Tucked away in the heart of California’s Bay Area is the town of Fremont. Previously hailed as just a commuter town, it has been growing in popularity, earning itself the title of ‘America’s Happiest City’ for 2025. It sits just between San Francisco and San Jose, and offers a unique blend of suburban peace, tranquil green spaces, and opportunity, all without the steep prices and hustle-and-bustle of its large neighboring cities.
It’s a charming California city with lush scenery between San Francisco and Sacramento, and due to its great location, it makes the perfect jumping-off point for those looking to explore Northern California in general. In Fremont, a weekend stay in a comfortable mid-range hotel will typically cost around $100 per night. There’s plenty to do in and around Fremont, too, including Mission San José, a growing dining scene, and a great park — Coyote Hills Regional Park.
Fremont is also very easily accessible. It sits just 30 minutes north of San Jose, and less than 1 hour southeast of San Francisco. Visitors can fly into either San Jose Mineta International Airport (located just 25 minutes away) or San Francisco International Airport (located just 45 minutes away).
If you’re not interested in renting a car, both of these airports are connected to Fremont via the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) rail system. The Warm Springs-slash-South Fremont Station offers visitors arriving by public transit a direct route into the city. If you are visiting by car, as we strongly suggest you do simply for ease of travel, Fremont is conveniently located just off the 880 and the 680, with easy access to regional highways, making it a must-see destination for your ultimate West Coast road trip.
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Fremont might be the Bay Area’s most underrated destination
BART train and mountains – Iv-olga/Shutterstock
It’s easy to see why Fremont earned its “happiest city” title. With more than 1,200 acres of parkland, clean neighborhoods, and a blossoming international dining scene, this city provides a great quality of life for all those there. Fremont is a hub where tech professionals, artists, nature lovers, and families all congregate to enjoy a simpler life outside of the bigger cities.
If you’re planning a visit, be sure to stop by Mission San Jose. This is a must-see attraction, and is one of California’s original 21 Spanish missions. Founded in 1797, it is a piece of living history that is just as peaceful and beautiful today as it was when it was first built, thanks to careful restoration efforts. The mission is open to visitors and is a great destination for history lovers.
For those looking to spend some time outdoors, this California destination is home to some of the best hikes in the U.S. Coyote Hills Regional Park should be at the top of your bucket list. This sprawling wetlands preserve boasts elevated hiking trails, panoramic views of the Bay, and plenty of local wildlife, including herons, hawks, and even deer. Photographers enjoy capturing the beauty of golden hour at this spot, but no matter what time you plan on visiting, be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes, water, and binoculars for bird watching!
What to know before booking your Bay Area stay in Fremont
A Fremont sign on a raiany sidewalk – MoMido/Shutterstock
Fremont is a great destination for foodies, and there’s plenty to indulge in if you’re not looking to spend too much time in the neighboring big cities. With a strong Asian (especially Indian) population, Fremont is home to a selection of outstanding hole-in-the-wall restaurants. Vegetarians can indulge in Indian street food at Chaat Bhavan, and those looking for a taste of China can slurp down some hand-pulled noodles and xiao long bao at Din Ding Dumpling House.
When planning your Fremont trip, it’s good to keep in mind that the city experiences mild weather, with warm, dry summers and cool, crisp winters. The best time to visit is between April and October, when the temperatures are in the 70s. July and August specifically are ideal for enjoying outdoor activities, but the shoulder seasons of spring and fall see fewer tourists and sometimes lower accommodation prices.
It’s also good to keep in mind that accommodation in Fremont is mostly geared towards business travelers and families, so you’ll be able to find a healthy mix of chain hotels, boutique stays, and budget motels. If you’re looking for somewhere close to the freeway with modern amenities, Hyatt Place Fremont/Silicon Valley is a great choice, and if you’re on the hunt for somewhere more central, Courtyard by Marriott is a brilliant choice.
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Read the original article on Explore.