The Best Places To Visit In The Bay Area

We know the East Bay is not to be underestimated, but what can we say? We love being enclosed in the 7-by-7 space that is San Francisco. When we heard about all the tourists going east, though, we figured it was time to take a deep breath and make the underwater trek on BART. Sure, we've dabbled with other cities by the Bay, but this time, we were serious. We were going to conquer them once and for all.

Considering we had such definitive aspirations, we knew we needed a little help. And, that help came in the form of Emily Nathan — Oakland resident and editor-in-chief of Tiny Atlas Quarterly — as well as the extended-stay hotel HYATT house® (its Emeryville location is looking pretty central right about now). The result is the guide to East Bay you've been waiting for.

Here, Nathan walks us through nine points of proof that the East Bay has kicked its stepsister syndrome for good. From the burgeoning scene in Temescal and Piedmont to the best ice cream in Berkeley, here's what you need to know to East Bay it like a local.