Alameda

Embarc’s Guide to Alameda and the Islands of the Bay Area

At Embarc Dispensary, we love our Bay Area communities as much as its beautiful natural landscapes. There’s countless things to see and do here whether you’re visiting or a longtime resident, and even though the area is widely known for its metropolitan hub of San Francisco, there are tons of amazing places beyond the city’s limits that are worth exploring. 

In fact, there are numerous islands in the Bay Area both small and uninhabited or more populated, such as Alameda (home to one of our dispensaries), Treasure Island, Yerba Buena Island, Angel Island, and Belvedere Island.

Many are aware of the infamous Alcatraz Island, but even some locals aren’t familiar with the more obscure islands, so we’re here to help you plan the ultimate day exploring the Bay Area’s islands.

The islands are worth visiting if you’re looking to add some adventure to your vacation, or simply aim to be a tourist in your own city.

From hiking and biking trails to water sports and fishing, there’s no shortage of activities to keep you busy. And of course, don’t forget about the world-famous views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco Skyline – the perfect pairing to a cool buzz from a full-spectrum vape pen.

No matter what you’re looking for – from historic sites to whale watching – you’re sure to find it on one of the islands in the Bay Area. So spark a joint and plan a day exploring all that this beautiful area has to offer! Here’s a quick guide to Alameda & few of the many islands in the Bay Area.

Alameda most populous island

ALAMEDA

Alameda is the largest and most populous island in the Bay Area. It is home to over 73,000 residents and is known for its small-town feel and Victorian architecture. The island is also a popular destination for cyclists, with over 20 miles of bike trails.

If you’re looking for a place to relax and enjoy the scenery, Alameda is the perfect spot.

This island is home to beautiful parks and beaches, as well as a variety of shops and restaurants. There’s also a historic district where you can learn about the island’s rich history.

It’s easy to spend a whole day on this quaint island, and while you’re here, visit our dispensary on the Westend and smell the flower at our bodega-style flower bar. If you’re looking for top quality cannabis on Alameda, Embarc’s got you covered.

1. Treasure Island

First in our guide to Alameda is Treasure Island. Treasure Island is a man-made island in the middle of the Bay. It was created for the 1939 Golden Gate International Exposition and the island’s World’s Fair site is a California Historic Landmark.

Nowadays, the island is home to a number of businesses and event venues. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the Bay Bridge and the city skyline from the island, or visit the island for its variety of attractions including the Treasure Island Flea Market, the Treasure Island Music Festival, and the Treasure Island Golf Course where visitors can enjoy a game of golf with a view.

Whether you’re into putting greens or sticky greens, Treasure Island is an interesting place to spend some time.

2. Yerba Buena Island

Second in our guide to Alameda is Yerba Buena Island. Yerba Buena Island is a small island in the Bay Area that is home to around 3,000 residents. Known for its beautiful parks and gardens, as well as its eclectic mix of shops and restaurants, this small island also boasts a museum dedicated to the history of the area.

There are stunning views of the Bay Bridge and the city skyline from the island and it’s easily accessible, as The Yerba Buena Tunnel runs through its center and connects the western and eastern spans of the San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge.

3. Angel Island

Third in our guide to Alameda is Angel Island. Angel Island is the second largest island in the Bay Area and is known for its lush vegetation and beautiful views. The entire island is part of the Angel Island State Park and is also a California State Landmark.

A visit to this island includes a mix of nature and history; There are a number of hiking trails that wind through the island’s forests, but Angel Island is home to a number of state and national historical landmarks, including Fort McDowell and the Immigration Station, where thousands of primarily Asian immigrants were processed during the early 20th century, as well as a WWII Japanese internment camp.

It’s an interesting, historically significant place to visit, and surely worth the trek out there.

4. Belvedere Island

Fourth in our guide to Alameda is Belvedere Island. This small island of only 1.5 square miles in the Bay is a beautiful spot for picnicking, hiking, and fishing. There are also some lovely gardens to explore like the Joan B. Kroc Rose Garden that features over 3,000 roses.

This small, rocky island is part of the Tiburon area and is thought to once be the home of the Coast Miwok indigenous peoples. Today, it’s one of the most exclusive places to live in the Bay Area.

There are so many wonderful islands to explore in the Bay Area for those that want to bask in the natural landscape of the bay, birdwatch, fish, or enjoy quaint neighborhoods and local eateries, so get out there and start being a tourist in your own city, you’ll never know what you’ll find.

At Embarc, we’re committed to our communities. We put our money where our mouth is and donate 1% of all sales to the communities we serve, last year totaling over six figures.

If you’re looking to shop for your cannabis at a community-centric, equity and inclusion focused dispensary, stop by our Alameda location. We’re looking forward to meeting you.