San Leandro, CA
- About the city
- Climate and weather
- Geography
- Landmarks
- Transport
- Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions
- Museums
- Sports and Athletic Traditions
- Universities and Educational Institutions
- Healthcare Institutions
San Leandro is a city in Alameda County, California, located in the East Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area. Incorporated in 1872, it is known for its diverse community, historic cherry festival, and as a suburban hub with a mix of residential areas and waterfront industry.
About the city
Official status and administrative affiliation
The full official name of the city is San Leandro, California. It is a city in Alameda County, located in the East Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area . San Leandro is a suburban city situated between Oakland to the northwest and Hayward to the southeast . Alameda County is known for its diverse communities, economic significance, and being a major part of the Bay Area, one of the most populous and economically important regions in the United States.
Historical names and nicknames
- Historical names: Before its official establishment, the area where San Leandro is located was part of two large Mexican land grants: Rancho San Leandro and Rancho San Antonio . During the Gold Rush era, it was informally known as "Squatterville" when prospectors settled there after 1849 .
- Nicknames: The city has a simple, informal nickname, "SL," used by locals . The city is also sometimes recognized in connection with its famous agricultural past, tying it to the annual Cherry Festival, though this is more of an event than a nickname .
- Name origin: The city's name is Spanish for "St. Leander," referring to Leander of Seville, a sixth-century Spanish bishop .
Date founded and age
The area was first visited by Europeans on March 20, 1772 . The townsite that would become San Leandro was laid out in 1855 . San Leandro was officially incorporated as a city on March 21, 1872 . As of 2026, the city is 154 years old.
Geographic location and coordinates
San Leandro is located at the geographic coordinates 37°42′N 122°09′W . The city is situated on the eastern shore of San Francisco Bay . It lies on a flat coastal plain that rises toward the San Leandro Hills to the northeast . The center of the city is at an elevation of approximately 56 feet (17 meters) above sea level .
City type and economic specialization
San Leandro is primarily a suburban residential city with a significant industrial and commercial base . Its economic specializations include:
- Manufacturing and Industry: The city has a long history of industrial development, dating back to the late 1800s thanks to rail transportation .
- Services and Warehousing: Over time, agriculture has given way to services and warehousing as key economic activities .
- Horticultural and Agricultural Heritage: Historically, it was a horticultural center, famously known for its cherry orchards .
- Waterfront Industry: Its location on San Francisco Bay has also fostered waterfront-related industries .
Population and demographics
As of the 2020 census, the population of San Leandro was 91,008 . This makes it the 97th largest city in California by population . It is a medium-sized city that is part of the densely populated San Francisco Bay Area. The city is highly diverse. According to the 2020 census, the racial and ethnic makeup is:
- Asian (Non-Hispanic): 35.56%
- Hispanic or Latino (any race): 28.55%
- White (Non-Hispanic): 19.63%
- Black or African American (Non-Hispanic): 10.67%
- Multi-Racial/Other: ~5%
Historically, San Leandro had a significant Portuguese American population dating back to the 1880s, accounting for nearly two-thirds of its population by 1910 .
City's "Business card" (in short)
San Leandro is a diverse and historic East Bay city that offers a quintessential slice of Bay Area suburban life. Known for its annual Cherry Festival, a legacy from its agricultural past, it provides residents with waterfront parks, a strong sense of community, and convenient access to the greater urban opportunities of the San Francisco Bay Area.
Climate and weather
Climate type and general characteristics
San Leandro has a Mediterranean, warm summer climate (Köppen classification: Csb) . It is characterized by mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. The city is known for having pleasant weather year-round, with morning fogs in the summer that typically burn off by noon .
Average temperatures by month
The average annual temperature in San Leandro is 15°C (59°F) .
- Warmest month: September is the warmest, with average daily highs of 27°C (81°F) and lows of 13°C (55°F) .
- Coldest month: December and January are the coldest, with average daily highs of 14°C (57°F) and lows of 6°C (43°F) .
- The record high temperature is 38°C (100.4°F), and the record low is 3°C (37.4°F) .
Precipitation and humidity
- The average annual precipitation in San Leandro is approximately 573 mm (22.6 inches) .
- The vast majority of rain falls during the winter months. The wettest month is January, with an average of 106 mm of rainfall. The driest months are July and September, with an average of only 11 mm of rainfall each .
- The average annual humidity is around 63% .
Sunny days and UV index
San Leandro enjoys a significant amount of sunshine. The average monthly sunshine hours range from about 7.4 hours per day in December to over 14.25 hours per day in June .
Seasonality and the best time to visit
The best time to visit San Leandro for pleasant weather is during the late spring (May-June) and early fall (September-October). These periods offer warm, dry conditions ideal for exploring the city and the greater Bay Area.
- Summer (June-August): Summers are warm and dry, with average highs in the mid-20s°C (mid-70s°F). Mornings can be overcast with coastal fog, but afternoons are typically sunny .
- Winter (December-February): Winters are mild and wet. This is the rainy season, so visitors should be prepared for periods of precipitation, but temperatures are rarely cold.
- Spring (March-May) and Fall (September-November): These shoulder seasons are generally pleasant, with mild temperatures and a lower chance of rain than winter.
Geography
Mountains and mountain ranges
The San Leandro Hills run above the city to the northeast .
Water bodies (rivers, lakes, waterfalls)
The primary water body associated with San Leandro is the San Leandro Creek, which historically formed the northern boundary of the original townsite .
Beaches and coasts
While there are no swimming beaches in the traditional sense, the city features the San Leandro Marina, a popular recreational area located on the shore of San Francisco Bay .
National and natural parks
The San Leandro Marina is a significant local and regional park, providing open space, trails, and access to the bay. It is also the location of the historical landmark, the San Leandro Oyster Beds .
Landmarks
Casa Peralta
Casa Peralta, built in 1901, is a historic house that now serves as a city museum . It offers a glimpse into the city's early 20th-century history and architecture.
San Leandro Marina
The San Leandro Marina is not just a recreational area but also the site of a California Historical Landmark. It is where the San Leandro Oyster Beds (#824) were located, an industry that thrived around the turn of the 20th century and was once the most important fishery in the state .
Historical homes
The city is home to several historical residences from the land grant era, including the Casa de Estudillo and the Peralta Home (also known as the Peralta House) . These adobe structures are remnants of the city's Mexican and early American periods. A plaque marking the southern boundary of the Rancho San Antonio is located at the northwest corner of East 14th and Hays Streets .
Transport
Other airports (alternative)
San Leandro is situated directly adjacent to a major international airport.
- Oakland International Airport (OAK): Located just southwest of San Leandro, this airport offers a convenient alternative to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) . It fronts San Francisco Bay and provides numerous domestic and international flights.
Public transport system (BART)
The primary public transportation hub in San Leandro is the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system.
- The San Leandro BART station is a key station on the system, providing direct, rapid rail access to San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, and other cities throughout the Bay Area .
Main highways and freeways
San Leandro is well-connected by major roadways:
- Interstate 880 (I-880) runs along the city's western edge, connecting it to Oakland and San Jose.
- Interstate 238 (I-238) and State Route 185 (East 14th Street) are other major arteries that serve the city.
- Interstate 580 (I-580) is also accessible just north of the city, providing a route to the inland East Bay and the Central Valley.
Local public transport
The city of San Leandro operates a specialized transportation service for seniors and people with disabilities called the FLEX RIDES program . This program includes:
- FLEX Shuttle: A fixed-route service with two routes (North and South) connecting popular locations in the city .
- FLEX RIDES On-Demand: A subsidized service through Uber that allows members to travel within San Leandro and to many surrounding East Bay cities 24/7 .
San Leandro is also served by AC Transit, the regional bus agency for the East Bay, which provides extensive local and transbay bus service .
Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions
La Kalidad's Filipino-American Baked Goods
San Leandro is part of the East Bay, which has a vibrant Filipino community, and a new wave of Filipino-American bakeries is making the city a destination for innovative treats. La Kalidad, a local bakery, has gained a following for its creative approach to traditional Filipino flavors . The owner, Angelica Nulud, a former baker at a popular San Francisco cafe, started the business during the pandemic out of a craving for the breads of her heritage . La Kalidad is known for its stunning pies, including those stained purple from ube (purple yam), and others filled with a creme brulee and banana compote, a dessert inspired by turon (a Filipino deep-fried spring roll) . They also infuse their curd with calamansi, a small, sour citrus native to the Philippines, and create desserts based on champorado, a chocolate rice pudding . These are not everyday staples but rather sought-after items found at farmers' markets, pop-ups, and cultural events, representing a modern, chef-driven interpretation of Filipino baking .
Authentic Cajun and Creole Flavors
For a taste of Louisiana in the Bay Area, Peg and Lee's Bayou Cuisine brings authentic Southern creole and Cajun cooking to San Leandro . Owned and operated by Louisiana natives, this establishment is known for its deeply flavorful, spice-forward dishes. Their menu features BBQ ribs, brisket, and pulled pork, all prepared with a "savory" Southern twist . A point of pride for the owners is their gumbo, which won first place at the annual Gumbo and Jambalaya festival . The fish is also a highlight, seasoned with a blend of spices from Louisiana . This is hearty, festival-style food, and the business can often be found participating in local events like Oakland's First Fridays .
Ube and Pandan in Local Bakeries
While not a single dish, the Filipino purple yam, ube, has become a signature ingredient in the San Leandro area's contemporary baking scene . Its naturally sweet, slightly nutty flavor and vibrant purple color make it a popular choice for pastries and are a hit on social media for their visual appeal . Another key local ingredient is pandan, a tropical plant known as the "vanilla of Southeast Asia" for its sweet, floral aroma . Bakers in and around San Leandro are incorporating these flavors into everything from pies and cakes to ensaymadas (a brioche-like bun) and pan de sal (a traditional soft bread roll) . This movement is about introducing and expanding the scope of Filipino American flavors to a wider audience .
Ensaymada and Leche Flan
Filipino baked goods and desserts are a significant part of San Leandro's culinary identity. The ensaymada, a soft, brioche-like bun often topped with butter and sugar or cheese, is a classic craving that bakers like Angelica Nulud sought to recreate . Another beloved dessert is leche flan, a rich Filipino-style custard . At the Hayward bakery Marley's Treats, which has a following in the San Leandro area, this family recipe for leche flan is a star ingredient, found inside ube pan de sal, on top of pies, swirled into ice cream, or enjoyed on its own . These items are central to family gatherings and celebrations, and their presence in local bakeries connects the community to those traditions .
Museums
San Leandro History Museum & Art Gallery
The primary institution for local heritage is the San Leandro History Museum & Art Gallery, located at 320 West Estudillo Avenue . The museum tells the story of San Leandro from its earliest days to the mid-20th century. Exhibits feature wall murals and life-size portraits that set the scene for a historical timeline . This timeline begins with the first people, the Ohlone/Costanoan Indians, and traces the changes through Spanish and Mexican California, the Gold Rush, the establishment of a new American town, and developments up through World War II . The museum also features concept exhibits that delve into specific themes, such as "People from Many Lands," "Oysters and the Bayshore," and "Agriculture and Industry," highlighting the key elements that shaped the community .
Sports and Athletic Traditions
High School Athletics: San Leandro High School
The city's athletic spirit is strongly centered around its high school teams. San Leandro High School, located at 2200 Bancroft Ave, fields competitive teams in various sports . The school's track and field and cross-country programs have a documented history of participation in state-level competitions. In 1993, the track and field team competed in the 75th CIF State T&F Champs, with preliminary and final meets held at the state level . More recently, the cross-country team has been active in local leagues, competing in events like the WACC Center Meets, the Farmer Invitational, and the CIF North Coast Section Championship . These teams represent a key part of the local sports scene, with coaching staff dedicated to developing young athletes .
Universities and Educational Institutions
Carrington College San Leandro Campus
San Leandro is home to a campus of Carrington College California, a higher education institution focused on career-oriented programs . Located at the Bayfair Center since 1986, the campus has been in its current 38,000-square-foot facility for over a decade . It serves around 400 students and offers programs designed to provide hands-on experience in the health sciences. These include Associate of Science degree and certificate programs in Dental Assisting, Massage Therapy, Medical Assisting, Medical Billing and Coding, Pharmacy Technology, and Veterinary Technology .
A distinctive feature of the San Leandro campus is its practical, community-focused approach to learning. The facilities include a mock pharmacy for Pharmacy Technology students and labs where Veterinary Technology and Dental Assisting students can work with "live" patients . The public can bring their pets in for services like dental cleaning and spay/neuter procedures at the on-site veterinary lab, and community members can receive complimentary x-rays and teeth cleanings at the Dental Assisting lab . Massage Therapy students also offer popular chair massages in the campus lobby . The campus's location is highly accessible, situated directly across the parking lot from the Bay Fair BART station, making it convenient for students from around the Bay Area .
Nearby Universities and Colleges
While San Leandro itself has a limited number of its own four-year universities, it is strategically located near several higher education institutions in neighboring cities. According to business listings, these nearby options include California State University East Bay in Hayward, Mills College and Merritt College in Oakland, Holy Names University in Oakland, and Saint Mary's College of California in Moraga . This proximity gives San Leandro residents access to a wide range of public and private university programs .
Healthcare Institutions
Kaiser Permanente San Leandro Medical Center
The major full-service hospital in the city is the Kaiser Permanente San Leandro Medical Center, located at 2500 Merced Street . As part of the integrated Kaiser Permanente system, this medical center provides comprehensive healthcare services to its members in the region. The hospital has received recognition for its patient safety and quality of care, earning a grade in national hospital safety assessments .
An analysis of the hospital's performance data shows strong results in several key process measures, which are the procedures and systems in place to protect patients. The medical center has achieved perfect scores (100) in areas such as doctors ordering medications through a computer, safe medication administration, having specially trained doctors care for ICU patients, and handwashing . It also scored high marks for effective leadership to prevent errors and staff collaboration for the same purpose . Outcome measures, which track specific errors and infections, show that the hospital has reported zero occurrences of several serious but preventable events, such as dangerous objects left in a patient's body, air or gas bubbles in the blood, and patient falls with injuries .
Eden Health District
San Leandro is also served by the Eden Health District (EHD) , a unique government entity established in 1948 by local residents to build and operate a community hospital . The district originally built and ran Eden Hospital (now known as Eden Medical Center, an affiliate of Sutter Health) until 1998 . While the District no longer operates the hospital, its mission has evolved to focus on improving community health. It oversees a Community Health Fund, using earnings from investments to provide grants to local non-profit organizations that deliver healthcare services to vulnerable residents in San Leandro and the surrounding communities of Castro Valley, Hayward, and San Lorenzo . The Eden Health District also provides free health education seminars to the public . Its governing board includes a representative specifically from Zone 5, which is San Leandro .