Top 10 Reasons To Visit Fremont

Fremont — named after American military officer and politician John C. Fremont, who mapped a path for American settlers to southeastern San Francisco — does not at first glance appear to be a tourist destination. However, a closer look reveals a city rich in California history, with delectable food from around the globe and a connection to nature that’s perfect for a weekend adventure.

Pacific Commons

Pacific Commons is your one-stop shop. It has a nice big Century Theater, Target, Costco, Ulta, Nordstrom Rack, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and so much more. It’s a cute area with stores to fulfill any possible need and great food from sushi to Krispy Kreme Donuts to keep you energized.

Century at Pacific Commons, 43917 Pacific Commons Blvd, Fremont, CA, USA +1 510 651 2859

Pacific Commons, 43440 Boscell Rd, Fremont, CA, USA +1 510 770 9798

1. Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum

Museum

The Patterson mansion at Ardenwood Historic Farm

Before Hollywood, before movie star sensations, and before talking in film, the little district of Niles in Fremont was the home of the Essanay Film Production studio. The Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum features exhibits, screenings, and tours in a historic nickelodeon to pay tribute to the history of Niles and keep the spirit of silent film alive. This is where Charlie Chaplin’s film The Tramp was shot and produced, and it is home to many of the 140 beloved Broncho Billy westerns. This is a must-visit location for film nerds and history buffs.

Amazing Food

Fremont is the perfect place to satisfy some hard-to-fulfill cravings. It boasts amazing Thai and South Asian food, though some people make the trip just for the great boba places. Sala Thai is one of the popular Thai places in the area; great pearl milk tea can be found at Gong Cha; and make sure to take advantage of the fact that downtown Fremont is sometimes referred to as Little Kabul because of all the great Afghani restaurants such as De Afghanan. Another great spot to check out is Falafel, etc., a Middle Eastern restaurant.

Sala Thai, 39170 State St, Fremont, CA, USA +1 510 792 0770

Gong Cha, 46827 Warm Springs Blvd #101, Fremont, CA, USA +1 510 445 1828

Falafel, etc., 39200 Fremont Blvd, Fremont, CA, USA +1 510 795 7170

De Afghanan, 37395 Fremont Blvd, Fremont, CA, USA +1 510 857 1009

Niles Canyon Railway

The first transcontinental railroad went right through Niles, and the town itself was quickly built up to meet the needs of a station. Today, the town is largely shaped around this station, and the Niles Canyon Railway exhibits the importance of this history to Niles and California in general by maintaining the historic railroad equipment and hosting educational train tours. The railway offers trips from Niles to Sunol on diesel and steam trains as well as educational rides, wine tasting specials, and a special annual train of lights that runs every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday in December, excluding Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Niles Main Street

Niles Main Street is a great place to get away for the weekend. It was built up around the railroad track that goes through the town and was a junction point of the first transcontinental railroad. In the 1900s, its streets, canyons, and barns were the set of many exciting westerns and cowboy films brought to life by famous silent film legends such as Charlie Chaplin and Gilbert M. ‘Broncho Billy’ Anderson. Historic Niles has been well preserved, and its isolated nature gives it a feel of the town it once was — an essential part of the railway line and heart of film making. The streets are packed with interesting and strange antique shops to explore, and Devout Coffee and The Vine, a restaurant featuring a patio and creative American cuisine and cocktails, make it well worth a trip.

Niles Main Street Association, 37501 Niles Blvd, Fremont, CA, USA +1 510 742 9868

Devout Coffee, 37323 Niles Blvd, Fremont, CA, USA +1 510 744 5189

The Vine, 37533 Niles Blvd, Fremont, CA USA +1 510 792 0112