Top Attractions for First Time Visitors

Niles Historic District

Step back in time with a visit to the Niles Historic District, one of the best-preserved 19th century Main Streets in the entire state of California. Niles was once a booming railroad town, and remnants from its past glory days still exist along Niles Boulevard today. Wander the shops housed in historic brick Victorian storefronts, grab a bite at Bronco Billy’s Pizza Palace (which dates back to 1901!), and don’t miss the fascinating Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum which pays homage to Niles’ brief stint as a hub of early California filmmaking.

Ardenwood Historic Farm

History buffs of all ages will love exploring Ardenwood Historic Farm, a fully operational 19th century farm transporting visitors back to the year 1857. Get up close with heritage breeds of farm animals, ride on a horse-drawn train, and tour the elegant Patterson House mansion. Throughout the year, Ardenwood hosts living history events where costumed docents demonstrate activities like blacksmithing, quilting, and cooking over an open fireplace. It’s an immersive trip into California’s past.

Mission Peak Regional Preserve

Stretch your legs with a hike up Mission Peak, the iconic 2,500 foot mountain towering over Fremont. Hardy hikers tackle the steep 2.5 mile trail straight to the summit, while easier trails weave through wildflower fields at the mountain’s base. The panoramic views from the top overlooking Silicon Valley are worth the effort. Mission Peak draws everyone from avid athletes to families looking for an outdoor adventure.

Lake Elizabeth

Relax surrounded by natural beauty at Lake Elizabeth, an urban oasis near the heart of Fremont. This man-made lake is ringed by a lovely park with spotlessly maintained lawns, shade trees, and walking trails circling the water. Kids will love spotting ducks and turtles in the lake or letting off steam at the playground and skate park. Adults can unwind on a park bench or cast a line—Lake Elizabeth is stocked with fish like catfish and bass for catch and release fishing.

Downtown Fremont

Get a taste of Fremont’s cultural diversity in Downtown Fremont. This walkable district is home to Little Kabul, filled with Afghan markets and restaurants, along with a Chinatown featuring Chinese bakeries and herbal shops. Don’t miss the Fremont Hub, a funky open-air shopping center made from stacked recycled shipping containers housing hip stores, coffee shops, and eateries. Thursday Night Marketplace brings food trucks, artisan vendors, and live music to Downtown from spring to fall.

Tesla Factory

Calling all tech and EV enthusiasts—take a behind-the-scenes tour of the Tesla Factory to see how Tesla’s amazing vehicles go from design to driveway. This massive 5.3 million square foot facility is where Tesla designs, manufactures, and assembles electric cars like the groundbreaking Model S, Model 3, Model X and Model Y. fascinating 90-minute tour covers both the history of Tesla and an up-close look at robots in action assembling parts with absolute precision. It’s a glimpse into the future of auto manufacturing.

Coyote Hills Regional Park

Explore the natural beauty of the Bay at Coyote Hills Regional Park, an oasis of wetlands, woods, and wildlife along the shores of San Francisco Bay. Hike over 9 miles of trails through lush marshes and vibrant meadows filled with wildflowers in spring. Stop at the Visitor Center to join a nature program and learn about the local ecology. Kids will love getting close to turtles, snakes, and other creatures at the hands-on Discovery Room.

Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area

Just north of Fremont, this scenic park has something for everyone. Fish, swim, or kayak in the crystal clear quarry lakes. Hike or bike the flat paved trails circling past the water. Have a picnic in one of the shaded meadows. Spot hawks and herons stalking the water’s edge, thanks to the lakes being specially designed to attract wildlife. It’s the perfect place to connect with nature just minutes from downtown.

Fremont Central Park

Stretching over 60 acres near Downtown Fremont, Central Park acts as the green heart of the city. There’s plenty of open grassy areas for picnics, flying kites, or just relaxing under the trees. Two playgrounds give kids room to roam, along with basketball courts and lighted tennis courts for active types. Don’t miss Lake Elizabeth, the star attraction ringed by a scenic walking path.

California Nursery Historical Park

California’s once-thriving nursery industry is remembered at this unique historical park. Tour two restored prototype cottage style homes built in the 1920s surrounded by heritage gardens and landscaping. The park is also home to the last remaining commercial nursery buildings where you can see what the operations were like at their peak. Special events and exhibits celebrate Fremont’s agricultural roots.

Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge

One of the best birdwatching spots in the entire Bay Area is right in Fremont’s backyard. Trails at the visitor center wind through marshes, sloughs, and ponds teeming with herons, egrets, ducks, geese, and other wildlife. The Environmental Education Center has excellent interactive exhibits teaching about the wetlands ecology and local conservation efforts. Guided nature walks and birdwatching tours are also offered.

Getting Around Fremont

Public Transportation

Fremont offers several handy public transportation options for getting around town without a car. AC Transit operates local buses throughout Fremont, while BART has two stations that go directly into San Francisco and throughout the Bay Area. The Fremont BART station is right in Downtown Fremont, while the Warm Springs/South Fremont station provides quick access to Tesla and other South Fremont destinations.

Taxis and Rideshares

Taxis and rideshares like Uber and Lyft tend to be fairly plentiful in Fremont during peak hours, but can be more scarce late at night. Rates are comparable to other Bay Area cities. Taxi stands are located at both Fremont and Warm Springs/South Fremont BART stations for easy airport transfers or late night pickups. For larger group trips, Uber XL, Lyft XL, and Uber Black provide full size SUVs and executive cars seating up to 6 passengers.

Charter Buses

For ultimate convenience and flexibility when traveling with medium or larger sized groups, Fremont charter bus rentals can’t be beat. Charter buses ranging from 24 to 56 passenger capacities are available, complete with luxury amenities like plush reclining seats, lavatories, wifi, entertainment systems, and more. Charter buses pick up groups at their location of choice, whether that’s the airport, hotels, or attractions around Fremont or the greater Bay Area. You’ll travel in comfort while letting an experienced professional team navigate Fremont’s roads and parking. Contact our team at (510) 941-0129 for help booking the perfect charter bus rental for your Fremont group trip.

Ready to Get Started?

With its fascinating history, natural beauty, multicultural character, and innovative spirit, there are so many wonderful things to explore in Fremont for first-time visitors. Use this guide to help select the attractions your group is most excited about, then get in touch with us to book easy transportation. We look forward to helping you discover the best of Fremont!