Hotel near Chabot Space center

My wife and I are planning to run the redwoods Trail marathon, near the Chabot space center, redwoods Trail Park. We don’t want to stay in San Francisco, because of the crime, homelessness and general filth..

It will be a three day weekend for us . We’ve never been to Oakland.

Any suggestions on a safe and quiet place to stay, preferably near the redwoods?

Thanks

Hello,

Since your main focus is attending the Redwoods Trail Marathon near Chabot Space & Science Center and you prefer to avoid staying in San Francisco, Oakland and the surrounding hills provide a convenient and safe base. The eastern Oakland hills and neighboring communities offer quieter neighborhoods with easy access to the redwood trails, while still being within reasonable driving distance of restaurants and amenities.

Here are some areas and hotel suggestions to consider:

  • East Oakland / Montclair / Rockridge: These neighborhoods are relatively quiet, residential, and safe. They have easy freeway access to Chabot Space Center and the Redwoods Trail Park. There are boutique hotels and guesthouses, as well as Airbnb options with more privacy and a local feel.
  • Castro Valley: Located slightly southeast of the Chabot Space Center, this suburban area is calm and family-friendly, with easy access to both the marathon location and nearby grocery or dining options.
  • Lafayette / Moraga / Orinda: These towns are in the Lamorinda area of the East Bay. They are upscale, safe, and quiet, with short drives to the redwood trails. Ideal if you want a peaceful retreat during your three-day weekend.

Accommodation tips:

  • Look for hotels or motels near the Oakland Hills or in the Lamorinda area for proximity to the redwoods and a quieter environment.
  • Airbnb or vacation rentals can be a good option for a more private stay, especially if you prefer a home-like environment and the ability to prepare your own meals.
  • Check for amenities such as parking, Wi-Fi, and breakfast if needed, and ensure the property is close to main roads for easy access to the marathon start/finish area.

Additional considerations:

  • Since this is a short weekend trip, plan to arrive early to avoid race-day traffic near the marathon area.
  • If you want to enjoy the redwoods outside of the race, check for nearby trails like the Sequoia and Redwoods Regional Park trails, which are scenic and accessible from most East Bay locations.
  • East Oakland Hills and Lamorinda towns provide safer and cleaner environments compared to central Oakland, which aligns with your preference to avoid crowded or urban issues.

Overall, staying in the Montclair, Rockridge, or Lamorinda areas will give you a safe, quiet, and convenient base for your marathon weekend while allowing easy access to the redwood trails and amenities.


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