Brickyard Cove

Breathtaking Bay Views

Located along Berkeley's shoreline, Brickyard Cove offers some truly spectacular views of the San Francisco Bay. On clear days, you can spot iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge, Mount Tamalpais, and the glittering San Francisco skyline across the water. The landscape here is pleasantly varied - a gently rising hill surrounded by shallow waters, tidal mudflats, and a sand beach. The morning and evening light transforms the estuary, creating particularly beautiful scenes for early risers and sunset viewers.

A Park Born Yesterday

Relatively new to Berkeley's outdoor scene, Brickyard Cove opened in March 2022. It's part of the larger McLaughlin Eastshore State Park, which stretches 8.5 miles along the bay from the Bay Bridge all the way to Richmond.

Despite what the name might suggest, the cove wasn't actually a brick manufacturing site - though you'll notice plenty of old bricks scattered around the eastern edge of the water. The site has undergone a significant transformation. What once was a 53-foot mountain of excavated dirt and construction debris has been redeveloped into a recreational space with enhanced natural habitats.

Nature Making a Comeback

The park's rehabilitation included seeding native plants throughout the area. Now you'll discover California brome, blue wild rye, various fescues, cheerful California poppies, lupine, and yarrow bringing color and life back to the landscape. The cove itself has become a haven for local birds, particularly around the northwest corner where Strawberry Creek flows out into the bay.

Getting Around

Brickyard Cove is nicely accessible, with well-maintained walking paths that connect to the larger San Francisco Bay Trail network. The main path is smooth and great for a casual stroll, a more vigorous hike, or your daily exercise routine. Near the entrance, you'll discover several picnic tables - ideal spots to enjoy lunch with a view.

The designers thoughtfully planned for the future too, raising and stabilizing the shoreline to withstand sea-level rise. Clean restrooms are available by the parking lot at the trail's starting point, making this a convenient stop during longer explorations of the bay area.

Things to Do

Beyond walking and hiking, the open spaces at Brickyard Cove make perfect launching grounds for kite flying when those bay breezes kick up. Dog owners, you'll be happy to know your four-legged friends are welcome here - you'll likely encounter plenty of other pups enjoying the trails. If you get hungry or need refreshments, the nearby Seabreeze Market offers food and drinks to fuel your adventure.