Looking to get out to explore new places to enjoy summer in the East Bay? As local lifestyle experts, we are sharing some of our favorite spaces and places that you can put on your discovery list to enjoy with family, friends or alone this summer. We asked our team of Realtors at Berkeley Hills Realty, many who are long-time residents, for their suggestions.

 

The Bay Trail

 

“The Bay Trail, a planned 500-mile walking and cycling path around the entire San Francisco Bay running through all nine Bay Area counties, 47 cities, and across the region’s seven toll bridges, can take days to explore fully. I suggest discovering the trail through the Richmond Marina. This portion of the trail offers world class views the whole way. Walkers, dogs and bikes are a common sight on this amazing trail that runs right along the water – it’s a cosmic experience,”  Realtor Nancy Mueller, says.  “The Richmond Ferry terminal, just opened in January 2019, right next to the Craneway Pavilion and Rosie the Riveter museum, can whisk folks and  bikes to San Francisco to explore the trail further. There are a number of fun cafes and eateries along the route. Alameda is also a biking haven with great infrastructure along the water including ferry access to the City.”  Here is the link to the map of the Bay Trail as it runs through Alameda and Oakland.

 

Berkeley Hills Realty currently has a listing for a one bedroom bay view condo that is situated right near the trail between Alameda and Marina Bay in Richmond at the Watergate condos in Emeryville.

Pool and Clubhouse at the Watergate Condo

Albany Waterfront/Bulb

 

“I love the Albany waterfront where everyone walks their dogs. You’ve got a bridge view, tons of pups, eclectic art remaining from when the Bulb was a homeless artist’s enclave. It features a new bathroom and picnic tables and the beach is open, as well, shares  Realtor Lisa Hedrick. SF Curbed says about the Albany Bulb, “It’s a magical chunk of land in the Bay Area, one of the few that still allows creativity to run free, with some of the best views in the world. And no one’s quite sure what’s going to happen to it next.”

 

Alameda

 

Find some peace and quiet while you stroll along Shoreline Drive in Alameda and take in a beautiful view of the bay along with miles of jogging and bike paths. You can stroll the beach, go windsurfing, or just enjoy a picnic at the Crab Cove park. If solitude is your style, you can enjoy an easygoing bike ride or walk along the shoreline and pass only a few other people. The stunning views of the skyline make San Francisco appear picture perfect from the trail.

Looking for an adventure? A pedestrian and bicycle bridge connects the main island of Alameda to Bay Farm Island where you can enjoy the flat 6-mile loop all the way around the island.  Wander past the sprawling wildflowers and barley-lined trails while viewing birdlife from egrets and black oystercatchers to black-necked stilts.

 

Berkeley Hills Realty currently has a listing for a 3 bedroom/3.5 bathroom single family home on the harbor in Alameda

Master bedroom deck ~ 1949 Otis Drive, Alameda

Marina Bay’s Shimada Friendship Park

Located in Richmond’s protected Richmond Inner Harbor, Marina Bay was transformed in the 80’s from a defunct WWII shipyard to an upscale residential community. Shimada Friendship Park, a monument to Shimada, Japan one of Richmond’s sister cities, offers a panoramic view to prominent landmarks including the Berkeley Hills, downtown Oakland, the Port of Oakland, the Bay Bridge, Yerba Buena Island, San Francisco and Brooks Island. With its expansive manicured lawn area, kite flying, picnics and yoga are options for the long days of summer.

 

Berkeley Hills Realty invites you to view our 3 bedroom/3 bath single family waterfront home in Richmond Marina at 56 Sea Isle.

 

We wish you a fun, safe and adventurous start to summer! If you would like to discuss living in the East Bay and learn more about homes available, please contact us today!