Floresta Gardens-Bradrick - San Leandro, CA

Floresta Gardens and Bradrick were originally inhabited by Ohone Indians the Spanish called Costeños, or coast people. After Spain claimed this area in 1772, it quickly grew as a spot connecting the East Bay with points south.

Though Floresta Gardens-Bradrick doesn't host any museums, San Leandro has Casa Peralta, a Spanish settlement and museum. Tours of the building are available to visitors who want to learn more about area history. The San Leandro Historical Railway Society also has free admission and a model rail system that's popular with kids.

Floresta Garden-Bradrick hosts no annual events, but nearby Castro Valley has the Rowell Ranch Rodeo Parade in May, for a chili cook-off, pancake breakfast and other family fun.

As a relatively small residential area, Floresta Gardens-Bradrick doesn't house a large number of restaurants, have a central restaurant location or provide much culinary variety. If you drive a little further north to San Leandro's city center, you'll find Mediterranean, Italian, Vietnamese, Lebanese, barbecue, American, Japanese, seafood and steakhouses.

Rock and Roll provides area residents with a wide variety of Japanese classics, from sushi rolls and tempura to creative appetizers and salads. The freshness of the fish, combined with large portions of food, stand out from other restaurants. Locals also love the ramen on those cool fall days in the Bay Area. Easy parking and a casual vibe make this a neighborhood keeper.

San Leandro's Lotus Leaf serves gourmet Vietnamese food in a laid-back place devoid of attitude. Locals come back for the filet mignon pho, as well as crab and shrimp egg rolls. However, locals report everything on the menu is good here. With cool decor and free Thai iced tea for first-timers, everyone feels welcome in this place.

For American food and burgers, try Rocky's Charcoal Grill, famous for its Oakland burger with sourdough bun. Order ribs, fries, cheese steaks and more with no trouble from an owner eager to please. Locals know to check out the fresh milkshakes for a true taste sensation.

Nightlife in Floresta Gardens-Bradrick can be quiet, given its residential nature, but nearby areas offer opportunities to check out the bar scene or get your hookah on. Ryan's Pub has all the characteristics of a great dive bar, including cheap drinks, pool tables, an excellent jukebox and friendly bartenders. Check this place out if you want a fun and boisterous night out with friends old and new. Ryan's Pub also offers karaoke on Friday nights as well as live music or DJs on Saturday nights.

Drake's Barrel House features regular music acts Saturdays and Sundays as the local brewery has no-frills drink specials to go along with musical acts. The place doesn't stay open too late on the weekends, but the local brews blend well with the music.

Shisha Nights Hookah Lounge has a very casual vibe, with friendly owners happy to take care of your needs and DJs spinning cool, relaxing tunes. This non-alcoholic establishment represents a place to hang out with friends on Friday night after a hard week of work. Go to Club Caliente for the closest dance club. Shake it Latin style to all the newest grooves, ranging reggaeton to salsa and merengue.

Since Floresta Gardens-Bradrick lies between the 580 and 880 freeways, most residents prefer to do their errands by car. Here, you’ll find parking easy to come by and inexpensive or free.

If you choose to take public transportation, BART trains stop at San Leandro and Bayfair. You’ll also have several bus routes to choose from, including San Leandro LINKS Shuttles, AC Transit and Flex Shuttles for senior citizens.

Cabs can be tough to hail on the street unless you’re near a BART station, but you can always call a local cab company or schedule an Uber pickup online with no problem.

Floresta Gardens-Bradrick is considered somewhat walkable. However, most residents still prefer to use a car when doing errands. This area has some bikes lanes, making it safe for bikers on the streets.

Residents of Floresta Gardens-Bradrick have a few options when it comes to parks. The San Leandro Marina provides astonishing views of the bay on walking paths you could spend all day on. Exercise buffs can use the machines inside the small gym on site or do some yoga in the sun. Everyone is welcome, and the park is free of charge.

Halcyon Park defines peaceful, with benches and picnic tables spread over 5 acres of tree-lined paths and green space. Kids, dogs, and families love the play equipment here, as well as the volleyball courts and other fitness opportunities. Most find this one of the most relaxing spots in town, whether you’re walking, sitting or dreaming the afternoon away.

Hayward’s Regional Shoreline also has great views of the bay. On a clear day, you may even be able to see across to San Francisco. Locals love to walk here, jog or just let the day roll off their backs. But since it can get windy, don’t forget to bring a light jacket with you.

Though Floresta Gardens-Bradrick has no annual events of its own, nearby Fruitvale in East Oakland hosts a Dia de los Muertos festival in early November, to celebrate Mexican culture and remember lost loved ones.

Floresta Gardens-Bradrick has a cost of living lower than Oakland’s average but higher than the national average, with a typical one-bedroom residence renting for around $1,075 per month.

It costs $2.40 to get from the San Leandro BART station to Oakland’s city center and $2.10 to take the trip by AC Transit bus.

A beer at a local pub will run about $5 and gas prices hover around 17 percent higher here than the national average.

Since Floresta Gardens-Bradrick is a small residential area, it doesn’t support much in the way of shopping. There’s no central shopping district and no high-end or luxury shopping to speak of.

Most of what’s right around this area is of the chain store variety, with Target and Marina Square Center, which houses many other popular brands. For boutique shopping, you’ll have to head into some of the neighboring areas, including Hayward, Castro Valley, and East Oakland.

Vintage Alley is a cute consignment store selling men’s and women’s clothing from the 1930s, ‘40s and ’50s in a fun and friendly atmosphere. Check out the hip music on the jukebox and ask their staff for anything. They’re happy to help you put together outfits or chat about purchases.

Most of Floresta Gardens-Bradrick’s grocery store options are national chains, including Lucky and Safeway. But if you’re willing to travel a little, you’ll find smaller purveyors selling all kinds of wonderful goodies. Saleh Smokehouse Market in East Oakland has prepared food like barbecue and burgers as well as grocery essentials, while New Sang Chong Market near San Leandro’s coast carries Asian and ethnic grocery items in addition to fresh produce.

There are two farmers' markets serving the Floresta Gardens-Bradrick area, including the San Leandro Farmers Market on 14th Street on Saturdays, carrying amazing baked goods and pies, and the Downtown San Leandro Farmers Markets on Wednesday afternoons and evenings. Locals love the fresh honey and beautiful flowers in addition to all the organic fruits and veggies.