
  • Temescal Brewing

Where to Stay in East Bay: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Hotel Shattuck Plaza in Berkeley
  • The Claremont in Oakland
  • The Marina Inn on San Francisco Bay in San Leandro
  • Graduate Berkeley in Berkeley
  • Hyatt House in Pleasant Hill

What to Buy in East Bay: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Art pieces from Oakland’s Art Murmur
  • Fresh produce from the Berkeley Farmers’ Market
  • Specialty coffee from Blue Bottle Coffee
  • A souvenir cup from Temescal Brewing
  • Handmade ceramics from Heath Ceramics

Local Culture and Customs of East Bay

East Bay is characterized by a laid-back, bohemian culture. It is common to see street performers and artists performing on the sidewalks. The locals are environmentally conscious and value sustainable living.

Best Time to Visit East Bay

The best time to visit East Bay is late spring or early fall when the weather is mild and pleasant. Although the Bay Area is known for its foggy summers, East Bay tends to be sunnier due to its inland location.

Do’s and Don’ts of East Bay

Do:

  • Do take the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) for convenient and inexpensive travel
  • Do explore the natural beauty of East Bay parks and trails
  • Do immerse yourself in East Bay’s vibrant arts and culture scene

Don’t:

  • Don’t leave your belongings unattended in public areas
  • Don’t drive in rush hour traffic unless necessary
  • Don’t forget to bring layers of clothing as the weather can vary throughout the day

Safety and Health

Safety in East Bay

While East Bay is generally safe, it is important to be aware of your surroundings, especially in urban areas. It is not recommended to walk around alone at night.

Health in East Bay

East Bay is known for its air pollution due to the high number of cars on the road. It is important to check the air quality index and take necessary precautions if you have respiratory issues.

Getting to East Bay: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near East Bay

  • Oakland International Airport
  • San Francisco International Airport
  • Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport

Bus Stations Near East Bay

  • Greyhound Bus Station in Oakland
  • Transbay Temporary Terminal in San Francisco
  • Oakland Coliseum Station

Other Options

  • Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART)
  • Uber/Lyft

How to Get Around in East Bay

  • Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART)
  • AC Transit Bus
  • Uber/Lyft
  • Bike share programs (Ford GoBike, Lime)

Where to Go Next from East Bay: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • San Francisco
  • Napa Valley
  • Santa Cruz
  • Lake Tahoe
  • Monterey/Carmel

Conclusion

East Bay is a vibrant and diverse region that offers something for everyone. With its natural beauty, cultural landmarks, and delicious cuisine, it’s no wonder that East Bay is a top destination for visitors to California. With this comprehensive guide, you are ready to explore the best of what East Bay has to offer.

Aerial of the Tri-Valley Aerial of the Tri-Valley I-880: don't be fooled, this is in good traffic I-880: don't be fooled, this is in good traffic Lake del Valle in the southeastern East Bay Lake del Valle in the southeastern East Bay


    Alameda County
    Contra Costa County
    Del Valle Regional Park