Richmond. California

About Richmond

Named after the city in Virginia, Richmond, CA, got its start as the terminus for the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad. Due to its location on both San Francisco Bay and San Pablo Bay, and with rail transport accessible, Richmond grew with industry: Standard Oil, a dynamite and gunpowder manufacturer (since closed) and wineries all were established. Chevron continues to maintain a major oil refinery in Richmond, and the city also is home to large offices for the Social Security Administration, Kaiser Permanente, Galaxy Desserts, and Bay View Recording Studios.

The Community of Richmond

With 24 distinct neighborhoods, Richmond offers a great deal of diversity, both ethnically and socio-economically. Point Richmond in the south once was considered downtown but is valued today for its trendy areas and small shops next to restored Victorian houses and Marina Bay in the south is also a desirable place to live. In Central Richmond, the downtown area is undergoing revitalization and the Iron Triangle encompasses the downtown business district. The Hilltop area and East Richmond have most of the desirable residential areas.

What to Do in Richmond

Interested in how the average person lived during World War II? The Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park includes a visitor center with interactive displays about civilian efforts during the war. On the grounds of Marina Bay Park, the Rosie the Riveter Memorial pays homage to women's work in the shipyards and other industries during wartime. Though parts of the ship are undergoing restoration, you can also visit the nearby S.S. Red Oak Victory Ship, built in Richmond's Kaiser Shipyards with service in WWII, Korea and Vietnam.

The Marina Bay Trail winds along the eastern shore of the San Francisco Bay, affording beautiful views of the big city as well as wetlands and native species of birds. The paved surface gives just about everyone an easy walk, and you'll usually find plenty of other people enjoying the area. Eventually, the Marina Bay Trail will link into the planned 500-mile San Francisco Bay Trail.

One Place You Shouldn't Miss in Richmond

With 10,000 square feet of model trains, the Golden State Model Railroad Museum can interest even the casual train fans. The space is divided into three parts for HO, N and O scale layouts and replicates early-20th century tracks that crisscrossed the Bay Area. Volunteers keep the Museum open weekends and some Wednesdays from April to December and sponsor theme days on the last Sunday of the month where specific types of trains are featured.

Dining in Richmond

Assemble is located next to the Craneway Pavilion, a restored building that once housed a Ford assembly plant. Serving lunch and weekend brunch only, Assemble specializes in "American classics" made with fresh, local ingredients. Don't miss the bread pudding French toast at brunch or the grilled mahi mahi with champagne vinaigrette.

It's worth seeking out Huong Tra Vietnamese Restaurant & Deli on San Pablo Avenue for authentic Vietnamese dishes. Big portions and low prices are just bonuses; you'll love the traditional rice plates or perfectly cooked stir fry.