Alameda was originally a peninsula. It became an island in 1902, when a channel was built across the east end of Alameda to enhance shipping.

With its amazing history, unique urban island atmosphere and excellent weather, there is always something interesting and fun to do in Alameda. The following lists a few of the many activities that can be enjoyed throughout the year. Crab Cove Visitors Center USS Hornet Museum Alameda Museum Meyers House Museum Park Street Art & Wine Fair Peanut Butter and Jam Festival Classic Car Show Annual Sand Castle a & Sand Sculpture Contest Rosenblum Cellars Alameda Civic Light Opera Altarena Playhouse Alameda Art Center Dragon Boating Crab Cove Visitors Center Robert Crown Memorial Beach, 1252 McKay Ave. Visit to learn about the marine and estuarine ecosystems of the San Francisco Bay. Museum-like wildlife displays, Old Wharf Classroom Open Wed - Sun, 10-4, March - September. Admission is free. Concerts at the Cove are held the second Friday of the month in June, July and August. Enjoy these free evening performances at Crab Cove at Crown Memorial State Beach. USS Hornet Museum Moored at historic Alameda Point this WWII aircraft carrier (now a museum) also rescued the Apollo 11 capsule. Learn about the ship's history Explore the ship Open daily, 10-4, Tuesday are family days. Admission: $14 adults; $12 seniors and students; $6 children (ages 5-17) For more information call (510) 521-8448 or go to www.uss-hornet.org. Tours involve climbing steep stairways so wear comfortable clothes and shoes with non-skid soles. Alameda Museum Located at 2324 Alameda Avenue near Park Street. Offers permanent displays of Alameda history Rotating gallery showcasing local Alameda artists and student artwork Souvenirs, books and videos about the rich history of the Island City. Museum is run by The Alameda Historical Society and was established in 1951. The Alameda Museum is the official repository of historical documents and artifacts for the City of Alameda. Hours: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 1:30 - 4:00; Saturday 11 - 4. Phone: (510) 521-1233 Admission to the museum is free, although donations are encouraged Meyers House Museum 2021 Alameda Ave. America’s first and only house museum Colonial Revival architecture Original fencing, carriage house, greenhouse and filled with original furniture Park Street Art & Wine Fair This classic Alameda event has been going strong since 1984, with more vendors, musicians, kid rides and fun each year. Peanut Butter and Jam Festival Held on Webster Street, Sept. 16 & 17, 2006 Hosted by the West Alameda Business Association Live music, vendors and entertainment Call (888) 291-9222 for more information Classic Car Show Each October, over 400 of the finest hot rods, classics and muscle cars in the Bay Area are presented on Park Street. Annual Sand Castle a & Sand Sculpture Contest Every summer stroll along the beach and see gigantic sand creations to be judged. Robert Crown Memorial Beach, Westline St. at Otis Dr. Food stands, music & activities Open 10 - noon (for sand art creation) on summer Saturdays Rosenblum Cellars 2900 Main St. (510) 854-7007 www.rosenblumcellars.com Award-winning wines Cabernet, Zinfandel, Merlot Chardonnay and more Tasting room open daily, 12 noon - 5 Alameda Civic Light Opera Professional quality musical theater performed in historic Kofman Auditorium, a restored 1926 art deco landmark. 2200 Central Ave. (510) 864-2256 Altarena Playhouse Now playing: "Crimes of the Heart" 1409 High St. across from Lincoln Park (510) 523-1553 www.altarena.org Alameda Art Center 1701 Webster St. at Pacific Ave. Monthly juried exhibitions for summer Bring the whole family to enjoy art classes, workshops, special events and fine art gift shop. Call (510) 748-7888 or go to www.alamedaartcenter.org Dragon Boating Join the crew of a Dragon Boat: 20 paddlers, a drummer and a steersman Boats are 46 feet long and have a colorful dragon head and tail Fun for all fitness levels and athletic abilities Participate in races and festivals Interested? Go to www.alamedadragonflyers.com or call (510) 521-7555 ext 2.