Overview
Pinole is in the north of Contra Costa County in the San Francisco Bay Area in California on the southern shore of San Pablo Bay. Hercules is a suburban community next door. Neither of them have much to attract tourists, but they do have a selection of restaurants as well as walking and biking paths through the wetlands along the bay.
1 sights · 1 things to do · 5 places to eat · 2 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Pinole
Chelsea Wetlands
A tidal wetland, crisscrossed by walking trails, at the mouth of Pinole Creek between the train tracks and San Pablo Bay.
Fernandez Park, Old Town Pinole
The City of Pinole hosts many community events at Fernandez Park and in Old Town Pinole. These include: Summer Sounds in the Park - free music (Thursday evenings July–August), Outdoor Cinema - free family movies (Friday …
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Mar–Nov. Summer highs reach about 76°F; winter lows dip to about 43°F. Wettest: Dec and Feb. (climate data from nearby Berkeley)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- CCR Buchanan Field, Concord — 13 mi away. Directions
- OAK Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport, Oakland — 20 mi away (major hub). Directions
WestCAT Bus Route J (with two variations: JL and JR) runs about twice an hour from El Cerrito Del Norte BART station to Pinole and Hercules, seven days a week. The buses start earlier and end later on weekdays than weekends. Route 30Z serves Hercules from Martinez once an hour or so on weekdays.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Fernandez Park, Old Town Pinole
- Lunch The Pear Street Bistro
- Afternoon Chelsea Wetlands
- Dinner Hizcafe
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
WestCAT Bus Route J (with two variations: JL and JR) runs about twice an hour from El Cerrito Del Norte BART station to Pinole and Hercules, seven days a week. The buses start earlier and end later on weekdays than weekends. Route 30Z serves Hercules from Martinez once an hour or so on weekdays.
Amtrak trains pass through Pinole regularly but don't stop here. There's talk of building a train station in Hercules, but as of 2024 construction hasn't started yet.
Get around
WestCAT provides bus service around Pinole and Hercules. For getting around on foot, sidewalks seem to be consistent in the main parts of both towns.
A segment of the San Francisco Bay Trail, a walking and biking trail in development around the San Francisco Bay, has been completed between Pinole and Hercules. It makes a pleasant way to walk between the two towns, thought wetlands and grassy hills alongside the train tracks.
See
See Chelsea Wetlands
A tidal wetland, crisscrossed by walking trails, at the mouth of Pinole Creek between the train tracks and San Pablo Bay.
Do
Do Fernandez Park, Old Town Pinole
The City of Pinole hosts many community events at Fernandez Park and in Old Town Pinole. These include: Summer Sounds in the Park - free music (Thursday evenings July–August), Outdoor Cinema - free family movies (Friday evenings July - August), Halloween Carnival - a festive family Halloween event including a Haunted House, inflatables, games, pumpkins, food and music (the last Saturday of October), Holiday Tree Lighting Festival - a holiday street fair with entertainment, street performers, artisans, Santa's Village and the lighting the Pinole Christmas Tree.
Buy
Shop Trader Joe's
Eat
Eat Hizcafe
A friendly local cafe serving coffee and empanadas, with outdoor seating and a community atmosphere. Has several vegetarian empanada options.
Eat Restaurante Due Rose
This is a great place to go if you want to stay local. It's basically the same menu you would find at higher priced Italian places. The dining room is basic, which is why the prices stay reasonable. The chefs are very friendly and willing to accommodate any food issues you may have. Desserts are great and try the lobster pasta!
Eat Tommy's BBQ Company
Texas-style barbecue spot.
Sleep
Nearby
Richmond
City / town · 22 listings · 6 mi away
El Cerrito
City / town · 11 listings · 6 mi away
Vallejo
City / town · 26 listings · 8 mi away
Albany
City / town · 13 listings · 8 mi away
Benicia
City / town · 16 listings · 8 mi away
Martinez
City / town · 27 listings · 9 mi away
Berkeley
City / town · 94 listings · 9 mi away
Orinda
City / town · 8 listings · 10 mi away
My experience
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