Store your luggage around Alameda with Bounce
The island city of Alameda, California, sits in the San Francisco Bay just outside the city of Oakland. Most of the city is on Alameda Island, but some of it spills over onto Bay Farm Island, which is also the home of Oakland International Airport. Therefore, if you're traveling to the Bay Area and making use of this airport instead of the busier San Francisco International, chances are good you may find yourself at least passing through Alameda.
However, the city deserves more than just a quick pass-through. Although it's tempting to head away from the airport as quickly as possible to explore Oakland or San Francisco for yourself, Alameda has some attractions that are worth visiting. If you're looking to kill time before your flight, Alameda definitely has some great things to do. Just remember to drop off your bags at local luggage storage facilities before you do. Traveling light can make it much easier to enjoy the city, and luggage lockers and other luggage storage facilities mean you never have to carry a lot of luggage with you while enjoying California.
Luggage storage in Alameda
Bounce partners with local businesses to provide the best luggage storage Alameda has to offer. Bounce combines the convenience of booking luggage storage online with the ability to store any size of bags or suitcases for as long as you like, whether that's a few hours, an entire day, or even longer. Bounce makes it easy to store luggage wherever you are and provides an excellent luggage storage option at a minimum cost. Luggage storage could hardly be more convenient, so drop your bag or suitcase off with Bounce and know your belongings will be safely looked after until you're ready to pick them up.
Alameda city guide
Top things to do in Alameda
As an island, Alameda is blessed with multiple great beaches that provide incredible views of the San Francisco Bay. If you're looking to get away from the chaos of the city, the beaches and parks of Alameda can provide respite in the shadow of the city. But Alameda also has its share of cultural attractions, often with a quirky island atmosphere that sets them apart from the things you'll find to do on the mainland.
Museums in Alameda
Alameda's museums reflect its quirky island nature by offering experiences you won't find elsewhere. Note that many of the smaller museums in Alameda don't provide their own luggage storage, so it's a good idea to find your own luggage storage solution before you visit so your suitcases and bags won't hold you back.
- USS Hornet Museum: Located at a former naval base on Alameda, this retired aircraft carrier is registered as a National Historic Landmark and provides a fascinating way to learn more about military technology. Take a self-guided tour of this incredible ship, where you will also encounter vintage aircraft from America's conflicts in the latter half of the 20th century and into the 21st. The Hornet was also the recovery vessel for the Apollo 11 moon mission, and several artifacts from that trip to space are also preserved on board.
- Alameda Museum: Established in 1948, this small but interesting museum tells the story of the city of Alameda through archival documents, photographs, and videos. It's a good place to learn more about the city and this part of the Bay Area, but know that it is run by volunteers, so the opening hours are limited. Best to plan ahead of you want to visit.
- Pacific Pinball Museum: Definitely one of the most fun museums in Alameda, this museum collects pinball machines from various eras. Most of the machines are still in working order and are completely playable, so you can spend a good few hours here trying to beat your top score.
Shopping in Alameda
Shopping in Alameda may not be able to compete with the glitzy areas of San Francisco, but the island is home to several shopping districts where you should be able to find everything you need.
- Downtown Alameda: Alameda's charming downtown is the best place to come for unique and quirky boutique stores. You'll find local designers, vintage fashion retailers, and great gift shops in this pleasant environment.
- Alameda Landing: This open-air shopping center features a playground for kids and plenty of restaurants as well as stores like Target, Safeway, and smaller independent retailers.
- Alameda South Shore Center: The major shopping mall in town, this center has stores like Kohl's, Marine West, and other big names.
Restaurants in Alameda
Just like the rest of the Bay Area, Alameda has received immigration from around the world since it was founded, and that has left the city with a great range of different cuisines. Once you've left behind your bags at a convenient luggage storage, Alameda may surprise you with the breadth and quality of food on offer. Give some of these great restaurants a try.
- Trabocco Kitchen and Cocktails: This elegant Italian restaurant serves traditional Italian and Italian-American recipes enhanced by local produce. With an upscale ambiance and an impressive wine list, this is a great place to come for a fancy meal.
- alley & vine: Known for its impressive selection of caviar, this may not be the best Alameda restaurant to visit on a budget. However, with a seasonal menu that is always bringing something new and exciting, it is a great place to try fresh local food and inventive recipes.
- Spinning Bones: With a focus on slow-cooked rotisserie meats, this flavorful restaurant is a great place to come to satisfy your inner carnivore.
Conclusion
Alameda isn't the first place people think of when they think of a vacation in the San Francisco Bay area, but this charming town has a lot more to offer than just the airport.