Richmond, California, is a small town in San Francisco Bay and the San Pablo Bay. It is one of the most beautiful areas to visit, and plan your next trip to the Bay Area. There are lots of attractions and things to do in Richmond, California, and we’re going to show off some of the best!
With such a large city on two bays in San Francisco and San Pablo, it’s no wonder that people flock here for their vacation to visit its many hiking trails, east Bay Area attractions, and even the nearby cities, including San Francisco.
Established in 1905, this is one of the fastest-growing cities in the Bay Area, and it has dedicated itself to changing from a port, industrial city to a new, biotechnology-focused area of commerce.
The Lucretia Edwards Shoreline Park is one of the best places to take in the beauty of the bay and learn about the efforts of the city during World War II. The Richmond Museum can also help you learn more about the city and its history as an industrial town to now.
Richmond is also home to unique eateries such as the Assemble Marketplace and nearby local spots. To learn more about what to do to make your trip memorable in Richmond, California, read on below for more fun things to do here!
Hotel Mac is located in the heart of Richmond. It is a short walk from the University of California Berkeley and the Paramount Theater. You can also easily be at San Francisco's Moscone Center within 30 minutes. Enjoy a wide range of amenities and services such as free parking, free WiFi, a restaurant and a bar.
Economy Inn Richmond is a motel located in Richmond, California. It has an outdoor pool and free parking. The University of California Berkeley is 10 minutes’ drive away. All air-conditioned rooms at the motel include free Wi-Fi. Each room is equipped with cable TV and an en suite bathroom with shower facilities. A continental breakfast of cereals, muffins and juices is served daily at the hotel.
A cable TV with HBO film channels is provided in each air-conditioned room at SureStay Plus Point Richmond. The rooms also feature a work desk and high ceilings. Free Wi-Fi access is available. A mini-fridge, microwave and coffee/tea maker are standard in every room at SureStay Plus Point Richmond. The hotel offers free parking on site.
TL;DR
- Most significant landmark – SS Red Oak Victory
- Best park – Wildcat Canyon Regional Park
- Best free activity – Take a walk through Marina Bay Trail
- Best activity for kids – Visit Keller Beach
- Best activity for adults – Visit Assemble Market Place
- Best food – Anvil Restaurant Best nightlife – The Factory Bar
- Best place to stay – The Lodge at Tiburon
Things to Do in Richmond, California
1. Visit the Richmond Art Center
Address: 2540 Barrett Ave, Richmond, CA 94804
If you’re traveling to Richmond with family and want to learn more about the culture here, there’s no better way to do so than by visiting the Richmond Art Center.
This art center hosts lots of events for adults and children alike. They are proud to offer affordable art classes, as well as a wealth of events to educate the public on important figures in art in San Francisco, Richmond, and the surrounding areas.
There are always unveilings, new exhibits to see, and a variety of different activities for children, such as mixed media classes. The Richmond Art Center is open to the public and for private classes, so if you want to book your visit, visit their website for more information on hours of operation.
The best thing about this museum is its galleries are free and open to the public! Make sure to write the Richmond Art Center on your list of go-to spots for your next trip to Richmond, California.
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2. Take a Trip to the SS Red Oak Victory
Address: 1337 Canal Boulevard Berth 5, Richmond, CA 94804
If nautical history is your bag, this hidden gem is sure to be a source of delight! When looking for an area that is equal parts historic, breathtaking, and easy to access year-round, look no further than the SS Red Oak Victory. This is one of Richmond’s most treasured historic sites, as it is home to the auxiliary ship, the SS Red Oak Victory.
Touring inside the ship, one of the last surviving ships built at the Richmond Kaiser Shipyards during World War II, you’ll get a sense of how important she was to the war efforts in the Pacific.
This ship is run entirely by volunteers eager to share with visitors the many stories of the people who once worked on the ship.
Stepping into the ship is like stepping into a time capsule but with modern amenities. There are even movie nights that you can participate in on the ship, as well as events such as pancake breakfasts!
To prepare for your trip, visit their website to get the latest information on ticket sales and events. Self-guided tours only cost $10, making this one of the most affordable historical sites in Richmond, California.
3. Visit Keller Beach
Address: 900 Dornan Drive, Richmond, CA 94801
Keller Beach is one of the best places to visit for swimming and other recreational activities, such as jogging, picnicking, and walking with friends and family! Keller Beach is located just at the north end of Miller Knox Regional Shoreline (sometimes called Miller Knox Regional Park).
Its water levels are tested regularly, with updates on the condition of the water here. People flock here to enjoy swimming at this small, quiet, sandy beach that feels amazing on the toes and is a relaxing getaway from the business of San Francisco. If you don’t want to swim, don’t worry.
There are benches and picnic tables nearby so you and your family can sit down and enjoy the company, as well as parking spots near Dornan Drive.
For more information on water levels and safety at Keller Beach, visit their page for updates. There are no beach access fees, so this is one of the best free activities in Richmond, California.
If you need somewhere to stay right in the heart of Richmond, the SureStay Plus Hotel offers fantastic prices. You can schedule your booking here!
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4. Visit Wildcat Canyon Regional Park
Address: 5755 McBryde Ave. Richmond, CA
For those who want to go bird watching and take in the many San Francisco natural life sites, visit Wildcat Canyon Regional Park for your Richmond, California trip! Wildcat Canyon Regional Park caters to multiple tastes, with paved roads extending to the Alvarado Park staging area from the Nimitz Way.
You can walk, go mountain biking, or even ride horses through the park. With over 2,700 acres of natural land along the Wildcat Creek watershed, this park is rich in local history and outdoor activities.
There’s also a beautiful play area for children, making this a kid-friendly destination for tourists traveling with their families. For visiting information, visit their website to find out more about this national historical park and how you can visit it on your next trip to Richmond, California.
Want to explore more parks? Book a Red Rock Canyon Sunset Tour or join a fun Half-Day Guided Hike in Joshua Tree National Park.
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5. Visit Lucretia Edwards Shoreline Park
Address: 1500 Marina Way S, Richmond, CA 94804
The Lucretia Edwards Shoreline Park is a small yet beloved park encompassing the Rosie the Riveter Memorial Park. Much like the SS Red Oak Victory, the park shares the local history of Richmond with its visitors, filled with plaques pointing to areas where the Richmond Shipyards once were and even where there used to be a Ford factory!
This park is also incredibly well maintained, surrounded by lush greenery and offering panoramic views of the Bay Area shipyards. For a park where you can nestle in with your loved one on a date or a park where you can even bring kids, this is the perfect place for your trip!
They also have a playground excellent for children, and you can even take a bike ride since the paths here are big enough for cyclists and joggers alike. Find out more about this park and its history and significance to Richmond on the City’s website.
If you need a place to stay while touring Lucretia Edwards Shoreline Park, we recommend the exquisite Lodge at Tiburon just 30 minutes across the bay!
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6. Visit Point Pinole
Address: 5551 Giant Highway Richmond, CA 94806
Point Pinole Regional Park offers over 2,400 acres of pure bliss. With its many trails leading you through meadows, eucalyptus woods, and seasonal flowers, this is one of the most beautiful and scenic destinations in the Bay Area.
Tickets for visiting will be collected at the kids upon entrance, but they are only $3 per car and more for buses. This regional park is set aside as a campground, picnic area, fishing, hiking, and horseback riding.
Point Pinole is also a wonderful place to get gorgeous views of Mt. Tamalpais, Saint Pablo Bay, and the Marin shoreline.
If you’re considering places for a weekend getaway, look no further than Point Pinole in Richmond, California. Check out all the information to set up your next camping trip at Point Pinole.
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7. Visit the Loft Wine Company
Address: 1325 Canal Blvd, Richmond, CA 94804
The Riggers Loft Wine Company is one of the highest-rated wineries in Richmond and for good reason! The Riggers Loft Wine Company is home to wine tasting to delight your senses, as well as food from acclaimed chef Frank Miller.
Chef Miller prepares everything from wood-fired pizzas to salads and desserts, which all go paired amazingly with their selection of wines and artisan drinks. If you want to book a private event, you can also do so through their reservation system.
There are also live music events, which you can look for in case you want to combine fun and listening to new music with the best wines available in Richmond and San Francisco Bay.
Start your wine tasting by visiting their website for more information on reservations, current wine selections, food selections, and more. For more wine-tasting experiences, don’t forget to book Napa & Sonoma Valley Full-Day Wine Trip.
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8. Visit the Richmond Museum
Address: 400 Nevin Ave, Richmond, CA 94801
The Richmond Museum has been a staple of Contra Costa County for over 60 years and continues to provide tours and educational materials to inform people of the rich local history of Richmond.
There are costs to visiting the museum, but it is a great getaway for students, their teachers, and families that want to learn more about the town of Richmond and how it played a role during the World War II home front efforts!
Visits to the museum are open from 1 pm to 4 pm on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. When visiting, you will explore a permanent exhibition along with temporary exhibitions and rotating events scheduled in advance, so you can purchase your tickets for events ahead of time!
For more about the Richmond Museum and how you can play a part in helping preserve the history of Richmond, read more about their efforts and visit information on their website.
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9. Walk Through Marina Bay Trail
Address: Marina Bay & Regatta Blvd Richmond, CA 94804
If you’re up for a biking trip through the edge of San Francisco Bay, the Marina Bay Trail is the perfect place to get your heart pumping and take out your bike!
There are many attractions that line the Marina Bay Trail, even some on our very own list, including the Rosie the Riveter National Historical Park.
There is a 4-mile stretch where you can jog, bike, or walk with loved ones to get the best bay views. There are plaques located on every stretch of the Marina Bay Trail, which inform you of the history of Richmond, as well as reveal hidden gems located on this legendary shoreline.
The Marina Bay Trail is truly one of the best places to relax in Richmond as well as complete your bird-watching adventures! Make sure to follow all trail etiquette and guidelines. You can also fish during high tide for a relaxing afternoon but remember to bring your fishing license.
For more information on the activities that you can and can’t do on the Marina Bay Trail, look at this local guide offered by the City of Richmond for more information.
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10. Visit Rosie the Riveter National Historical Park
Address: 1414 Harbour Way S #3000, Richmond, CA 94804
Have you ever wondered what the Nation must have been like during the midst of the Second World War? Now, you can learn more about how we, as a nation, persevered and helped on the World War II home front at the Rosie the Riveter National Historical Park and Museum!
At the visitors center, you can get an inside look at the history behind the Rosie the Riveter movement. You might recognize the name from an iconic painting of a woman with her sleeves rolled up amidst a yellow background, with the words saying “We Can Do It!”
Not only was this an ode to female empowerment and to the many people that stayed behind to help the war efforts, but also to the many women that gave up their lives or dedicated themselves to the efforts of World War II.
The museum and the park are free to visit, although you can get passes from second-party sources. On Fridays, there are even special meet and greets with real-life Rosies, women who are still alive and helped during World War II.
This is truly one of the most historic attractions in Richmond and even San Francisco. Spend an afternoon here learning about Richmond, and plan your visit by visiting their website.
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11. Take a Cruise with City Cruises Berkeley
Address: 200 Marina Blvd, Berkeley, CA 94710
If you want to visit attractions on the water, such as the many dolphins and otters that dot the bay surrounding Richmond, California, then we recommend planning your visit through a boat tour!
Boat tours are some of the best ways to get around the city, get a different view of nature and the surrounding beauty of Richmond, and get up close and personal with creatures from the water!
Boat tours offer a unique look at the Bay Area surrounding Richmond, and you can easily rent your boat or go on a guided cruise around Richmond.
If you’re looking to travel to San Francisco, there are lots of ferries that take you across the harbor, so you can explore the many attractions in San Francisco and come back to Richmond later on!
City Cruises Berkeley offers dining cruises and private events for larger parties exploring Richmond. Book your cruise now by visiting their website.
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12. Eat at Caspers Hot Dogs
Address: 2530 Macdonald Ave, Richmond, CA 94804
For a true San Francisco Bay Area dining experience, dining at Caspers Hot Dogs will solidify your status as a true Bay Area fanatic. Caspers Hot Dogs is a chain restaurant with seven locations located throughout San Francisco and San Pablo, including one location in Richmond!
This particular location is the iconic orange stand that offers delicious hot dogs. Enjoy one on a rainy day, or visit there if you’re thinking about cheap things to do in Richmond, California. One bite of this hot dog, and you’ll understand why so many people in Richmond swear by them!
Learn more about their hot dogs here on their website!
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13. Go Boating at the San Pablo Reservoir
Address: 7301 San Pablo Dam Rd, El Sobrante, CA 94803
Adventure enthusiasts can rejoice with the San Pablo Reservoir’s many options for outdoor activities! There are many boat rentals available for you to take out onto the water for a day of fishing.
Kayaking and canoeing are also allowed, however, you’ll need to bring your own since there aren’t any available for rent.
The San Pablo Reservoir is home to the beautiful natural landscapes of the surrounding marshes, and wild birds and is one of the best attractions for fishing. Visiting here will leave you breathless and yearning to go back!
Only a 15-minute drive from Richmond, you can take a day trip out here with friends and family. Find out more information about visiting hours and restrictions on their website.
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14. Visit the Golden State Model Railroad Museum
Address: 900-A Dornan Drive, Point Richmond, CA 94801
The Golden State Model Railroad Museum is one of the most amazing things you will see on your journey to Richmond! This museum has over 10,000 square feet dedicated to enjoyable model trains for younger and older audiences! Check out when the museum is open since they are closed for some months.
However, when the trains run, tickets are less than $10 per person, making this one of the best cheap things to do in Richmond, California. Check out their collection of model trains and walk through their almost 200 feet of public walkway.
Interested? Visit their site for updated information on tickets and more. The Extended Stay America Suites is right around the corner, so you can settle in and stay here while exploring the museum and other highlights in the area!
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How to Get Around Richmond, California
There are many methods of transportation in Richmond, California, which benefit both solo travelers and families. Below are some of the best ways to get around Richmond, California.
Getting Around Richmond, California as a Solo Traveler
There are many public transportation lines that can transport you to and from different areas of Richmond. The AC Transit line can transport you through Richmond and East Richmond, as well as through San Pablo, Oakland, Berkeley, and other nearby cities.
Traveling with a Family in Richmond, California
If you’re visiting the city with a family, we always recommend purchasing a vehicle or renting a vehicle for your stay in Richmond. Find your next rental car in Richmond here, so you don’t have to worry about transporting clothes, baggage, or other heavy items.
Traveling with a Date in Richmond, California
For two people, we recommend ride-sharing services in Richmond, such as Uber and Lyft. You can take a stroll through the many parks and nature trails while still having affordable transport through these ride-sharing services.
FAQs
What is the Best Place to Visit in Richmond, California, on a Rainy Day?
If you want to get away from the crowd and still enjoy one of the town’s top tourist attractions, take a trip to the Rosie the Riveter National Historic Park and keep dry while learning about the rich history of the Richmond area.
Where is the Best Place for Children in Richmond, California?
For active children to get their energy out, we recommend visiting one of the many parks, such as the San Pablo Reservoir. Their many choices for rentals, peaceful picnic spots, and fishing puts them among our top attractions for kid-friendly visits to Richmond!
What are the Best Bars in Richmond, California?
If you want to enjoy a local brew, we recommend visiting The Factory Bar in Richmond. It is one of the newest, most highly rated bars that accept outside food and serves specialty drinks for your enjoyment!
What is the Best Local Eatery in Richmond, California?
If you’re looking for a great eatery with tons of food options, visit the Assemble Marketplace located inside the Craneway Pavilion. It has a unique, industrial chic vibe and loads of food options, from oysters to BBQ, coffee, and much more.
Best Place to Visit Richmond, California, for Free?
Wildcat Canyon Regional Park is on our top list of free places in Richmond, California. Scenic, surrounded by nature, and with accommodations for children and families, this is our top pick for the best free place to visit in Richmond, California.
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