The lazy finger of San Pablo Bay fronts the almost quaint town of Hercules, California. At one time, this was a company town belonging to the California Powder Works Company. In 1881, its prime output was dynamite. Today this is a family-friendly city just east of Pinole. Few beaches line this stretch of San Pablo Bay, one of which borders the western tip of Hercules. Sand is sparse but most of the beaches are part of regional parks, and have hiking trails and other entertainment options.
Bayfront Park – Pinole-Hercules
- Bayfront Park on the Pinole-Hercules border is the closest recreational area that has access to a beach. The park has open grassy areas, a few picnic tables, and a path leading to the estuary and the small beach. You won't find much wave action here because of the locale, but it’s a good place to stick your toes in the water or do a bit of beach combing. The San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge sits directly across from Bayfront Park on the other side of San Pablo Strait. Occasionally you’ll see tanker ships cruise by as they make their way east to the Port of Vallejo.
Point Pinole Regional Shoreline – Pinole Fun
- Roughly 6 miles west of Hercules is the Point Pinole Regional Shoreline. Covering some 2,315 acres, this park has hiking trails that lead down to pocket beaches on San Pablo Bay. This is a wildlife preserve, great for photos and bird watching, but these aren’t beaches from which to swim. The shoreline is more pebbles than sand, but you can find interesting items if you just walk along the shore. Fishermen find a spot and cast out into the bay. You need a license to fish from shore, but not from the nearby Point Pinole fishing pier. Pay a fee and catch the shuttle to the pier, or hike or bike the 1.5-mile route. The views of Mount Tamalpais and Marin are stunning. You may bring up to three leashed dogs into the park. They are allowed on trails and beaches, but not on the shuttle or the fishing pier. If a ranger is manning the entry kiosk, usually on weekends and holidays from April through October, an entry fee is charged with an additional fee per dog.
Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline – Park With a View
- Head roughly 7 miles east and you’ll find the Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline. Like other waterfront parks in this area, trails lead to the water where you’ll find pebbly beaches great for beach combing. You'll find little wave action because you are too far inland, but fishermen come regularly to these shores in search of bass or perch. A fishing license is required. Trails also lead inland through eucalyptus trees, across meadows and to Franklin Ridge, elevation 750 feet. The ridge offers the best views of the Carquinez Bridge, Mount Tamalpais and Mount Diablo. Leashed dogs are welcome and no fee is charged.
Point Molate Beach Park – Richmond Treasure
- If you’re looking for a larger beach, head 12 miles west to Point Molate Beach Park in Richmond. After being closed for more than a decade, the 11-acre park and beach re-opened in October 2013. Though you must drive to the park, once at the parking lot you’ll find pathways to the beach, picnic areas with barbecues and a portable restroom. The beach is part sand, part gravel and has a bit more wave action than the shores near Hercules. This is a beach comber’s beach, perfect for that nice long walk. The views include the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge, just to the left, the San Francisco skyline in the distance and Mount Tamalpais directly ahead. Leashed dogs are welcome.
