S, boardwalks ysteries
merica’s place in the s reflected by the ships here — from steam-powoats to destroyers, s, aircraft carriers and owered submarines used orld wars, the Cold War nd. allejo’s portion of the Bay can still see where those e launched. The maser machine shops and d coal sheds have since sformed into chic, waree spaces for startups, dios and a local brewery.
re:
s: The Sardine Can’s Marina una, bacon bits, chopped egg toes, has long been the go-to nis Kelly, the vice president of nd Historic Park Foundation. eatery, a local favorite for pen daily for breakfast, lunch t “0” Harbor Way in Vallejo; osardinecan.com. Or head for nd Brewing Company’s taproom al Shed Stout or Farrugut’s arrel-aged saison. The tap room 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily at the al, 289 Mare Island Way; www. rewingco.com.
SE y to feel like you’ve left the bustling city behind and entered a different world as you explore the wonderfully secluded Alivso Marina County Park, its levee trails and boardwalks accessed through fantastical yellow portals. The park’s ongoing South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project and its heavy machinery may provide the occasional reminder of reality, but don’t let that deter you.
This 20.6-acre treasure extends into the southernmost reaches of the Bay and serves as the gateway to the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge. It’s a quiet and peaceful spot, with shorebirds, rippling water and the occasional patter of j footfalls adding to the m natural soundtrack.
“It’s easy to get lost ou says Santa Clara County ranger David Espinoza.
Learn about how this the Bay’s shoreline has c over time by taking one
the park and picnic areas, but not on the trails, levees or boardwalks. Find maps and details on the park and interpretive boat rides at parks.sccgov.org.
Nearby bites: El Taco de Oro serves everything from menudo and huevos con chorizo to burritos, enchiladas and quesadillas con carne. It’s open for breakfast and lunch daily at 5220 N. First St.; eltacodeoro.com. Prefer a food truck option? The El Taco de Oro RM — similar name, different owner — is parked right next door.
A Chinese fishing village
Think of Marin County’s natural jewels, and the mind turns to Mount Tam. But it’s China Camp State Park that, year after year, tops local polls for best park — people just really seem to connect with this quirky, unassuming place.
It’s not flashy. Naturewise, perhaps the park’s most significant claim is having the largest intact, original marsh in the Bay Area. It also abuts something called
Rat Rock Island which, well, your guess is as good as ours. But visit
China Camp, and its cha grow on you. Well-maint trails make it a paradise mountain bikers, who co near and far to do a pop At its highest point, view Pablo Bay are unbeatable then there’s its legacy as a couple dozen Chinese fi villages that dotted the B late 1800s, specializing in shrimp dried for export.
A fire erased the origin lage, though it was later “There was tremendous nese sentiment at the tim was not the only case of rious fire’ burning down homes,” says Martin Low executive director of the Friends of China Camp.
Today, people can expl es of the community’s hi a pleasant beach with a a boat workshop with a r of a Chinese junk and a h cafe that used to prepare salad (but nowadays stoc standard picnic fare). A p shrimp hauling now is th place to dip your feet or jump in the water, as tem tures are 10 degrees war what you’ll usually find i Trails wind all around th and make for great spott wildlife, from mule deer