Point San Pablo Harbor

I came here once before but didn't have a chance to look around. I went to the restaurant and left. But this time, I took a chance to look around and marveled at all of the funky wood and metal treasures surrounding what would otherwise be a barren wasteland. The funkiness of the creative touches were cool.It was nice and sunny and there was a slight breeze. There were tables to sit, an unmanned cart for food, and the stage. I find it interesting that all of that was there because until I came to another restaurant in the area, I didn't know that this area existed.Now driving there is a beast because the roads are littered with potholes and there are areas where there is essentially one lane to drive, so you have to be very, very careful. But this spot, once you get to it, is it worth it? Maybe, it depends on what's going on. I'd love for them to have a bit more going on, but I respect the fact that it is so far out of the way that it may be a bit difficult. The marina down there is quite small and there's no way to tell how much business would come by that. So, this wouldn't be a destination like Berkeley or Richmond Marina's where they have options if you want to eat, but it's cute and funky and with the restaurant they have in the area, it's not a waste of time.

This place is amazingly beautiful. So are the retired burning man statues. There's a beach, pier, restaurant and bar. What more could you ask for ?

Just before the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge, the final exit off the westbound direction of the 580 freeway had me curious. Seriously. Did Stenmark Drive actually go somewhere interesting? Well, it goes into a peninsula that looked pretty barren to me whenever I drove by it, so on a free weekday morning, I satisfied my curiosity and drove on this strangely semi-deserted, pothole-riddled road where I passed by abandoned buildings, a deteriorated pier, and a fairly desolate beach.I turned right over a hill where the pavement got smoother and the road narrower. Welcome to Point San Pablo Harbor. I caught sight of the eclectic houseboats on the harbor as soon as I rounded the bend. There looked to be a toll booth at the bottom of the hill, but it was abandoned. There was a pen of goats none of whom looked thrilled to see me (photo: https://bit.ly/33iQ2V1), and finally a large, unmarked gravel parking lot that was empty during the week but packed on the weekends.The most intriguing find was the mammoth sculptures that look like Burning Man remnants...a mosaic alligator (photo: https://bit.ly/3nqTnIv), a giant bee (photo: https://bit.ly/3tray0D), a broken-down ice cream truck (photo: https://bit.ly/3Gsf9TH). On certain weekends, they have live music on a makeshift stage set up in the open meadow, and there's a great open place for BBQ on weekends, Black Star Pirate, to which I brought Jamie W. on a follow-up trip (review: https://bit.ly/3ts46qc). If you've got free time on a random Saturday, check it out. It's definitely different.RELATED - Exploring this part of Contra Costa County? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2VyCP18

Biggest secret in the area. Parties, art, events, critters, and the famous Black Star Pirate BBQ on the mini-marina. On a nice day, let you mind sail away.

We hosted our wedding here in September 2021 and it was absolutely magical. All our dreams came true at this perfect location--from the gorgeous waterfront ceremony and stunning photos with incredible sculptures, to a delicious outdoor dinner with live music and dancing the night away in the clubhouse for our reception. It was a truly wonderful experience from start to finish, as the event director went above & beyond to support us in every way. There couldn't be a friendlier community and we are infinitely grateful for the memories made at Point San Pablo Harbor. Highly recommend getting hitched at this enchanting gem!

I've loved this spot for a long time but there's been a change seems to have affected the energy at the Harbor. I found the article below which explains a lot. In the years of visiting the Sportsman's Club you felt like you were in a secret nook, with the chance of talking to the residents, learn about the history, and are friendly. But new ownership has taken over. I remember one of the first things they did was take down the old photos of the harbor that were hanging on the walls of the Sportsmens Club. ?? These were pictures captured the whaling history of the harbor, residents and settlers. Of course you can still talk to the residents if you venture over the hill, they're great. But since ownership has changed, there seems to be an intent to bring a Burning Man element to the harbor and squeeze what they can from the long time residents who deserve to be secure in their homes. Two stars, a star for the residents and a star for the scenery. No stars for the different owners. Choppy Seas for Boat Dwellers A live-aboard community in a picturesque setting in Richmond is facing huge rent hikes, while the harbor's owners are looking at millions of dollars in upgrades.https://www.eastbayexpress.com/oakland/choppy-seas-for-boat-dwellers/Content?oid=11755163

I discovered this place today, didn't know there was even a harbor let alone a restaurant way out there! Nobilis had it's Grand Opening today and it was jamm'in!It's a long trek out on a bumpy road and if you didn't know better you would think there's nothing on that side of the bay. (it's the opposite side from Point Richmond) take your time and enjoy the sites from the other side of the bay!

We were going to spend the night at his brothers lighthouse and had lunch here before we headed out over the water and it was delicious and they were also very friendly.

It is a delightful, off the beaten track location. However, the infrastructure is a little shaky. We saw Chuck Prophet there last night and it was a great concert. But when we walked back to our car in the overflow parking lot along a path that took about 12 minutes there were no lights. When we arrived in daylight, there was a string of lights along the oath that was illuminated and then for some reason, they turned them off so we had to stumble in the pitch dark with only our phone flashlight. Also while driving out, there is a gate across the road and again no lights of any kind so we initially went the wrong direction and then finally figured out we needed to drive up to the gate and it would automaticallyopen. There were no people , signs or lights to guide you out.

I've been here a few times with different friends because I want people to fall in love with the Sailing Goat just as I have! Great selection of beer and wine, amazing pizza (that's all I've had so far), looking forward to trying everything on the menu! Absolutely worth the drive, cosy, inviting, family/dog friendly, and then there's the fact you're on a beautiful waterfront! Went to a concert at the harbor meadow right next to restaurant and it was fantastic. Was introduced to owners Yaella Frankel and Rob Fyfe by Pete, amazing folks who are loving what they are doing! Thank you for bringing such a great place to life!