Newly remodeled parts of Refugio Valley Park make it more welcoming especially on hotter days. The…read morenewly constructed shade ports offer shaded seating near fire pits. The parking lot has been remodeled with a designated crosswalk and two handicap parking spots closer to the middle of the park. The play structures remain the same with three benches nearest the bigger kids play area and one bench in the vicinity of the little kids play area. The duck pond remains a delight to experience, watching the ducks splash, chase and swim. When ducklings are present it is a treat to see. Today, we saw far more ducks than usual, sunbathing and enjoying cooler weather with constant wind gusts.

A great place to get some steps in…read more Stopped by for my daily walk and was reminded why this is one of my favorite places to be active. Features: Walking paths Benches Restrooms ( Dog friendly Playground Water views with ducks Shade Parking The park was clean, felt safe, and had plenty of space for walkers, runners, families, and people simply looking to enjoy the outdoors. Still under construction tho Definitely a place I'll continue returning to.

** The following review reflects my experience DURING the COVID-19 pandemic. **…read more It's actually not that hard to imagine the motorcycle hill climb races that took place here nearly a century ago. The surprise is how this steep escarpment remained untouched by real estate developers given how suburban this part of El Cerrito feels. I keep picturing that scene in "The Great Escape" where Steve McQueen jumped the POW camp fence as a testosterone-driven act of Nazi defiance. He would've ended up on somebody's backyard deck or in a hopefully filled swimming pool if he tried it now. You can get there from the bottom of the hill on the sorta corner of Navallier and Blake where you see a little staircase and a flyer posted on the fence about the hill's history. Or alternatively, you can take the hidden hillside stairs of El Cerrito and enter at the top through the nondescript path from Potrero Avenue. From the entrance, the first segment affords you a wide foot trail and a panoramic view of the bay (photo: https://bit.ly/2PI6CXp). The hillside trail itself is rustic in either direction with a lot of tall grass and dead trees that look like they were cut and left there for years. And yet, the constant views of El Cerrito make it a more pleasurable experience than you would expect despite the unexpected appearance of immobile wild turkeys (photo: https://bit.ly/3kO4wAM). RELATED - Up for a hike? Here's a collection of trails I've walked and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2OrC8nU

A hiking trail that's perfect for both uphill and downhill hiking, Motorcycle Hill just proves…read moretrails can not only exist just about anywhere there is public land but it also proves that trails can be created at anytime thanks to the fortitude and creative energy of a group of community nature lovers. In this case Motorcycle Hill was founded by El Cerrito Trail Trekkers, which was formed in order to build, maintain, publicize and use the little known urban trails of El Cerrito, California and they not only lead local trail hikes for community members to participate in and explore but their main goal is to create new safe trails in safe open spaces so all can enjoy and make sure that paths continue to be cleared of excess brush so the fire danger remains low, which in this day and time is remarkable we've been so lucky in our hillside neighborhood. I've have been to Motorcycle Hill about six times and every time I venture downhill (notice not uphill because I'm no fool as I still have to walk all the way home!) and I get to experience something interesting and new every time I venture along Potrero Avenue high in the hills of El Cerrito to begin my trek each and every time. If you're not careful you will miss the start of the trail from the top of the hill each and every times as it literally is a slim dirt pathway in between two single-level homes. Once you keep walking along the dirt path and see a huge swath of small cactuses growing like bushes to your left, you know you are on the right path. From there you keeping walking straight along a dirt path which I believe was created much longer than the rest of the trail as it hugs the hillside until you hit what is basically a naturally-made observation area that looks over the entire cities of El Cerrito and Richmond and you would see it all if it weren't for the numerous eucalyptus trees blocking your view line. From there you will notice a nice wooden handrail that serves as your starting point and barrier for where you are supposed to walk next, down Motorcycle Hill. which is a series of small switchback dirt trails down the steep incline (hence the name Motorcycle Hill and dirt bikes tend to do this as they head downhill as well). And I do mean steep as you can tell this remains a fairly new trail that hasn't been traveling along by a vast number of trekkers as there remains a long of brush and dirt which can get in the way for a smooth trip down the hill. And just be careful because it can be a trip down this hill, as many a time I found myself slipping to the point where I had to grab on to a tree or even the dirt below to make sure I wasn't rolling down the steep hill. And beware of your shoes as they're going to get really dirty as even on a warm day after walking back and forth down the incline, my shoes were filthy of dry brown dirt. But that's just one of the sacrifices one makes when walking down one of El Cerrito's newest trails. Once you're done you'll find yourself among a number of eucalyptus trees that has been cut down to their stumps on the back side of some residences and then you'll once again find yourself in between a narrow pathway in between two homes, this time on Blake Street. Then you're back in the suburban community from where you once came with passing cars whizzing by. But for a little while, you will be as grateful as I was for this tiny and tranquil oasis among all of the chaotic suburban city life. At Motorcycle Hill, one can enjoy a healthy hike with scenic views of San Francisco Bay and beyond, and we have the El Cerrito Trail Trekkers to thank for all of this.

Awesome place to chill... Not usually crowded on weekdays…read moreand weekends. This is the part of Richmond people don't usually notice nor hear of.

The park seems to be mostly a playground than anything else. Nothing really much here, but I see…read morepeople come here for different reasons. Probably most of there are here for the ocean I guess. At the same time, I don't think it's a bad place to come here since the main part of it is the nature.

The city of San Pablo should really consider renaming this trail because a lot of people will think…read morethis is within Wildcat Canyon Regional Park. In fact, there is a separate Wildcat Creek Trail over there further downstream. This one is different. It's a paved urban greenway similar in spirit to the Richmond and Ohlone Greenways nearby. It's been the subject of a significant restoration project, very valid in intention, but the reality is that it's badly in need of maintenance because there's a lot of careless dumpling and quite a homeless population roaming on the walkway. It's not without merit, but it definitely needs help on a more consistent basis. Rebranding it might increase local interest in using it for its intended purposes. RELATED - Exploring this part of Contra Costa County? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2VyCP18

Not many people here when I arrived only one other person was parked here.. but as we sat here…read morewe're now the 4th person within just 10 minutes! One of the downfalls is it's on a fairly packed street when there's traffic! Park ranger was here cleaning up so it's not a dirty place at least in the parking area. Today it was very cold as well since it's right by the water. It's located right after the Richmond sanitary service. I'd come back to walk when I'm not almost being blown away LOL. We got a wonderful concert from across the water. Couldn't understand them since I don't speak Spanish but i was vibing LOL. The park ranger was closing the gates as we were leaving at 4:11pm so keep that in mind before you travel out here ! Would come back and would recommend if you want somewhere not to steep in incline. Thanks for reading hope this helps !

** The following review reflects my experience DURING the COVID-19 pandemic. **…read more I'm familiar with the Albany Bulb from previous walks off Buchanan Street. Most of the challenge came with scaling the craggy surfaces amid the makeshift, 'Burning Man'-style art pieces. I did take glances toward the left and wondered if there was anything beyond the tiny beach. Apparently not until this past July when the East Bay Reguonal Park District built out the shoreline trail that hugs Golden Gate Fields. They didn't skimp as the restoration project cost over $18 million, but the result is worth it as the new mile-long section offers uninterrupted views, intermittent benches, and defined paths that separate the cyclists from the walkers. The beach area looks a lot more inviting with picnic tables, restrooms, extra parking, and a staging area. Now if you combine this with a walk around the Bulb, you've got your 10,000 steps. Just sayin'. RELATED - Exploring Albany? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/3ebRKbk

Beautiful trail next to Golden Gate Fields with lots of different paths you can take to explore…read more Love the views of the city and the bay bridge! Parking can be a bit tricky, as the lot is pretty small, but we were lucky enough to see someone pulling away as we got there. There's some street parking too. Some areas could be a bit muddy or pebbly so wear comfortable walking shoes. Would not recommend flip flops or sandals on this path. It connects to the Albany Bulb so you can check out all the cool artwork while you're there. I love that the art always changes and I see new and different pieces every time I go.

Cute little part of Hercules where one can take a leisurely stroll or sit on the benches to enjoy…read morethe scenery. There is a flight of stairs but once you get to the top, there is a beautiful view. You feel like you're in a garden and far away from a large city. It's very quiet and peaceful and would be a nice place to spend the afternoon reading a good book on one of their benches. Great place for family pictures!

I love how I can take a break from work (aka my house), walk a few minutes and feel like I'm on a…read moremini nature escape. Victoria Crescent is in the heart of the Victoria by the Bay neighborhood and provides a tranquil getaway for residents and visitors. During spring, a few flights of stairs lead to pergola with benches that overlook the bay. This further leads to a pathway surrounded by burgeoning red roses, evergreen trees, Japanese maples, etc. Whenever I walk though here, I always feel calm, rejuvenated, and lucky to live in such a beautiful nature-filled neighborhood. I've been told that this area is a popular spot to take professional pictures- I can definitely see why. The stairs are helpful for exercising and a few times I even saw someone getting a haircut up there- you can't beat the view!

Whether it be biking, fishing, or even just for a walk you'll get an exceptional view of the…read moreCarquinez Strait. The majority of biking or walking is done on asphalt and for this type of activity is completely free. There are three self-contained RV sites available at first come first serve basis. No dump available. Restrooms are at the other end of the park and far from these sites. Majority of the time there are no staff at the entrance, but parking fees can be paid via drop box.

Really pretty trails, watch out for bikers. Even on a hot day by the water so nice and windy great…read moretrails. Gotta pay for parking.

This is a good residential park for those who live nearby. It has some hills and is pretty big for…read morea city park, which would make it a great place to walk your dog or just get some air. There are some nice views over the freeway from the Hoke Court entrance. One thing to note, the ground can be a bit uneven/bumpy in places, so be careful in your footing.