Union City(United States) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Emeryville, top family-friendly options include The Westin San Francisco Airport, Emeryville, which features a kids' pool, indoor play area, and complimentary shuttle to SFO. Another excellent choice is Courtyard by Marriott Oakland, offering spacious family rooms, free breakfast, and proximity to Emeryville Park—a scenic green space with playgrounds and picnic areas.

Both hotels are within walking distance of the Emeryville Waterfront Promenade, where families can enjoy river views, outdoor concerts, and seasonal food festivals. The city’s safe streets, well-maintained parks, and accessible transit make it ideal for parents seeking convenience and fun for children. Many rooms also provide cribs and rollaway beds upon request.

The best hotel-access neighborhoods in Emeryville are Downtown Emeryville and the Waterfront District. Both areas are centrally located near BART stations, offering easy access to San Francisco, Oakland, and Berkeley.

Downtown Emeryville hosts major hotels like Hyatt Regency Oakland and The Westin, along with shops, restaurants, and cultural venues such as the Emeryville Arts Center. The Waterfront District offers scenic river views, bike paths, and upscale dining—perfect for guests seeking a relaxed, nature-connected stay.

Additionally, the Westside neighborhood provides quieter, residential charm near University of California, Berkeley and Emeryville Community Garden, ideal for travelers prioritizing peace and proximity to local life.

Visitors to Emeryville should explore the Emeryville Arts Center, which showcases rotating exhibitions by local artists and hosts community workshops, reflecting the city’s vibrant creative spirit.

Don’t miss the Emeryville Summer Festival, an annual event featuring live music, craft vendors, food trucks, and outdoor movie screenings—ideal for families and culture enthusiasts.

Nature lovers will appreciate the Emeryville Waterfront Promenade, where you can stroll along the Alameda Creek, spot native birds, and enjoy stunning sunsets. The area is also home to public art installations, including large-scale murals that depict the city’s industrial past and multicultural present.

For couples seeking romance, The Westin San Francisco Airport, Emeryville offers river-view rooms with private balconies, plush bedding, and spa-inspired bathrooms—perfect for a quiet getaway. Some suites even feature a soaking tub overlooking the Alameda River.

Another intimate option is Hyatt Regency Oakland, whose lakeside rooms and garden terraces create a serene atmosphere. The hotel provides welcome amenities like champagne and chocolates, and its proximity to Lake Merritt makes evening strolls unforgettable.

Both properties offer exceptional service, fine dining options, and short drives to San Francisco’s skyline views, making them ideal for romantic escapes or anniversary trips.

Yes, several hotels in Emeryville offer complimentary airport shuttles. The Westin San Francisco Airport, Emeryville operates a dedicated shuttle to San Francisco International Airport (SFO), with frequent departures every 15–20 minutes—ideal for early flights.

Hyatt Regency Oakland also provides a scheduled shuttle service, while Courtyard by Marriott Oakland offers reservation-based pickups. These services are especially convenient during peak travel seasons or for guests arriving late at night.

It’s recommended to confirm shuttle times with the hotel in advance, particularly during holidays or flight delays, to ensure a smooth arrival experience.

Absolutely—Emeryville is highly suitable for families with young children. The city boasts Emeryville Park, a large, safe playground with slides, swings, and shaded picnic areas, plus regular children’s events and storytime sessions.

Hotels like The Westin and Courtyard by Marriott Oakland offer family rooms, cribs, and kid-friendly amenities such as mini-fridges with snacks and in-room entertainment. The Emeryville Waterfront Promenade is stroller-friendly, with benches, shade structures, and seasonal activities like outdoor concerts and petting zoos.

Nearby attractions include California Science Center and Oakland Zoo, both within a 30-minute drive, ensuring plenty of educational and fun-filled options for kids.

Must-try foods in Emeryville include the Alpine Cheese Sandwich from Emeryville Bakeshop, made with locally sourced artisanal cheese and toasted sourdough—a true taste of the region.

Visit the Emeryville Waterfront Market on Saturdays to sample street food favorites like Al Pastor Tacos and California-Style Seafood Bowls, crafted with fresh, sustainable ingredients.

For dessert, head to Cocoa & Co., known for its handcrafted chocolate truffles and matcha macarons. These culinary delights highlight Emeryville’s fusion of Northern California flavors and community-driven food culture.

While not as bustling as San Francisco, Emeryville offers charming nightlife at The Landing at Emeryville, a riverside complex featuring rooftop bars, live music acts, and themed events like “Riverfront Nights” with DJs and open-air film screenings.

Hollywood Bar & Grill is a popular local hangout with classic American dishes, craft cocktails, and a retro vibe—great for casual evenings with friends.

For a more artistic scene, visit The Good Book Café, which transforms into a live music venue in the evenings, hosting indie bands and poetry readings. All nightlife spots are concentrated in the Waterfront District and Downtown, making them easily walkable and safe after dark.

Top Instagram-worthy spots in Emeryville include the Emeryville Waterfront Promenade, where the reflective river surface creates perfect mirror shots, especially at golden hour.

The colorful public murals at the Emeryville Arts Center and along Mare Island Avenue are ideal for creative urban photography. Don’t miss the red wooden dock over Alameda Creek, framed by trees and sky—perfect for portrait shots.

The Emeryville City Hall Rooftop Observation Deck (by appointment) offers panoramic views of the Bay Area skyline, including the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco. Evening light trails and starry skies make it a favorite among photographers.

Public transportation in Emeryville is exceptionally convenient for visiting San Francisco. The Emeryville BART Station connects directly to downtown SF in just 25 minutes, with trains running every 10–15 minutes throughout the day.

Additionally, Caltrain serves the city, linking to San Jose and San Francisco South of Market (SoMa). Local buses like EmeryGo provide last-mile connectivity to shopping centers, parks, and transit hubs.

With reliable, frequent, and affordable transit options, Emeryville is a smart base for exploring the Bay Area without needing a car—making it ideal for eco-conscious travelers and budget-minded tourists alike.