Wanderlust World Wanderlust World While the island city of Alameda gets frequently lost in the large shuffle of Bay Area destinations and diversions-visitors to this locale will encounter plenty to explore. Admirable architecture, some superb beaches and a handful of one-of-a-kind attractions are just a few of the options. Here is how to enjoy your stay in Alameda, California.
Take a stroll along Crown Memorial State Beach, with plenty of windsurfing activity, pretty palms swaying in the breeze and sweeping vistas of the entire bay.
For a tempting tour visit you won't soon forget, set aside a few hours for St. George Spirits on Monarch Street, in the old Naval Air Station. Free tours are available, and a lively tasting room provides exceptionally priced tasting options of their exceptional spirits-including whiskeys, vodkas and even absinthe.
The former Naval Station is also home to the USS Hornet Museum, host to the USS Hornet aircraft carrier and some other impressive diversions, including a flight simulator that lets visitors experience what it's like to take flight in a jet fighter.
The best nightlife in town can be discovered at the Forbidden Island Tiki Lounge, a haven of "grass hut" booths, ultra-colorful cocktails and even tasty treats like crab rangoon. All of the details are done right here, from the freshly squeezed juice used in the tropical libations to the décor that ranges from waterfalls to wooden crab traps to towering tiki statuary.
For something a bit different, try your pinball skills at the Lucky Ju Ju, a marvelous vintage pinball museum and art gallery on Santa Clara Avenue that lets kids and adults enjoy some of the coolest old-time pinball machines you'll ever see.
To savor the city's wealth of venerable Victorian mansions, simply stroll along Park, Webster or one of the other main residential strips. The Meyers House Museum on Alameda Avenue is also worth a look.
For a festive combination of dining and libation head to Speisekammer on Lincoln Avenue, a haven of German beer, festivities and eats-which run the gamut from bratwurst to strudel to schnitzel.
Film buffs heading to Alameda will love taking in a flick at the Alameda Theatre & Cineplex on Central Avenue. The seven-screen movie house has been lavishly restored to its 1932 glory, but with all the modern comforts and amenities of today's cineplexes, and is easily one of the handsomest movie theaters in the West.