Carquinez Overlook Loop

The Carquinez Strait is part of the Sacramento and San Joaquin tidal estuaries. Once a very busy shipping lane, the strait has lost most of its traffic over the years. Memories of the past can still be seen in the area, most notably in the small town of Port Costa. Founded in 1879, Port Costa was once a stop on the transcontinental railroad as well as the country's busiest wheat-shipping port. Now the town has a population of under 200, but it has kept it's colorful flair. In the downtown you can find The Warehouse Cafe, a down-home, rustic haunt with a stuffed polar bear and over 100 beers, as well as the Burlington Hotel, an old brothel turned inn. This 2-mile round trip hike brings you along the Carquinez Strait to Port Costa and back. From the parking area, follow the paved road for 200 feet to the gate. You will then hike along the Carquinez Overlook Trail. Take a left at the fork, then follow a smaller trail through the eucalyptus trees to a bench overlooking Port Costa and Martinez in the distance. From here you will descend quickly to a gate leading into town. Grab a refreshment at the Warehouse Cafe, then continue back into the open space following the Bull Valley Trail back to your car. The park is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.