6 places to check out on Santa Clara Ave., Park Street in Alameda

Incorporated in 1854, this island city feels homey with tree-lined streets, beautifully maintained Victorian homes and a historic downtown.

The shoreline includes Crown Memorial State Beach and Crab Cove, where the seaside amusement park of Neptune Beach once thrived with an Olympic-size swimming pool, a roller coaster, celebrity appearances and summer rental cottages.

Frederick Hamilton and George Percy designed Alameda City Hall with a grand staircase, arched entry and brick exterior in the Romanesque style.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it was renovated to restore some of the original architectural elements.

Think flirty, floral dresses with full skirts, polka-dot frocks and accessories such as hats, handbags and jewelry.

2305 Santa Clara Ave.: A cheery, welcoming place selling new and vintage items, Pixies & Peony is part gift shop, part plant and garden spot, and part local art gallery.

Diners enjoy the front patio of this cafe, which serves Afghan and Mediterranean fare.

Father-and-son team chef Sam and Q Samad create a menu that includes a halal tandoori chicken wing appetizer, chicken breast kebabs, lamb gyros, mantu and falafel wraps.

Choices include the Chicago — a kosher beef frank, tomatoes, diced onions, relish, pepperoncini and celery salt — and the banh mi, a kosher beef frank with daikon radish, pickled carrots, mayonnaise, jalapeños and cilantro.

Head to the patio garden and savor a pot of looseleaf organic tea, sip a drip-brewed coffee made from Taylor Maid Farms or munch on a kale salad, an egg, cheese and vegetable quiche, or an organic scone served with Devonshire cream.

Public transit:

Exit at the Fruitvale BART Station, board an AC Transit bus No. 51A northbound and exit at Santa Clara Avenue and Park Street in Alameda.

When you reach the terminal, walk north to Mecartney Road, turn right and continue to Aughinbaugh Way.

Board a No. 21 AC Transit bus toward Rockridge BART Station and exit at Park and Santa Clara. www.bart.gov, www.actransit.org, http://sanfranciscobayferry.com.

View the works of artists exhibited at art galleries, studios and more, and meet some of the artists during the 2nd Friday Art Walk, also known as Estuary Art Attack, from 6 to 9 p.m. on the second Friday of each month.