Alameda Island, the former naval base off Oakland’s coast, has traditionally stayed pretty under the radar.
But lately, the tides have been shifting. These days, the small city is home to a community of makers, creatives, and entrepreneurs bringing big-city vibes to the small-town islet.
Alameduh, a new quarterly zine coming this fall, aims to shine the spotlight on them and the latest in art, food, music, and culture in Alameda—and we’ve got a sneak peek. Founder Corinne Avganim Wilk shares with 7x7 the best the island has to offer morning, noon, and night.
Morning in Alameda
The famed Alameda Point Antiques Faire is held the first Sunday of the month.
(Courtesy of @alamedaantiquesfaire)
Crab Cove
Free year-round and stunning sunrise to sunset, the cove features well-maintained paths, benches, picnic areas, bathrooms, and a Visitor Center highlighting local ecosystems and wildlife. // 1200 McKay Ave., ebparks.org
Alameda Point Antiques Faire
The thing to do in Alameda. The first time you heard of the city was probably through this flea market. With 800+ vendors, free parking, and local eats, it’s a collector's dreamland; first Sundays from 6am to 3pm. // 3900 Main St., alamedapointantiquesfaire.com
SF Coffee Cultures
The first thing you’ll see when crossing the Alameda bridge, this shop may have ‘SF’ in the name, but it’s an Alamedan staple for inventive drinks and light bites. Bonus: their sunny back patio. // 1926 Park St., coffee-cultures.com
Crispian Bakery
Pictures can’t do Crispian justice. It’s the smell that hits on entry that’ll have you considering one of everything. My favorite? Their super-shiny chocolate éclairs. // 1700 Park St., crispianbakery.com
Marti’s Place
I hate to blow up a favorite spot, but so be it. Marti’s is too good to leave off the list. Women-owned, they cook up breakfast classics passed down through generations. // 1905 1/2 Encinal Ave., martisplacego.com
Afternoon in Alameda
A rainbow of boba tea at Top Up
(Courtesy of @topupalameda)
Pizzeria Pappo
This pie don’t lie: it’s hands-down the best pizza on the island. Grab it whole or by the slice—and don’t sleep on their pastas, salads, or sides. // 709 Santa Clara Ave., pizzeriapappo.com
Coven of Stitches
Coven of Stitches is a safe space for your craftiest desires. Owned by an actual angel, Yelley Elldee, they offer crafting supplies and classes, and are home to Beatrice, the cutest shop pup around. // 1602 Webster St., covenofstitches.com
Modern Mouse
It feels good shopping at Modern Mouse, Alameda’s headquarters for apparel and gifts made by local and independent designers. // 2223 South Shore Center, modernmousegifts.com
Top Up Tea
It’s the ube boba for me, but you can’t go wrong at Top Up. Try the fried chicken with chili powder, and you’ll get why everyone wishes it was open until 1am. // 650 Central Ave., Ste. G, topuptea.com
Gold Coast Neighborhood Bike Ride
It may feel like a movie set, but this neighborhood is real. Homeowners take great pride in their properties, and locals flock to the area for bike rides, architecture tours, and Franklin Park. // Central and Encinal Aves to Grand St. and the Alameda Lagoon, alamedapostgoldcoast.com
Twilight in Alameda
Brown sugar-brined pork chop at Spinning Bones
(Courtesy of @spinning.bones)
Park Street Shops
Come for an hour or stay forever. From vintage scores at Rocket Reuse to the current curations at Daisy’s Mercantile, Park Street has something for everyone. // Park St. from San Jose to Blanding Ave., downtownalameda.com
Spinning Bones Restaurant
Date-night central, Michelin-rated Spinning Bones fuses Californian-inspired rotisserie with seasonal ingredients. While the menu may change, their dedication to immaculate meals never will. // 1205 Park St., spinningbones.com
Alameda Tattoo
Alameda loves a good tat. While there are plenty of quality shops on the island, Alameda Tattoo’s big community feels and dedication to perfection in every piece sets them apart from the rest. // 650 Haight Ave., alamedatattoo.com
Faction Brewing
Husband-and-wife-owned Faction offers craft beers and endless community events at its warehouse taproom. Epic skyline views and rotating food trucks keep fans coming back for more. // 2501 Monarch St., factionbrewing.com
Night in Alameda
Alameda's new public gallery, Studio 23
(Courtesy of @studio23gallery)
Forbidden Island
Give me all the tiki! That’s what you’ll find yourself saying at this island institution serving up killer cocktails and bar snacks like coconut shrimp and corndogs. // 1304 Lincoln Ave., forbiddenislandalameda.com
Studio 23 Gallery
Studio 23 is a new public gallery from Artpush.org featuring local artists and events. Past exhibits live on at local hotspots like The Fireside Lounge and Alameda Brewing; second Fridays from 7pm to 9pm. // 2309 Encinal Ave., studio23gallery.com
Phở Nation
Phở Nation is the closest thing Alameda has to “da clurb.” For those who’ve always wanted to get low with their spring roll, come on Fridays or Saturdays for live DJs starting at 9pm. // 1511 Park St., phonation.net
Bowlero
Fun for all—for real—Bowlero delivers with a full bar and kitchen, neon-lit arcade, and of course, lots of lanes to bowl. // 300 Park St., bowleroalameda.com
South Shore Beach
With views of Alameda’s coast and the city in the distance, these skies are so vibrant, you’ll have to see them to believe them. // Shoreline Dr. from Central Ave. to Broadway, southshorebeach.com
// For more of Alameda’s best kept secrets, follow Alameduh at instagram.com/alameduhzine
