Emeryville Travel Guide

This comprehensive tour guide covers everything you need to know to plan your trip to Emeryville, including where to stay, what to do, and how to get there.


Introduction to Emeryville

Emeryville is a small city located in Alameda County, in the East Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area in California. It is known for its bustling shopping districts, vibrant arts scene, and beautiful views of the Bay Area.

List of Places to Visit in Emeryville

If you’re planning a trip to Emeryville, there are plenty of places to visit and things to do. Here is a list of some of the top attractions and activities in the area.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Emeryville is home to several museums and historical sites that are worth visiting.

  • Emeryville Historical Society: This museum showcases the history of Emeryville and the surrounding area, with exhibits on the city’s industrial past, its role in the growth of the Bay Area, and its diverse cultural heritage.
  • Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive: Located just a short drive from Emeryville, this museum features an extensive collection of contemporary and modern art, as well as a theater showing independent films.
  • Oakland Museum of California: This museum, also located nearby, explores the history and culture of California through exhibits on art, natural science, and history.

Natural Attractions of Emeryville: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

In addition to its cultural attractions, Emeryville is also known for its beautiful natural scenery and outdoor activities.

  • Emeryville Marina: This marina offers stunning views of the Bay Area and is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and hiking.
  • Shorebird Park Nature Center: This nature center features exhibits on local wildlife and offers guided tours of the nearby wetlands and bayside areas.
  • Emeryville Greenway: This pedestrian and bike path runs through the heart of Emeryville and offers a scenic way to explore the city on foot or by bike.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Emeryville

If you’re looking to get outside and explore the beautiful scenery around Emeryville, there are several hiking and biking routes to choose from.

  • Bay Trail: This 500-mile trail runs along the Bay Area shoreline and offers stunning views of the bay and the surrounding hills. Emeryville has several access points to the trail.
  • Emeryville Greenway: As mentioned earlier, this pedestrian and bike path runs through Emeryville and provides a scenic way to explore the city on foot or by bike.
  • Emeryville Marina: The marina offers several hiking trails that wind through the surrounding wetlands and provide beautiful views of the Bay Area.

Best Things to Do in Emeryville: Activities and Tours

In addition to its museums and natural attractions, Emeryville also offers plenty of activities and tours for visitors to enjoy.

  • Bay Street Emeryville: This outdoor shopping and entertainment complex features a variety of shops, restaurants, and a movie theater.
  • Pixar Animation Studios: Located in Emeryville, Pixar offers tours of its facilities where visitors can see how animators create some of the world’s most beloved films.
  • Escape Room: If you’re looking for a unique and challenging activity, check out the escape room experience in Emeryville, where you’ll solve puzzles and riddles to escape a themed room before time runs out.

Week-Long Itinerary for Emeryville

If you’re planning to spend a week in Emeryville, here’s a suggested itinerary:

Day Activities
1 Visit the Emeryville Historical Society and the Bay Street Emeryville shopping complex
2 Hike the trails at the Emeryville Marina and visit the Shorebird Park Nature Center
3 Take a tour of Pixar Animation Studios and explore the Emeryville Greenway
4 Visit the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive
5 Explore the Oakland Museum of California
6 Take an escape room challenge and spend the evening at a local restaurant
7 Take a day trip to nearby San Francisco or Napa Valley

Food and Drink Scene of Emeryville

Emeryville has a diverse food and drink scene, with plenty of options to suit all tastes and budgets.

Must-Try Dishes

Some of the must-try dishes in Emeryville include:

  • Hawaiian poke: This fresh and flavorful dish is available at several local restaurants.
  • Gourmet burgers: Emeryville is home to several burger joints that offer creative and delicious burgers made with locally sourced ingredients.
  • Seafood: With its proximity to the bay, Emeryville offers plenty of fresh seafood options, including clam chowder, fish and chips, and crab cakes.

Local Beverages

Emeryville is also known for its craft breweries and wineries.

  • The Rare Barrel: This brewery specializes in sour beers and offers tastings and tours for visitors.
  • Emeryville Public Market: This food hall features several local breweries and wineries, including Novel Brewing and Periscope Cellars.

Where to Stay in Emeryville: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Emeryville offers several options for accommodations, including:

  • Hyatt Place Emeryville: This modern hotel is located near Bay Street Emeryville and offers comfortable and convenient accommodations.
  • Emeryville Hostel: If you’re looking for budget-friendly accommodations, the Emeryville Hostel offers private and shared rooms at affordable rates.
  • Airbnb: There are several Airbnb options available in Emeryville and the surrounding area, including private apartments, guesthouses, and rooms in shared homes.

What to Buy in Emeryville: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you’re looking for souvenirs or local products to bring home from your trip to Emeryville, some options include:

  • Pixar merchandise: The Pixar campus store offers a wide selection of Pixar-themed merchandise, including t-shirts, mugs, and toys.
  • Local art: Emeryville and the surrounding area are home to several galleries and artist studios where you can find unique and handmade art pieces.
  • Local food products: Emeryville is known for its gourmet food scene, so consider picking up some locally made jams, sauces, or spices to bring home.

Local Culture and Customs of Emeryville

Emeryville is a diverse and culturally rich city, with a strong arts community and a commitment to supporting local businesses.

Best Time to Visit Emeryville

The best time to visit Emeryville is during the summer months, when the weather is mild and sunny. However, keep in mind that this is also peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and higher prices.

Do’s and Don’ts of Emeryville

Do:

  • Explore the local arts scene: Emeryville is home to several galleries, art studios, and public art installations.
  • Support local businesses: Emeryville has a strong culture of supporting small, independent businesses, so make an effort to shop and dine at local establishments.
  • Take advantage of the outdoor activities: With its proximity to the bay and the surrounding hills, Emeryville offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities.

Don’t:

  • Underestimate the traffic: Like any major city, Emeryville can get congested during peak travel times. Be prepared for traffic delays and plan accordingly.
  • Miss out on the food scene: Emeryville has a thriving food and drink scene, with plenty of delicious and creative options to try.

Safety and Health

Safety in Emeryville

Emeryville is generally a safe city for travelers, but it’s always important to take precautions when traveling to new places. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:

  • Stay aware of your surroundings: Be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas.
  • Keep your valuables secure: Keep your valuables, such as passports, wallets, and electronics, secure and out of sight.

Health in Emeryville

Emeryville has several medical facilities, including urgent care clinics and hospitals, for any medical needs you may have during your trip. Be sure to have adequate travel insurance to cover any medical expenses that may arise.

Getting to Emeryville: Transportation Options and Logistics

Emeryville is easily accessible by car, bus, train, or plane.

Airports Near Emeryville

The nearest airports to Emeryville are Oakland International Airport (OAK) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Both airports offer shuttle services and public transportation options to get to Emeryville.

Bus Stations Near Emeryville

Emeryville is served by several bus stations, including the Amtrak Station and the Emeryville Transit Center. Both stations offer connections to other cities and attractions in the Bay Area.

Other Options

If you’re not traveling by car, bus, or plane, other transportation options include:

  • BART: Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) provides train service throughout the Bay Area and has several stops in the Emeryville area.
  • Ferry: The Ferry Building in San Francisco offers ferry service to several destinations around the Bay Area, including Oakland and Berkeley.

How to Get Around in Emeryville

Emeryville is a small city that is easy to navigate on foot, by bike, or by car. There are also several public transportation options available, including buses and trains.

Where to Go Next from Emeryville: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have some extra time to explore the Bay Area, there are several nearby destinations and excursions to consider.

  • San Francisco: Just a short drive or train ride away, San Francisco is a must-visit destination with its iconic landmarks, stunning views, and vibrant culture.
  • Berkeley: This nearby city is home to the University of California, Berkeley, as well as several museums, theaters, and restaurants.
  • Napa Valley: For wine lovers, a day trip to Napa Valley is a must. This world-renowned wine region offers tours and tastings at several wineries and vineyards.

Conclusion

Emeryville is a small but vibrant city that offers plenty of attractions and activities for visitors. Whether you’re interested in exploring the local arts scene, hiking in the beautiful natural surroundings, or simply relaxing at a local restaurant, Emeryville has something for everyone. With this guide, you should be well-equipped to plan your trip to this beautiful destination.

View of Emeryville View of Emeryville The entry gate to Pixar studios. Sadly, unless you know someone who can arrange a tour this is as far as most visitors will get. The entry gate to Pixar studios. Sadly, unless you know someone who can arrange a tour this is as far as most visitors will get.