San Francisco is a unique city nestled in the vast pacific northern part of California. Steeped in history, it holds the records of a different time when the discovery of gold in the west made cities boom, city life was becoming vibrant, and the streets were mostly made of dirt.
From these early settlers and gold spenders, the city began to grow. San Francisco grew to include paved streets, new subsections within its limits, and it became a place to experience life on a grander scale.
In its present age, many things about San Francisco haven’t changed. The history is held as sacred and its streets are poised to rebound into vibrancy after last year’s COVID shutdowns.
To truly experience the history of San Francisco, you must include the water. The entire city is built around its vast waterways and many of its most famous spots are located on the water.
One such place happens to be the destination for our next Virtual SUP tour - Quinn’s Lighthouse in Oakland.
Quinn's
Quinn’s lighthouse was built in 1890 and renovated into a restaurant for tourists and locals.
It can often be difficult to find, especially for those who are unfamiliar with this part of the city. It’s described as being tucked away past Coast Guard Island, the largely industrial neighborhood of Jingletown and busy I-880.
The looming three-story structure sits now in an operating marina. Adjacent to the structure is a replica Statue of Liberty greeting visitors who dock for an afternoon lunch. Inside is a mix of Western history and good old Americana.
Given it’s a historical landmark of interest and sits in the perfect spot for an afternoon paddle destination, we know it will be a fun weekend adventure for any local or tourist.
Follow us on this virtual tour as we take you from launch spot to destination and back!
Disclaimer: We've included a short and long route. Be sure to check out the route you wish to follow!
City of Alameda
-Perfect Paddles Travel Brief-
Best Time of Year to Visit:
The best time to visit San Francisco is from September to November. Believe it or not, fall offers some of the city's warmest temperatures year-round, not to mention fewer crowds than summer. Spring is another good time to visit thanks to its mild temperatures and lack of rain.
Visa: “All travelers entering the United States from all other countries need a passport upon arrival (regardless of their country of citizenship). Permanent residents and foreign nationals may also need a U.S. visa. You must apply for a visa before you start your trip.” (www.usa.gov)
Flight distances from major cities to the beginning of the route in St. Louis (estimates):
New York City: 5hrs
Los Angeles: 1 hr
London: 11-12 hrs
Paris: 12-14 hrs
Dubai: 16-17 hrs
Istanbul: 14 hrs
Sydney: 24-20-36 hrs
Closest SUP Shop Along the Route:
Mike’s Paddle, Alameda
Top Additional Attractions:
Oakland Museum of California: The Oakland Museum of California or OMCA is an interdisciplinary museum dedicated to the art, history, and natural science of California, located adjacent to Oak Street, 10th Street, and 11th Street in Oakland, California.
Redwood Regional Park: This park is a part of the East Bay Regional Parks District in the San Francisco Bay Area. It is located in the hills east of Oakland. The park contains the largest remaining natural stand of coast redwood found in the East Bay.
Oakland Zoo: The Oakland Zoo is a zoo located in the Grass Valley neighborhood of Oakland, California, United States. It is managed by the Conservation Society of California.
San Francisco Bay Ferry: San Francisco Bay Ferry is a public transit passenger ferry service in the San Francisco Bay, administered by the San Francisco Bay Area Water Emergency Transportation Authority.
Buddy Deals Reminder:
As a member of Perfect Paddles, you will receive a discount at participating shops on our list. Because you know how to paddle, have skills, and want to spread the stoke of SUP, you deserve a break! Our Featured Buddy Deal Location on this journey is Mike’s Paddle in Alameda! To receive your discount, be sure to sign up at Perfect Paddles. And if you are a member, take advantage of this excellent opportunity to paddle with some of the best people in the SUP community!
The Launch Spot for the Experienced Paddler: Encinal Boat Ramp
Our journey begins on the south side of Alameda at the Encinal Boat Ramp. This spot is the best place to drop in as it offers paddlers a place to easily reach the San Francisco Bay. It also offers visitors free parking and a restroom if needed.
As we make our way to the launch point, we can’t help but look over the water and see the city grow out of the mountains lining the skyline. During the spring and summer months, you should be able to catch warm sun and calm waters. Always be sure to check the weather report and wind direction before deciding to head out.
After parking, we take our boards, water bottles, PFD’s, leashes, and paddles down to the water. It’s calm on the bay but this doesn’t mean we plan on straying too far from the shoreline. The San Francisco Bay can be treacherous for the inexperienced. The current moving through the waters can sometimes be powerful and will offer a challenge even to the most seasoned paddlers out there.
We calmly drop our boards into the water and start our paddle hugging the shoreline on our left as we head towards San Leandro Bay.
Encinal Boat Ramp
Mike’s Paddle
As part of our tour, we see a stretch of land that curves out into the water. The narrow streets are an outcropping of Alameda and house a fantastic SUP shop called Mike’s Paddle.
Mike's Paddle is located in Ballena Bay. After this tour of Oakland be sure to check out their Discover the Bay Tour where you will be able to experience the hidden secret parts of the city only locals know about.
Of course, if you don’t have your own personal SUP to take along with you, Mike’s Paddle is the place to grab a rental board. Just make sure you are back in time for closing!
Mike’s Paddle
San Leandro Bay
As we leave Mike’s Paddle behind, we set our sights on San Leandro Bay. We’re now entering the protected portion of the paddle so this is the best time to relax and enjoy the views.
It also happens this section of the route is less crowded with street traffic and big city buildings. If you were to take a break along the shore here, it would be the best place to do so if you wish to connect with more natural surroundings.
San Leandro Bay
Tidal Canal
Still hugging the shoreline we now make it into the more narrow waterway of the Tidal Canal.
Peppered along the shoreline are plenty of parks including Tidewater Boating Center, Fruitvale Bridge Park, Union Point Park and the bustling city streets of Alameda on our left.
This is the point of the journey were our feet start to get sore and our arms tired. As we’ve already paddled quite a long distance we opt to take a break at a nearby park.
Covering this type of distance on a SUP can be very taxing, though rewarding as it is, so be sure to pace yourself, and bring plenty of water.
Once rested and ready to go, our next stop is Quinn’s!
Tidal Canal
Quinn’s Lighthouse and Restaurant
At this point our appetites are roaring as your’s should be with the kind of paddling exercise we’ve endured.
As we glide past Union Point Park and Oakland Athletic Rowing Society on our right, we try not to judge our speed at the row boats fly past our SUP’s. Finally, we can see in the distance the spot we are heading - the lighthouse.
In its current state, Quinn’s is almost unrecognizable as a lighthouse. Because it was built in 1890 it had to go through a few renovations to keep it in working order. In addition, the physical building was moved several times over the course of its 131-year life. It sat at the northern entrance of the estuary in its initial location and served as a maritime navigation system and home to its keepers.
It’s most defining feature still happens to be its lantern room sitting at the top of its three stories. In the early days of use, Quinn’s housed a 3,500 pound bell that sounded every five seconds on foggy days. This was to warn boaters of their distance to the shoreline. The advent of modern navigation tech made the lighthouse obsolete. And with a full appetite and plenty of exercise to work it up, we’re glad it’s now a restaurant serving local food in a unique setting.
The Arrival
We pull up alongside the dock and place our boards on the wooden walkway making sure to keep them out of the way from other visitors.
As of right now, inside seating is still closed but that is subject to change in the future. Still, this should not dissuade you from going - Quinn’s offers outside seating and plenty of views of the water to enjoy a meal and a drink.
After you enjoy a meal and the fun atmosphere of the building, you can opt to walk around the area and see what else there is to offer. Just be mindful of the time - the paddle back is long!
Once you’re set, head back down to the dock, dump your SUP back into the water, and get going! Return safely and have a fantastic story of a fun trip you took through the waterways of San Francisco.
Quinn’s
Launch Spot for the Beginner Paddler: Marina Village Yacht Harbor
If you took a look at the map, saw the distance, and thought there is no way, we understand.
Totally understandable.
And it’s the reason why we’ve included the best place to launch if you are a beginner paddler.
If this is the case, we recommend dropping in at Marina Village Yacht Harbor.
Marina Village Yacht Harbor
Parking is a bit more of a premium in this spot. But with some persistence and patience, you should be able to find the ideal spot. Once there, gather your gear, and head for the water!
From this location, you’ll be paddling in the Oakland Estuary and heading straight across the waterway towards the Estuary Park area.
Of course, you can also keep the shoreline on your right side and wait to cross near Coast Guard Island which is about a half-mile from the launch point.
Your choice should depend on the wind and current you’re experiencing in the water.
Once you get to Coast Guard Island we recommend taking in the views! The Coast Guard has some giant ships that service the waters around San Francisco and the immensity of their size is something to behold from the viewpoint of your tiny SUP.
As you reach the end of Coast Guard Island and you’ve crossed the waterway, you should be able to see your destination - Quinn’s!
From there, take as long as you need to reach safely, tie your board up or pull it ashore, head into the restaurant and enjoy a fantastic meal on the water with friends.
Marina Village Yacht Harbor
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed this virtual tour of Alameda, Oakland. If you have any questions about this trip, need additional places to go, or wish to check out our featured outfitter, Mike’s Paddle, be sure to reach out! Our inbox is always open. And of course, if you wish to see additional articles just like this one about paddling around the world and the best places to see, become a Member today!Until next time, keep the stoke for SUP alive and get out there!
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