Background

Old Alvarado Plaza: A Step Back in Time

Experience the charm of yesteryear at Old Alvarado Plaza in Union City, offering unique shops, diverse dining, and community events in a historical setting.

4

Discover a charming blend of history and modern delights at Old Alvarado Plaza in Union City. Unique shops, diverse dining, and community events create a memorable experience in a setting reminiscent of an early 20th-century town square.

A brief summary to Old Alvarado Plaza

  • 31080 Union City Blvd, Union City, California, 94587, US

Local tips

  • Visit on a Saturday morning to experience the vibrant Union City Farmer's Market for fresh produce and local goods.
  • Check the plaza's event calendar for seasonal festivals and community gatherings that offer a glimpse into local culture.
  • Explore the diverse dining options to savor authentic international flavors and support local eateries.
  • Stroll through the plaza in the evening to enjoy the charming ambiance created by vintage-style lampposts and cobblestone walkways.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From the Union City BART station, take AC Transit bus line 97 towards Alvarado Blvd. Several stops along Alvarado Blvd are within a short walking distance of Old Alvarado Plaza. Check the AC Transit schedule for the most up-to-date times. A single ride fare is $2.50.

  • Walking

    If you are in the downtown area of Union City, head south on Alvarado Blvd. Continue until you reach the intersection with Union City Blvd. Turn left onto Union City Blvd and walk for about 0.5 miles. Old Alvarado Plaza will be on your right at 31080 Union City Blvd. Look for a shopping center with a variety of stores and eateries.

  • Driving

    From I-880, take the Alvarado-Niles Road exit and head east. Turn left onto Union City Blvd. Continue for approximately half a mile. Old Alvarado Plaza will be on your right. Ample free parking is available in the plaza's parking lot.

Unlock the Best of Old Alvarado Plaza

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Old Alvarado Plaza

Nestled in the heart of Union City, California, Old Alvarado Plaza offers visitors a unique blend of historical ambiance and contemporary shopping and dining experiences. The plaza, designed to resemble an early 20th-century town square, provides a charming backdrop for exploring a variety of shops and eateries. While the current structure is relatively new, completed in the early 2000s, it stands on land rich with history, once the site of the original Alvarado settlement. Founded in the mid-1800s, Alvarado was a bustling agricultural and commercial center, serving as a vital link between the region's farms and the port of San Francisco. The town was named after Juan Bautista Alvarado, a former governor of Alta California. Over time, Alvarado merged with neighboring communities to eventually form Union City in 1959. Today, Old Alvarado Plaza seeks to capture the spirit of this historical settlement. The architecture incorporates elements reminiscent of early California towns, with facades that evoke a sense of nostalgia. Cobblestone walkways, vintage-style lampposts, and landscaping contribute to the plaza's inviting atmosphere. Visitors can imagine life in the early days of Alvarado, when agriculture and trade were the lifeblood of the community. The plaza features a diverse array of retail shops, offering everything from clothing and accessories to gifts and specialty items. Many of the shops are locally owned and operated, providing a unique shopping experience. In addition to its retail offerings, Old Alvarado Plaza boasts a variety of dining options to suit every taste, from casual cafes to sit-down restaurants. The plaza also hosts community events throughout the year, including a weekly farmer's market.

Popular Experiences near Old Alvarado Plaza

Popular Hotels near Old Alvarado Plaza

Select Currency