After hiking over the Carquinez Bridge we drive 1 mile to Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline…read more There is a 9 spot Free parking lot Bull Valley staging area, I didn't bother checking out cuz it looked full, instead continued on the road that leads down by Eckley Pier had 29 parking spots, Free parking. We walked to the Pier, they have 1 pit toilet we used. Had tp and hand sanitizer. Lots of folks fishing at the pier around 1pm. I asked one guy catch anything he said No. Then we hiked Bull Valley Trail, Carquinez Overlook Loop and back to car. About 2.02 miles. Nice views and about 4 benches I saw and 2 picnic tables at a view point.

I'm always looking for places to get my steps in, but to keep it interesting, I like to discover…read morepaths and trails that I had not trod before. I get bored easily. What can I say? Over the past year, I've been walking my way along San Pablo Bay first around Point Pinole and most recently the San Pablo Bay Regional Trail from Richmond to Rodeo. I've made my way eastward and found this area between Martinez and Port Costa. The centerpiece is the fully paved, car-free George Miller Trail. It winds its way along the hills that hug the coast of the Carquinez Strait. The bicyclists sped by but not that many, and foot traffic was fairly minimal. The views were quite pleasant with Benicia and the Benicia-Martinez Bridge in constant view. I walked further on Carquinez Scenic Drive, a real road but remote and quiet, in order to get to Port Costa. There was a nice short-cut through some pastoral hills where a cow or two would occasionally show up on the path. Definitely worth finding your way here. RELATED - Up for a hike? Here's a collection of trails I've walked and reviewed: http://bit.ly/2OrC8nU

Granddaughter loved her time here. I have not ever been here for as long as I have lived in town…read more What a nice hidden gem for the kids. The entrance is like walking through a castle to a whole new world gated inside. It was clean, grassy, huge and open spaces with different areas to play for the kids. There are benches and picnic tables everywhere too. They also have restrooms on site too. Lots of grassy and shady areas to hang out as well. Our grandbaby had a great time running everywhere to her hearts content and she cannot wait to go back again with her parents.

And the best park award goes to...Children's Wonderland Park! From uniqueness of play structures --…read moreto cleanliness and space -- this park easily takes the cake among others I've been to. And I do not say that lightly. As soon as you enter through the castle doors, you are transported into a mini Disneyland found in Vallejo, CA. As someone who was raised in this city, I did not expect this. This park truly Wow'd me for several reasons. One, the uniqueness of the play structures. There's a handful of them including a tea cup/ tea pot area, train station and train, pirate ship, pumpkin carriage and more. Our personal favorite; the tea cup with the connected slide, so fun!! My family and I easily spent two hours here. You can also book some spots for parties. I highly recommend checking out the GVRD's website. Theres shaded gazebos and many picnic tables. They even have story time and other events here. Theres a parking lot available and hours as well. They are closed on Tuesdays. 100 out of 10 recommend this park.

Foxboro Park received a major facelift. All new play structures, inclusive of all stages and ages…read more The tennis and basketball courts remain as was. Seating is limited in front of the play area. The elongated cement enclosure for the trees has decreased in length eliminating additional seating area in the rear of the structure. It is a welcome to have such a beautiful neighborhood park with updated structures without having to travel.

Good little neighborhood park. Play structure, green grass, and some children's Halloween events…read morecoming up. Friday 10/24 trunk or treat at 2001 Refugio Valley Rd advertised at this park. Seems very family friendly. Halloween is a holiday for the children - don't be a party poopet. Miracle playground - not sure what that means but there was some signs to 'have fun' and to 'play safely.' Adult supervision required - 'the smart way to play.' Hercules seems to be a family friendly place to be. This general area seemed safe and to have mostly single family houses around it.

Beautiful east bay regional park area with pier that you can fish from. Lovely park area for…read moregatherings. It's a bit of a drive to get there but on a spring day it's full of wild flowers

** The following review reflects my experience during the COVID-19 pandemic. **…read more Listen, if I was a fisherman, I'm sure I'd be in halibut heaven at this pier. Even though it's about twenty years old, this is no ramshackle wooden extension into the Carquinez Strait. Remnants of that tarnished image can be seen on the left. This one is made of concrete and built with brushed metal mesh railings. For those of us who know fish only through our sushi orders, there are nice views of the Carquinez Bridge and the C&H Sugar Factory if you can walk around the constant fishermen. There's also a pleasant park with picnic tables, and it serves as the starting point for the Bull Valley Trail which leads up into the hills and ends in Port Costa. Pretty, unexpected spot and worth a well intentioned nature walk. RELATED - Exploring this part of Contra Costa County? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/3gi6Yin

I remember when you could drive on this trail!! Currently it…read moreis a walking and biking trail only. We park on the Martinez side. Most of the time we stay on the paved trail, to Port Costa and back. About 3 miles round trip. There are plenty of spots with a bench you can take in the views. Sometimes we go ahead and venture off trail and get lost in the hills with the cows. Really spectacular views from off trail ;) Easy walk or intense hike, both are here. Dogs on leash. Thrilled to have this trail on our love where you live rotation.

Beautiful paved trail for walking, biking, stroller or dogs on leash. Stunning views of the…read moreCarquinez Straits. Usually a pleasant breeze and accessible year round. The trail was once a road but multiple landslides left it 1 lane accessible, so it's been turned into a path for non autos or motorized vehicles. A gravel parking lot in Port Costa or off street parking on the Martinez side. Watch for closing hours. Enjoy you time outside with beautiful views and Amtrak route down below. Always great for a 1-4 mile walk. Newt crossings in early February. Be kind and enjoy the views

This is the best safe park for kids in the area. Plenty of parking, clean, there's male and female…read morerestroom, picnic area, walking area, swing and slides. The people are nice and friendly as well. This place is perfect for small kids, toddlers, or school age.

Nice park, playground for the kids, basketball courts, lots of grass to run and play on. Beware of…read morecrossing streets nearby, as people run stop signs like crazy here.

Beautiful park. Great dog park. Clean and peaceful. Haven't been for a while but it has always been…read morea pleasant experience when I go.

I like that there is free parking. I came here on a Sunday, a little before 12 PM, and it was easy…read moreto find parking. This is one of the biggest outdoor public play structures in the Bay Area that I've been to so far. There are picnic tables available for rental, and it's a great place to host a kids' birthday party. There is some shade in the play structure area, but I wish there were more. There are public restrooms, but they need more frequent cleaning during the weekend. I came here on a hot Sunday, and there were a smoothie/shave ice truck and a soft serve truck parked nearby in the swim center parking lot for purchase.

Looking for a hike/walk in Concord before heading to Daeho for lunch !!We did the 4.5 miles loop…read moreand enjoyed some nice scenery !

I would characterize at least 70% of this hike as a walk through the grass. Thankfully, the grass…read morewas dry and there were no random potholes to trip in. we did have torrential rain yesterday, so I'm surprised that grass was dry. the scenery is absolutely beautiful. there are cows, and they did look at me as if they wanted to eat me. I made a few scary noises and they ran. there's a small parking area at the trailhead. if you're familiar with the hills which were alive with the sound of music in the movie, well, the sound of music, those hills have nothing on these hills. these hills are far more beautiful.