First Transcontinental Railroad

(4 reviews)

2.2 mi

I love this little house. Its beautiful but small. The owner who designed it did so to piss off…read morecity officials. Big houses are overrated. Big kitchens too. I usually split my time between two uncomfortably large homes - one an American Foursquare, the other a Victorian in the artist enclave of Jingletown. They are both large enough that I spend countless minutes every day wandering looking for where I left my coffee cup or Phillips head screwdriver. Modern American-style farm kitchens have the same design flaw of being needlessly large for no reason with function of being able to cook efficiently low on the priority list. Cabinets and counter space is on the perimeter and a big annoying table in the center that is a hindrance in every move you want to make. You dodge the table numerous times in order to do almost anything. I think I would love this little spite house. I imagine the interior to be cozy and intimate with thoughtful time appropriate details throughout. Tiny houses are all the rage these days - I think they had it right when they built this one.... plus I bet it wouldn't be so difficult to heat in the winter either.

At the turn of the 20th Century, the city of Alameda, CA took a large portion of Charles Froling's…read moreland to build a street. Froling had planned to build a house on this plot of land which he had inherited. To spite the city and an unsympathetic neighbor, he built his house 10 feet deep, 54 feet long and 20 feet high on the tiny strip of land left to him. This the name, The Spite House. This is a regular tourist stop to marvel at and a fun subject to photograph and talk about.

Side view, entrance to home on this side & back view.

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Piedmont Theatre

4.2

(296 reviews)

3.9 mi

I enjoy seeing films at this theatre, and am so grateful it's still open, especially after all the…read moretheatres in Berkeley and Albany have closed.

I always try to support local theaters and thought I'd try this one but the staff was incredibly…read morerude and unprofessional-- so I don't recommend coming here. Seeing a movie is a real luxury nowadays and it's not worth the hassle and aggravation. The Grand Lake Theater is just a few blocks away and I had a much better experience there.

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Versailles Station

4.0

1.2 mi

I drive thru this intersection all the time, and I never knew it had a name....Versailles Station…read more What's "Versailles Station?" It's a neighborhood shopping district in the City of Alameda. It's called a station because there used to be a street car station here. Today it's a cluster of businesses in the vicinity of Versailles Ave & Encinal Avenue. What's here now? - Encinal True Value hardware - Versailles Pharmacy - Italian American Hall - Guanyin Meditation Center - Nail and Hair Salons - Antique and Consignment shops What's not here? - There's no market or grocery store - no restaurants or cafes You are fairly close to Park Street and the South Shore Center. But it appears that the other stations I've seen have food stores or markets. Support Local Business!

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Bay Station

(2 reviews)

1.3 mi

What the heck is "Bay Station?"…read more In the City of Alameda, we have unique places that mainly locals go to. Outsiders have no idea the significance of these places. Bay Station is the location of a historic street car station. In the old days, street cars traveled up and down the island. Today, these Neighborhood "Station" Districts are clusters of shops, restaurants and businesses. It's general location is Bay Street & Lincoln Ave. What's there today? (Oct 2022) - A.T. Weber - Royal Auto Repair - El Caballo - Sumiko Cafe - Island Savoy Market - Domino's Pizza - Forbidden Island - Sampaguita -.....and lots of other businesses Each "station" in Alameda has it's unique group of markets and shops.

What else can I say about this great little shopping area of Alameda... ONLY the locals go here…read more We have Pagano's Hardware Store (the original locale), El Caballo Wraps, Sumiko Cafe, the Golf Store, a Hawaiian Dancing Studio, Market Spot, Thompson's Garden, the car mechanic shop, a dry cleaner, Sampaguita, a Filipino Convenience Store, an Antiques Store, a Hair Salon, Domino's Pizza, and other establishments, and very walking/pedestrian friendly with the wide streets divided by a green "mall" area. It's good for the locals, and is just around the corner from the Mastick Senior Citizens Facility. Not only is Alameda (94501) the Best Place on Earth, it's even a little better at the Bay Station area on Lincoln Ave. (from St. Charles St. to Sherman St.). We, the locals, are great!

Market

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Shops

Chestnut Station

1.4 mi

"Chestnut Station" is a neighborhood shopping area located in the City of Alameda. Now, depending…read moreon who drew the map, Chestnut Station is in or near the historic Leonardville area. Why is it called a "station?" Because back in the old days, street cars travelled up and down the island. Their stops were called stations. Today, Chestnut Station is a cluster of shops, cafes, and a variety of other businesses. Saint Joseph School and Notre Dame High are nearby. The popular Encinal Nursery is down the street. I mainly come to Chestnut Station to shop at Chestnut Market. I can usually save a trip to the supermarket by simply grabbing the basics at this medium-sized market. Chestnut Station is located at Encinal Ave & Chestnut Street. It's also close to Willow Street, which is a popular route to the Southshore Shopping Center. Support Local Business, and Welcome to Alameda !

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Chestnut Market

Queen Anne Tower House

1.6 mi

The "Queen Anne Tower House, " aka The Brehaut House is a grand Victorian mansion in the City of…read moreAlameda. The Brehaut House is considered the most photographed home in the city. It was built in 1893 by architect Charles S. Shaner. I have driven pass this house thousands of times, as it sits on the corner of San Jose Ave & Willow Street. When you drive down Willow Street on the way to Southshore, you cannot help but look at this beautiful house. The incredible attention to detail is amazing. Interior views can be seen: https://www.7x7.com/alameda-iconic-victorian-home-for-sale-2652877572.html This is a privately owned home.

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Alameda City Hall

2.8

(4 reviews)

1.9 mi

Fast and efficient, just a passport drop in. Looks remodeled and very clean, doesn't look like your…read moretypical City Hall.

Nice, old, historic city hall building for Alameda California. Very convenient location, one block…read moreup from Park Street. Parking is not so convenient.

Alameda City Hall in 1912

Spring 2023 front

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Cheemah Mother Of The Spirit-Fire Statue

1.3 mi

"Cheemah, Mother of Spirit-Fire, is an 18 foot tall bronze monument dedicated to celebrating…read morecultural diversity, world unity and care for the earth." ~ Osprey Orielle Lake Such a masterpiece is in Oakland. And it is easy to find at Jack London Square. In the year 2002, a symbol of this kind was needed to remind everyone... and twenty years later the symbol is revered by those that believe we can. These are different times. Let's get on board. The theme is sound

The world could use some awareness of this one these days! Peace people! Peace is a truth

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Spray Can Mural

2.2 mi

this mural highlights a few Oaktown landmarks (Tribune Tower, bridge, skyline, downtown....) it…read moreillustrates how pencil, spray cans, paint brushes, and hand brush painting are useful in art. creator: Flax Art

Pardee Home Museum

The Pardee Home Museum has been on my radar for a while as one of the few places in the East Bay to…read moreget afternoon tea. I ended up finally booking the garden for a large party this month and was impressed by the experience from start to finish. It's hard to believe that it's entirely volunteer-led! Everyone I met was clearly knowledgeable and passionate about the house, its history, and its preservation. Making a reservation was easy and the coordinators were kind and courteous during the whole process. The day-of place settings were beautiful and the food was some of the best I've had for tea in addition to being generous and variable in servings. There were even some kid-friendly items (including some non-caffeinated beverages) as I had a few young guests in attendance. The tour we had following our tea service was detailed and informative without being boring. The house itself is incredibly preserved and in immaculate condition. It was great learning about the history of the Pardee family and their influence in the Bay Area, California, and beyond. There were some interactive parts too including getting to touch some antique items and listen to some hand-cranked music players. I will undoubtedly be back sometime and highly encourage anyone who likes good food and vibes or learning about local history to book a visit themselves. If you have people from out-of-town visiting, the Pardee Home is an excellent first choice for doing something low-key and private but still touristy.

The Pardee Home Museum (Italianate architecture) was built by the Pardee family. Three generations…read morelived lived there from 1868 to 1981. The last survivor put the home in a trust that is run by a Board of Trustees. It's self-supporting and run by volunteers. The father (made money in the mines, was an eye doctor and a California State Senator) and his son was Governor of California who made the poppy flower CA's state flower; reformed prisons; and established the EBMUD. All furnishings and collections are original and left intact. The tour is about 1.5 hours. Tour was educational and interesting - it covers the entire residence of 3 floors. The tour guide was nice and knowledgeable. She kept the tour intense so you wanted to know more. She gave insights and tibits of the family. All questions were answered. The afternoon tea is delightful. The food is prepared from scratch with lots of love from the volunteers. They were friendly, personable and thoughtful. Since it was the day before Easter, they put some Easter bunny theme to the tea. Just lovely people who made a delcious three course of food assortment. I definitely recommend the tour to learn about Oakland history and to visit one of the last standing historical mansions. Tea was authentic - no crust on the bread :)

Such a wide variety of collectibles

Tons of teapots!

Apricot tarts

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Alameda Naval Air Station

4.5

(17 reviews)

1.0 mi

I grew up in Alameda, I was here when Alameda NAS was an active duty base. It's been closed for…read morenearly 30 years, and now it's called Alameda Point. Area wise, Alameda Point covers about 1/3 of the island, so there's alot of land to develop. The peaceful Alameda of today, is not the same as when the base was open. Navy jets would do laps over the island daily. The jet engine tests would make the ground shake and the roar would wake you from a light nap. In the early 1970's a jet from the Central Valley crashed into an apartment building. My Dad and I ran outside just in time to see a fireball rise over the houses. But the base was a great source of revenue for the city. When a carrier or carriers were in port, Webster Street would be gridlocked with traffic. Traffic couldn't get out of the Tube. That's why they built the Constitution Way flyover ramp. It's to divert traffic away from Webster, and onto Lincoln Avenue. Webster St became a ghost town when the base closed. I had a high school friend who was a Navy Captain's son. He would take us on base and give us tours. The base was well maintained when sailors and airman were there. When they left, it became abandoned and ugly. When I was in College Army ROTC we launched an airmobile operation from the NAS. 65 armed troops in combat gear, boarding a Chinook helicopter to conduct a raid on an imaginary target 300+ miles away. During Desert Storm, jets flew airstrikes from the NAS. Very few people knew that. It has a rich history, and it shouldn't be forgotten. I regret I didn't take a picture of the East Gate before they tore it down.

The Alameda Naval Air Station sprawls across the west end shore…read more Seemingly endless abandoned buildings litter the scape. Some portions have been sold to apartment developers building structures that lack integrity. The empty air craft hangars. The empty NARDAC headquarters. So much military industrial architecture to be observed. Skaters galore, just watch out for base security. They lack any enforcement ability but love doing their job, nothing. I go here to walk my dog and explore the endless labyrinth of streets with names from times gone by.

China Clipper hangar

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Nimitz House

(3 reviews)

5.4 mi

When crossing the eastern span of the San Francisco Bridge, few people realize the history of the…read moremilitary in the area. One specifically, the Nimitz House, hidden just under the freeway on the east side of Yerba Buena island, has an incredible story and history! This house was the final residence of General Chester Nimitz, the leader and architect of WWII Pacific Theater. Simply said, the man whose leadership and strategy was used to win the war and allowed the Allies to proclaim victory. This house is a three story mansion and shows its unique architectural splendor as you approach it. It contains large windows which enabled views of the east bay and if you search the internet, you will see the elegant interior - a fitting home for its resident and his family. Gen Nimitz past away in this home at the age of 81 from a stroke. Unfortunately, California is not maintaining the residence and it has been falling in disrepair. Paint, windows, and the structure are all showing signs of neglect. Don't let its condition stop you from visiting though. Although you can't enter, you can appreciate its history and marvel of the fantastic area and views it provided.

Have you ever fallen into a rabbit hole of discovery on the Internet, only to find yourself, at…read more3am, looking at pictures of seemingly abandoned buildings on islands off the coasts of California or Mexico, which you found by zooming into said islands on Google maps and looking through the posted photos, then wondering who the hell this random guy named Christian is who posted the photos not even five months ago? What is Christian's story, you wonder, as you continue to look through the other attractions of the island, which does not include residential or commercial buildings, only to discover a few hiking trails that lead seemingly to nowhere...but what's this? A campsite with no electricity, running water, or bathrooms? Just a field on an island designated as a campsite, reached by some trail made by a dude with a machete, or something? But despite the lack of these amenities...there are picnic tables! Who decided first that it should be a campsite? Who brought the tables? What are the backstories? I've found some neat places online using this exact technique, and I've been fortunate enough to visit such places. It's cool to stand in the location of such a place after seeing all the pictures online and building it up in your head, and honestly, what makes these places better is when there aren't a ton of people crowding around when you get there, trying to take a picture for their Instagram. Sometimes, like in the case of this house, I do the reverse and come upon a neat building, art piece, or other landmark as I'm out doing other things, then furiously search the Internet for more info on the history. For me, the places that are a bit mysterious are the coolest finds. We came across this spot accidentally; we had gone to see the mission in downtown and stopped to check out Treasure Island on the way back. We drove around a bit looking for a good place to see the skyline, and came upon this very unique bit of Yerba Buena, which is somewhat hidden on the side and requires you take some twists and turns down a side road. Although there is an informational board in front of this house that suggests many people visit this place, the houses are surprisingly well-kept, with all windows intact and walls free of graffiti tags, and things are generally not trashed by garbage human beings. Looking into and around each of the houses, I got the sense that this is an area that is largely unvisited, especially compared to the neighboring areas of San Francisco, and now even Treasure Island. I wanted to do my own digging to see how well-known this weird circle of Victorian-style houses, juxtaposed beneath the modern industrial backdrop of the various overpass-bridges, are to people my age online. The results were interesting. One Reddit post with someone claiming you can rent these out for events. Quite a few articles discussing some cool historical facts, like how the Navy wouldn't let the developers of the overpass build over the house if it would block the sunshine (this house was where Admiral Chester W. Nimitz lived the last years of his life). You can easily see the curve of the overpass, as if someone nudged it out of the way. Not a whole lot more on it, other than apparently Willie Brown (past SF mayor) trying to make it the mayor's ceremonial mansion (god, please don't). Overall, despite not being able to go inside any of these houses, they're kept in beautiful condition by someone I'm assuming to be a groundskeeper, and a stop here is worth it for the view alone. Just don't mind the whizzing and whirring of the cars commuting from above.