Sprawling on the eastern shores of San Francisco Bay, Fremont is a charismatic city with a rich Spanish missionary history. It boasts picturesque green spaces and a working 19th-century farm and is home to one of the Bay Area’s most important wildlife habitats.
Things to do in Fremont
Immerse yourself in the agricultural history of Fremont at the working Ardenwood Historic Farm, which was originally established in the 19th century by gold miner George Patterson. Staff dressed in period costumes illustrate traditional farm labour and invite guests to help tend to the crops, while wagon rides and tours of the Victorian-style Patterson House are available.
Rent a boat to explore the waters of beautiful Lake Elizabeth, which lies at the heart of Fremont Central Park. Backed by Mission Peak, this scenic green space is also home to tennis courts, picnic areas and a children’s playground, together with the water-based rides of the Aqua Adventure theme park.
Spend an afternoon wildlife spotting in Don Edwards San Francisco Bay Area National Wildlife Refuge, which sprawls along the marshy shores near Dumbarton Bridge. It provides a vital habitat for migratory and endangered birds, such as the California clapper rail, as well as the endemic salt marsh harvest mouse.
Discover the region’s Spanish missionary heritage at the replica early-19th-century adobe church of the Mission San Jose. An original monastery now serves as a museum and exhibits artefacts dating back to the mission’s establishment in 1797, while the cemetery houses the remains of prominent Spanish settlers.
Getting around Fremont
Both Oakland Airport and San Jose Airport are around 30 minutes’ drive from Fremont, which is also connected to San Francisco by regular trains and buses. Buses travel throughout Fremont and there’s a good network of bicycle lanes and pathways.