Along the northern portion of the East Bay lies Contra Costa County, offering a range of coastal towns, hiking hills and suburban landscapes. For those who haven’t ventured past Berkeley, we thought we’d share some treasures that lie in just a handful of West Contra Costa cities.

 

Many see Kensington as an extension of Berkeley since it blends into the Berkeley Hills, but it actually sits to the south of West Contra Costa county. Kensington Village on its own gives off a small town vibe with Inn Kensington (for good breakfasts), Arlington Wines & Spirits, Kensington Fine Foods, Benchmark Pizzeria (for wood-fired pizza) and Kensington Circus Pub (for kid-friendly dinners) - just a few spots in this little city that locals love to frequent. On Sundays from 10 am to 2 pm you can also catch the local farmer’s market. While you’re there be sure to visit Blake Gardens where you can enjoy panoramic views.

 

 

 

The open spaces of the Hillside Natural Area in El Cerrito provide access to a number of hiking trails and beautiful wildflowers along the Memorial Grove. Locals frequent the many shops at El Cerrito Plaza which is located next to the Ohlone Greenway and the El Cerrito BART station. The El Cerrito Theater features a mix of blockbuster and independent films and also serves food and drinks - something to look forward to in the future when theaters open again.

 

 

 

From the shoreline to the canyon there are quite a few things that make the city of Richmond special. If you start near the ocean and visit Miller Knox Regional Shoreline, you’ll find a wonderfully secluded cove for swimming, a pier for fishing, a hilltop with excellent panoramic views of the North Bay Area, and spaces for enjoying a picnic. Point Richmond offers the feeling of a quiet, seaside town, there you will find the Plunge Natatorium and Kaleidoscope Coffee. In Marina Bay you can find Rosie the Riveter Museum. Another great spot to get some fresh air and take in the views is Point Isabel Dog Park where you can off-leash your pup. On your way back, stop by Gran Milan, their cannoli and sfogliatelle are delicious! A scenic trip to Point Pinole Regional Shoreline will take you through trails through breezy meadows or onto the beaches of San Pablo Bay. As you head inland, head to Nicholl Knob, featuring trails with views, or Wildcat Canyon Regional Park for hiking, mountain biking or horseback riding. In need of quality coffee? Head to Catahoula Coffee, a praised artisan coffee roaster.

 

 

 

Squeezed in a pocket just above Richmond is El Sobrante, surrounded by trails. Kennedy Grove Regional Recreation Area has plenty of space for outdoor activities. For a chance to play on the water or get a bird’s eye view of the lake below, check out San Pablo Reservoir Recreation Area. Feeling hungry? Order takeout from Sue’s Kitchen, a Thai-Laotian restaurant.

 

 

 

Pinole is rather small and unassuming but you’ll find that the wooded, creekside Pinole Valley Park is a perfect spot for playing sports, skateboarding, taking the dog or the kids to the playground. For incredible sweeping views of the San Pablo Bay and Golden Gate Bridge, visit the charming Bayfront Park. Head to the East Bay Coffee Company for java or Pinole Creek Café for a bite.

 

 

 

Off the beaten path, you’ll find the small city of Hercules just northwest of Pinole. At the Railroad Park there are trails, wide open spaces for play, places to set up for a picnic and a playground for kids. Or visit Duck Pond Park to play bocce ball, take shelter in their gazebo or throw horseshoes.

 

Venture forth and check out a few of these lesser known East Bay spots soon. You’ll see for yourself why these cities are well-loved and why some folks choose to purchase homes there.

 

 

 

Explore more East Bay cities and neighborhoods here, and if you have questions about living in any of them, drop us a line.

 

**Please note that some of the mentioned businesses and spaces are temporarily closed during COVID-19.**