Bored at Home? Hidden Gems Offer Summertime Fun in Richmond

Feature, Adrienne Chainey

With summer under way, many people find being cooped up inside to be a downer. But wait! Whether you like to do things outdoors, or just don’t want to be in the house, there are actually lots of things for you to do, right here in Richmond:

The Richmond Plunge is located at 1 East Richmond Avenue and offers open swimming and swim lessons. So head on down to the Plunge and enjoy a splash filled day of fun! To view the current Plunge schedule, click here.

Various YMCAs in the Richmond area — like the one located at 263 S 20th Street — offer both gym access as well as pool access to members. “The Y” offers memberships, as well as daily passes and financial aid. Contact the local Y at (510) 412-5647 or email them at wccinfo@ymcaeastbay.org if you have any questions.
Looking for outdoor activities? There are tons of beautiful parks and nature sites for Richmond citizens to enjoy, in the City itself as well as in the greater East Bay Area:

In East Richmond, there’s Alvarado Park, located near the intersection of McBryde Avenue and Park Avenue. Alvarado Park offers plenty of trails for hiking, biking and nature viewing, as well as picnic and barbeque areas, and a play structure enjoyed by many children over the years. There are lots of Eucalyptus trees, and Wildcat Creek lends a hand to making this park a beautiful feature of the East Richmond area.

Wildcat Canyon Regional Park is another great location for both new and experienced outdoor adventure seekers. Named after the big cats that live there, it’s a lovely little retreat for day hikers.

In nearby Tilden Park, in the City of Berkeley, there is refreshing Lake Anza, a man-made lake that offers a beautiful location for family swimming and picnicking. Tilden Park also offers overnight passes through the Regional Parks District for camping out.

There are also a number of historic sites scattered about the Richmond area:

The relatively recent Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front offers a glimpse of what life was like in Richmond during the World War II era, taking patrons back in time to experience the beginnings of Rosie the Riveter, and the legacy created in her aftermath.

Another destination point is the SS Red Oak Victory — the last victory ship built in the Richmond Harbor. It’s located in the historic Shipyard #3 in the Port of Richmond. Ship tours educate patrons on the history of Richmond as a shipyard, and shed light on a part of Richmond history often forgotten by its citizens.
As you can see, Richmond offers a number of opportunities for adventure and fun, so hopefully you’ll be able to get out of the house to explore and experience some of these this summer!