Alameda, the island city of the San Francisco Bay, is a great place to explore with your kids. Whether you’re headed out to the beach or checking out some of Alameda’s great parks and breweries, Alameda is a fun day trip for many families living in the East Bay Area.
Alameda’s historic Park Street District is located on the east end of the island. It is lined with old buildings dating back to the 1800s that are filled with adorable shops and restaurants. In 1864, a rail and ferry system that connected Alameda and San Francisco had a main stop located near the intersection of Lincoln Avenue and Park Street, drawing more businesses and residents to the area. Today, it is a fun place to wander and spend the day with your family.
If you’re planning on heading to Alameda’s historic Park Street, here is where I would start:
1. Take a stroll down Park Street
Follow the self-guided walking tour of the historic buildings that still line Park Street today.
2. Support small businesses and go shopping
Go window shopping and buy something unique at the small businesses along your stroll.
We love to explore Rocket Reuse’s used book selection, peruse the plants and adorable trinkets at Daisy’s Mercantile, check out the used toy selection at Toy Safari, and buy second-hand clothes and shoes for kiddos at Lauren’s Closet and Mommy’s Trading Post.
3. Eat!
Are you getting hungry? Grab lunch or dinner at Latina-owned Cholita Linda and try their kid’s quesadilla and fish tacos. Get it to go and eat at the picnic tables on Alameda Street.
Or pick up pizza at Marley G’s, like the delicious eggplant parmesan pie, to enjoy at the picnic tables as well.
This open-air spot is perfect for kids to roam around and for adults to relax in the sun while enjoying the fact that they do not have to cook dinner…
4. Grab a sweet treat.
Snack on donuts from Homeskillet, slurp ice cream from Tucker’s, or sip on boba from Ding Tea.
5. See a movie.
If you have time, watch a movie at the historic Alameda Theatre.
6. Visit the Brewery.
Check out Alameda Island Brewery on Park Street.
Enjoy a beer, play a few board games, then pick up wings or ice cream for the kiddos next door at Monkey King at the Brewery and eat and drink on the patio.
Make sure to try their Round Hole Square Peg barley wine – a personal favorite.
7. Play at the park.
If you’re looking for a park where your kids can play or take a nap, walk one block east of Park Street to Chochenyo Park and let your kids explore the log circle and walk among the trees.
The floor is lava!
You’ll get it when you see this park…I promise.
8. Visit the Museum.
If you’re visiting on the weekend, the Alameda Museum has lots of city history on display for your viewing pleasure.
The eclectic museum store is fun to wander. Just keep an eye on your kiddos because many breakable items are at toddler height.
Hours are Saturdays from 11 AM – 4 PM and Sundays from 1:30PM – 4 PM.
9. Go on a hunt for Mouse Doors.
@mows510 is a local artist who has selectively placed his tiny door creations throughout the city.
There are quite a few around Park Street, including one near Tucker’s Ice Cream and a few at Monkey King at the Brewery.
If you’re a fangirl like me, order one of the classic doors for $33 to display at your house.
I love wandering down Park Street on a warm day with our kiddos.
We stop for dinner on our way back from picking up the kids from school and enjoy our meals outside to the sounds of city living.
There are always families in the picnic area on Alameda Avenue, kids of all ages and colors, playing and eating happily and safely with their families.
I’m lucky to live in a city that is set up for families to enjoy dinner safely outside and hope to see you out there sometime.
Puerto Rican & Indigenous mama of two. Bay Area native. Salsa dancer. Backpacker. Doula. Angel (she/her/hers) is a co-founding member of the Beautiful Brown Adventures team. She has traveled to over 30 countries and loves to explore the world with her two daughters & partner - one ice cream shop at a time.
