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Point Richmond (travel article)

abandonded 1897 Dock Port Richmond, Ca.

Hotel MAC restaraunt and downstairs sitting area

If you want a place you feel safe, can walk the streets day or night, if you’re traveling alone. Pt. Richmond is it, one of my favorite weekend getaways. Close enough to a number of major cities (San Francisco, Oakland, San Leandro, San Jose) and yet far enough away to feel transported to a simpler time.

Nestled in the foothills above the bay, in Contra Costa County is Point Richmond;

Formally known as “East Yard”. The city was built in 1890. This is still one of few places where the local businesses operate from buildings more than one hundred years old. 

 In 1890, the San Francisco-San Joaquin valley railway purchased 57 acres of the abandoned farmland to build a rail yard. At that same time on the other side of the ridge, Pacific Coast Oil (later Standard Oil, Now Chevron Oil) acquired a large parcel and built a refinery. After Completion of both the rail yard (which was the original predecessor of our current Key System) and the refinery in 1905, the available jobs brought residence to the area. Both businesses still operate today. 

This is one tough town, having made it through the Quake of 1906. Churches from the city, took in and housed the injured and homeless from the disaster, as they watched the flames from across the bay burn for days.

The stained-glass windows of the church, in fact, are more than striking. They’re historic treasures. Crafted in Germany. They surround the sanctuary of the sturdy brick building with the impressive steeple, which has graced the corner of Martina Street and West Richmond Avenue since 1906. (The church’s original 1900 “cracker box” structure served as a sheltering haven for thousands of survivors struggling with the aftermath of San Francisco’s 1906 earthquake. That building was torn down in 1914 after construction of the brick church had been completed.)

Architecturally, you find a mix of craftsman style, Queen Anne, Victorian and Neo classis Row houses built at the turn of the century.

 Grassy knolls, mature trees, the smell of a dozen varieties of flowers linger in the air.  Foot and bike paths meandering from town into the hills and on down to the waters’ edge. Birds, reptiles, chipmunks, and many assorted animals can be seen along the way.  

Cool, salty, breezes blow on shore.  Quaint Roadside Cafés, public beaches where you can swim and fish for stripped sea bass or Take a stroll down Main Street in the evening to enjoy its gaslight lamps flickering under a mild fog.

On Wednesdays, The Town Square is filled with a vast array of local grown foods, flowers and other goods at the farmers market. A strong sense of community where neighbors help each other and everyone knows the names of those who pass by, this is what you’ll find here.

There are numerous activities to amuse even the most particular of tastes.  From the mundane to the gourmet the smells and tastes will delight your senses, you will find something that pleases both your mood and your palate.

 Atmosphere and tradition lend meaning to what was and what is yet to be.

 Roadside Cafés featuring sandwiches made from fresh baked breads, local grown vegetables and meats. 

The theater for the preforming arts still has daily dramatic, musical and variety acts. (it was a fun diversion)

 If that is not to your taste, there is Point Richmond Historical association depicting the growth of this hamlet from inception 1872 to present day.

The Golden state model railroad museum, the shipyards near the marina that house, the SS Red Oak Victory ship, as well as Rosie the Riveter WWII national historic park, and the Yacht club.

Take a stroll down Main Street in the evening its gaslight lamps flickering in the welcomed breeze, 1905 - 1930 architecture, beautiful store fronts of glass and handcrafted wood, the original fire station has been turned into a business front; a number of great antique shops, and the community theater. 

Most summer evenings here in town there is music in the square, a park like area with huge magnolia trees, hydrangeas, roses and green shrubs. It is as if time has stood still for this little community, giving the illusion that you have somehow gone back to a slower and simpler place.

There are a number of choices for lodging; I recommend the old boarding houses, they are in keeping with the towns atmosphere and style.

“The hotel Mac” (where I stayed)on the main Blvd, is a four story brick and mortar structure over 100 years old, the lower 2 levels accommodate the restaurant and bar, as you enter a 1920’s sitting room filled in rich velvets, mirrors, green and gold chintz pillows, tiffany style lamps is to your left, suitable for any conversation. When the hotel was first built, women were not allowed to have gentleman visitors on the upper levels. The top 2 levels house 10 suites, those range in size, style and price. You’ll find welcoming servers at the bar. I recommend you take time to stop in here and have a drink or a meal the food is a culinary delight and the service impeccable, as for the staff, all are kind, knowledgeable and friendly. The price is well worth the value received.

 2) “East Brother Light Station”out on the cay built in 1872, the old light house turned into a B&B. Stop on in here if time permits and see the grand style of the place, fixtures from the turn of the century, beautiful hand tooled woodwork, attention to every detail, great people. Catering to the more elite.

You can reach Point Richmond from a variety of transportation choices, drive north on 580 to the Pt. Richmond off ramp; take the AC transit line #72; Golden gate transit commuter route #42; and express route #40 from San Francisco, or you can drive across the San Rafael Bridge east bound over the bay.  All lead directly to Point Richmond.