Between San Francisco And San Jose Is A Friendly California City With Gardens, Parks, And Global Eateries

Tons of tourists opt to set up base camp in the San Francisco Bay Area when visiting Northern California. Of course, a good chunk of them choose to stay right in the heart of Fog City, probably drawn by all the iconic landmarks and world-class eats. But Union City makes for a far better anchor, especially if you want to experience more of the region as a whole. The community of about 65,000 people sits right at the crossroads of several major Bay Area cities. Straddling the Interstate 880 corridor in the East Bay, Union City is only about 30 miles from San Francisco (to the north) and roughly 20 miles to San Jose (to the south). 

Both cities have international airports, though Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport (OAK) is a bit closer and is one of the least crowded airports in America. Once you arrive, you should feel right at home. The community is full of friendly, family-oriented neighborhoods and is among "the most diverse cities in California," according to the city's website. The Alameda County suburb prides itself on being a "compassionate city," and the residents definitely seem to reflect this welcoming spirit. "I've never had a bad experience living here," one local wrote on Niche, adding that Union City is "a pretty nice easy-going place" with lots to do. 

Just like San Francisco, eating is definitely one of them. You can find a delicious mix of international cuisines scattered across town, from old-school Mexican fare to authentic Thai street food. With colorful gardens and a slew of public parks within reach, Union City is also big on outdoor fun. Safe to say, you won't have any trouble keeping your itinerary — and stomach — full around here. 

There's fun for the whole family at Charles F. Kennedy Park, one of the more popular greenspaces in Union City. Located steps away from the Union City BART station, the recreation area has a short walking path that loops around the grounds, plenty of grassy areas for picnics, and even a California-themed playground complete with a small replica of the Golden Gate Bridge, a true West Coast landmark. "It's a lively and welcoming place for families!" shared one visitor. "The BART trains zipping by overhead every five minutes is a real treat for young kids."

There are more wilds to explore at nearby Dry Creek Pioneer and Garin Regional Parks, which sit side by side on the east side of town. The former 1800s-era ranchlands stretch across almost 6,000 acres, with miles of pastoral trails that weave across beautiful rolling hills. Cattle still roam the land, so don't be surprised if you see a few cows grazing in the meadows. Dry Creek Pioneer also has a little two-acre garden that blooms with nearly 200 different kinds of plants throughout the year. Unfortunately, the Dry Creek Garden, as it's called, was damaged in a storm and is currently closed. However, if you happen to visit in the spring, you can stroll through the park's seasonal Iris Garden, which is home to more than 2,500 varieties of irises. 

More colorful gardens await at California Nursery Historical Park and Shinn Historical Park and Arboretum. These are located just a short drive away in the neighboring city of Fremont, an overlooked Western gem with incredible parks. California Nursery Historical Park spans 20 acres and is beloved for its stunning seasonal rose garden, while Shinn Historical Park covers just over 4.5 acres and features a lovely Japanese garden.

Once you've worked up an appetite, tuck into some of Union City's tastiest eats, which showcase the community's incredible diversity. As one local shared on Niche, the melting pot of cultures and global flavors helps make the city "feel very welcoming and open to anyone and everyone, regardless of their background." Enjoy fresh Mediterranean bites at Greens N Grills, which has solid reviews online. The restaurant serves a variety of healthy dishes, including Algerian wraps and salads.

If you're in the mood for Thai food, try authentic street fare at Kapow Thai Eatery. At the time of writing, it's the top-rated restaurant in town on Yelp, where past patrons have raved about the delicious food and friendly service. "It's small, cozy, and welcoming," wrote one person. "Our waitress was attentive and brought such warm, positive energy to the visit." Menu highlights include noodle bowls, savory soups, and comforting rice plates. The eatery also has a few meat-free options for vegans and vegetarians. 

Mexico Tipico is another local favorite. Feast on an array of Mexican staples, from tacos and flautas to enchiladas and chimichangas, all wrapped in house-made tortillas. "The burritos are absolutely massive and paired with a genuinely delicious salsa that elevates the whole meal," shared one diner.