halloween in alameda. the USS Hornet turned into a scary maze with history involved. even the drive…read moreto this area is beautiful: you observe the water, the pier, and a beautiful clear sky. then you get to the actual museum, with historical planes and the ship the maze itself was about 10 minutes, but it was intense and nice to walk through the inside of the ship and try something new on a haunted ship

The USS Hornet Museum is located in Alameda. To get there from SF you can take the low cost ferry…read more(M-F) from the SF ferry terminal to the Alameda Seaplane stop. It takes about 10 minutes to cross the water and then about 10 minutes on foot to Hornet. Don't worry you can easily see it from the ferry. If you don't take the ferry on M-F or go on a Sat or Sun it is going to be much harder to get here coming from SF. Car parking is free here if you do drive. I visited on a Monday and bought my ticket while onboard. They offer 4 docent led tours for extra cost and I chose the Island tour for an extra $12. This tour let us explore the Island including going to the bridge, CIC, Flight Ops, etc. I thought it was well worth the cost and led by a knowledgeable docent. During that time, I also got to walk the Flight Deck and look at the static display aircraft on it. The hangar deck (where you first enter) had several other aircraft on display along with other exhibits including Hornets' participation in recovering the Apollo 11 & 12 crews from visiting the Moon. Hornet (CV-12) was decommissioned shortly after. Below the hangar decks, I found the self guided tour route to be a little confusing. A couple of times, I got lost but could always reorient myself by going back up to the Hangar deck. By the way they only offer a digital QR code map. All in all the ship is in good shape. I understand that they are trying to relocate CV-12 over to SF possibly near the Jeremiah O'Brien which would greatly improve foot traffic and visibility.

Who would have thought that this little gem would be tucked away in Hayward? I've got to say, I was…read morequite surprised! The Hayward Historical Society is a local Hayward history museum that features 4 different exhibits. There are two permanent exhibits (History exhibit and children's exhibit) and two that are rotating (the community exhibit and the special exhibit). The history exhibit is filled with tons of old Hayward artifacts, photos, historical excerpts, and replicas of what daily life and activities were life in Hayward back in the day. I was really fascinated by their Hayward Community exhibit and I loved watching snippets of the documentary at the mini movie theater. The children's exhibit is very interactive and features a vintage cash register along with a mini grocery store with fake vegetables and other items for sale. It's a recreation of ancient Hayward civilization and I was impressed with how they were able to incorporate this into a kid's play area. The two rotating exhibits were quite intriguing as well. During the time that I attended, they were displaying both a risqué exhibit and a women's rights exhibit. I thought it was ironic that they displayed both of these exhibits at the same time since they kind of contradicted each other, but I thought that it made for a great juxtaposition. The risqué exhibit was known as their special exhibit and no photos were allowed for this one. Admission is $5 and you can easily spend over an hour exploring the museum in its' entirety. They have a parking lot located behind the building and there's also a small cafe, but of course, so food or drink is allowed while inside. All in all, I really enjoyed learning about the history of Hayward and I encourage anyone to come out and visit to get informed (especially if you're a Hayward local!).

It was awesome but kinda sad that they didn't have the kids play area anymore but over all nice…read morequiet place to look threw history

If you want to experience a step back in time, the self guided tour or the paid for tour will leave…read moreyou feeling like you are in another dimension. Stepping into the house from the front door, the energy felt warm and welcoming. It almost felt as though the family was still there. Maybe the past is the present. I was lucky to have the house to myself- I was told the house docent would arrive shortly . Natural light pouring through the old windows was lovely. As I wandered about, I could hear agitated footsteps from upstairs, so I did not go to the second floor, but instead entertained myself with exploring all the downstairs. I was drawn to a beautiful painting on the wall of a woman with her horse in the front room. As I was looking at the painting my sweater pocket was gently tugged not once but twice. Inside the pocket was my lemon honey cough drops. ‍ If you want to experience a quieter peaceful time before "progress" changed Hayward you will enjoy the tour. Any funds that they make on these tours or events goes to the care of the two historic mansions. The house docents are lovely and share the family history in such a way they come alive. If you have wondered what the inside of this grand old dame looks like you will enjoy seeing for yourself on the second Saturday of the month 10am to 2 pm. Enjoy.

Randomly passed by while biking down Hesperian (unintended city sight tour) and noticed this cool…read morearchitectural gem. It wasn't open today so couldn't go in for tours but I looked it up online later. Reminds me of the Patterson House at Ardenwood Historic Farm. Neat piece of local history!

I was generally surprised there was a museum about pinball machines. I did not know it was actually…read morea place someone would be interested in going to because I thought it was just a museum that people could see and maybe interact with a few machines. Imagine my surprise when I walked in and a lot of machines were playable. The older ones ~1900s were behind viewing glass but ~1920s, there were playable. There were also old jukeboxes/record players that you can interact with. Admission was a quick and simple. For all day access, it was ~22 dollars. It is cheaper for students and children. Honestly, I needed the unlimited access because I quickly learned I wasn't that great. Looks are deceiving from the outside, but it is pretty spacious inside. It was a museum with descriptive signs, but you can play on them. I liked the hourse racing even though the flippers were not all that helpful and I end up more on the side ends but it was cool to see the horses move. I also liked the more modern ones like the Guns and Roses, and especially Pokemon. It was so cool to see a skeletal pinball machine too. I always did like looking at gears. If I am around Alameda, I highly recommend and suggest going with friends.

I've been to Alameda at least once or twice a week, but somehow I had never noticed the Pacific…read morePinball Museum! After dining in Alameda one day, I randomly stumbled upon it while taking a walk and decided to stop in. The entrance is small, but the gentleman behind the counter was incredibly friendly and helpful. He gave us a quick explanation of the pricing, in-and-out privileges, and where the different games were located. He was brief but enthusiastic, informative, and welcoming. We paid for admission and ended up staying for about an hour--and it was so much fun! The games are definitely addictive, and there's a great mix of people of all ages, from children to adults. The space is a little narrow and can get crowded, but that also adds to the lively atmosphere. There's one restroom available, and I was pleasantly surprised by how clean, tidy, and fully stocked it was. Overall, this is such a lovely hidden gem in Alameda. Admission is reasonably priced, and with the in-and-out privileges, you can easily make the most of your visit. It's a fun place for all ages, and I would definitely recommend checking it out. I'll absolutely be back in the future! *****FIVE STARS*****

Tours at the Cohen Bray House only occur one Sunday per month, but are well worth it for lovers of…read morelocal history, Victorian art, interiors and architecture. We bought our tickets on their website and the two hour tour we attended was led by a descendant of the family, who shared stories of an entrepreneurial family who came to California during the Gold Rush. It's rare to find an intact Victorian that allows a public tour. This one is in the Charles Eastlake stick style, with working sliding pocket doors with their original hardware, period fireplaces and mirrors, painted stained glass and period furniture from the original house. Let alone the vintage textiles, vintage photos and old clothing, and ephemera all intact. They are doing a slow recovery of the home given funding constraints, and are currently in need of a new foundation. It's rare to find a Victorian in the Bay Area with its original redwood carved doors, pillars and staircases not ruined with a thick coat of paint. The garden could use additional care, but that too requires funds. This family-run nonprofit allows limited public tours of this delicate, aging & formerly magnificent Victorian home and that is a treat. It's nice to visit to support this unique, aging architectural beauty.

I came here for a tour with my family. There were two other people on the tour with us and a tour…read moreguide who was a descendant of the family that originally owned the house. Nice little tour of the place with anecdotes included. Lots of history and artifacts present. Tours are booked by calling in advance. Occasionally they serve tea too. Haven't come here for that, although I do know they have a festive dinner coming up in December that will be like a historic reenactment of Christmas time there. I assume you have to call to reserve for that too. I would give yourself about an hour for the tour and any questions you might have. Parking is free along the street. The house is located in a residential neighborhood.

It's a great photo location during sunset…read more There is no parking unfortunately, so park on the side of the road with your emergency on. Be careful as cars are coming downhill and making a blind spot turn. Maintained extremely well and clean. Lots of history plaques here if you like to read. Can get very windy as it's on top of a hill.

This is a unique garden and information center, which provides information on fire and earthquake…read morehazards in the Bay Area. On the upper deck are information plaques that give a lot of helpful information. The lower portion consists of beautiful, rolling gardens. It appears that many of the plants are native California species. The lower portion has trails that you may used to stroll around the beautiful gardens. The entire facility appears to be professionally designed and well-maintained.. Probably won't be considered a five-star attraction, but it's worth a brief visit. This is a convenient way station for bikers going up the road. There's a drinking faucet right next to the road, making it super handy for the bikers. Free parking right next to the center.

I recently went aboard this amazing piece of history for their 3 hour Bay WWII History tour. I had…read morebeen on the Potomac many years ago - before Covid - and did not know that they offered several different length bay cruises, dockside tours and special events. If you haven't been on board this fabulous yacht, you need to experience this! I took the new water taxi from Alameda over to Jack London square and made the short walk over. I met the fabulous Tess who checked me in and then watched the video with the Docent David who was so friendly and knowledgable I knew I was in for a great day! The entire crew was wonderful. David gave me a great tour of this beautifully restored Yacht that has had quite an interesting history from WWII to the present (Elvis once owned this before donating it to Danny Thomas and St. Judes!). We cruised from Jack London Square around the bay to Richmond and the Kaiser Shipyards while one of the crew (I forgot his name, darn it) gave the history of the Bay area during WWII along with tidbits about FDR and his time on his yacht. We came back around by Alcatraz, Pier 39 and the Ferry building before returning to Jack London Square. We were served a great lunch and all though I didn't spend any money at the bar, I did get some great stuff at the museum store on board. I happened to run into Ford Roosevelt and his lovely wife Marni while out on my walk along the Estuary. I had my USS Hornet Tshirt on and that started our conversation and how I found out that I could actually take a cruise on it! I had such a great time I came back and booked tickets for the Fleet Week Blue Angels tour. I can't wait. I would give the ship, crew and staff more than 5 stars if I could! @usspotomac, #usspotomac

We had a great time on the Bay this weekend on the USS Potomac for Opening Day. Not only did we get…read moreblessed we were second in line behind the fireboats in the Parade of Ships. An experience I truly recommend!!

I always walk around pt Richmond area being a Richmond native myself. But this is my first time on…read morethis ship, it was a spur of the moment thing on a Sunday while walking around the area. I'm glad I came on. It was a great start to 2025. Although the outside is rusting and really aging, the interior of the ship, the rooms are pretty much well kept. You can take your time to explore and read things on the self guided tour which me and my friend did. The inside of the ship is surprisingly very lively. There's a store, a dance room, and lots of the employees in their offices. It was a pleasant surprise. Apparently they have many things going on this ship like pancake days and other events. I would highly recommend keeping an eye constantly on your kids if they are crazy and like to run around a lot as this is not the place to be running around wildly. You can literally open any doors that's not locked and some leads to a dark area with pits that you can't see the bottom of. The railing on the higher levels have huge gaps that a kid can easily pass through if they rolled over and the fall (especially the last two upper deck levels) is guaranteed fatal. I focused more on exploring so didn't take much pictures. It is very likely I will be back on this ship again.

It was a nice experience - the breakfast pancake - on Mother's Day. It wasn't feasible for someone…read morewith mobility issues since the weather was cold and windy the meal was eaten below deck. It would have been nicer if we got to stay above deck and experience fresh air. The ship was also excellent to walk through but would have liked to see more details provided. Seems like the only way to get more detailed information is with a tour but with younger kids they're not allowed to follow the tours. My kids enjoyed the experience and it was nice to discover touristy activities close to home that's affordable.