Things to do in Alameda
Discover amazing Alameda activities and premium in-home experiences.
Embraced by the shimmering waters of San Francisco Bay, Alameda is a charming island city where Victorians line leafy streets and naval history meets modern creativity. With its sun-drenched beaches, inviting independent shops, and vibrant local arts scene, Alameda offers a delightful blend of adventure and relaxation just minutes from metropolitan bustle. Whether you're cycling along scenic pathways or savoring fresh fare at local eateries, this unique locale beckons with warmth and wonder around every corner.
Popular Activities in Alameda
USS Potomac Dockside Tour: Visit the Floating White House
Explore FDR’s presidential yacht on a docent-led, one-hour dockside tour
Guided Off-Site Kite/Wing Session
Learn Bay Area spots with a pro for setup, launches, and gear selection
Kitesurf and WingFoil Gear Rental
Two-day rental with pickup in Berkeley or Treasure Island
Haight-Ashbury Food Walking Tour
Savor five tastings as a local guide reveals Haight-Ashbury's counterculture and street art
Mission and Castro Food Walking Tour in San Francisco
Taste five local bites while exploring Castro and Mission history with a local guide
Chinatown Dim Sum & Tea Tour in San Francisco
Sample authentic dim sum, teas, and local secrets on a 3-hour guided exploration of San Francisco's Chinatown.
North Beach and Little Italy Food Tour
Taste classic North Beach flavors on a leisurely 7–8 block stroll with all food and drinks included
Chinatown and North Beach Little Italy Walking Tour
Sample dim sum, see fortune cookies made, and explore Beat hangouts on a relaxed neighborhood stroll
45-Minute Golden Gate Adventure Cruise
High-speed bay cruise to the Golden Gate Bridge with close-up views of sea lions and historic landmarks
San Francisco Bay 90-Minute Excursion
Ride a 12-passenger boat under the Golden Gate and Bay Bridge with captain narration and sea lion views
7D Ride Experience
Experience coaster-style motion with interactive laser blasting in a fast 10-minute ride
Escape the Rock Escape Room
Solve puzzles and beat the clock in a 30-minute escape challenge within view of Alcatraz
Malone's Mobster Hideout Escape Room
Solve clues to uncover a mobster’s hidden journal in 30 minutes
The Flyer at Pier 39
Feel a motion-simulated flight through San Francisco in 15 minutes
Golden Gate Bridge Sunset Cruise in San Francisco
Watch the sun set behind the Golden Gate Bridge while sipping a complimentary drink aboard a cozy small-group cruise
Golden Gate Sailing with Drink & Bay Views
Sail beneath the Golden Gate and enjoy panoramic views with a complimentary drink
Private Yacht Charter on San Francisco Bay
Celebrate any occasion on a 2-hour private yacht cruise with drinks and iconic Bay views
Alcatraz & San Francisco Electric Bike Tour
Experience Alcatraz Island then explore San Francisco neighborhoods by electric bike over two days
1 Day Hop-On-Hop-Off City Tour
See iconic San Francisco sights at your pace with a 24-hour hop-on, hop-off pass
Alcatraz and Full-Day Electric Bike Rental
Visit Alcatraz and explore San Francisco with a full-day electric bike rental
Alcatraz & the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito Tour
Explore Alcatraz then bike across the Golden Gate to Sausalito over two days for a classic San Francisco experience.
2-Hour Bike Rental from Fisherman's Wharf
Ride a well-maintained bike with maps and gear included for an easy city outing
All-Day Bike Rentals at Fisherman's Wharf
Explore San Francisco all day with quality bikes, helmets, and maps included
Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito Bike Tour
Ride the waterfront and cross the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito, with a ferry return option
Private California Sunset Tour
Cross the Golden Gate at sunset with a private guide and all-day bike rental
Private Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito Bike Tour
Ride with a private guide over the Golden Gate to Sausalito with a custom start time and all-day bike rental
Private Golden Gate Park Tour
See Golden Gate Park on a private tour with a dedicated guide and all-day bike rental
Private Streets of San Francisco Tour
Explore San Francisco's neighborhoods by e-bike on a private 4-hour tour
San Francisco City Tour in a VW Bug
See San Francisco highlights in 2 hours aboard a VW Bug
Streets of San Francisco Tour
Ride San Francisco’s neighborhoods on a mostly flat, bike-lane route
San Francisco Movie Sights Tour
See iconic film locations with clips aboard a theater-on-wheels bus
Alcatraz Inside with Wharf Lunch Credit
Explore Alcatraz at your own pace with audio tour and Fisherman's Wharf lunch credit
Classic Bike Rentals in San Francisco
Explore San Francisco by bike with flexible rentals from Fisherman's Wharf to the Golden Gate Bridge
Golden Gate Bridge E-Bike Tour to Sausalito
Ride an electric bike across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito with an expert guide
San Francisco Bike Rental
Choose from popular bikes for all ages for rides around San Francisco
RadRunner 2 Electric Bike with Thule Baby Seat
Explore together with electric assist and a secure Thule baby seat
Electric Bike With Passenger Seat Rental
Enjoy an all-day RadRunner 2 ride with electric assist and a comfortable passenger seat
Electric Bike and Trailer Rental
Enjoy all-day electric pedaling with a safe, roomy kids trailer for family rides
Golden Gate Bridge Bike and Brew Tour
Guided ride over the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito with all-day bike rental and a $20 food and drink voucher
Golden Gate Bridge Guided Tour
Ride San Francisco’s waterfront and cross the Golden Gate with a guide for stunning bay views
Discover More in Alameda
Alameda greets you with its charming blend of small-town personality and coastal allure. Set across the bay from San Francisco, this island city offers a quieter alternative to its bustling neighbors while bathing visitors in sunlight and ocean breezes. Start your day at Crown Memorial State Beach, where shimmering waters invite exploration—whether you're strolling along soft sands or renting a paddleboard for an exhilarating adventure on the Bay.
For those passionate about history and aesthetics alike, downtown Alameda presents Victorian architecture interspersed with lively boutiques that beckon wandering souls seeking unique finds. The local farmers' market bursts each week with vibrant colors as fresh produce lines stands like edible art waiting to be tasted; seasonal events such as Summer Art & Wine Faire capture both eyes—and palates—with their festive charm.
If nature's call grows loud amidst urban offerings, the nearby Oakland Hills provide refuge among forested trails ablaze under golden rays filtering through leafy canopies—a hiker’s dreamscape just minutes away by car (or bike). Book experiences sure expand horizons: join sailing excursion tracing coastlines around Encinal Yacht Club—or simply indulge senses tasting locally crafted beers at one acclaimed breweries dotting town landscape before sunset dip paints skies above alluring shades reminding all why they've chosen stay awhile longer here within welcoming embrace known only "Island City."