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Author: Barry Pickard
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The East Bay region around Oakland, California is a hidden gem for families looking for a day trip from San Francisco. This area is home to some of the most unique and educational museums that are perfect for a family-friendly adventure. The East Bay is just a short drive from San Francisco over the Bay Bridge, making it easy to explore these three fantastic attractions in just one day.
So, what are the best family-friendly day trip destinations in the East Bay Area? Well, for me, the USS Hornet - Sea, Air and Space Museum, the Chabot Space & Science Center, and the Redwood Valley Railway are three of the most exciting places to visit in the area.
Planning an independent trip to San Francisco and the Bay Area?
All information in this post is based on my own experience travelling through San Francisco and the Bay Area, backed by extensive research to bring you everything you need to know to have your own amazing experience.
Don’t forget that at Tailor-Made Itineraries we delight in creating bespoke self-guided tours. So, if visiting any of these attractions appeals to you, reach out to us by email. We would be more than happy to design a self-guided tour around your requirements designing a family day out in the East Bay region, or indeed, a general tour of San Francisco and the Bay Area.
A Family Day Out in the East Bay Region
USS Hornet - Sea, Air and Space Museum
Whether you are an aviation enthusiast, a space buff, or a ship lover, this museum offers something for everyone. The USS Hornet is a former aircraft carrier that played a significant role in World War II as well as the Apollo space missions. You can explore the flight deck, hanger deck, and living quarters of the ship, as well as see the Apollo 8 and 11 spacecraft on display and several retired aircraft from the Second World War. In addition, the USS Hornet also has a number of interactive exhibits that allow visitors to experience what life was like on the ship during its time in service. The USS Hornet Museum is located on the southernmost pier of the former Naval Air Station Alameda.
USS Hornet was selected in 1969 to serve as the Prime Recovery Ship (PRS) for the Apollo 11 Moon mission. Hornet led the recovery of the first astronauts to land on the Moon following their splashdown back on Earth. Four months later, Hornet recovered the all-Navy crew of Apollo 12. The USS Hornet Museum has the largest Apollo Program exhibit on the West Coast of the United States. Artefacts on display include the Apollo Command Module CSM-011 used for the AS-202 uncrewed suborbital flight test; Mobile Quarantine Facility (MQF) used by the Apollo 14 astronauts following their return to Earth; SH-3H Sea King used in the 1995 movie Apollo 13; and memorabilia and photos from the Apollo 11 and 12 splashdowns.
Chabot Space & Science Center
The Chabot Space & Science Center is a hands-on learning centre with a planetarium, telescopes, and interactive exhibits that bring the wonders of the universe to life. Visitors can learn about the latest discoveries in astronomy, space exploration, and planetary science, and even take a virtual tour of the universe with the planetarium’s state-of-the-art projection system. The centre also has a number of interactive exhibits that allow visitors to control robots, experience weightlessness, and learn about the science behind space travel.
Chabot Space and Science Center, is focused on families, with plenty to keep interested the young and old alike. Exhibits include The Nasa Experience (showcasing the real stories and people at NASA’s Ames Research Center); Going The Distance (exploring how humans are expanding our boundaries by moving farther into the Universe than ever before); Other Worlds (building structures that can withstand the Martian atmosphere and living on other worlds); and Touch The Sun (a near-real-time interactive full colour extreme ultraviolet animation of our dynamic and stunning star, Sol).
Redwood Valley Railway (Tilden Park Steam Train)
The Redwood Valley Railway is a restored steam-powered train that travels through a beautiful redwood forest and offers breath-taking views of the surrounding landscape. The train ride is a great way to introduce children to the history of the area and see the natural beauty of the East Bay. The railway also offers a number of educational programs and special events that are perfect for families and children.
The Redwood Valley Railway is a 15 in (381 mm) gauge miniature railway in Tilden Regional Park. It was established in 1952 by Erich Thomsen and has since expanded to 1+1⁄4 miles (2 km) of track and carries over 160,000 passengers a year. The railroad has four 15-inch scale steam locomotives, built on location by the railroad's Redwood Valley Shops.
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Other Family Attractions
You should find that these three attractions will easily fill your day, but if you happen to have more time to explore this area, then there are several other options for your family to visit. For the little ones, a trip to Children’s Fairyland would be appropriate, while older kids will find Oakland Museum of California fascinating. If the kids are looking for more space and science exhibits, then you won’t go wrong with The Lawrence Hall of Science. Then there is Oakland Zoo, which is always a family favourite.
Where to Stay
There are a number of options in the East Bay area. For a touch of luxury, consider the Kissel Uptown Oakland, while a mid-price option would be the Waterfront Hotel, and a budget suggestion would be the AC Hotel by Marriott.
Conclusion
the East Bay region around Oakland, California is a must-visit destination for families who are looking for an educational and enjoyable day trip from San Francisco. With its unique museums and breath-taking scenery, this area is the perfect destination for anyone who loves aviation, space, and trains. Whether you are traveling by car, the short drive from San Francisco makes it easy to explore all of these fantastic attractions in just one day. So why not plan a visit to the USS Hornet, the Chabot Space & Science Center, and the Redwood Valley Railway today! This day trip is sure to be an unforgettable adventure that the whole family will enjoy.
Related Blog Posts
If you are interested in finding out more about San Francisco and the Bay Area, please view the Tailor-Made Itineraries posts below:
Comment below and let us know what your favourite attraction is to visit in the East Bay area.
Don’t forget that at Tailor-Made Itineraries we delight in creating bespoke self-guided tours. So, if visiting any of these attractions appeals to you, reach out to us by email. We would be more than happy to design a self-guided tour around your requirements designing a family day out in the East Bay region, or indeed, a general tour of San Francisco and the Bay Area.
Join us next time on our family adventures when we continue our family adventures in San Jose, California. We post every two weeks and you can subscribe to our latest blog and newsletter here. Until then, happy reading and safe travels.
Barry
Contact Us: tailoritineraries@gmail.com
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