Daytrips & Getaways: Island escape

Alameda is a small island town in the East Bay with a reputation of not having a whole lot to do except, well, drink. Heavily. Fortunately, there are some superlative drinking establishments in the same strip of a semi-deserted naval base area with a prime view of the San Francisco skyline.

Start your day with a visit to St. George Spirits (2601 Monarch Street in Alameda), an artisanal distillery with a guided tasting aimed at helping you understand how to appreciate spirits like you would fine wine. A flight of six costs $15 and typically includes vodka, gin, brandy, absinthe and liqueurs in intriguing flavors. You can also book a tour, which costs $20 and includes a tasting session, to check out its copper stills, fermentation tanks and bottling line—not to mention learn more about the country’s first craft distillery since Prohibition.

From there, head to Rock Wall Wine Co. (2301 Monarch Street in Alameda), a sophisticated tasting room that doubles as a great place to line your belly with carbs—you’ll need them. It costs $15 to taste five wines and enjoy the plush surroundings. While you’re sipping on zin, you can order East Coast-style pizzas and other American comfort grub from the on-site restaurant, Scolari’s at the Point.

For the last stop, you’ll actually march back on over in the direction of the first and stumble upon Faction Brewing (2501 Monarch Street in Alameda). This is one of the best breweries in the whole Bay Area, and probably boasts the most scenic view of them all. Try some of the 20 beers on tap—pro tip: the A-Town pale ale is only available in Alameda—and nerd out on hops while you enjoy a gorgeous sunset over the Bay Bridge. And if you get hungry again, don’t fear. There’s always a food truck parked nearby.

This slice of Alameda is about an hour-and-a-half drive from Sacramento barring traffic, though we can’t recommend driving after completing this booze crawl. You could also take an Amtrak train to Oakland and hop on the 96 bus to Alameda Point, though it’d be much faster to finish the last leg via ride-hailing app.