Bike to the Brews and Views

Alameda Bike Ride from Crown Memorial Beach to Breweries

Woman biking waterside on car free trail in Alameda

Alamedans like to joke that they enjoy “island living.” Things are a bit slower and a bit more chill at this island city on San Francisco Bay. And the craft beer and spirits boom has a firm foothold in its utterly cool industrial westside. Sure, you can easily drive to this spot and enjoy beers from Faction or Almanac. But to really get into the island swing of things, ride your bike! From Robert W. Crown Memorial State Beach you can cycle mostly quiet streets (even car-free in parts!).

There’s a large parking area at the beach. From there, pedal west along the shoreline, passing pocket beaches and condos with killer views. You’ll detour a bit into a residential neighborhood of slow streets, a pilot project of closures to through traffic that was implemented in response to Covid-19.

undefined

The route returns to the shoreline and a highlight: the USS Hornet, a massive and impressive aircraft carrier that was part of WWII and the Apollo 11 recovery mission. It's now a museum welcoming visitors (Covid restrictions are in place).

Continue pedaling to the industrial area, home to historic hangars and plenty of options for food and drinks. There’s Rockwall Wines, where you can enjoy a glass on the back deck with views across the bay to SF. Hangar 1 Vodka is also here, an Alameda staple and awesome spectacle, true to the naval hub history of the city, with plenty of aviation details and a great patio.

Two beers on a table at Faction Brewing in Alameda

Beer enthusiasts should ride straight to Faction Brewing. The reinvented airplane hangar turned craft brewery has been creating some of California’s best IPAs and pale ales since 2013. And the massive patio’s view is just as impressive as its beer list: unobstructed vistas out to San Francisco and the Bay Bridge. Enjoy a fresh pint and food from whatever food truck is on site (calendar of food trucks). Tip: Bring a jacket because the bay breeze can really kick up here.

Just down the street is Almanac Beer Co, with, you guessed it, tasty IPAs! And actually a lot more. They pride themselves on “farm to barrel” brewing to make sustainably sourced beers. Their outdoor seating is more wind protected than Faction’s, and also has great food trucks on site. Return the way you came. You’re on a roll!

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST: In the episode "Covid Isn't Canceling the Outdoors (yet)" Weekend Sherpa co-founders discuss their bike ride in Alameda and visiting breweries and the USS Hornet.

Woman on a bike at a beach in Alameda

Directions: From Robert Crown Memorial State Beach (map) cycle west on the bike path close to the shoreline going by parks and condos. The path ends at Central Ave. where you’ll cross the street continuing on Fifth St. Turn left on Santa Clara Ave. (a “slow Alameda street” which doesn’t allow cars). Go a few blocks and turn left on Lincoln Ave., then cross Central Ave. again. Here you’ll find a Bay Trail sign going toward Encinal Boat Ramp. Follow it to the boat ramp, where you’ll pick up the bike path again and head west. Continue past the USS Hornet and stay on Ferry Point Rd. Within a mile you’ll reach Almanac Beer Co. To reach Faction, turn left on W. Tower Ave. through the industrial area. Then turn right on Monarch St. and you’ll reach Faction.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. All right, Almaden!

    Take a trip through time on this 5-mile loop in Almaden Quicksilver County Park. Explore the ruins of an old cinnabar mine and enjoy the first hints of wildflower season.

    View
  2. Waterfalls and Wine Pours

    Cooler temps, green hills, and the return of our magnificent waterfalls! This family-friendly 2-mile hike at Uvas Canyon County Park in Morgan Hill is a great way to get the most out of a short hike post-rain.

    View
  3. Woman hiker is climbing up the ladder in the Steep Ravine section of the Dipsea Loop Trail on Mount Tam

    Misty on Mount Tam

    Mount Tam’s 3.9-mile round-trip Steep Ravine and Dipsea Trail Loop weathers the wets and wilds with some confidence, sheltered in parts by redwoods, and wowing with a waterfall.

    View
  4. Mile-Long Cataract Club

    In winter after heavy rains, the north flank of Mount Tam glows with flows. The nearly mile-long series of waterfalls—Cataract Falls—transforms into a supercharged spectacle. Starting at Alpine Dam, a 1.6 mile (one-way) narrow trails threads through redwoods and ferns along Cataract Creek.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Peace Labyrinth

    Hidden in LA’s historic West Adams district, the Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens is a welcome respite from the norms of urban noise.

    View
  2. Weekend Sherpa Podcast: Take It Outside

    Adventure for your earbuds. What's new in the world of the outdoors? Listen to Weekend Sherpa co-founders discuss local hikes, beaches, bike rides, camping spots and all kinds of travel and adventure in California and beyond!

    View
  3. Hikers sitting on a large rock slab next to Three Sisters Falls in Cleveland National Forest Southern California near Julian

    Three Sisters

    Good things come in threes at this hike to a lovely trio-tiered waterfall in Cleveland National Forest. The 4.25-mile out-and-back hike rambles among rolling hills, with rocky mountain views as switchbacks take you down to a lush canyon and the falls.

    View
  4. People gathered around a tree at an LA Park as part of the Tree Tour led by Stephanie Carrie

    LA's Tree Tour

    Los Angeles is famous for its iconic palm trees but did you know that LA is home to one of the most diverse urban forests in the world? With over 1,000 different tree species lining its streets, LA offers a unique urban canopy waiting to be explored. One of the best ways to discover it is by joining a Tree Tour

    View