Fruitvale

Just the facts
 

Main strip: International Blvd.
Who dwells here: First and second-gen Mexican Americans and other Latin American communities
Population: 4,213
Founded: 1870s
Architecture: 1920s bungalows, Mission Revivals
Neighborhood giant: Fruitvale Public Market and the Village
Where to mingle with locals: Mexican bakeries like Bakery El Sol or local food trucks

The vibe
 

This urban stretch at the base of the Oakland Hills that once a land of, you guessed it, fruit trees, became a center for the Chicano Movement in the late 1960s and 70s, including the Brown Berets. Today, the population is almost half Hispanic with a solidly preserved culture and village-y vibe centered around International Blvd. As you can imagine, Cinco de Mayo and Dia de los Muertos are big days on these streets. But visit any day of the week—you’ll find a vibrant community awaits you.

The inside inside scoop
 

Having once been a stretch of land covered in fruit trees, Fruitvale is now the urban center for first- and second-generation Mexican Americans. Embark on a self-guided tour to spots like Mi Grullense, Taqueria el Farolito, and Tacos Sinaloa food trucks. You can’t never go wrong with a taco (or five!).

If you only have three hours

Head to Fruitvale Public Market for a lesson in traditional Mexican ice cream. Order a mangonada, hand-churned ice cream with mango and chamoy (a sweet-savory chili sauce) from Nieves Cinco de Mayo. Check out James Beard nominated, Wahpepah's Kitchen for delicious Native American cuisine, or order the pozole at Obelisco Restaurant and snag a sweet treat at the family-run Bakery el Sol, all of which are located in Fruitvale Village.

For a dose of local history, check out Peralta Hacienda Historical Park. The six-acre park hosts the Peralta House Museum, where you can take a tour through multimedia exhibits on the history of California and Oakland. Cruise over to neighboring Jingletown to see colorful murals and mosaics along Rue de Merde. And be sure to visit the Indigenous Red Market, a semi-monthly event featuring indigenous artists, food purveyors, designers, and entrepreneurs.

How to get here:

Freeway exit: 1-880/Nimitz Freeway

BART stop: Fruitvale Station

Bus lines: 51A, 54, 14, 39 (more at ACtransit.org)