The area known today as the City of Alameda (a Spanish name chosen by popular vote in 1853, meaning "grove of poplar trees") is part of a former Spanish land grant stretching from San Leandro to Berkeley, and given to Luis Peralta in 1818, by the Governor of California. On December 27, 1884, the City of Alameda was formally organized and on January 18, 1885, the Official Seal was approved and adopted.

Alameda is perhaps the most unique small city in Northern California, with a population of 74,259. Alameda is located just east of San Francisco between Berkeley and Oakland along US Highway 880 near the San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean.

Alameda Chamber of Commerce
2447 Santa Clara Ave Suite 302
Alameda CA 94501

Voice Phone 510-522-0414

Berkeley is best known as the home of the University of California Berkeley. It is also the base for sports fishing, centered on the Berkeley Marina. Berkeley is immediately north of Oakland on the east side of San Francisco Bay.

Berkeley CVB
2015 Center Street
Berkeley CA 94704

Voice Phone 800-847-4823
Fax 510-549-7040

Burlingame is located south of San Francisco on Highway 280, just south of San Bruno.

Burlingame CA 94010

Castro Valley is located in Alameda County. Accommodations in Castro Valley include Econo Lodge and Holiday Inn Express.

Daly City is a city of 100,000 people in northern San Mateo County, adjacent to the City and County of San Francisco, on the Pacific Ocean and just minutes away from San Francisco Bay. Daly City is known as the "Gateway to the Peninsula." The City's area extends from the Pacific Ocean on the west and nearly to San Francisco Bay on the east. Daly City's climate is cool, with few extremes.

Visitor and residents of the area may take advantage of the Bay Area's fine shopping, dining and entertainment.

This suburb is located just south of San Francisco off Highway 101.

Daly City CA 94014

Danville was incorporated as a city in 1982 and it has been in existence since the gold rush days. The town preserves its Old West feel with upkeep of its old buildings and maintenance of it old narrow roads. Danville is a delightful community containing eight parks, with ball fields, tennis courts, picnic facilities, playground equipment and walking trails. The town is known for its Fourth of July Parade and the Lighting of Old Town Danville. There are also many art festivals and holiday festivities in Danville.

Visitors and residents alike can enjoy the first-rate restaurants that draw people from as far away as San Francisco.

Danville is located in Contra Costa County just east of Oakland between Hayward and Walnut Creek along Interstate 680 near the San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean.
There is also a Danville, Ohio.

Danville Area CC
117-E Town & Country Drive
Danville CA 94526

Voice Phone 510-837-4400

Foster City is nestled along the San Francisco Bay. Foster City residents can enjoy many leisure activities ranging from active adult sports programs to extensive summer and after-school activities for children. Foster City with its mostly sunny weather allows residents to relax and enjoy acres of waterways and parks. Residents can drive a few minutes to be among towering redwood trees or walking on the beach enjoying the spectacular sunsets on the Pacific Ocean.

Foster City is located in San Mateo County on the southeastern city limits of San Mateo between San Mateo and Redwood City along Highway 92 near the San Francisco Bay and the Upper Crystal Springs Reservoir.

Foster City CA 94404

All-America City in 1997
Fremont is located in Alameda County just southeast of San Francisco, between San Mateo and Stockton. It lies along Highway 84 near the San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean.

The city is named after explorer John Charles Fremont. When gold was discovered in the Sierra Nevada Mountains in 1848, Fremont changed from an agricultural center to a weigh station for prospectors on their trek to the gold fields. Its character subsequently changed to a resort, then agricultural community again. In 1956, Fremont incorporated as a five-city consolidation.

Today, fast-growing; Fremont is part of Silicon Valley, a string of communities noted for their high-technology corporations. It also boasts the West Coast's sole car manufacturing plant. Attractions include the Fremont Festival of the Arts and the San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge.
There is also a Fremont, Michigan.

Fremont CA 94539

Incorporated in 1959, Half Moon Bay offers a wide variety of public and private attractions. The historic downtown is home to numerous shops, art galleries, restaurants, bed and breakfasts, and other businesses. Pedestrians, bikes and equestrians can access local beaches and parks. Golf can be enjoyed at two of California's finest courses. The City and coast side are home to numerous nurseries and farms. The Pumpkin Festival held in October draws hundreds of thousands of people to the coast to enjoy its panoramic vistas, fine cuisine, arts, crafts and genuine hospitality.

Half Moon Bay is located in San Mateo County south of San Francisco between Moss Beach and San Gregorio along Highway 1 west of San Mateo.

Half Moon Bay Coastside Chamber
520 Kelly Ave
Half Moon Bay CA 94019

Voice Phone 650-726-5202

The Heart of the Bay!
William Hayward, who purchased 40 acres of land of what is now Downtown Hayward, founded Hayward in 1852. The early Hayward consisted of a stage coach stop, post office, general trading store, a dairy farm, and one of the area's finest hotel resorts.

Hayward boasts a variety of recreational and cultural attractions such as parks, swim centers, tennis courts, an arts center, performance theaters, a rodeo arena, a nature center, and a greenbelt hiking trail. Skywest, Hayward's professionally rated 18-hole golf course, is "one of the best municipal golf courses in the East Bay!" Hayward also has many restaurants.

Hayward is located on the eastern shores of San Francisco Bay, south of Oakland in Alameda County. There is also a Hayward, Wisconsin.

Hayward CA 94541

Los Gatos is home to the "Smallest House on the Smallest Lot in Silicon Valley." This house is an interesting bit of Los Gatos' local history that visitors should check out. Los Gatos is a small, picturesque town filled with unique shops, restaurants, beautiful parks, and historic sites. There is a Main Street and an Old Town to explore.

Los Gatos is located in Santa Clara County south of San Francisco between Palo Alto and San Jose along Highway 17 near the San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean.

Los Gatos CA 95033

The land now known as the City of Menlo Park was originally the home of Ohlone Indians, called by the Spaniards "Coastanoans", or Coast-dwellers. Evidences of their civilization are still being unearthed on the Filoli estate in Woodside, and along San Francisquito Creek.

Menlo Park is located just south of San Francisco between San Mateo and Palo Alto along Highway 82 near the San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean. There is also a Menlo Park, New Jersey.

Menlo Park CA 94025

Mill Valley is located in Marin County just north of San Francisco between San Rafael and Sausalito along Highway 1 near the San Francisco and San Pablo bays and the Pacific Ocean.

The population estimate for July 1, 1998 was 12,949, a decrease of 80 since 1990.

Mill Valley Chamber
85 Throckmorton Ave, POB 5123
Mill Valley CA 94941

Voice Phone 415-388-9700
Fax 415-388-9770

This community named Milpitas, which is Spanish means "little cornfields." Following the City's 1954 incorporation and the opening of the Ford Motor Company assembly plant in 1955, Milpitas experienced such rapid population growth, at a rate of 38% each year. For a long time, this was one of the fastest growing areas in the State of California and in the country.

Milpitas is still a small town, located south of King City on Highway 101. Milpitas is part of the San Jose, California metro area.

Milpitas CA 95035

This suburb is located just west of Fremont off Interstate 880. Newark is located in Alameda County on the east side of San Francisco Bay. There is also a Newark, New Jersey.

Newark CA 94560

Oakland is the seat of Alameda County, just east of San Francisco. It lies between Berkeley and Hayward along Interstate 680, near the San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean.

Following the Mexican War of 1846-48, when the victorious United States took over California, the Oakland settlement became an entry port and supply depot for prospectors headed to recently discovered gold fields. The city's new status as the transcontinental railroad's western terminus put it on the map after 1869.

Today, Oakland is a major industrial hub and West Coast port. The city is among the country's most ethnically diverse communities. The African American Museum and Library preserves the history of blacks living in California and elsewhere in the West. Oakland's Lakeside Park surrounds Lake Merritt, the country s largest urban saltwater body.

There is also an Oakland, Maryland.

Oakland CA 94607

Pacifica means "peace" in Spanish. However, the City of Pacifica did not receive its name from its Spanish fore parents. Pacifica's name was the product of a contest held in 1957 to find a name for the newly incorporated coastal city.

Pacifica is just a short distance from San Francisco and has plenty of recreation options.

Pacifica is located in San Mateo County just south of San Francisco between San Francisco and Half Moon Bay along Highway 1 near San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean.

Pacifica Chamber of Commerce
225 Rockaway Beach Ave, Ste 1
Pacifica CA 94044

Voice Phone 650-355-4122

Palo Alto is located in Santa Clara County just south of San Francisco between San Carlos and San Jose along Interstate 280 near the San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean.

The population estimate for July 1, 1998 was 59,098, an increase of 3,198 since 1990.

Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce
325 Forest Ave
Palo Alto CA 94301

Voice Phone 650-324-3121
Fax 650-324-1215

Pleasanton is the home of beautiful landscapes, wildlife, and commercial city dwelling all rolled into one. Located near San Francisco, Pleasanton embraces its rich history and culture as a former home to the Ohlone Native American tribe, and Spanish settlers who established beautiful Catholic missions. Pleasanton also had its share of gold rush enthusiasm and locomotive spirit.

Pleasanton has a charming downtown with fine dining and shopping available. Pleasanton has many beautiful parks and is near many state parks. Being only a short distance from San Francisco visitors and residents can enjoy all the big city has to offer while retreating to a smaller dwelling.

Pleasanton is located in Alameda County just east of San Francisco between Hayward and Stockton along Interstate 580 near the San Francisco Bay.

There is also a Pleasanton, Texas.

Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce
777 Peters Ave
Pleasanton CA 94566
Voice Phone 510-846-5858

The first occupants of Redwood City were Native Americans from a tribe called the Ohlone. The Ohlone lived in the area stretching from San Francisco Bay to the Santa Cruz foothills. Redwood City became the first incorporated city in San Mateo County on March 27, 1868.

The large suburb of Redwood City is part of San Francisco Bay Area south. The city can be reached via Interstate 880.

Redwood City CA 94061

San Bruno is located in San Mateo County. The population estimate for July 1, 1998 was 40,710, an increase of 1,749 since 1990.

San Carlos is located in San Mateo County. The population estimate for July 1, 1998 was 28,089, an increase of 1,707 since 1990.

There is also a San Carlos, Arizona.

San Francisco is located in San Francisco County and is the county seat. It lies southwest of Sacramento along U.S. Highway 101, on the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay. The bay is among the world's foremost natural harbors.

A presidio (fort) and mission were established in 1776 near the bay, which was named after Saint Francis of Assisi by Spanish explorers several years previous. Located near the eastern part of today's attraction, the Presidio, the Spanish post was erected to protect the bay's entrance.

Today, San Francisco is the state's fourth largest city and a major center of finance, technology, culture and tourism. The city boasts several noted universities, among them the University of California at San Francisco. One star in its cultural crown is the San Francisco Symphony. The city is imbued with numerous museums that reflect its cosmopolitan character. Golden Gate Park is world-famous.

San Francisco CA 94102

San Leandro is a friendly and diverse city with a colorful heritage and numerous cultural amenities including a 450-berth Marina, two golf courses and a large community library. Discovered in 1772 by a Spanish explorer, San Leandro became famous during the late 1800s and early 1900s for its delicious cherries. In 1909, to celebrate the abundant cherry harvest, San Leandro held its first Cherry Festival, an event which was so successful, it is still celebrated today.

San Leandro is located in Alameda County west of Stockton County west of Stockton between Oakland and Hayward along Interstate 580 near the San Francisco Bay.

San Leandro Chamber
262 Davis St, PO Box 607
San Leandro CA 94577

Voice Phone 510-351-1481

The first inhabitants of what is now the City of San Mateo were members a triblet of the Ohlone Indians (called Coastanoans by Spanish explorers).

A residential suburb of San Francisco, San Mateo is on the Peninsula south of San Francisco International Airport, connected to the city by Highway 101. San Mateo is connected to the east side of San Francisco Bay by the San Mateo-Hayward Bridge, one of the longest highway bridges in the country.

San Mateo Chamber of Commerce
1021 S El Camino, 2nd Floor
San Mateo CA 94402

Voice Phone 650-341-5679

Incorporated on July 1, 1983, the City of San Ramon is situated on 11 square miles of the San Ramon Valley, approximately 25 miles east of the City of Oakland in the San Francisco Bay Area. The San Ramon Valley is known for its scenic beauty, good climate, and close proximity to the Bay Area's major employment centers. Visitors and residents can take advantage of the nearby Bay Area attractions.

San Ramon is in Contra Costa County on the east side of the ridges that mark the eastern boundary of the San Francisco Bay area. It is between Danville on the north and Dublin on the south along Interstate 680.

San Ramon CA 94583

Santa Clara is ideally situated in Santa Clara County, otherwise known as Silicon Valley. Santa Clara visitors and residents have easy access to all the activities and events of the San Francisco Bay Area. In the Bay Area visitors can enjoy restaurants, shopping, museums, art galleries, and a whole lot more.

Santa Clara is home to Santa Clara University. Located in the heart of California's Silicon Valley, Santa Clara University offers a rigorous undergraduate curriculum in the arts and sciences, business, and engineering.

Residents of Santa Clara also enjoy many annual events such as the Santa Clara Food and Wine Festival

Santa Clara is located in Santa Clara County just south of San Francisco between Palo Alto and Santa Cruz along Highway 35 near the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay.

PO Box 387
1850 Warburton Avenue
Santa Clara CA 95050

Voice Phone 408-244-9660
Information 800-272-6822
Fax 408-244-7830

Sunnyvale is located in Santa Clara County, otherwise known as Silicon Valley. Sunnyvale is ideally located near San Francisco where visitors and residents of Sunnyvale can enjoy all that the Bay Area has to offer. The San Francisco area offers premiere restaurants, shopping and cultural activities.

Sunnyvale is located in Santa Clara County just south of San Francisco between Palo Alto and San Jose along US Highway 101 near the San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean.

Sunnyvale Chamber of Commerce
499 S Murphy St
Sunnyvale CA 94086

Voice Phone 408-736-4971
Fax 408-736-4971

Union City is located in Alameda County. The population estimate for July 1, 1998 was 64,085, an increase of 10,323 since 1990.

There is also a Union City, Tennessee.

The first known inhabitants of the Walnut Creek area were Bolbones Indians. In March 1772, the first Spanish explorers arrived to the region. Walnut Creek was first known as "The Corners" -- where the two roads leading from Pacheco and Lafayette converged.

Guests in Walnut Creek can choose from a delightful range of hotels and motels. A world-class arts center and the chance to participate in a wide range of arts programs are available in Walnut Creek. Walnut Creek is located in Contra Costa County just east of San Francisco between Concord and Oakland along Interstate 680 near the San Francisco Bay.
Walnut Creek CA 94596