Beach Hotels in Alameda, CA

Nestled in the East Bay of the Bay Area is one of northern California’s most beautiful coastal cities, Alameda. Primarily located on Alameda Island, this city spans across a few small islands in the San Francisco Bay and occupies what was originally a low-lying peninsula connected to Oakland. Colonized by the Spanish in 1853, Alameda’s name was chosen for its Spanish translation meaning "grove of poplar trees" or "tree-lined avenue.” Now home to breath-taking beaches, bird refuges, fine dining, a wealth of bicycle and walking paths, green spaces, and waterfront picnic areas, this city is a paradise and the perfect setting for your next bayside getaway from one of the top beach hotels in Alameda.

For an active afternoon while in town, head to one of Alameda’s shoreline parks along the San Francisco Bay and the San Leandro Marina, which extend for more than six miles, and boast beautiful views of the San Francisco skyline and the East Bay hills. Rent an e-bike, or bring your own and hit the trails for an unforgettable ride through some of the Bay Area’s most striking coastline. After your ride (or walk), follow your nose to one of the city’s incredible restaurants or seaside eateries for a range of global cuisine and a nice beverage or two.

Though small in size, this town has experienced an explosion of activity recently that’s turned it into a noteworthy dining and drinking destination. With a diverse range of cuisine— from Italian bistros to Japanese classics (and some of the best German food in the Bay), you’ll have endless mouth-watering options to choose from while in town. And for a nice afternoon or evening brew, head to one of Alameda’s newer distilleries or breweries for a delicious craft beer or smooth spirit. And don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy the California grape from one of Alameda’s wineries for an afternoon tasting. Whatever flavor you’re seeking, there’s something for everyone in Alameda.

Then, for a culture break, head to the USS Hornet— Sea, Air and Space Museum for an afternoon of exploration aboard this ship-turned-museum. Located on the southernmost pier of the former Naval Air Station Alameda, the museum is home to the aircraft carrier USS Hornet, exhibits from the NASA Apollo Moon exploration missions, and several retired aircraft from the Second World War as well as the transonic and early supersonic jet propulsion period. You’ll get to self-tour the flight deck, hangar deck, and first deck below, or you can opt for a guided tour of the ship's navigation and flight deck control areas of the island and down into one of the engineering spaces containing two of the four ship's propulsion turbines. It’s a truly unique experience, and one you won’t want to pass on while in town at your top beach hotel in Alameda.

Have a fantastic seaside escape to one of the Bay Area’s best cities, and don’t forget to check out our top beach hotels nearby in Marina Del Rey, Monterey, and Santa Barbara.