33 Best & Fun Things to Do in Fremont (CA)

Though not among the most popular areas in California, the city of Fremont is one of the most influential cities when it comes to the Hollywood movie industry.

Fremont was the first city in California to start shooting and producing movies before other places in the area began to do the same.

The history of this lovely city goes as far back as the 1840s. The city advanced when the settlers who came to this area began to build railroads all around the region.

Today, Fremont is majorly known for is its “Bay Area Rapid Transport System” which transports it’s residents to all the cities in the region including San Francisco.

You will find Fremont only seven miles away from the San Francisco Bay in the historic Alameda County.

Some of the attraction spots that can be found in this city includes museums, landmark and also historic buildings.

Below are the best things to do in Fremont.

Things to do in Fremont

1. Ardenwood Historic Farm

In the year 1857, George Washington Patterson built a farmhouse on his estate close to Fremont which he gave the name Ardenwood. Later on, he added the Queen Anne Victorian structure in the year 1889.

In 1915, George Washington’s son remodeled the old part of the house and added lots of modern features.

In 1985, this estate which includes a working farm, and a large forest was opened to the public after it was converted into the Ardenwood Historic Farm Center.

Aside the farmhouse, this estate now contains a Railroad Museum with a narrow gauge horse-drawn railway, a large collection of railroad cards and other 19th-century railroad artifacts.

Other things Ardenwood Historic Farm is known for include being the venue of popular events in the city such as the Renaissance Faire, Celtic festival, and the Washington Township Railroad Fair.

Address: 34600 Ardenwood Blvd, Freemont, CA 94555.

2. Niles Canyon Railway

A worthy addition to your checklist of things to do in Fremont is Niles Canyon Railway, it is part of the Niles Canyon Transcontinental Railroad Historic District, one of the best places to visit in Fremont.

This historic railway passes through Niles Canyon, Sunol, the Pleasanton in the San Francisco Bay area, and the Niles district of Fremont.

Niles Canyon Railway is a live museum that emphasizes on the importance of the railroad means of transportation in the development of the state of California.

Operated by the Pacific Locomotive Association, the Niles Canyon Railway offers public excursions to her visitors using both the steam and the diesel locomotives on a part of the First Transcontinental Railroad which is now preserved.

As you partake in this excursion you will experience what the railways were like for a small-town in America before the 1960s.

Address: 6 Kilkare Rd, Sunol, CA 94586.

3. Quarry Lakes Recreation Area

A regional park in Fremont, California, Quarry Lakes Recreation Area is located in a place which was formally a gravel quarry.

This park which was established in the year 1976 can be found between Centerville and Niles and also between the Alameda Creek and the BATH train tracks.

Some of the features of the park include Horseshoe and Rainbow Lakes both of which have a sandy swimming beach, hiking and biking trails, and lots more.

You will also find a large grassy area and also picnic areas on the coast of the lakes.

Among many fun things to do in this park, you can engage in fishing, picnicking, boating, biking, hiking, and so many others.

Note that the trails in this park are connected to the Alameda Creek Regional Trail and that only non-gasoline powered boats are allowed in the lake.

Address: 3100 Isherwood Way, Fremont, CA 94536.

4. Old Mission San Jose

Old Mission San Jose is a historic Spanish mission in Fremont, California which was founded in the year 1797 by the Franciscan order.

This mission is the 14th mission in California built by the Spanish.

As a result of the Mexican secularization act in 1833, the Mission went into decline but soon after, many of those original structures were reconstructed.

After reconstruction, the Saint Joseph Catholic Church went on to use this old mission church as its chapel.

Amongst other things you will find today in the Mission is a museum as well as a visitors center. This museum through its visitor’s center offers the visitors a slideshow of the mission’s history.

You will also get to see the beautiful adobe church which is a reconstruction of an old one completed in the year 1809 but destroyed in 1868 by an earthquake.

There is also an old rare Spanish organ in the church which is used for concerts, and a mission cemetery where many of the Mission pioneers where buried on the north side of the church.

Address: 43300 Mission Blvd, Fremont CA 94539

5. Coyote Hills Regional Park

Established in the year 1967, the Coyote Hills Regional Park sits on a 978-acre land space situated at the south shore of the San Francisco Bay near Fremont.

In the park, you will find fairly low hills which provide magnificent views of the ocean, three-bay bridges, San Franciso, Oakland, Mount Tamalpais, the Peninsula Range and the Santa Cruiz Mountains, this makes what to do in Fremont for some outdoor time.

Within the park, you will find a whole network of trails that can be used for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and lots more.

Most of the trails are fine roads that are motorable, you will find them between the hills and marshes while the narrower trailers are just for hiking.

Another thing worth noting about this place is the fact that it was once inhabited by the Ohlone group of Native Americans. Archaeological findings have confirmed this theory.

Address: 8000 Patterson Ranch Rd, Fremont CA 9455.

6. Mission Peak Regional Preserve

A place that should not miss your checklist of fun things to do in Fremont is Mission Peak Regional Preserve, a part of the city’s seal and also an important symbol of the city.

Mission Peak Regional Preserve is situated on a mountain ridge that includes Mount Allison and the Monument Peak.

This park has one of the best views of Silicon Valley and it is a place frequented by people from all around the Bay area who visit here for biking, hiking, sightseeing, and mountain climbing.

Among the popular attractions in the park is the Mission Peeker which is a marker pole at the park summit and also a famous landmark where most visitors take photos.

Three multi-use trails can be found in the mountain’s northern and western sides. The most popular among the three is the Hidden Valley Trail which is a steep and strenuous climb, covering an elevation of 2,100 feet, it has breathtaking views of the entire Bay Area from its Peak.

Address: Freemont.CA 94539

7. Central Park

One of the remarkable places to visit in Fremont is the Central Park, it satisfy the curiosity of things to do in Fremont with the kids.

Central Park is an urban park that sits on a 450-acre land space situated in the heart of Fremont. This park is known to be the location of Lake Elizabeth. You will find the lake at the center of the park along with the towering Mission Peak Hills surrounding it.

Aside the lake and hills, the park has other fun areas that you will find interesting such as basketball and tennis court, children’s play areas, a 2-Mile pathway around the lake, and the Aqua Adventure Water Park.

For those who wish to engage in swimming and boat paddling in this park, you can hire a boat from one of the boat rentals in the park.

The park is also a great place to host family gatherings and parties. You might  likely find one or two families celebrating in the park.

Other fun areas in the park are the golf course and driving range located on the north side of the park. Also, a skateboarding park and water slides can be found on the southwest end of this park.

Address: 40000 Paseo Padre Pkwy, Fremont, CA 94538.

8. Museum of Local History

Museum of Local History which was established in the year 1994 features a range of exhibits that shows what life in the Washington Township and the Tri-city area was like in time past.

From the exhibits, you will get to know the kinds of families that lived there, the kind of work they did, and how they built a community.

Most of the collections you will find in this museum were gotten from the Mission Peak Heritage Foundation while others were gotten from the Washington Township Historical Society.

There are several valuable collections too which the museum has acquired over the years.

You can be a part of the docent-led tours the museum provides to the public, self-guided tours are allowed too.

Address: 190 Anza St, Fremont, CA 94539

9. Museum at Coyote Hills

Located at Coyote Hills State Park is a small natural history Museum which traces the history of the Ohlone Native Americans.

In this museum, you will find a nice collection of Ohlone artifacts, woven baskets, a replica reed boat, and other tools.

Also, you will find an exhibition that shows the animals and plants in the Coyote Hill area.

If you plan to visit during the weekends, you will get an opportunity to watch the demonstrations of food preparation and other daily practices of the Ohlone people.

Other features of the museum include a park suitable for picnics and hiking, and also a beautiful garden both of which is situated on grounds formerly occupied by the Ohlone people.

10. SVCC Temple

SVCC Temple Fremont, also known as Sri Siddhi Vinayaka Cultural Center, Inc., it is a beautiful Hindu temple which was opened in the year 2013.

A worship place for Hindus, the SVCC temple offers a range of religious services to the Bay Area population. The temple also helps shape the cultural and social norms of the city it is situated in.

Among several other charity works the SVCC Temple offers to the community, Is the generous contribution of food to those living in local shelters and also participation in blood donations in collaboration with other related local organizations.

The temple is open every day of the week for service. These services are attended by the Fremont and the Bay Area Community.

Address: 40155 Blacow Rd, Fremont, CA 94538.

11. Hayward Fault Exposes

California is one of the areas in the world which has felt the destructive power of earthquakes. They have grown with the awareness that it can happen anytime and suddenly.

Some of the reminders of the earthquakes that occurred in time past are actual faults in the Earth’s crust that are clearly visible. Among the many, the famous quakes are the San Andreas Fault, and the Hayward fault which is located very close to Fremont California.

These faults are likely places where a future destructive earthquake will originate.

The Hayward Fault Zone is about 37 miles long and it stretches along the western hills on the San Franciso Bay’s east side.

The fault line passes through Berkley, Oakland, Hayward, El Cerrito, San Leandro, Richmond, and San Jose.

The Hayward Fault line runs parallel to the San Andreas Fault, both of which alongside the Calaveras Fault are the major causes of the severe earthquakes that occurs in this region.

Across the Hayward Fault is an 8-Mile deep trench which is about 40-Mile long called the Hayward Fault Exposed, this trench opened in 2006.

You can check out the Trench on Saturdays and Sundays, for only then are visitors allowed to see it.

12. Vargas Plateau Regional Park

One of the fun places in Fremont, Vargas Plateau Regional Park is a place worthy for visit on the list of things to do in the city Fremont.

This park is a wonderful green area, situated on a 1,000-foot-high plateau in the Fremont Hills, California.

A habitat to diverse wildlife, Vargas Plateau Regional Park features a lush landscape with open grassland, deep ponds, and steep forested canyons.

Some of the wildlife you will find here include deer, snakes, bobcats, hawks, eagles, and lots of other animals.

Don’t forget to come along with your camera, for this plateau offers breathtaking views of places in the distant horizon such as Fremont, Union City, Newark, Niles Canyon, and San Francisco Bay which you might wish to save on a device.

Some of the fun activities you can engage in this park include hiking, jogging, climbing, and wildlife watching.

Address: 2536 Morrison Canyon Rd, Fremont, CA 94539.

13. Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum and Theatre

A place that was once the headquarters of the silent movie industry, is the Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum located in the historic district of Niles, Fremont which is dedicated to preserving, honoring, and showing silent films and their history.

The museum also celebrates the pioneering movie companies that once worked in the Bay Area.

Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum is housed by a historic 100-year-old nickelodeon movie theatre called the Edison Theatre.

Just a half-block away from this museum, you will find the very place where the famous Niles Essanay Studio producers of the great Charlie Chaplin made movies in the 1910s. It is also in this area of Niles Canyon that Bronco Billy filmed several cowboy movies.

Address: 37417 Niles Blvd, Fremont, CA 94536.

14. Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge

A visit to the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife, which is located next to Coyote Hills Regional Park makes another outdoor fun things to do in Fremont.

This refuge wildlife area occupies about 30,000-acre land space, and is known for its salt pond, mudflat, vernal, and upland pool habitats.

Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge includes places like the north and south of the Dumbarton Bridge, Blair Island, and Leo part of San Mateo County.

The refuge was founded in the year 1974 to protect, preserve, and enhance the habitat of wildlife, it also serves as a haven to wildlife which protects threatened and endangered animals.

Amongst other things it offers, Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge provides wonderful opportunities for nature-oriented recreation and education, It is the first national refuge in the country.

Address: 2 Marshlands Rd, Fremont, CA 94555.

15. Aqua Adventure Water Park

Located in Fremont, California, Aqua Adventure is a popular water park.

This amazing park was opened in the year 2009 to provide its visitors and residents with water-oriented recreation.

This family-oriented park occupies an area that was initially Puerto Pensaxo Swim Lagoon.

In the water Parke are two open and two enclosed slides which twist and turn all the way down from 40 feet above the pools.

Other features of the park include a 3-foot-deep lazy river that runs around the complex, and a splash zone that provides a range of water sprays.

There is also a 25-yard-long and five-lane-wide water body that serves as an exercise and swimming spot, along with 12 shade shelters that protect the visitors on hot summer days.

Address: 40500 Paseo Padre Pkwy, Fremont, CA 94538.

16. Dumbarton Bridge

Dumbarton Bridge connects San Mateo and the Alameda Counties, it is the narrowest part of San Francisco Bay and has Menlo park and Newark at its west.

The Dumbarton Bridge existing today is not the first built, it is actually the second. The first Bay Bridge was built in the year 1927 by the Dumbarton Bridge Company for vehicles to travel on it.

Later in the the 1940s, the bridge became too congested and very insufficient to bear the ever-growing traffic.

The new Dumbarton Bridge was completed years later in 1984, about 8,600 feet long, with a vertical clearance of 85 feet, made with steel box girders covered with concrete and sufficient to hold many vehicles.

This new bridge has three lanes in each direction along with a pedestrian and bike lane.

17. Alameda Creek Trail

Alameda Creek Trail is a hiking trail about 12-Mile long which can be found along the banks of the Alameda Creek, situated in southern Alameda County.

This trail runs from the edge of Niles Canyon which is around Fremont to the San Francisco Bay in the west.

The trail also offers very easy access to Coyote Regional Park, connecting the 3.5-mile loop trail which leads directly into the Coyote Hills.

Due to its long-distance, the trail is used for hosting marathon races.

You can access the trail from any of the trailheads in Newark, Fremont and Union City.

Also, you can spot lots of nature watchers along this trail from Alameda Creek where the trail originated for it is a haven for birds.

Address: 2250 Isherwood Way, Fremont, CA 93536.

18. Fremont Market Broiler

Market Broiler in Fremont is a part of a popular local restaurant chain that can be found in the Pacific Commons Shopping Center.

This restaurant is very comfortable, spacious and a good place for the whole family to have dinner or lunch. All the dishes served in this restaurant are prepared with the freshest of ingredients.

Fremont Market Broiler menu features more of seafood, it contains 18 fish related meals which you can comfortably choose from and also steaks and pasta all available on the menu.

While you wait for your meal to be served, try out some of the in-house baked sourdough bread.

After enjoying your meal, you can visit the fresh fish market which is located in the restaurant’s lobby to buy some seafood and fresh fish you can prepare at home.

Aside fresh fish, the market also sells chowders and other side dishes.

Address: 43406 Christy St, Fremont, CA 94538.

19. Massimo’s

Another befitting restaurant in Fremont that should be added to your list of things to do in Fremont is the Massimo’s which specializes solely on Italian dishes. Established in the year 1976, the restaurant is now a household name in Fremont.

A place known for its excellent service, all the meals served by the restaurant are prepared using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

You will find in the restaurant’s menu signature dishes like the Ceaser salad, usually prepared in front of the guests at their dining room and flaming desert.

You can also find dishes like veal saltimbocca with prosciutto, fresh sage with seasonal vegetables and risotto, and Monterey Jack cheese.

While you enjoy your selected meal, also request for a wine the in their well-chosen collection of wines.

There is a nice private dining room in the restaurant that can be rented for special events like birthday parties and more.

 Address: 5200 Mowry Ave, Fremont, CA 94538.

Modesto is another city in California you should check out, presenting lots of fun attractions as well as activities, this guide on things to do in Modesto brings the best of an exploration of the area.

20. Papillon

Papillon is an upscale French restaurant located in the Niles area of Fremont, California. This restaurant has served gourmet food to the people of Fremont for the past 20 years.

The Papillion restaurant has a comforting atmosphere and it is perfect for romantic and celebratory meals.

Some of the meals you will find in the restaurant’s menu include frog legs, Cognac duck pâté, beef Wellington escargot, or roasted rack of lamb. All these are prepared with the best seasonal ingredients, locally sourced.

Along with any of these delicious meals, you can order for a wine from their finely selected wine list which consists of wines from all over the world.

Check out also their dessert offerings which include flambé cherries jubilee, creme brulee, and baked Alaska.

Papillon has a private banquet room, free to be rented for events which has a sitting capacity that can comfortably hold about 70 guests.

Address: 37296 Mission Blvd, Fremont CA 94536-1607.

21. Shinn Historic Park and Arboretum

Another place to consider and add to your checklist of things to do in Fremont is the Shinn Historical Park and Arboretum.

Shinn Historic Park and Arboretum is one of the most loved parks in the city of Fremont. The park got its name from the Shinn “Big House”.

This house is a Victorian farmhouse that was designed using the Bavarian Style and it still stands till date. It is peculiar because it has survived lots of earthquakes and natural disasters that happened in that region.

Although you can’t get to enter the house because no one is allowed, you can enjoy the architecture of the house from the outside and also the parklands and the arboretum in this area.

22. Vallejo Adobe

Vallejo Adobe is a part of the historic Mission of San Jose, built as the home of the Mission administrator.

Constructed in 1842, you will be amazed by the architectural style used in building this house.

You can find Vallejo Adobe at the middle of the scenic California Nursery Historic Park along the historic Niles district of Fremont.

Have in mind that you might not be allowed to enter the building, but you can see and appreciate the craftsmanship visible all over the building.

23. Olive Hyde Art Gallery

One of the fun things to do in Fremont California for art lovers is a visit to the Olive Hyde Art Gallery.

Olive Hyde Art Gallery was founded in the 1960s. You will find it within the historic area of Mission San Jose, located in Fremont.

The building itself where the gallery is situated was built in the year 1940 and was donated in 1962 to the city as an Olive Hyde public art gallery.

The aim of this gallery is to both support and nurture the talent of local artists in the city and the region at large. The gallery also showcases the history of this part of the United States through art.

As you walk around this gallery you will find rotating exhibits that display both traditional and contemporary works.

24. Higuera Adobe

Higuera Adobe is a building located at the base of Mission Peak, in the Warm Springs district of Fremont.

This adobe is one of the seven that was built in the year 1840 as part of Fulgencio Higuera ranch. Today, only Higuera Adobe is still in good shape.

Features of this historic building includes two bedrooms, a main room, and a stable, all of which were designed and built using the materials available at that time.

Also, notice the local redwood furniture and the compacted dirt that Make up the fall. All these give a picture of how Higuera Adobe must have looked like when it was built.

25. Niles Farmer’s Market

Niles Farmer’s Market is a market located in Fremont which has been in operation for years. If you wish to buy some of the locally produce food in the city, this is where to visit.

This market can be found very close to the Main Street, it sells locally grown and fresh produce such as fruits and vegetables.

Also, you can buy crafts from artisans who sell their wares in the market.

Some of these are the artisan soap markers, Pamela soap, and the popular Niles Pie company.

24. California Nursery Historical Park

California Nursery Historical Park sits on a 20-acre land which formerly was a grand nursery managed by the California Nursery Company.

Jose de Jesus Vallejo, the administrator of the Mission San Jose launched this company, he lived in Vallejo Adobe.

In this park, you will find lots of historic buildings, hiking trails and so many other beautiful scenes which are quite great for afternoon picnics.

27. Leland Stationary Winery

Leland Stationary Winery is named after Leland Stanford who was a former Governor of California as well as a United State senator. He also founded the famous Stanford University.

Leland Stationary Winery was a winery Senator Leland Stanford established in the year 1869.

Today, this winery is used as a resort for those who are rich and famous around Fremont. There are Vineyards planted in this winery by Mr. Lee’s brother.

Today, what can be found in this winery is an amazing historical landmark

28. Town Fair Plaza

To get a better view of the Fremont community, visit the Town Fair Plaza, this presents so many fun things to do in Fremont.

The plaza is used mainly for hosting public events. Some of the events held in this Plaza includes wine tasting events, cuisine related events, and live entertainments hosted at night.

Note that the type of event you get to attend in this plaza is determined by the time you come visiting. You can check out the cities website to know which event is coming up and when.

29. Children’s Natural History Museum

Children’s Natural History Museum is a popular museum in Fremont dedicated to children. It has lots of exhibits which educates both children and parents about the Earth.

The museum hosts workshops and lectures to help achieve their aim. Children’s Natural History Museum has been in existence since 1982 and is managed by the Math Science Nucleus.

On getting to the Museum, You are required to pay a fee before entering the museum.

If you would be visiting in a group larger than 10 people, it’s advisable you make reservations before arrival. This makes what to do in Fremont CA with kids, consider visiting here if they are tagging along.

30. Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is one of the most beautiful parks close to Fremont. This park features rivers, coastline and several picnic spots where visitors to the park can engage in water-related and outdoor activities.

On arrival  to this park, you will find the Redwood trees which are some of the oldest and tallest trees in the United States.

You can also find lots of wildlife present at the Redwood National park, some of which are rare and protected species.

Take out a day from the period from the stay in Fremont and explore this park, take any of the lengthy hike routes in the park.

Be sure to get proper information from the visitors center before you begin your exploration.

31. Berkley Mystery Walls

Berkley Mystery Walls are the remnants of ancient stone walls that are found around the East Bay. No one knows who built them or why they were built, all that is known about them are mere speculations that are not concrete.

These Mystery Walls covers more than 50 miles and can be found down the hills of the East Bay from Berkley to San Jose.

Each of these walls is more than five feet tall and they are constructed using boulders of varying sizes, some of which weighs about  a ton.

As of this time, it is agreed that the origin of the walls is prehistoric for they look ancient, and since they are built with much engineering consideration, it may be evidence that once a time long ago, this very area was home to an advanced civilization.

This civilization may be the Mongolia, for just like the Chinese, they too tend to fence their cities.

Take out some time to investigate these walls yourself. You will find them in places like the Mission Peak Regional Preserve in Alameda County, the Tilden Regional Park in Orinda, and the R Levin County Park in Santa Clara.

32. The Secret Sidewalk

Located in the San Francisco Bay Area, the Secret Sidewalk is a trail that every curious tourist will like to explore.

This sidewalk is not a walkway, rather it is the top of the Spring Valley Aqueduct. That is, it is a half-buried concrete tunnel that runs from Calaveras Reservoir in the East Bay to the San Francisco area.

The Aqueduct is no longer in use, it is now used by daring tourists as a hiking trail, this itinerary makes what to do in Fremont if you would love some exploration time.

33. Rockin’ Jump Trampoline Park. 

Rockin’ Jump Trampoline Park was established in 2010.

The Park was founded by two families and quickly rose to prominence as one of the country’s most popular venues for leisure and fitness 

The company arranged to construct a space where the public could take delight in flipping on the trampoline, bouncing from one trampoline to another, and jumping into soft foam pools. 

Rockin’ Jump Trampoline Park provides a new and unique choice for celebrations and family hangouts. 

It is also a venue that offers a good meal, a safe environment for kids to play, and an exclusive event area. 

Additionally, this venue provides indoor attractions such as a slam dunk zone, open jump arena, stunt bag arena, and arcade. 

Address: 39177 Farwell Dr, Fremont, CA 94538-1050, USA

Explore other parts of California, check out this guide on things to do in West Covina as well as things to do in Daly City for some fun time in these parts of California.

Plan Your Trip to Fremont

Fremont is a city filled with lots of landmarks, museums, and places of historic importance. This is a place you could consider a visit for a fun time in the United States.

With lots of parks that offer recreational activities alongside good eateries, you won’t be bored in this city.

Before your trip, make a checklist of things to do in Fremont, feel free to pin the content to serve as a guide exploring this city as well as a reminder.