With rolling hills to the east and a glistening bay to the west, Fremont’s biggest strength might be its location. The mid-sized California city is close to the Bay Area’s biggest hits. San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose and their countless parks, museums, and performance spaces are all less than an hour away by car, and easily accessed by public transportation.

But Fremont is more than just a launching pad. As you wander the palm-lined historic district past antique shops, art galleries, and a silent movie theatre, you’ll experience a nod to the town’s past. In the early 20th century, Fremont cemented itself in motion picture history when it became the epicenter of the silent film industry. Today, the city is sought out for its sunny weather, excellent restaurants, strong arts scene, and close proximity to Silicon Valley. Fremont is also spoiled with natural splendors, from lakeside hikes and mountain biking trails to a 1,200-acre regional park with marshlands and grassy hills perched on the shore of San Francisco Bay.

Fremont comes alive between June and September, when the days are long and warm and the skies are blue, perfect conditions for the town’s outdoor festivals and events. The Fremont Festival of the Arts attracts more than 300,000 people to downtown every August, showcasing markets, food vendors, and live music. Fall is another pleasant time to visit, as mild weather and few scattered showers are the norm. The annual Festival of Lights Parade kickstarts Fremont’s Christmas festivities on the Saturday following Thanksgiving every year. Winter is short in Fremont, with cool and wet weather that seldom gets below freezing. As always when visiting the Bay Area, pack layers, as conditions can change dramatically from location to location.

Coyote Hills Regional Park

At the west side of town on the shore of San Francisco Bay, Coyote Hills Regional Park is a 1,200-acre oasis of rolling grassland and marshland. An extra-wide wooden boardwalk floats above the marshy ground, offering uninterrupted views of the hills, making it an ideal route for a sunset walk. Cycling is another popular way to explore the hilly terrain in the park, with Meadowlark Trail boasting exceptional views of the bay at the summit.

Niles Farmers’ Market

Niles is the historic district of Fremont, and every Saturday, rain or shine, you’ll find a lively farmers’ market on Niles Boulevard. Local artisans and food producers showcase their goods at outdoor stalls for the public to peruse. Views of the East Bay Hills behind the market make the outing especially picturesque.

Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum

Niles was an independent town before being amalgamated under the City of Fremont. During this time, it was home to California’s first motion pictures. Learn about the history of the silent film industry by browsing the museum’s collection of antique cameras and projectors, along with original movie posters from the early 20th century. You can even catch a viewing of one of the museum’s 400 silent feature films that are aired every Saturday night.