Alameda County Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do in Alameda County, California. Explore the cultural attractions, natural wonders, food and drink scene, accommodations, transportation options, safety tips, and more.


Introduction to Alameda County

Located in the heart of Bay Area, Alameda County is a vibrant and diverse region in California that offers a plethora of experiences for travelers. With a mix of urban and natural landscapes, the county is home to bustling cities, historic sites, cultural attractions, beautiful parks, and scenic beaches.

Visitors can enjoy world-class museums, explore the local food and drink scene, go hiking or biking in stunning natural settings, or simply soak up the laid-back vibes of the region. Whether you are a solo traveler, a family with kids, or a group of friends, Alameda County has something for everyone.

In this travel guide, we will take you on a journey to show you the best places to visit, eat, and stay. You’ll discover top activities and tours, scenic drives, local customs and culture, and much more.

List of Places to Visit in Alameda County

Here are some of the most popular attractions in the region:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Oakland Museum of California
  • USS Hornet Museum
  • Chabot Space and Science Center
  • African American Museum and Library at Oakland
  • Dunsmuir Hellman Historic Estate
  • Alameda Naval Air Museum

Natural Attractions of Alameda County: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Lake Chabot Regional Park
  • Redwood Regional Park
  • Garin Regional Park
  • Sunol Regional Wilderness
  • Tilden Regional Park
  • Alameda Beaches

Hiking/Biking Routes of Alameda County

  • Bay Trail
  • East Bay Skyline National Trail
  • Iron Horse Regional Trail
  • Del Valle Regional Park Trail

Best Things to Do in Alameda County: Activities and Tours

  • Wine Tasting in Livermore Valley
  • San Francisco Bay Sunset Catamaran Cruise
  • Stand-up Paddleboarding in Lake Merritt
  • Oakland Food Tour
  • Oakland A’s Baseball Game

Week-Long Itinerary for Alameda County

  • Day 1: Explore Oakland, Visit the Oakland Museum of California, and enjoy grand views on East Bay Skyline National Trail
  • Day 2: Sip wine in Livermore Valley, go hiking in Del Valle Regional Park, and visit USS Hornet Museum
  • Day 3: Visit Dunsmuir Hellman Historic Estate, explore Redwood Regional Park, and enjoy Alameda Beaches
  • Day 4: Visit Chabot Space and Science Center, hike in Tilden Regional Park, and watch Oakland A’s Baseball Game
  • Day 5: Take the San Francisco Bay Sunset Catamaran Cruise and explore Sunol Regional Wilderness
  • Day 6: Experience a food tour in Oakland and go stand-up paddleboarding in Lake Merritt
  • Day 7: Relax and unwind at Garin Regional Park and enjoy the Bay Trail

Food and Drink Scene of Alameda County

Must-Try Dishes

  • Berkeley Bowl Grocery store salad bar
  • Cheese Board Pizza
  • Anthony’s Cookies
  • Donut Savant
  • Jingletown Jazz Cafe

Local Beverages

  • Faction Brewing Company
  • Westover Winery
  • Russian River Brewing Company
  • Rock Wall Wine Company
  • Ale Industries

Where to Stay in Alameda County: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Waterfront Hotel in Jack London Square
  • Hotel Shattuck Plaza in Berkeley
  • Claremont Club & Spa in Oakland
  • Joie de Vivre Hotels in Emeryville
  • Lafayette Park Hotel & Spa in Lafayette

What to Buy in Alameda County: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Fantastic aromatic soaps from Happy Girl Kitchen Co. in Oakland
  • Elegant ceramics art from Atelier Dion in East Oakland Warehouse District
  • Ultimate guitar for your next gig from Guitar Solo in San Leandro
  • High-quality olive oil from Oliveto Cafe in Oakland
  • Sustainable Fair-trade coffee from Red Bay Coffee in Emeryville

Local Culture and Customs of Alameda County

The locals in Alameda County are friendly, laid-back, and welcoming to visitors. Visitors should embrace the diversity of the county and experience its unique culture. The county has a history of activism and is known for its liberal politics.

Best Time to Visit Alameda County

The best time to visit Alameda County is between May and October. The weather is generally warm and sunny during these months, making it perfect for outdoor activities. The county offers multiple indoor activities to enjoy during its cool and mild winters known for its rain showers.

Do’s and Don’ts of Alameda County

Do:

  • Embrace the diversity of the region
  • Try the local cuisine
  • Take advantage of public transportation
  • Respect the environment and the natural habitats
  • Bring comfortable shoes for hiking and walking

Don’t:

  • Leave valuable items in your car
  • Litter or damage natural areas
  • Forget to pack a reusable water bottle
  • Ignore local customs and culture
  • Wear insensitive costumes during events

Safety and Health

Safety in Alameda County

Alameda County is generally a safe area; however, it’s wise to take basic precautions, such as not leaving valuables in your car and being aware of your surroundings at night. Visitors should be alert when walking in unfamiliar areas, and should avoid walking alone at night. In case of emergency, dial 911.

Health in Alameda County

Visitors should ensure that their vaccinations are up to date, and bring insect repellent and sunscreen. Tap water is generally safe to drink in the county. Visitors should be aware of the nearest medical facilities in case of a medical emergency.

Getting to Alameda County: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Alameda County

  • Oakland International Airport
  • San Francisco International Airport
  • San Jose International Airport

Bus Stations Near Alameda County

  • Greyhound Terminal in Oakland
  • AC Transit Bus Service
  • Amtrak Station in Emeryville

Other Options

  • Rent a Car
  • BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit)
  • Ferries

How to Get Around in Alameda County

  • BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit)
  • Buses and shuttles
  • Uber and Lyft
  • Biking and walking

Where to Go Next from Alameda County: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • San Francisco
  • Napa Valley
  • Silicon Valley
  • Lake Tahoe
  • Monterey Bay

Conclusion

Alameda County is an excellent destination to explore California’s diversity. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or relaxation, the region has it all. With its bustling cities, beautiful parks, and stunning beaches, Alameda County is sure to provide you with unforgettable memories. Plan your next trip to Alameda County now and enjoy a worthwhile California experience!

BART map; the routes in the bottom right, stretching up to the center of the map, are in Alameda County BART map; the routes in the bottom right, stretching up to the center of the map, are in Alameda County A train in Niles Canyon A train in Niles Canyon Mission Peak, viewed from the Fremont side Mission Peak, viewed from the Fremont side


    Castro Valley
    Dublin
    Emeryville
    Fremont
    Hayward
    Livermore
    Oakland
    Pleasanton
    Sunol