Alameda became an important shipping port in 1902 when excavation was done to create a tidal canal joining San Leandro Bay with the harbor of Oakland. World War II saw the establishment of the Naval Air Station Alameda, a sizable naval facility containing a large airfield and docks capable of accommodating several aircraft carriers. Although the Air Station closed in 1997, a massive hangar located there has in recent years been used to film special Computer-Generated Imagery scenes for several movies, including Bicentennial Man, Flubber, and Mission: Impossible II.

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Alameda's proximity to the Bay affords spectators many beautiful views of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge and the San Francisco skyline. One of the more recent Alameda attractions is the aircraft carrier USS Hornet, now moored at the former Naval Air Station. The Hornet was used in World War II to launch a squadron of B-25s in the Tokyo raid conducted by General James Doolittle, an Alameda native.

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Today, Alameda has shaken off much of its military vibe. The island is a place for families who want to live in a small town that’s close to San Francisco, with bikeable streets, beaches, and a lively downtown shopping district. Get ready to know your neighbors. Just make sure you drive under the 25 mph speed limit!

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Other Alameda attractions include: the Alameda Civic Light Opera, featuring Broadway-style musical productions; "Art In the Park", an annual event held in late summer which features art, poetry, music, and food; "Shining Stars In The Arts", held in May and honoring Alameda community members who have contributed to the city's art.

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