San Leandro Voyage Tips and guide

Contents

San Leandro (known locally as SL) is in Alameda County in the East Bay portion of California's Bay Area. Historically a town with dozens of huge cherry farms and a Spanish missionary ranch, San Leandro today is a rapidly growing city home to prominent business firms and is a suburb of Oakland. Founded in 1872, it is one of the oldest cities in California. San Leandro does not have as much to offer as its neighbors, however its central location may make it a very economical home base for tourists and commuters, and its panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay and its hills are worth a trip for visitors.

San Leandro has a diverse population, with Asians forming a plurality at roughly 30% of the population, Whites and Hispanics each at around 27%, African-Americans at 12%, and one of the lower 48 states' larger Pacific Islander populations forming about 1% of the city's population.

Weather in San Leandro is very comfortable throughout most of the year, ranging from the mid 50s to upper 70s (F). However, early morning weather in the winter (5AM-7AM) can reach as low as the mid 20s with frost, and in high pressure systems in the summer can cause temperatures to reach as high as the mid to upper 90s.

37°43′30″N 122°9′22″W

Map of San Leandro

San Leandro is easy to access by car, it is located by two major Bay Area freeways, Interstates 580 and 880. 580 leads to the Civic Center, Downtown, Bayfair Center and the BART station. The exits on 580 to San Leandro include, Grand Avenue/Downtown, 150th Avenue/Fairmont Drive, 164th Avenue/Miramar Avenue and Junction California State Route 238 to Hayward, when traveling westbound, the exits are, Carolyn Street/164th Avenue, Fairmont Drive/150th Avenue, Benedict Drive and Estudillo Avenue/Downtown. Exits on 880 are, Davis Street, Marina Blvd., Washington Avenue and Junction Interstate 238 to 580.

Other highways include Interstate 238, which begins in Castro Valley before arriving into San Leandro at the first exit. 238 connects 580 with 880 and vice versa. Also in San Leandro is an off-ramp to California State Route 238 to Hayward off 580. California State Route 185 is East 14th Street, which leads non-freeway traffic to either Oakland or Hayward. California State Route 112 is Davis Street, which begins in Downtown San Leandro before turning into California State Route 61 (Doolittle Drive) which leads to Alameda. 580 Eastbound leads people to Hayward, Stockton, Fresno and Los Angeles the latter which is via Interstate 5. 580 Westbound leads people to Oakland, San Francisco, Berkeley, Sacramento (via Interstate 80) and San Rafael. 880 Northbound leads people to Oakland, Downtown Oakland, Berkeley (via Interstate 980 to 580) and San Francisco (via Interstate 80). 880 Southbound leads to Hayward, San Jose and Santa Cruz (the latter via California State Route 17).

San Leandro is also easy to access by public transportation. BART, or Bay Area Rapid Transit, is a subway that connects San Francisco, SFO, Concord, Fremont and Pleasanton/Dublin with 2 stations (37.7218-122.1611 San Leandro BART and 37.697-122.1272 Bayfair BART ). San Leandro also has bus services that service throughout the town.

San Leandro is 5–20 minutes from the Oakland International Airport (OAK ^IATA), and bus services and BART link San Leandro with the airport. San Francisco International Airport (SFO ^IATA) is also accessible to San Leandro by BART and bus services and is about 25–30 minutes from San Leandro. San Jose International Airport (SJC ^IATA) is the least accessible to San Leandro, because it is not served by BART, so access by car, bus or an expensive taxi ride are the only options, San Jose International Airport to San Leandro is 30–40 minutes.

San Leandro is close to the Oakland Amtrak station and is accessible to San Leandro by BART or bus.

San Leandro is linked to Bay Area cities by bus services, and has local bus services, Flex Shuttle and LINKS linking parts of town to another.

San Leandro's former ferry pier and building have closed and are being threatened with demolition. The closest ferry terminals are in Oakland's Jack London Square and in Alameda. They can be accessed to San Leandro by car or bus. Ferry services also take riders to San Francisco and Sausalito.

San Leandro's scenes and landscape is best seen by biking around the city and comes in handy in downtown rush hours, when streets are clogged by cars and buses. Miles and miles of bike lanes are found on practically every major street and residents enjoy biking in the city's parks and shoreline.

Interstates 580, 880 and 238, California State Routes 238, 185, 112 and 61, BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) 2 stations, San Leandro and Bayfair, local bus services and close access to Oakland International Airport. When visiting downtown, the civic center or Wells Fargo Tower parking meters are always likely to be full. Instead, park at the 2-story Estudillo Parking Garage, which is free of charge, but has a time limit of 1 hour, unless you are a Wells Fargo Tower employee.

During rush hour on weekdays (8AM-9AM) and (4PM-6:30PM) traffic on all interstates can be terrible. Traffic on 580 is troublesome from Downtown on both sides and at the Bayfair Center on Eastbound 580 at 150th Avenue. 880 and 238 are clogged during these times. On weekends, 580 and 880 fare better while 238 is clogged on Sundays. Traveling on California State Routes 185 and 112 are also troublesome on Sundays.

• 37.709821-122.192741 Oyster Bay Regional Shoreline (at the end of Neptune Drive). A regional park and shoreline. (updated Dec 2023)
• 37.69696-122.192522 San Leandro Marina and Shoreline, 13801 Monarch Bay Dr. A city park and San Leandro's only city shoreline and one of the city's four water recreational facilities. Historic site of the former Oyster Bay Beds, the largest oyster fishery in the Americas, the oyster beds are a California Historical Landmark. 

• 37.7398-122.1013 Lake Chabot Regional Park, 17930 Lake Chabot Dr (AC Transit bus 34, 35, 46L), ☏ +1-510-562-7275. One of the largest regional parks in Northern California, this park offers great views, picnic areas, boat trips on the lake, a coffee shop, golf, fishing, birdviewing, camping and sightseeing... Parking $5, dog fee $2.  
• 37.694167-122.1463894 Washington Manor Park and Pool, 14900 Zelma St, ☏ +1 510-577-3462. Summer hours: M-F 1-4:30PM and 7:30-9:30PM, Sa 1-6PM and Su noon-5:30PM. Boasts one of the tallest waterslides in the Bay Area. $4 per person over 3 years of age.  
• Chabot Dam (on the border of Lake Chabot Regional Park and the city park Chabot Park). The first dam built in Northern California. 
• Fairmont Ridge Regional Park, 2200 Fairmont Dr. A scenic path that is an alternative to Lake Chabot on busy days. 
• 37.7268-122.1585 Root Park, 1071 East 14th St. The only park that gives a close-up view of the locally famous and important San Leandro Creek. The portion of the creek closest to the creek is a California Historical Landmark due to the rainbow trout that thrive in the creek, possibly the largest rainbow trout population in a Californian creek. 

• 37.696389-122.1569446 Casa Peralta, 384 West Estudillo Ave, ☏ +1-510-577-3474. Sa Su 11AM-3PM (calling ahead on day of visit is recommended). A Spanish adobe-like building, remnants of a former ranch owned by Spanish in colonial times. Free. (updated Jul 2018)
• 37.7244-122.15787 San Leandro History Museum, 320 West Estudillo Ave, ☏ +1-510-577-3990. Th-Su 11AM-3PM. A museum about San Leandro's history, from its founding to present day. 

• 37.726-122.1548 San Leandro Public Library, 300 Estudillo Ave, ☏ +1-510-577-3971. M-Th 10AM-9PM, F 10AM-5:30PM, Sa 10AM-5PM, Su noon-4PM. Main branch, one of the largest libraries in the East Bay, it hosts a book store, cafe, art gallery and convention stage. 
• 37.7113-122.14389 Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory and Headquarters, 1111 139th Ave, ☏ +1-510-483-6970. 
• Rancho San Antonio (Peralta Grant) commemorative plaque, on San Leandro Blvd. at W. Estudillo Ave (A California Historical Landmark). 
• 37.730733-122.161510 Peralta Home, 561 Lafayette Ave (A California Historical Landmark;the first brick home built in Alameda County).  
• Mulford Point, 40 Mulford Point Dr. A scenic vista point next to the San Leandro Marina that offers a view of the San Francisco Bay and the Oakland Airport. 
• 37.72864-122.148811 Veterans Memorial Building, 1105 Bancroft Ave, ☏ +1-510-352-3785. A building dedicated to the veterans of the United States. In 1933 A site for the Veteran's Memorial Building was jointly purchased by the City of San Leandro and the local veterans organizations. From 1927 to 1935, Alameda County funded the construction of ten such memorial buildings throughout the county. County architect Henry Haight Meyers oversaw the designs. When completed the Veterans Memorial building would house activities for the Legion, VFW and the Spanish War Veterans. Ground-breaking ceremony was held on Armistice Day Nov 11, 1933. On March 18, 1934, the cornerstone of the building was placed in position by William Bostaph, a local Civil War Veteran and holder of the Order of the Purple Heart. On July 6, 1934, the building was completed. At the time there was enormous civic pride over the building. It was described as one of the finest Italian-type buildings in Alameda county. The total cost of construction came to $89,000. A dedication ceremony was held on Sep 23, 1934. Over 1500 people attended the ceremony. The $80,000 New Wing was dedicated July 5, 1951. 

San Leandro has several annual festivals (listed chronologically):

• Chinese New Year and Têt Festival. A celebration of Chinese and Vietnamese New Years at the San Leandro Public Library, every Saturday before the observed dates, or the observed date if the New Year falls on a Saturday. 
• San Leandro Watershed Festival. A celebration of the San Leandro Creek at Root Park, every last Saturday of April. 
• Cinco De Mayo Festival. A celebration of Cinco De Mayo at the Civic Center, every first Saturday of May. 
• Cherry Festival (across the street from the BART station). Every year on the first Saturday of June, a big street fair in downtown San Leandro celebrates the historic start of the annual cherry harvest season. Music, food trucks, handicrafts and souvenirs, carnival food, a parade, activities for kids, artisanal food products, and of course, a bunch of stands selling cherries and cherry-based products like pies, scented candles, and cherry lemonade. The festival, which has been held since 1909, brings a festive atmosphere of community pride. Check the schedule in advance if you want to see the pie-eating contest! (updated Jun 2024)
• Veterans' Day Parade. The largest Veterans' Day Parade in the county honoring soldiers for World War I to the Iraq War. Held every Sunday before Veterans' Day in Downtown on East 14th Street. 

The sales tax rate in San Leandro is 9.25%.

San Leandro is a shopping hub of the East Bay and is home to various malls:

• 37.7008-122.1261 Bayfair Center, 15555 East 14th St, ☏ +1-510-357-6000, fax: +1 510 276-5928. Macy's, Target, Kohl's, Bed Bath and Beyond, Old Navy, Staples, Century Theaters, Petsmart, 24 Hour Fitness, Ross, Michaels, Pier 1 Imports, Lucky, etc. (updated Oct 2018)
• 37.7164-122.1792 Westgate Center. Wal-Mart, Pet Food Express, Costco, Sports Authority, The Home Depot, Office Depot, etc.  
• 37.711-122.1633 Marina Square Center. Marshalls, Ann Taylor, Eileen Fisher Outlet, Nordstrom Rack, Talbots Outlet, Shoe Pavilion, Office Max, Men's Warehouse, GAP, etc. 
• 37.688-122.1374 Greenhouse Marketplace. Factory 2-U, 99 Cents Only, Safeway, Food Maxx, Big Lots, etc. 
• 37.7228-122.15395 Pelton Plaza. Safeway, Hallmark, Longs Drugs, Avenue, USPS, Payless Shoe Source, etc. 

There are also plenty of shops selling gifts, souvenirs and other merchandise throughout the town. Pelton Plaza is well known for its shops and dining. Located in the heart of downtown, one can enjoy delicious food hailing from various nations, go book shopping at friendly independent stores, buy artisan crafted jewelry, treat oneself to gourmet goods, or take a break with a pint or ice cream cone. Family-friendly Pelton Plaza is a destination for many locals.

San Leandro has a vast array of restaurant options, including typical American chains such as KFC, Baskin Robbins, McDonald's, Denny's and Chevy's.

• 37.7228-122.15481 Pelton Café, 194 Pelton Center Way (at Pelton Plaza), ☏ +1 510 483-0943. Continental breakfasts. 
• 37.7212-122.15042 Emil Villa's, 1800 East 14th St, ☏ +1 510 351-7427. Daily 7AM-9PM. Steakhouse and ribs. 
• 37.6957-122.143 Cozy Kitchen, 14811 Washington Ave (at Floresta Center), ☏ +1 510 352-3541. Diner. 
• 37.7241-122.15664 Nations Giant Hamburgers, 1335 Washington Ave (at Pelton Plaza), ☏ +1 510 352-8820. 

• 37.723-122.15345 Taqueria Los Pericos, 101 Pelton Center Way (at Pelton Plaza), ☏ +1 510 352-7667. 
• 37.704-122.16816 La Piñata #2, 2699 Merced St, ☏ +1 510 352-8901. Mexican cuisine. 
• 37.702881-122.1247967 Tito's, 15508 East 14th St (near Bayfair Center), ☏ +1 510 276-1793. 
• 37.711154-122.1375668 Taqueria Guadalajara, 14327 East 14th St (near San Leandro Hospital), ☏ +1 510 614-7060. 
• 37.7243-122.15519 Taqueria Los Pericos #5, 1389 East 14th St, ☏ +1 510 895-0660. 

• 37.722733-122.153710 Joaquin Deli, 129 Pelton Center Way, ☏ +1 510 895-3234. 

• 37.7013-122.122611 The Rose Garden, 15754 East 14th St (across from the Bayfair Center), ☏ +1-510-278-1788. This is a small mom & pop place that serves really, really good Szechuan, Hunan, Mandarin, and Cantonese food... and absolutely no MSG. Small place, maybe 6 tables at the most. The folks there are super friendly, enthusiastic, remember many guests, and they whip up their food very fast. Try the Rose Garden Vegetable. They deliver, and at night they usually have coupons for a free appetizer, fried rice, or chow mein with a $20 purchase. 
• 37.7238-122.1551712 Asia Delight #2, 156 West Juana Ave (at Pelton Plaza), ☏ +1 510 614-7191. 
• 37.702186-122.141913 Jasmine, 14393 Washington Avenue, Suite G (at Floresta Plaza), ☏ +1 510 357-7028. 
• 37.7216-122.151114 New Hong Kong, 1750 East 14th St (near Pelton Plaza), ☏ +1 510 357-6288. 
• 37.7404-122.1472615 Imperial Garden, 310 MacArthur Blvd, ☏ +1 510 562-3246. Chinese restaurant and dim sum. 
• 37.7217-122.15194616 Lee's Garden Restaurant, 21 Thornton St (near downtown), ☏ +1 510 483-2328. 

• 37.70252-122.14217 Phð An Hòa, 14391 Washington Ave (at Floresta Plaza), ☏ +1 510 352-2728. Daily 10AM-10PM. Vietnamese noodle house. 
• 37.7233-122.15373618 Le Soleil, 1515 East 14th St (near Pelton Plaza), ☏ +1 510 614-0122. 

• 37.733-122.1507919 Paradiso, 685 Bancroft Ave, ☏ +1 510 430-9310. Lunch: Tu-F 11AM-4PM; and dinner: Su 4-8PM, Tu-Th 4-9PM, F 4-10PM, Sa 5-10PM (closed M). Italian seafood. $10–20. 
• 37.6915-122.1523520 Porky's Pizza Palace, 1221 Manor Blvd, ☏ +1 510 357-4323. Family atmosphere, pizza, pasta, sandwiches and chicken. 15 California & Northwest microbrews on tap. 

• 37.724-122.15473421 Tsuru Sushi, 1427 East 14th St, ☏ +1 510 352-3748. 

• 37.71495-122.141622 Ono Hawaiian BBQ, 13808 East 14th Street, Suite C (at Palma Plaza), ☏ +1 510 618-1218. Be sure to try the chicken katsu. 
• 37.7158-122.178823 Ohana Hawaiian BBQ, 1933 Davis Street #135A (at Westgate Center), ☏ +1 510 383-9898. 

• 37.72466-122.155724 Buffet Fortuna, 1330 Washington Ave (at Pelton Plaza), ☏ +1 510 614-8768. Chinese cuisine and BBQ. 
• 37.7015-122.1422525 Elio's Family Restaurant, 260 Floresta Blvd (at Floresta Plaza), ☏ +1 510 351-0463. 
• 37.6982-122.18926 Horatio's, 60 San Leandro Marina, ☏ +1 510 351-5556. Casual seafood waterfront restaurant. 
• 37.726265-122.162727 Fifth Wheel Food, 898 San Leandro Blvd, ☏ +1 510 635-7538. Greasy spoon type restaurant. 

• 37.729223-122.13946228 Slikker's Donuts, 1321 MacArthur Blvd (at Estudillo Center), ☏ +1 510 351-1383. 
• Loard's Ice Cream and Candies, 2000 Wayne Avenue,401 Bancroft Ave, ☏ +1 510 633-1330, +1 510 351-0405. 2 locations in the town. 

Starbucks has nine locations in San Leandro and Jamba Juice can be found at the Bayfair Center and Westgate Center. Other options include:

• 37.72405-122.155171 Tapioca Express, 129 West Joaquin Ave (at Pelton Plaza), ☏ +1 510 357-3781. Coffee, tea, juice and snow bubble. 
• 37.7332-122.1512 Zocalo's Coffeehouse, 645 Bancroft Ave, ☏ +1 510 569-0102. Wireless Internet available. 
• 37.7228-122.155273 Café Sorriso, 1746 Washington Ave (near Pelton Plaza), ☏ +1 510 357-1746. Su 6AM-5PM, M-Sa 6AM-5PM. Wireless Internet available. 
• 37.729875-122.139154 Sabinos's Coffee, 1273 MacArthur Blvd, ☏ +1 510 357-JAVA (5282). M-F 6AM-7PM, Sa Su 6:30AM-6PM. Wireless Internet available. 

• 37.7224-122.153945 Cunha's Cocktails, 155 Pelton Center Way (at Pelton Plaza), ☏ +1 510 483-4911. 
• 37.720675-122.15346 Washington Club, 1746 Washington Ave, ☏ +1 510 357-1746. Broadcasts sports games. 
• 37.7043-122.12947 Rickey's Sports Theatre & Grill, 15028 Hesperian Blvd, ☏ +1 510 352-0200. 

• 37.6972-122.18851 The Marina Inn on San Francisco Bay (formerly San Leandro Marina Inn), 68 Monarch Bay Dr, ☏ +1 510 895-1311, toll-free: +1-800-786-7783. Great views of the bay, golf, dining nearby and near San Leandro Marina and Oyster Bay. 
• 37.6857-122.13272 Hilton Garden Inn, 510 Lewelling Blvd, ☏ +1 510 346-5533. Near Greenhouse Marketplace and restaurant on-site. 
• 37.6982-122.10533 Budget Inn, 16500 Foothill Blvd (near Lake Chabot and Bayfair Center), ☏ +1 510 276-6290. 
• 37.70105-122.1080844 Fairmont Inn, 16320 Foothill Blvd, ☏ +1 510 276-4484. 
• 37.6869-122.13445 Nimitz Motel, 555 Lewelling Blvd, ☏ +1 510 357-9770. 
• 37.692773-122.1006416 Travelers Inn, 17290 Foothill Blvd, ☏ +1 510 276-3660. 
• 37.693454-122.1012617 Valley Inn, 17130 Foothill Blvd, ☏ +1 510 276-8151. 

Despite its suburban characteristics, San Leandro does have its tough neighborhoods at its borders with larger cities. One area to be aware of is the portion of MacArthur Boulevard near the Oakland border. This area is next to the notorious and impoverished "deep" East Oakland, which has some of the Bay Area's highest drug trafficking and murder rates. The area between the Hayward and Ashland borders (just south of the Bayfair Center) is reasonably safe during the day, but gets sketchy after dark. Nevertheless, San Leandro is a safe city with designated crime free zones, including the area near the Castro Valley border at Lake Chabot to the end of Estudillo Avenue (where downtown begins), near the marina, and a large portion of the Washington Manor neighborhood (including the Washington Manor Park and Pool) from Interstate 880 to Farnsworth Avenue. Due to the presence of a juvenile hall, Fairmont Drive in the city's eastern hills is heavily secured between Lake Chabot Park and 152nd Avenue. Police patrols are very frequent and security cameras are hidden on trees and fences.

As with almost every city in the United States, San Leandro has at least one hospital. The San Leandro Hospital is a health care facility treating the most basic of health needs such as the flu to various surgeries and basic emergencies. If in a dire emergency head to Eden Hospital in Castro Valley as it is a Level 1 trauma center. San Leandro also has another hospital, Kindred Hospital in the hills. The hospital has no emergency service.

• San Leandro Hospital, 13855 East 14th Street, +1 510 357-6500
• Kindred Hospital, 2800 Benedict Drive, +1 510 357-8300

• Oakland. San Leandro's northern neighbor and a diverse and vibrant city and has been regaining that title due to a growing economy and a general renaissance of the city.
• Hayward. San Leandro's southern neighbor and boasts of a central bay shoreline, a quaint city center with a small town feel in the city flatlands and hills which overlook the bay.
• San Francisco. A 20- to 30-minute drive from San Leandro, San Francisco is the dominant city in the Bay Area and features many attractions and sights and boasts many upscale hotels and dining.
• San Jose. A 25- to 45-minute drive from San Leandro, San Jose is the largest city in the Bay Area and is the center of the famed Silicon Valley.
• Fremont. Accessible from San Leandro by BART, Fremont features a suburban lifestyle between Oakland and Silicon Valley.
• Castro Valley. San Leandro's eastern neighbor does not offer much, but has spectacular views of the San Francisco Bay from its hills.

San Rafael ← Oakland ←	N  S	→ Castro Valley → Livermore
END ← Oakland ←	N  S	→ Hayward → San Jose
Berkeley ← Oakland ←	N  SE	→ Hayward → Fremont
San Francisco ← Oakland ←	NW  E	→ Castro Valley → Dublin/Pleasanton