Although less famous than the San Francisco Bay Area’s namesake city, the East Bay is an excellent destination to add to your vacation bucket list. It’s sunnier and less crowded than San Francisco, and a visit to the East Bay will show you its rich culture, art, music and food. Among its gems, there’s the vibrant city of Oakland, the pleasant college town of Berkeley and much more tucked amongst its hills and towns.
We asked an expert in all things East Bay to spill about how to make the best trip to the region. Jeanne Alvis is concierge at the Fairmont Claremont Hotel in Berkeley, a club and spa packed in a beaming white castle perched on a hill.
Jeanne is a native Californian, and has lived in the East Bay since the second grade. Born to Navy parents she has had the pleasure of living abroad and all across the United States as a young child. She has been at the Claremont Hotel since 2003, becoming a concierge in 2015. Traveling is her passion. Being able to create magic moments for her guests is what she loves most about being a Concierge.
Featured image: Reinhardt Redwoods, Berkeley Hills and Claremont Hotel.
What are some advantages to staying in Berkeley/the East Bay?
In the Berkeley Hills we are close to everything but just far enough away from San Francisco to feel like you are in a peaceful oasis. Known as the sunny side of the bay, our climate is one of the most temperate in the Bay Area. Also, one of the many advantages of living in the Bay Area is its great diversity, especially when it comes to cuisine. Anything you can think of can be found here.
Best family activities?
There are many. Established in 1922, the Oakland Zoo is nationally recognized as a leader in conservation, rescue and animal welfare. Lake Merritt’s Children’s Fairyland is one of the earliest “themed” amusement parks in the United States. Walt Disney visited and incorporated ideas from Fairyland in his “Magic Kingdom”. They have been entertaining children for more than 70 years with live puppet shows, train rides and a petting zoo. The storybook-themed park is best suited for children under 10.
Tilden Park offers a wonderful miniature steam train, “Little Farm” and merry-go-round as well as golf, hiking and great picnic areas. Lastly, Chabot Space & Science Center, home of NASA Ames Visitor Center, is the best place to learn about the Earth and space. They feature three powerful telescopes along with planetariums, a large screen theater, hands-on activities and interactive exhibits.
How to spend a romantic evening or weekend?
Whether it’s for a day or a weekend, you can experience a romantic getaway without ever leaving the Claremont Hotel. Enjoy massages in our world-class spa or spend the day relaxing at the pool, made famous in the 1993 hit movie Mrs. Doubtfire. Stop by the lobby at 5 p.m. for our daily sabrage of sparkling wine. With your complimentary tasting in hand, step out on our balcony to enjoy sweeping views of San Francisco and watch the sunset. From there, enjoy a lovely dinner at our Limewood Bar & Restaurant. Finish the evening in our Lobby Lounge with a nightcap and enjoy the sparkling lights of the bay from the panoramic windows.
Any restaurants that can’t be missed?
Having made an appearance in the Pixar movie Up, Fentons Creamery on Piedmont Avenue is a classic ice cream parlor and a local institution that’s been in business for more than 100 years. The signature Black & Tan sundae shouldn’t be missed!
Then there’s Chez Panisse. Restaurateur, author and food activist Alice Waters is known for being one of the originators of California cuisine and the farm-to-table movement. Her flagship restaurant and upstairs café offer seasonal fare with a cozy craftsman vibe.
Belotti brings a modern touch to traditional Italian cooking. Their popularity has grown so much that they have opened a bottega that sells their fresh pasta and sauces. And there are many great places to get pizza in the Berkeley area, and it just so happens that Rose Pizzeria has earned a spot on a New York Times list of the country’s 22 best pizza restaurants.
Best free things to do in the East Bay?
Hiking is a popular activity and there are many great locations including up into Claremont Canyon, located right behind the hotel. The hike does get increasingly steeper the higher you go, but it’s worth it for the amazing views of the bay. The good news is those amazing views can be had early on in the hike.
East Bay Regional Park District offers many different options for parks and activities. Consult their website for all of your choices. One of my favorites is Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park. Walking among the redwoods is definitely an awesome way to relax and recharge at the same time.
Fourth Street in Berkeley is our upscale shopping area and has both great shopping and dining. On the weekends many locals love to bring their dogs and stroll the area.
What else should someone know about visiting the East Bay in the summer?
Mark Twain is given credit for saying, “The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco.” It’s definitely warmer across the bay here in Berkeley, but it’s very important to know that once the sun goes down it definitely cools off with the breeze from the bay. Due to what is known here in the area as microclimates, it’s always important to have clothes that you can layer. The temperatures can change dramatically by location and time of day.
