A Richmond’s Guide to Adventures ⚓️

jmslamovich
Nov 30, 2022
4 min read

Updated: Jun 27, 2023

Locals and residents alike have been getting down for years to E-40’s catchy rap song titled “Yay Area!” A community adorned in history, culture, entertainment, and famed sports teams, the San Francisco Bay Area boasts adventures of all kinds. Nine counties, which I wouldn’t list out so trust my count 😉, are home to nearly 8 million people. Located 16 miles northeast of San Francisco, the city of Richmond is uniquely situated along the SF and San Pablo Bays.

As a Bay Area local for over three decades now 👴, my only acknowledge of this city had been from the car window passing by on Highway 580. Unfortunately, Richmond has often received a bad rep for crime, poverty, and gang violence. As the wise school librarian probably all told us, “Never Judge a Book by Its Cover.” Let’s head over to Contra Costa County and adventure to three Slam Spots in “The City of Pride and Purpose.”

History: Richmond has been an important industrial and commercial hub in the United States since the turn of the 20th century. Between 1930 and 1956, Ford Motor Company operated the largest assembly plant on the West Coast in Richmond. With the onset of World War II, President Franklin D. Roosevelt banned the production of civilian automobiles. This subsequently changed manufacturing duties on the homefront with hundreds upon thousands of Jeeps and military vehicles being put together. Building things from scratch didn’t stop at the assembly plants. Let’s just say Richmond “ran a tight ship” ⚓during WW2. Home to 4 Kaiser Shipyards, more than 747 ships were constructed over course of the war and it often took just 2 weeks to assemble a single vessel. These homefront initiatives saw African Americans and women entering the workforce for the first time. As discrimination was banned in the defense industries, many Blacks migrated to California from the Deep South to seek higher paid wages and fairer treatment. I’m dying to check out the Rosie the Riveter WW2 Homefront National Historic Park which preserves the legacy of these hardworking individuals who risked their lives for our nation using heavy machinery in often dangerous work environments.

Today the city’s largest employer, Chevron Corporation, operates a petroleum refinery that mainly produces motor gasoline and jet fuel. Storage tanks, furnaces, and distillations dot the interior of the city while oil tanker ships putter in and out of bayside piers. Redevelopment and other social change continues to influence the makeup of modern-day Richmond. Thanks for following my long-winded 😏history spiel and next you’ll discover some attractions that blend perfectly with your newfound knowledge. Hike: Just south of the double-decker Richmond-San Rafael Bridge, you’ll find an expansive shoreline park. The Miller Knox Regional Shoreline is located in the Point Richmond District. A model railroad museum, swimming beach, fishing pier, and scenic hilltop are some of the park’s landmarks. The hike I recommend, a 3.5-4 mile jaunt, is called the Ferry Point and Crest Trail Loop. Rated easy to moderate, you’ll enjoy wonderful views of the East Bay and SF skyline from the 360-foot Nicholl Knob.

It’s very cool how the hike also takes you through the quaint residential neighborhood of Brickyard Cove. The contrasting industrial and natural vibes melded here highlight the many uses of the land. From green pastures full of cows and horses to freight trains and passenger ferries humming, Richmond’s shorelines have been part of many changes. If you’re feeling quenched, a brewery is just around the corner! 🍻

Brewery: After the opening of their taproom in 2016, East Brother Beer Companyhas seen itself become a focal point of the burgeoning Richmond craft beer scene. Just a few minutes from Highway 580, come on by for ample tasters, pints, to-go growlers, and lots of swag (thanks again for the stickers 💌). Also be sure to check the rotating food truck schedule that spotlights local restaurants. Two of my favorite beers East Brother beers on tap are Bo Pils (lemony) and Red Lager (biscuity). The brewery space is an A+ with indoor bench options with TVs and video games as well as outdoor tables for the sun basking beer drinkers. As the enlightened Ben Franklin once said, “Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.”

Food: Hopefully you’re not dying from hunger at this point in the afternoon! I leave you with the grand finale and one-of-a-kind find for lunch in the Bay Area. Search “San Pablo Bay Harbor” in Google Maps and you first may wonder if it’s still part of Richmond. From the brewery, drive for 15 minutes north along the hilly road through Pt. Molate. Bay views are plenty as well as eerie abandoned buildings that made up Winehaven, once the world’s largest winery (don’t ask more about it since history class is over 😂).The best way I could describe the atmosphere of Black Star Pirate BBQ is Burning Man meets petting zoo meets yacht club. After you stuff yourself with BBQ, be sure to pet the friendly goats and take photos of the contemporary installations.

An important public service announcement right here‼️ ‼️ Meats that are a must include the brisket, tri-tip, and pork spare ribs. Pro move for everyone…try out ½ order combos in order to diversify your options and bring tupperware for leftovers. Cheesy grits, house cowboy beans, and jalapeño cheese cornbread are all mouthwatering side orders to go with the meats. Enjoy the sunshine, live music, and energy of this unique community.