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Point Pinole Regional Shoreline
Rating Details »
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
16 reviews for Point Pinole Regional Shoreline
This park is a great mixed-use option. Roughly 2000 acres and a spiderweb of trails means plenty of space for hikers, horse riders, bike riders, anglers, and picknickers. Trails are well-maintained and generally pretty flat; most are also quite level and most of the park is handicap-accessible. If needed, a shuttle bus ($1pp) will take you from the parking lot out to the fishing pier, though. Should you choose to hike the beach, be aware that it's pretty rocky, so sturdy shoes will be required; you can trek most of its length continuously at low tide, which is fun. The picnic areas are well-equipped with tables, small grills, sand volleyball courts, and even a horseshoe pit.
Sadly, there's a fair amount of litter scattered around - we removed 3 plastic grocery bags full during our 2-hour visit. Do everyone a favor please - be sure to bring at least a small trash bag for packing out your own trash and any that you see. There are quite a few trash barrels (and restrooms, and even 1 pay phone) throughout the park, so it shouldn't be much of a chore. Thanks.
TRIVIA: Point Pinole used to be a dynamite testing site! In fact, the old testing bunkers are currently being converted in campsites, due to open next year.
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Protruding into San Pablo Bay, Point Pinole Regional Shoreline is a retreat near the otherwise densely populated (seemingly uninteresting) intersection of Richmond, San Pablo, and Pinole. Growing up a mile away, I frequently drove down Atlas Road to the park to hike, bike, or fish with my family or Girl Scout troop. Given the now easy access off the Giant Highway exit on the Richmond Parkway, I am surprised that even on a beautiful summer Saturday, that there were so few people in the park. So much so that like other reviewers, I am hesitant to Yelp MY secret!
Most people stay near the entrance in the main picnic area, with many picnic tables, a volleyball court, and children's play structure, or they venture through the Eucalyptus trees a mile and a half down the main paved road, lined with bathrooms, garbage cans, and even water fountains, to the pier to fish (to which even a shuttle is available for a $1). However, there are 12 miles of exceptionally quiet easy trails through the open fields, marshes, and rocky beaches throughout the large park that offer beautiful views of Mount Tamalpais, and the shoreline across San Pablo Bay. On a nice day, one can also enjoy watching the sailboats and barges while sitting on the beach. It is a great place to go hiking, biking, horseback riding, or even bird watching.
Originally owned by a variety of firms (including Atlas and Giant Powder companies) that manufactured gunpowder and dynamite on the site for 100 years, there are various indications of the land's history throughout the park. The remnants of a dynamite blast and burning bunker, black powder press, as well as other industrial remnants are scattered throughout the park. And interestingly enough, despite their flammability, the Eucalyptus trees were planted as a buffer to the community from various explosions.
I am excited to have remembered that this gem of a park is so dog friendly. While leashes are required in the parking lot and picnic area, I am looking forward to routinely hiking with my dog off leash on the other trails. As she is still very scared of lots of people, it will be a better option than nearby Point Isabel, Wildcat Canyon, or Tilden (especially for me given the trails are so flat ...). It is definitely worth the $3 to park in the main lot on the weekends and better yet, free during the week!
Don't let the fact that the regional park is near a detention center, the Richmond country club, and earshot to a rifle range, or on the Hayward Fault (since well everything in this area is) scare you away! And just because it is seemingly ghetto, please don't litter! While hiking on Saturday, we picked up a bit of trash along various trails including a dummy resuscitation mask on the beach.
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This is another trick myself into working out spots. I have lived in the Bay Area my entire life, and only discovered this park about 2 years ago. It's large with several hiking trails that vary in intensity and it never gets too crowded. On a clear day the view is amazing, and the large trees provide ample shade.
The park is located right of of Hywy 80, parking is only 3 bucks, and this hidden treasure is priceless.
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i like point pinole.. it's nice to go there for a nice walk or jog..
but, i can't ignore the stupid refineries right over the water. when the winds are blowing you can just smell the cancer oozing into your lungs. it defeats the purpose of going out there for your health when you end up breathing all their pollution anyway!
This is a hidden gem of the East Bay. The park has a wonderful variety of habitats including marshes, large open fields, Eucalyptus groves, and beaches. There is a mix of packed gravel and paved trails throughout the park that are perfect for biking, hiking, horseback riding, and running.
Like many East Bay parks Point Pinole is dog friendly and many of the trails are off leash. My pup had a great time taking in the views, walking the trails, frolicking through the tall grass. If you're looking for more of a dog friendly hike, Point Pinole is just up the road from Point Isabel.
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This is my favorite park. No, really, my favorite park ever. Ever ever. I started coming here about 2 years ago after buying a bike (I needed to get some exercise, and it looked like there were lots of trails). I was blown away by the scenery -- impossible to describe, but I've taken so many pictures that my mom in Ohio has seen more of the park than most people who live in Richmond/San Pablo. The trails get busier on the weekends, and you have to pay for parking then, so I prefer to come on weekdays when I can.
And then...I got a dog this week. So I thought hey, why not let the dog enjoy my favorite place? We went late on a Wednesday afternoon, and we saw very few people. I let him off leash for a while in a field and we sort of romped around and cavorted and such. Really, it's like movie-gorgeous out there. Oso (the dog) thinks so too.
There are a few water fountains scattered around for dogs and people, open fields, wooded trails, miles of coastline (some of which dogs are not allowed to explore with you -- check the signs!), and a great fishing pier for those of you who don't have dogs to amuse. Oh, and a cool playground, a few picnic/bbq areas, and a sand volleyball court near the entrance. I'm still shocked that more people don't come here, but at the same time I really love the peace and quiet.
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If you're looking for a considerably larger and less crowded version of Berkeley's Cesar Chavez Park (i.e. the Marina park) - or if you want the Tilden experience but near the bay rather than up in the hills - this is it.
Probably because of it's out-of-the-way location, this place just doesn't attract lots of people - and even if it did, it's more than big enough to absorb them easily.
I'd recommend it to anyone within a 20 min. drive, not just folks trying to maintain dog-walking regimens or exercise regimens - it's just a nice place to go for a long walk to clear your head and get away from it all.
The nicest bay-view areas are a half-hour walk from the entrance, so they tend to be relatively quiet and you can enjoy the view in peace. And if you're lucky, you can watch the goats on your way there or back!
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F'ing awesome. No joke.
I almost don't want to write about it on yelp because I want to keep it to myself. I spent hours with my dogs out here, among the rolling hills, the trails that lead to the point, the amazing northern views of the bay, and I am thrilled, because this is a 15 minute drive from my house and my dogs can run off leash on something like 80 percent of the 2,000+ acre park.
I am going to become a regular fixture here, just hiking in the evening hours, on the weekends, and enjoying the uncrowded, beautiful bliss.
I LOVE EAST BAY REGIONAL PARKS!!!!
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Large place to walk around on flat trails with views of the San Pablo Bay - no hills here and lots of eucalyptas trees. Take the Bay View trail and you'll feel the cool breeze (sometimes a full on WIND) and be able to let your dog splash around in the surf, swim if the tide if high enough. Take Cooks Point Trail to the other side of the park and tour old powder plant buildings. Or walk the paved road straight through the middle of the park to the pier. They also have a shuttle to the pier on the weekends for a fee (no dogs allowed on the shuttle). While the outside edges of the park have nice big shade trees, most of the trails are out in the open sunshine so bring sun screen and a hat if your prone to sunburn.
TIPS:
- Parking & dog fees are charged on weekends (no attendant - stick your money in the slot), but no fees charged during the week. I've "sneaked" in on a weekend for an hour or so and not gotten "caught" - but yeah I know karma will get me sooner or later.
- Most people have their dogs there off leash, which is legal except in the parking lot and picnic areas.
-The port-a-potties at the parking lot are not the last ones you'll see, they're strategically placed throughout the park.
- There are doggie and human water fountains at the Owl Trail junction and at the entrance to the pier.
- Nice large lawn and picnic areas at the children's play ground and also at the entrance to the pier.
-SAFETY ALERT: Most people I see here any day of the week are nice people of all ages getting some light exercise. But a couple of times on weekdays during hot summer months I've come across people who may be looking for something else besides serenity. I once saw teens on bikes looking for trouble at the kid's play area, and once I saw a young adult man walking into the park obviously over dressed for the warm weather, shouting obsenities and provoking no one in particular but was loud enough for everyone in a 100 ft radius to hear. It's times like these I'm sure glad I carry mace and travel with a big dog!
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A mellow place to ride your bike, walk your dog, or go fishing that's tucked away on a point off of Richmond. Used to be a dynomite plant back in the day, now it's serene atmosphere belies its explosive past.
Great views of all around the northern part of the bay. You can see from the Carquinez Bridge to the Bay Bridge. Beauty and blight can be enjoyed. Don't mind those pesky, polluting oil refineries and you'll appreciate the scenic panaroma from the long fishing pier at the very point of the park.
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I love this place!!!
I have lived in the East Bay now for about two years, and love finding regional parks. I always follow the signs.
I love to come here and hike with my bff, picnic with my husband, or take my dog Red swimming.
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A hidden treasure in Richmond! It's like you're far away from civilization. The views are spectacular, especially of Mt. Tam. I really enjoyed my visit here with my puppy, Charlie. He even had his first experience at the beach. So cool to see him get his paws wet! I gotta warn you - it does get super windy on the Bay View Trail. So.........layer up! It also is a bit isolated so just be aware of your surroundings while walking about. I also saw picnic tables on way out. Seemed to be in a good location - surrounded by trees and wonderful views. Have fun and happy trailing!
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Point Pinole is a beautiful, serene shoreline park that's also huuge. You'll find lovely views of the Bay area including Mt. Tam. Excellent for lovely leisurely walks with a friend or loved one. Great for families who picnic b/c there's a bunch of picnic tables amid beautiful eucalyptus trees. Great for bird-watching and all around nature communing. I couldn't believe how peaceful and quiet this place was on a Sunday afternoon.
Also, great for goat lovers as there's an entire hillside full of them!
Heads up: There is a five dollar fee per car during weekends and holidays.
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One of the best places to hike in the bay area. Kind of wanted to keep this one a secret, but what the heck. Yes, there are no challenging trails, but the beauty of this place is amazing. So close, but so far away. Enjoy...
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Point Pinole can look crowded if you don't go in far enough. The tables near the entrance are often full of large parties of people (when the weather's nice). Pretend they aren't there, forge in farther, and you'll be rewarded with a quiet, lovely place in which to walk, bike, or ride your horse. There are sunny areas as well as plenty of eucalyptus-shaded pathways. It's possibly the least-crowded park in the area, despite the first impression.
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hardly used weekday evenings
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