Three Scenic Walks Off the Beaten Track: Hidden Gems of Alameda

Bridge over Bay Farm Island CanalKarin Jensen

If you spend much time outdoors in Alameda, then you’re familiar with its well-loved recreational areas such as Crown Memorial Beach, Crab Cove, and Lincoln and Washington Parks. But what if you’re in the mood for something off the beaten track?

Here are three gems when you’d like to enjoy a quiet respite, coastal bird watching, or (shhh) an adventurous trek that doesn’t appear on a map.

• Bay Farm Island Canal
• Marina Village Park
• Rock Wall

Bay Farm Island Canal

Along Bay Farm Island CanalKarin Jensen

Bay Farm Island (BFI), also known as Harbor Bay, is separated from the main island of Alameda by the San Leandro Bay estuary. The Bay Farm Island Loop Trail is a well-known trail that circles its perimeter.

But zoom close on a map of BFI and notice the canals in the center, extending from Adelphian Way by Shoreline Park to Bay Park Terrace. The green lines alongside the canals denote walking and biking paths.

Coastal birds of all kinds make the canal their home: bufflehead, coots, black-crowned night herons, great egrets, and snowy egrets, cormorants, canvasback, and mallard ducks. They are a favorite subject of local photographers who share their images on sites such as The Beauty of Alameda. Willow trees and benches line the walk, and there is a small sandy beach.

Along Bay Farm Island CanalKarin Jensen

There is no main entrance to these paths. Instead, the linked map shows many entries along quiet residential streets. One easy way to access a long section is to park at the Harbor Bay Landing Shopping Center, walk to the left of Safeway, and pick up the trail behind the Safeway building.

Marina Village Park

Artificial lagoon in Marina Village ParkKarin Jensen

Marina Village Park isn’t really hidden. It’s one of Alameda’s official city parks. But it’s easy to shop at Marina Village Shopping Center and never notice this nearby park across the Marina Village Parkway with its artificial lagoon, water fountains, and view of the Marina Village Yacht Harbor.

Overlooking Marina Yacht Harbor from Marina Village ParkKarin Jensen

This is a compact park with a paved trail, plenty of benches, and exercise stations. When you need a brief respite, this park is perfect for a 20 to 30-minute stroll or relaxing with a bag lunch and waterfront view.

Rock Wall

Alameda Rock WallKarin Jensen

If you try searching for the Alameda Rock Wall on Google Maps or Waze, the only thing that comes up is the Rock Wall Wine Company. The winery is far more famous than the landmark it’s named after.

Easily visible from ferries and boats, the Wall extends over a mile into San Francisco Bay and was built during World War II to prevent torpedoes and submarines from reaching the naval fleet.

A favorite of anglers, the Wall can take over an hour to reach the end. The paved path ends after about 1000 feet. Then you pick your way carefully over the rocks. Proceed with caution as this path requires agility. However, even if you’re not into scrambling over a very long pile of stones, the panoramic view from the paved portion is beautiful.

Getting there requires veering left on an unmarked road off Central Avenue. It is easy to miss and appears, at first, like an Encinal High School driveway. However, the road leads to a parking lot, the Encinal boat ramp, the Bay Trail, and the Rock Wall. I recommend walking the Wall in the morning before the afternoon winds kick up.

Hidden Gems

These are a few of my favorite hidden gems in Alameda. What have I missed? I would love to hear in the comments below.

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References

• Bay Farm Island Loop Trail Review and Map
• Map of Alameda
• Harbor Bay Landing Shopping Center Address and Map
• Map to Marina Village Park

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