This week, there was only enough time for a short hike. I chose McLaughlin Eastshore State Seashore, since it is easily transit accessible and easy to turn around. This park was created from landfill in the 1960s, and consists of a narrow strip of shoreline between Emeryville and Richmond. It is narrow in some places, consisting of the bay trail squished between the highway and the bay. I recommend the Albany Bulb for its open space, which is scarce in most of the park, and for its great views of the Bay.

Quick Notes

Distance: Five miles

Elevation Gain: 0 feet

Difficulty: Easy

Type: Loop

Transit Accessibility

Take AC Transit line 18 or line 72 to Buchanan St/Marin Ave sand San Pablo Ave, or line L to Buchanan St and I-80. From there, head west on Buchanan St over an overpass and under an underpass into Golden Gate Fields.

Or, take line 51B to Berkeley Marina, or to 4th Street/Berkeley Amtrak and walk the pedestrian overpass into McLaughlin East Shore State Seashore to start the hike from the other end.

Driving Directions

From I-80, get off at Buchanan St and turn west into Golden Gate Fields.

The Hike

Walk along Albany Beach to see the shoreline, and you will reach the Albany Bulb in about three-fourths of a mile. From there, you can hike over or around the hill. Expect to see a few art installations here, as well as good views of the Golden Gate. After you have looped around, take the waterfront trail back to Golden Gate Fields. Follow it south about a mile to the next section of open space, an approximately 90-acre square to the northeast of the Berkeley Marina.

There are innumerable short trails in the central part of the seashore. At this point, continue south for more shoreline, or turn right for the Berkeley Marina. Below the Marina you will find more good views, or cut it short here and get back on the bus. When you get back to University Ave, take line 51B back to downtown Berkeley.

But the park actually extends much farther, so do not feel constrained. More good views exist in Cesar Chavez Park, north of the marina, or on the spit just south of it. Or, take the trail further south across University Boulevard, since McLaughlin Eastshore State Park actually reaches as far south as Emeryville.