Richmond’s shipyard history gives the city a distinct cultural and historical focus. Museums, trails and waterfront spots add to the mix. When planning your trip, it’s worth first deciding whether you want to focus on historic sites, nature trails or activities on the water.
Shipyard History and Places of Remembrance
The SS Red Oak Victory was built in the Richmond Shipyards and launched in November 1944. The museum ship is also the last surviving ship built at the Kaiser Shipyards. Visitors can explore the ship and learn from knowledgeable volunteer guides.
The Rosie the Riveter Memorial in Marina Bay Park features historical photographs, drawings and recollections from shipyard workers. Its design recalls the prefabricated construction of a Liberty ship. Marina Bay Park was once at the heart of Kaiser Richmond Shipyard #2. The Lucretia Edwards Shoreline Park commemorates a different aspect of shipyard history: it honors other shipyards in the San Francisco Bay Area and features exhibits about their locations.
Alvarado Park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its unique history and WPA stonework dating from the Great Depression. Its surviving features include stone walls, stone lampposts and a stone arch bridge over Wildcat Creek.
Museums and City History
The Rosie the Riveter Visitor Education Center is housed in the historic Oil House, part of the Ford Assembly Building complex. The center offers educational programs and interactive exhibits. Admission to the center and the films shown there is free. The Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park also offers free audio programs about the park and World War II history.
At the Richmond Museum of History & Culture, the permanent exhibition covers the Ohlone, Richmond’s early development and the World War II home front. The museum also presents seasonal exhibitions throughout the year. When planning a visit, it’s worth checking the latest information on tours, programs and exhibition topics.
Trails and Landscapes
Point Pinole Regional Shoreline has twelve miles of trails. They pass through breezy meadows with seasonal wildflowers, aromatic eucalyptus groves, and along cliffs and beaches on San Pablo Bay. More than 100 bird species inhabit its diverse habitats. It’s a good choice for anyone looking to experience the landscape and wildlife along a network of trails. Richmond’s Wildcat Canyon Regional Park also offers a network of trails, as well as sweeping views of the surrounding area.
Getting Out on the Water
At Keller Beach, you can wade and swim in San Francisco Bay. The beach is also an official San Francisco Bay Water Trail site. Ferry Point Beach has an ADA-accessible ramp leading to the high-water line, which kayakers can use to bring their boats to the water. Ferry Point is also an official San Francisco Bay Water Trail site.
The Marina Bay section of the San Francisco Bay Trail is suitable for walking and cycling. It offers opportunities to explore history, wildlife and landscapes along Richmond’s dynamic southeastern shoreline. The Marina Bay Trail has a boat ramp available for a fee and provides access for small watercraft.
Getting There and Places to Stay
Downtown Richmond has a combined BART and Amtrak station. Check the relevant schedules for your travel dates, as service details may change.
Discover more destinations: Rodeo, Martinez, Concord, Danville, Pittsburg, Antioch, San Pablo, Pacheco.
Return to the regional travel overview: Contra Costa.
