Got an itch to go explore new places, but only an afternoon’s worth of time? We’re exploring the fun to be had in our own backyard via the new Bay Area Daytripper series, which shares some unexpectedly great places to hike, grab a bite or indulge in a sip or two in locales from from Daly City to Vallejo.
In case you hadn’t heard, San Leandro is seriously cool. With its proximity to Oakland and the shoreline, the Alameda County suburb is home to pristine shoreline sunsets — and some serious culinary magic. Drake’s Brewing Co., Top Hatters Kitchen & Bar and As Kneaded Bakery, one of the East Bay’s hottest artisan bread spots, all call San Leandro home. Newer residents, like the Bay Area’s iconic Torani Syrup and Dig Deep Farms Food Hub, means the city is one to watch.
Here’s how to spend an awesome — and very filling — day in San Leandro.
Morning buns
Start with a dose of artisanal carbs at As Kneaded Bakery. Baker-owner Iliana Berkowitz’s take-away bakery specializes in premium sourdough loaves, French baguettes and challah that are sold around the Bay Area, from Berkeley Bowl to Bi-Rite Market. But it is Berkowitz’s sinful bakery-only noshes that will own you, from a decadent sticky bun ($4.50) to an almond-stuffed bostock. Grab a loaf of the honey rye porridge ($8.50) — so moist it’s almost custard-like — and a cup of Proyecto Diaz coffee, roasted two miles away on Davis Street. Did we mention the new sandwich menu?
Details: Open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday-Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends at 585 Victoria Court; www.askneadedbakery.com
Picnic and play in the park
Throw down a blanket in the grass and enjoy those sandwiches at Marina Park, located less than five miles from As Kneaded. There’s so much to do at this 30-acre shoreline park, you could easily pass the afternoon there — riding a bike along the water’s edge, melting away those carbs on the mile-long fitness trail, watching the airplanes land at nearby Oakland or walking out to the dog park. The playground is solid, too; kiddos up to 10 will enjoy the climbing structure, zipline and slide.
Details: 14001 Monarch Bay Drive; www.sanleandro.org/parks
Feeling sudsy
All that fresh air and exercise means you deserve a beer. And Drake’s Barrel House, Drake Brewing Co’s warehouse-style tasting room, is calling. The original taproom and barrel house — they’ve been brewing here since 1989 — offers up to 24 beers on tap, from flagship and seasonals to sours and barrel-aged beers. Hungry again? The on-site Brew! Kitchen offers tots, burgers and other bites. If you’re heading to San Leandro on a Saturday, book a tour of the cellar and twin brew houses.
Details: Drake’s Barrel House is open from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, until 10 pm. Friday-Saturday and until 8 p.m. Sundays at 1933 Davis St.; https://drinkdrakes.com.