Staff Pick's: Alameda, CA
Music Roadtrip
Certified: 🌟 Certified
Description: Just across the bay from Oakland and San Francisco, Alameda moves at its own easy, oceanside rhythm. Tree-lined streets, vintage architecture, sandy beaches, and a proudly indie spirit make this island city feel like a world tucked inside the Bay Area. This short but meaningful route highlights Alameda’s coastal charm and its growing love for music, vinyl, and community spaces. Begin at the Doug Siden Visitor Center at Crab Cove, a waterfront gateway where you can learn about the island’s natural history, tidal life, trails, and scenic overlooks. It’s the perfect spot to slow down, breathe in the sea air, and get your bearings before wandering deeper into Alameda’s neighborhoods. The staff can point you toward beaches, parks, and local hangouts that give the island its mellow, welcoming vibe. Then make your way to Beaker’s Records, a beloved vinyl shop that captures the creative soul of Alameda. The bins here run deep—new releases, indie gems, classic rock, jazz, soul, and a strong regional section that reflects the Bay’s eclectic musical legacy. It’s the kind of store where conversations spark easily, discoveries happen often, and a quick visit somehow turns into an hour-long dig.