A Bit of Paradise on the Water
The South Shore area of Alameda is probably best known for three things: the Alameda South Shore Center mall, the lagoon, and the beach. Where else can you come out of a department store and be on the sand within minutes?
South Shore features a fantastic shoreline with walking and biking paths, beaches with volleyball nets, and an amazing view of San Francisco. The beach and shoreline are a popular draw for families, dog walkers, runners, and those just looking for a relaxed, scenic, outdoor experience.
Shopping, Dining, and Easy Living
South Shore Center is a 594,000 square-foot open-air shopping destination that offers a wide range of services and stores: grocery shop at Safeway and Trader Joe’s, shop for clothes and household goods at Ross, Kohl’s, TJ Maxx, and Home Goods, eat lunch at Applebee’s, Marugame Udon, Five Guys, or Chipotle. There are even local shops, like Modern Mouse and Whales & Friends, featuring locally-produced artisanal gifts, and local eateries like Monkey Thai, Oghane, and Loard’s Ice Cream. There are 15+ dining options at South Shore Center, along with 100+ shops and services, offering a wide mix of everyday conveniences and local favorites. Check out the complete directory
here. Lucky Strike bowling alley can be found directly next door, and offers a myriad of entertainment options with its arcade, bowling leagues, and pool tables.
One stand-out in the list of Center eateries is the Italian restaurant, Trabocco. Located in the middle of the shopping center, Trabocco offers world-class Italian cuisine and an open, airy atmosphere. It’s also a perfect date night destination.
When winter comes, South Shore Center kicks off the holiday season with a beautifully lit Christmas tree in the center of the shopping area, festive décor throughout, and seasonal holiday events.
Thoughtfully Designed Alameda Neighborhood
Along Shore Line Drive, the main street on the southernmost part of Alameda, you will find mostly apartment complexes and condos built in the 40s-60s that overlook the beach. One condo complex of note is The Willows, located on the edge of South Shore Shopping Center and right on the beach, with a beautiful interior courtyard with plantings, clubhouse, pool and hot tub.
There are a few pockets of larger, Mid-century single-family homes on the western end of the strip as well, as you make your way towards the two-mile long stretch of Crown Memorial State Beach. The beach and surrounding area is a favorite spot for walking, windsurfing, kayaking, and cycling. In fact, Boardsports California offers windsurfing rentals and lessons from their small facility along the shore. There are also playgrounds, picnic areas, tennis courts, and two dog parks just north of the beach. Check out the East Bay Regional Park District to learn more about Crown Memorial State Beach.
Within some of the residential neighborhoods of South Shore, Mid-century lagoon-front homes feature private docks, allowing direct access to the water. Residents can even kayak or paddle boat around the neighborhood. The homes of the South Shore neighborhood of Alameda are reminiscent of 1950’s culture, when they were built, giving the neighborhoods a special feel, and making them unique among the island.
Location
Busy and vibrant Downtown Alameda is a 5 minute drive away, and offers a wide selection of dining, entertainment, shopping and more. Here you will see the historic and iconic Art Deco Alameda Theatre, built in 1932.
The Main Street Alameda Ferry Terminal and Seaplane Lagoon Ferry Terminal are both just 3 miles from South Shore and will take you directly to San Francisco’s Ferry Building or Jack London Square in Oakland.
The South Shore area, with its beaches, walking and biking trails, water sport opportunities, shopping, lagoon-side homes, and views of San Francisco, is a quintessential part of the island of Alameda. Take a walk along Shore Line Drive, and discover this special neighborhood for yourself.
