El Cerrito, California

El Cerrito is a small city located in Contra Costa County, California. The city is bordered by Albany and Kensington to the south and Richmond to the north. It is a thriving and bustling city that attracts visitors for its natural beauty, recreational facilities, and vibrant culture. This post is a comprehensive guide to the best places to visit in El Cerrito, as well as the places to avoid.

Places to Visit in El Cerrito

1. El Cerrito Plaza

El Cerrito Plaza is a large shopping center that is home to a variety of stores, restaurants, and coffee shops. It has everything from groceries to clothing stores to cellphone shops. The plaza is a great place to spend the day shopping, eating, and people-watching.

2. The Kennedy Grove Regional Recreation Area

The Kennedy Grove Regional Recreation Area is a beautiful park that is great for hiking, swimming, and picnicking. The park has a large lake where visitors can swim, rent paddle boats, and fish. It also has several trails that are great for hiking, as well as many picnic areas.

3. Cerrito Theater

The Cerrito Theater is a great place to catch a movie. It is a historic theater that has been recently renovated and features state-of-the-art sound systems and comfortable seating. The theater also has a bar where visitors can enjoy a drink while watching a movie.

4. Tashi Delek Vegetarian Cafe and Juice Bar

Tashi Delek Vegetarian Cafe and Juice Bar is a great place to grab a healthy bite to eat. The cafe serves vegan and vegetarian dishes that are made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. It also features a juice bar that serves fresh juices and smoothies.

5. The El Cerrito Farmers’ Market

The El Cerrito Farmers’ Market is a great place to buy fresh and locally grown produce. The market is held every Tuesday from 9 am to 1 pm and features a variety of vendors selling everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to artisanal cheeses and breads.

6. Canyon Trail Park

Canyon Trail Park is a beautiful wooded park that is great for hiking, picnicking, and enjoying nature. The park features several trails that wind through the trees and lead to some stunning vistas.

7. Smalltown Society

Smalltown Society is a great place to grab a cup of coffee or a bite to eat. The coffee shop is located in a historic building in downtown El Cerrito and features artisanal coffee, pastries, and sandwiches.

8. The Hillside Natural Area

The Hillside Natural Area is a beautiful park with several hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay. The park is home to a variety of wildlife and is a great place to explore.

9. Red Onion Cafe

The Red Onion Cafe is a great place to grab a burger or a sandwich. The cafe features a variety of gourmet burgers and sandwiches, as well as salads and other dishes.

10. Berkeley Rose Garden

The Berkeley Rose Garden is a beautiful park that is great for picnicking and enjoying the outdoors. The park features several walking paths, a rose garden, and several benches where visitors can relax and take in the scenery.

Places to Avoid in El Cerrito

1. Del Norte BART Station

The Del Norte BART Station is a busy transportation hub that can be crowded and overwhelming. It is best to avoid this area during peak commuting hours.

2. San Pablo Avenue

San Pablo Avenue is a busy street that is lined with strip malls and fast-food restaurants. While it is not necessarily dangerous, it is not the most attractive or interesting part of town.

3. 7-Eleven

The 7-Eleven on San Pablo Avenue is a popular hangout spot for teenagers and can be noisy and rowdy.

4. El Cerrito DMV

The El Cerrito DMV is known for its long wait times and frustrating bureaucracy. It is best to schedule an appointment or try to avoid this location altogether.

5. The Ohlone Greenway

The Ohlone Greenway is a cycling and pedestrian path that runs through El Cerrito, Albany, and Berkeley. While it is a great way to get around town, it can be crowded and congested during peak hours.