Emeryville is a little gem of a city that packs a lot into just over one square mile. People approaching from San Francisco may never make it past the massive shopping district at the foot of the Bay Bridge (sales at the massive IKEA store impact traffic throughout the town), but there’s so much more to Emeryville. In between its twin marinas on the bay and its quiet residential neighborhoods that blend into North Oakland, you’ll find Pixar Studios, fine dining, pharmaceutical companies, art galleries, tech companies, and just about everything else—most of it in walking distance.

With a population of just over 10,000 Emeryville may look like a small town, but convenient access to freeways and transit—including the free Emery-Go-Round shuttle to BART—provide all the benefits of city living. History buffs can find clues to its storied past throughout the town, from the display celebrating the Oaks baseball team to various reference to the “Rotten City.” It seems Emeryville was an enthusiast bootleggers’ haven, leading Alameda County District Attorney Earl Warren (later Chief Justice of the Supreme Court) to call it “the rottenest city on the Pacific Coast.” And that was before they found the delivery fleet at the police station!

Attractions

Emeryville is a great city for walkers. Pocket parks are sprinkled throughout, many with playground equipment and fenced areas for dogs, and the waterfront paths are well maintained and provide the best views of San Francisco you’ll see outside a postcard. The city’s twin marinas provide slips for nearly 500 boats, which you can admire from the deck of Trader Vic’s, the original Tiki bar. Thanks to a city program initiated in 1990 you’ll find public art on nearly every street, and in the fall the annual art show for local artists is not to be missed.