Fremont, California, USA, holds the title of being the fourth most populous city in the San Francisco Bay Area. It is also the largest suburb in the metropolis area and offers a range of Airbnb accommodation options to visitors. It has the advantage of being the closest East Bay city to the world-famous Silicon Valley which is one major reason people have chosen to make Fremont their home. Also, Fremont is home to the largest population of Afghan Americans in the United States, which is why you can see many Afghani stores and restaurants while driving around Fremont. So, if you ever find yourself in Silicon Valley, be sure to stop in Fremont. Check out these best things to do in Fremont, CA.
1. Central Park and Lake Elizabeth
Wondering what to do in Fremont? Check out Central Park and Lake Elizabeth. This is one of my favorite parks to walk in. I lived in Fremont for many years and I used to love seeing the geese walking around and the kids playing at one of the three playgrounds. I loved walking around the lake while my husband biked or jogged. My kids have enjoyed many hours at the playgrounds.
Weather permitting, you can rent a paddle boat or even fish in the lake. Lake Elizabeth and Central Park were dedicated to Fremont’s sister city, Elizabeth, Australia, which is where the lake got its name from. Many different types of birds can be spotted at the park since most live on Duck Island, located in the center of the lake. It is a sight to see.
Last, but not least, the Aqua Adventure water park, which is also located in this park, is open in the summer.
Lake Elizabeth and Central Park
Address: 40000 Paseo Padre Pkwy, Fremont, CA 94538
Opening Hours: Always open
Contact: +1 (510) 790 5541
Website: Central Park
2. Mission Peak Regional Preserve
Mission Peak Regional Preserve is a public park that overlooks the Silicon Valley. It is located in the neighborhood of Mission, up a hill, which you can drive to and has parking. However, it is quite busy, so finding a parking space is sometimes not that easy.
The park is popular with local hikers, cyclists and sightseers from the Bay Area, as well as many tourists. The climb to the peak is great for hiking and there are breathtaking views along the many trails. The view from the top is truly worth the long hike since you can see Oakland, San Jose, San Francisco, and Fremont. I used to love walking here and taking in the beautiful sights. Mostly adults come here, but I have also seen elderly people, children, horses and dogs. You can also bike on the trails if you prefer.
Mission Peak Regional Preserve
Address: 43600 Mission Blvd., Fremont, CA
Access: Park and then walk up to the park entrance from Stanford Avenue
Website: Mission Peak Regional Preserve
3. Niles Main Street
If you’re looking for fun things to do in Fremont, consider visiting Niles Main Street. What a lot of people do not know about Niles Main Street, is that is the original Hollywood, in terms of moviemaking. Lots of cowboy adventures were filmed through Niles Canyon and along the main streets of Niles. Charlie Chaplin was one of the many famous actors to have worked here. It is now a shopping area and a not to be missed tourist spot. There is a museum in the area, where you can see movie memorabilia.
Another thing about this place is that it was also the location of the California Nursery. The nursery was the largest in California and had the largest rose plantation in the state.
Niles Main Street
Address: Ca-238, Fremont, CA 94536
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4. Old Mission San Jose
Posted by Elizabeth O'Donnell on Friday, 22 July 2016
Old Mission San José, located in the mission district of Fremont, is a Spanish mission, founded by Father Fermin Francisco de Lasuen on June 11, 1797. It is the fourteenth mission founded in the state of California and worth the time to visit. It has a gift shop, church and museum, where you can watch a film about the site and its history. Old Mission San Jose is certainly one of the most prominent Fremont attractions.
One point of interest features a fourth grade school assignment, which was to create a replica mission. The kids who were lucky enough, have their replicas on display at the Fremont Main Library.
Old Mission San Jose
Address: 43300 Mission Blvd, Fremont, CA
Price: The admission fee for the self-guided tour is 5 USD per adult and 3 USD per student.
Opening Hours: The Mission Church and Museum is open daily from 10 am - 5 pm (Closed: New Years, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas)
Access: The Mission is located at the intersection of Washington Blvd. and Mission Blvd, at 43300 Mission Blvd.
Contact: +1 (510) 657 1797
Website: Old Mission San Jose
5. Don Edwards San Francisco National Wildlife Refuge
The Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge (DESFBNWR) is a United States National Wildlife Refuge in Fremont that is one of six wildlife refuges in the San Francisco Bay area. Most of the refuge is located along the Dumbarton Bridge, in Fremont which is why you will see people walking or biking here when you cross Dumbarton Bridge. It is also a great place to hike or walk with the family as are any of the other parks in Fremont.
All kinds of wildlife can be spotted on the trail. There is a place with an exhibit for tourists to read about this exciting place.
Don Edwards San Francisco National Wildlife Refuge
Address: 1 Marshlands Rd, Fremont, CA
Contact: +1 (510) 745 8695
The following content is contributed by Trip101 writer, Barry
6. Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum
Located in a historic movie theater, in Fremont’s Niles Boulevard, lies the Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum. This museum works hard to preserve silent-era films by showcasing masterpieces from the days gone by. Edison Theater - where the museum is located - is over a century old and is a landmark in the city. When you do choose to visit, you’ll enjoy a tour of the premises and get a chance to watch a classic silent film by greats like Charlie Chaplin and Broncho Billy. They also offer a guided tour of Niles district, if you wish to learn more about the history of the neighborhood.
Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum
Address: 37417 Niles Blvd, Fremont, CA 94536, United States
Website: Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum
7. Washington Township Museum of Local History
Set up with the intention of preserving the history of Southern Alameda County, Washington Township Museum of Local History is today a treasure trove of memories and knowledge relating to the Tri-City (Fremont, Union City and Newark) area. Take a trip to the farming era of the county, a time when ranches were all there was in this part of the state. You’ll get an inside look into the people’s lifestyles during that time and learn about the growth of the county to its present state. The museum offers both self-guided and docent-led tours, so you can pick the one that suits you the most.
Washington Township Museum of Local History
Address: 190 Anza Street Fremont, CA 94539
8. Ardenwood Historic Farm
Delve farther into Fremont’s history by visiting Ardenwood Historic Farm. The farm is made up of an expansive park and a mansion is its centerpiece. Constructed in the 1850s, the mansion is a portrayal of farm life over a century and a half ago. It was systematically updated by the then owner - George Washington Patterson - over the next couple of years. However, don’t dwell too long on the house as the rest of the park offers a lot more to see. You can stroll around the Victorian garden or visit the livestock on the animal farm.
Ardenwood Historic Farm
Address: 34600 Ardenwood Blvd, Fremont, CA 94555, United States
Website: Ardenwood Historic Farm
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 4pm (closed on Mon)
9. Shinn Historical Park and Arboretum
This is more than just a lush garden; it’s a historical site that dates back to the mid-1800s. On the 20-acre (8-hectare) real estate, you’ll find a stunning Victorian home, Shinn House, that was constructed in 1876. Learn about the history of this house when you drop by. You’ll get to learn about the history and lifestyle of the Shinn family, who owned this property. Shinn House is bounded by lush trees that form the arboretum. You can stroll around the grounds and feast your eyes on the greenery. There’s also a pond, named Shinn Pond. These grounds have hosted numerous events thanks to its beauty. You can also take a guided tour of the house if you so wish.
Shinn Historical Park and Arboretum
Address: 1251 Peralta Blvd, Fremont, CA 94536, United States
Website: Shinn Historical Park and Arboretum
Opening hours: 7am - 7pm (daily)
10. Vargas Plateau Regional Park
Tucked away in Fremont Hills, Vargas Plateau Regional Park is a breathtaking 1249-acre (505-hectare) location. The views in this park are spectacular thanks to the elevated position. You’ll have an excellent vantage point for admiring Niles Canyon below,as well as Fremont. The view stretches to as far as San Francisco Bay. As you hike the park’s trails, you’ll encounter a variety of wildlife like bobcats, snakes, and birds like the golden eagle. In fact, Vargas Plateau Park is a great place for birdwatching. However, what’s probably the main attraction here is the park’s breathtaking plateau landscape, which never fails to enchant visitors.
Vargas Plateau Regional Park
Address: 2536 Morrison Canyon Rd, Fremont, CA 94539, United States
Website: Vargas Plateau Regional Park
Opening hours: 8am - 9pm (daily)
11. Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area
Quarry Lakes is another scenic spot in Fremont, boasting Horseshoe Lake and Rainbow Lake within its boundaries. These features make the recreational park a great place for water activities. Boating is a popular pastime among those who visit; you can also get the thrill of stand-up paddleboarding on Horseshoe Lake. Visitors are also allowed to swim in the lakes, where there’s also an appealing white sandy beach. You can plan to spend an entire day here and explore the entire facility, from the picnic site to the boat launch. Fishing is also allowed in designated fishing areas, so there’s plenty to keep you busy here.
Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area
Address: 2100 Isherwood Way, Fremont, CA 94536, United States
Website: Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area
Opening hours: 6am - 8pm (daily)
12. Coyote Hills Regional Park
Exploring Coyote Hills Regional Park is one of the must-do Fremont activities. With a massive 1266-acre (512-hectare) real estate, Coyote Hills Regional Park’s vast open space offers a wonderful escape from the city’s cacophony. Straddling San Francisco Bay, the park has access to its scenic waters. The landscape also consists of the rolling Coyote Hills, through which there are charted hiking trails. You can cycle on these trails, jog or simply walk as you marvel at the scenic views. Coyote Hills Park is a great place for bird watching or even camping. It’s recommended that you drop by Coyote Hills Visitor Center before exploring the park. You’ll get to learn a lot about the park’s natural history and wildlife thanks to the exhibits on display.
Coyote Hills Regional Park
Address: 8000 Patterson Ranch Rd, Fremont, CA 94555, United States
Website: Coyote Hills Regional Park
Opening hours: 8am - 7pm (daily)
13. Country Way
Enjoy delectable dishes at this classic American diner, Country Way. Found in Fremont’s Mowry Ave, the eatery serves quintessential American comfort food - from breakfast all the way to dinner. The restaurant is a modest, no-frills establishment, with emphasis on the food. The portion sizes are quite big so if you’re coming as a group, you’ll definitely have more than enough for everyone. Their pork chops are among the most loved dishes and their giant burger is bound to satiate your hunger pangs. This is also one of the best places to start your day, with mouthwatering breakfast options like chicken apple sausage omelet or the country sausage patty with eggs.
Country Way
Address: 5325 Mowry Ave, Fremont, CA 94536, United States
Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)
14. Rancho Higuera Historical Park
Rancho Higuera is a throwback to centuries back when Fremont was mainly made up of farm ranches. This historical park pays homage to the area’s past, with its gem being the Higuera Adobe. Known to have been built sometime between 1830 and 1840, this adobe is famous for being one of the last buildings constructed during the Spanish-Mexican era. You can tour this building and explore the historical park’s grounds when you visit. You’ll get to see Aqua Fria Creek during your tour. Rancho Higuera is also a great place to learn about Native American culture.
Rancho Higuera Historical Park
Address: 47300 Rancho Higuera Rd, Fremont, CA 94539, United States
Website: Rancho Higuera Historical Park
A last note
Fremont is a rapidly growing city, due its proximity to the Silicon Valley. It is home to many diverse cultures and offers a wide variety of things to do. You will find many different stores and restaurants, featuring various cultures all around town. I previously lived in Fremont and loved being there since I could find all kinds of food to eat and diverse ingredients to cook with.
Frequently asked questions about the best things to do in Fremont, CA
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