Fremont, CA Tourist Attractions
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Fremont (pop. 173,339) is located southeast of Oakland. Spanish priests and native Ohlones founded a mission in the area in 1797. It was created in 1956 in an incorporation of a number of communities. Charlie Chaplin filmed "The Tramp" here in 1915.
Mission San Jose Chapel
HistoryThis mission was set up about 14mi/23km from the present town of San Jose, on a slope of the Diablo Mountains (the town was not established until 1851) and was intended as a base for expeditions against hostile Indians and also as a place for baptisms. Only one wing of the inner courtyard has been restored, and this houses a museum with artifacts from the mission period and some Mexican sculptures. Shortly after it was secularized the mission leader of many years' standing, Father Narciso Duran, founded an orchestra made up of Indians who had been taught to play western stringed instruments. After secularization the church served initially as a parish church. It was finally destroyed by a serious earthquake in 1868.In 1982 the reconstruction of Mission San Jose adobe church began, focusing on its appearance in the 1830s. It was completed in 1985 and then seismically retrofitted in 2002.
Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge
The Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge protects 20,000 acres for migratory birds. An interpretive center overlooking Dumbarton Bridge has dioramas showing area wildlife and weekend interpretive walks, best from October through April.
Coyote Hills Regional Park
On the east end of San Francisco Bay is the Coyote Hills Regional Park. There are plenty of birds in the marshland in this 976 acre park. There are Ohlone Indian shell mounds in the area and plenty of trails for hiking and biking.
Museum of Local History
The Mission Fire Station serves both as a museum and a library for historical books and documents. Exhibits include early post offices, film-making, early schools, and Ice Age mammal fossils.
Ardenwood Historic Farm
Ardenwood Historic Farm in Fremont recreates a farm from the 1870's. This 19th-century country estate includes a mansion and elaborate Victorian Gardens.
Fremont Central Park
A number of family activities including biking and boating are available on 450 acres at Fremont Central Park. Lake Elizabeth is 83-acres.
Niles Depot
The Niles Depot was built in 1901, it replaced an earlier depot that had occupied the site since 1870.
Niles Canyon Railway
Scenic train rides are available on the Niles Canyon Railway in Fremont.
