Point Pinole is a vastly understated park in the East Bay Regional Park District, with 2,315 acres located at the tip of Richmond/San Pablo/Pinole. Getting to it is not terribly straightforward but the result is worth it because this park has incredibly long trails and stunning views of the bay. As well, it’s flat enough so that your five year old won’t be reduced to saying his feet are bleeding.
Additional perks for kids (and dogs) include a beach to romp on–maybe don’t go in the water–and find crabs and washed up squid, depending on the season and tide. There’s also a lovely, long pier at the end of the park which is fun to walk out on, but note that dogs aren’t allowed on the pier.
Fergus wasn’t very pleased with this, but rules are rules.
The park features a bunch of picnic benches and a playground. The park is also a favorite for horses. The park’s history is great to talk about–it housed the Atlas Powder Co., one of several firms that had manufactured gunpowder and dynamite there for almost 100 years. See if you can find the old ruins of a building foundation on the long Bay Trail area above the beach. Kids love creeping through it.
You can easily manage an hours-long walk here, and there’s enough shade to make it a decent summer destination.
Information:
- Excellent for kids; walk is easy.
- Spring/summer/fall/winter
- Dogs have a great time. You can let them off leash in some areas, but be mindful of signs where they need to be on leash
- Website
- Point Pinole bird list (PDF)
- Virtual park panorama + trail map
- From I-80 in Richmond, exit at the Richmond Parkway. From the Richmond Parkway, turn right onto Giant Highway and proceed to the park entrance.
