Top Rated Attractions in Alameda

Gain a deeper insight into San Francisco and its heritage and discover all that the city has to offer by embarking on tours offered by San Francisco City Guides. Sponsored by the San Francisco Public Library, the organization conducts several diverse tours which focus on different aspects of the city's culture, including its history and architecture. Tours include a walking tour of the Mission District, where you can admire striking murals, and an Art Deco tour of the Marina. All tours are free, though donations to benefit the library are requested. Departure locations and times vary.

Interested in architecture? These tours explore the rich architectural heritage of the Pacific Heights neighborhood. Explore the neighborhood of some of the city's finest "painted ladies", as the polychrome Victorian and Edwardian homes are called. Led by members of the San Francisco Architectural Heritage Foundation, the tours focus on those Victorian and Edwardian houses, though examples of other styles are also noted. The foundation offers a variety of tours at a variety of prices throughout the year.

Redwood Regional Park is located in the hills of Oakland. It boasts the largest remaining natural strand of coastal redwood in the East Bay. Early mariners used to use these tall redwood trees to help them navigate the San Francisco Bay. Many locals enjoy hiking and biking around the available trails, which offer gorgeous scenery. In addition to the deer, rabbits and squirrels that roam the park, it is also home to rare wildlife species such as the golden eagle and the striped racer snake. The Roberts Regional Recreation Area, a park within the park, features a swimming pool and playgrounds. Throughout the park, you will find access to a well-maintained system of restrooms, water fountains and picnic tables. The Chabot Observatory and Science Center is one of the park's most prominent attractions.

Listen to the whoosh of the winds as they caress the pine trees that overlook Montclair Village. An ideal tourist haunt, Montclair radiates a village-like charm with its small town, mountainous atmosphere. Breathe in the fresh air, take a long walk through the village streets or sample the fare at one of the eateries. Quaint stores dot the streets and tempt you into splurging on delightful trinkets. Rich in cultural heritage, you will be witness to a plethora of art events and festivities lined up on the local itinerary. The Fine Arts Sidewalk Festival held every year in Montclair Village is a extravaganza to behold. Stroll along and take in the lovely paintings, hand-blown glass work, sculptures, photography, jewelry, ceramics and collages.

Getting on board Freda B is akin to being mesmerized by the charming waters of San Francisco Bay and the beautiful Sausalito, which is a storehouse of historic landmarks. Complete with TVs, guest cabins, salons and a delightful buffet table, this luxury schooner is everything you would want it to be.It traverses iconic places like the Golden Gate Bridge, Coit Tower, Fisherman's Wharf, Crissy Field, Fort Mason and the teeming Marine Headlands among others. You can also sail through the sparkling waters and witness the marvel which are the Bay Bridge Lights which gleam endlessly come night. Freeda B also doubles as a wonderful venue for private parties, events and weddings.

Spanning across 40,000 square feet (3716 square meters), Art Works Downtown is an art lover's utopia. A non-profit set up, the place is home to more than 20 studios where talented artists work magic with ceramics, clay, canvases, and paints to produce masterpieces. Art Works Downtown houses four galleries where artworks created by local as well as traveling artists are put on display. These galleries are also available for rental purposes. The center is also associated with local art institutions for their Public Sculpture Program. There are recurring exhibitions that delight connoisseurs while their classes nurture the artistic talent within adults and children alike. Restaurants and shopping places weave an entire experience for visitors at Art Works Downtown.