Photo courtesy of TripAdvisor.
Though known for its WWII-era shipyards and maritime scene, Richmond, Calif. is so much more than its shipbuilding past.
First settled by the Ohlone tribe around 5,000 years ago, Richmond has laid host to Spanish explorers, the western terminus of the Santa Fe Railroad, a massive refinery, and one of the largest Black populations in the state.
Food, arts, and culture has sprung up over the years, making Richmond a new destination for Bay Area residents and out-of-towners alike.
Image courtesy of Yelp.
If you’re seeking charm near BART, there’s no better place to spend an afternoon than Rockridge, a bustling neighborhood in Oakland that’s home to adorable shops, bars, and restaurants.
From longstanding bookstores and record shops to vegan joints with excellent cocktails, there’s a little slice of joy that caters to just about anybody in Rockridge.
Most of the action here lies along College Avenue. Head either north or south down the street and you’re sure to find something that delights.
Image courtesy of La Fiesta Square.
A glorious small-town vibe awaits visitors to Lafayette, which has its very own BART station positioned in the center of town. Located between Berkeley and Walnut Creek, this little gem of a town is full of great places to explore and things to do once you step off the train.
Here’s how we’d spend 36 minutes (or more) in Lafayette, California.
To see more features in our 36 minutes series, click here.
Photo courtesy of Michelle Robertson.
When you suddenly emerge from the depths of the Civic Center/UN Plaza Station, you rise into a bustling city of activity and energy: Market Street, San Francisco.
Image courtesy of Michelle Robertson.
BART’s 19th St/ Oakland station and the surrounding neighborhood is a bustling hub of commerce, activity, and transit centered in the heart of Oakland.
Image courtesy of the San Jose Mercury News.
Named for Don Guillermo Castro, a rancher who owned the land, Castro Valley is a vibrant community with good food, plentiful nature for strolling, and a BART station in the center of it all.
Here, you can pick up fresh Mexican tacos at a grocery store, schedule a pottery class, grab a sweet treat, peruse an organic market, and do a little shopping - all in 36 minutes.
Grab your Clipper card and walking shoes – let’s spend 36 minutes in Castro Valley!
Photo of Fox Theatre courtesy of Michelle Robertson.
With its towering high rises and bustling streets, rejuvenated Downtown Oakland has the feel of a big urban center set off from a small town – it even plays host to BART’s headquarters! But there’s much more to Downtown Oakland than office buildings and skyscrapers. Here, you can indulge in flavors from around the world, take in some of the city’s best street art, and even stroll through history by visiting one of the many 19th-century homes tucked into the neighborhood.
The North Concord BART Station with Mount Diablo in the distance. Photo courtesy of BART staff.
The North Concord BART Station runs along the west edge of the Concord Naval Weapon Station and welcomes riders with a majestic view of Mount Diablo and, from time-to-time, grazing cows.
A mural in the Lorin District. Photo courtesy of BART staff.
Started as an unincorporated streetcar settlement south of Berkeley in the 19th century, the Lorin District carries its rail history by being home to the Ashby BART Station. Often used interchangeably with “South Berkeley” to denote its geography, the Lorin District is now a commercial district clustered with antique stores, renowned bakeries, eye-popping murals and restaurants and a thriving Black presence despite recent gentrification in the area.
Beautiful Mt. Diablo sits just beyond Downtown Walnut Creek. Photo courtesy of Pinterest.
Nestled to the east of San Francisco and Oakland, sits the suburban oasis of Walnut Creek. With a warm climate, beautiful surrounding hills and majestic views of Mt. Diablo, this city offers an active downtown with plenty of great shopping, restaurant options, and historical sites with open spaces to explore and fun things to do. For many it’s become a “destination location” with all it has to offer, just through the Berkeley Tunnel.