Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve

Even though Mare Island is only 3-1/2 miles long and a mile wide, I never fail to take a wrong turn here because certain areas are unexpectedly restricted and fenced in without warning, so I end up reversing course to figure out another route. That's what happened when I was looking for this 215-acre preserve on the southern part of the island. When I finally made it, there was a gravel parking lot but little else to help navigate me around the grounds.I just started walking on the paved road simply because a couple of dog walkers did just that. Along the way, there was a huge cemetery enclosed by a white picket fence. Beyond the trees on the curving incline of the road, I was able to take in scenic views of the Carquinez Strait and the Napa River. The climax of the mile-long trail was the top of the hill, the highest point on the island where an unusual ship skeleton art piece stands, The Spirit Ship (photo: https://bit.ly/3voIgVv). The truly odd twist was a strangely abandoned golf course once you reach the crest of the hill.I wasn't sure I was supposed to enter the course...but I did since there was no barrier. The concrete paths that separated the links were overrun with weeds, bird droppings, and dead bugs. After meandering for a while, I finally realized the paths didn't lead to an exit, so I just walked back. I probably didn't make the most of the preserve since it's a work-in-progress much like the rest of Mare Island, and the efforts are spearheaded by a small group of volunteers, I.e., it's not a state or regional park. Feel free to see it for yourself if you're curious.RELATED - Up for a hike? Here's a collection of trails I've walked and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2OrC8nU

Mare Island (named after a horse that fell overboard and survived - yes, really!!) is a strange, very random preserve located over a bridge near the heart of Vallejo. Who knew??? It used to be a military base so feels like a maritime graveyard. In fact, it HAS an old maritime graveyard right in the center. It's surrounded by roses and a white picket fence and somehow feels very Southern. As you drive into Mare Island, there are active military reserves still training on the grounds, and a parking lot full of vehicles that look like they rolled straight out of Batman. There are a few hikes on the island, mostly paved, and abundant wildlife (or, as much as wildlife can be abundant in a semi-urban park). Look out for herons, egrets, osprey (9 mated pairs), lizards, butterflies, and some of the best wild plums I've ever eaten. If you follow the main trail all the way to the top, you'll bump into a somewhat creepy boat sculpture representing ghosts of ships past. It's decorated with metal boat tags (kinda like license plates, kinda like dog tags) that tinkle in the wind.Like most places in the Bay Area, Mare Island has its own weather, so bring layers and sunblock. Pro tip: Do not miss the graveyard.

My car was broken into while visiting this place. I'm pretty sure the people who worked there did it. Because there was no one else out there besides some sketchy staff members. Another car was vandalized by mine. They smashed out the drivers side of my Honda and stole my purse. There was nothing in it, Thankfully. Sucks that people can't enjoy themselves while visiting Mare island heritage without having their property vandalized. Ive heard multiple people report their cars being broken into. Police are too busy to care. Be aware.

Bunkers,a panoramic view of the Carquinez Straits, abandoned railroad tracks and a graveyard, this is the perfect place to take a walk.The small graveyard is surrounded by a white picket fence. There are only a few large monuments. I was surprised to see several well maintained Russian graves. Three Metal of Honor sailors are buried here. Also buried here is a daughter of Francis Scott Key who wrote the Star Spangled Banner.The old asphalt road leading to view point is about a mile. In the spring Ospreys nest nearby. The visitor center is interesting and host all sorts of events.

One of the gems of Vallejo, amazing views, and a lot of history! I could write a book about this place, I absolutely love it!

If you live near Vallejo or find yourself in the city with some time to spare you should check out Mare Island. It is a former naval shipyard and military base with a rich and storied history. Because it was fully decommissioned fairly recently (1996) many of the significant buildings remain. Most of Mare Island is being converted to civilian use (factories, offices, housing, Touro University, a golf course) but the southern tip of the island has been set aside as a nature preserve, the Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve.The Preserve is small, with just over a mile of paved or graveled trails, but the views are wonderful (check out the photos I loaded). Very few people know of this little retreat and so it is usually very peaceful as well. To access the preserve you need to drive south on Azuar Drive and through the Touro University campus. There is a small parking area at the entrance to the trail, parking and entry is free of charge.Mare Island is more historic and interesting than Treasure Island or the Alameda Naval Air Station, although the views are much better at Treasure Island. You can spend an interesting afternoon biking or hiking Mare Island and then bring a picnic to enjoy on the bluffs of the Preserve.

I don't even know where to begin. When we moved to Vallejo, we stumbled upon Mare Island and while we were exploring we ran into the Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve. We drove as far as we could and saw all these cars parked on the side of the road and we kept on driving when we ran into their visitor center. We parked the car and noticed a bunch of people with bikes, their kids, dogs, and walking sticks walking past the "no car zone" gate and back into an area we couldn't see. We were intrigued.We later found out that this is an amazing place for anyone who loves the outdoors, photography, history, or just wants to find an amazing lookout spot! We recently climbed the 1.5 miles to the top of the hill (paved roads all the way plus they had some guide posts that talked about what you were walking past)! And we enjoyed every second of it! There were amazing views at the top and it was so peaceful, it really felt like we were somewhere else and not in Vallejo or the Bay Area. We saw old military buildings, art sculptures, ammunition bunkers, Mare Island Golf course from above, and the amazing views/perspectives looking out onto Vallejo. I highly recommend taking a walk, bike, run, jog, or stroll along the paths to the top! You will not regret it! :)

It's an okay place to start learning about the history of Mare Island but get a tetanus shot first: this looks like a hoarder's place more than a museum. Lots of donated (read: old and worn) yard furniture, unidentifiable rusty and broken tools, old grills (yes, plural), coolers of every shape and size, WAY too many out-of-control weeds, the scariest port-a-potty you've ever seen, and a (very small) mismatched hodgepodge of historic artifacts, one dead (half-decomposed) bird in an otherwise empty glass case, potted plants, wind chimes, and two yard sale chandeliers. ("Eclectic" is the kindest word I have to describe this place. Seriously, it looks like a Sanford and Son/museum mashup). Oh, and they have a huge collection of used bicycles, ostensibly for rental or checkout...Look, if you've read down this far, just go check out the Mare Island Historic Park Foundation's naval museum, instead. It's much more informative, expansive and clean.

This is a really neat, historical place for a nice hike. My only complaint is that the trails are not marked well and I actually ended up on a private gold course!! But, it is free so can't complain that much. The Naval cemetery is humbling to walk through as well. Dog friendly. Check out the "plumbing shop" near the top with navy dog tags!! Great views as well!!

I was really surprised by this place. I didn't even know it existed until I dropped off my dog at a doggie daycare on Mare Island. The trail is paved and the sites are beautiful. There is a "museum" on the property that has some old military items. Not really impressive but it's good for a quick walk through. Dogs are allowed on leash. Just be careful as there are a lot of rattlesnakes. Some of the off trail paths are the best but again watch out for snakes. There are also a ton of rabbits and nesting birds on the island. The views of the bay from the top are beautiful. Check it out.