Martinez Shoreline, July 6, 2024

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Saturday, July 6, 10 am - 2 pm

Radke Martinez Regional Shoreline Park, Ferry Point Area

North end of North Court Street, Martinez CA 94553

Park website: Ted and Kathy Radke Martinez Regional Shoreline

HEADS-UP: Heat alert, possible park closure

Many parks are experiencing closures this week because of the heat. On Saturday morning you can check the status of Radke Martinez Regional Shoreline Park on the East Bay Regional Parks website: Ted and Kathy Radke Martinez Regional Shoreline.  I also recommend checking your weather app that morning and thinking about your own comfort. It's OK if you decide to sit this one out. There's always next time!

Let's go back to the beautiful Martinez shoreline! We'll be painting in the Ferry Point area at Radke Martinez Regional Shoreline Park. I'm attaching a map to help you find our location.

Park at the Ferry Point Picnic Area at the North end of North Court Street, then fan out to find your spot. It's a short walk out the trail to find panoramic views of the Carquinez Strait, marshlands, boats and bridges.

Admission is free, park restrooms are nearby, rain cancels. I hope to see you there!

Dillon Point, Benicia, June 29, 2024

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Saturday, June 29, 10 am - 2 pm

Dillon Point

Benicia State Recreation Area

1 Rose Drive, Benicia CA 94510

Park website: Benicia State Recreation Area (ca.gov)

Let's go back to scenic Dillon Point in the Benicia State Recreation Area. This spot has great views in all directions, including Mt. Diablo to the south. You can see good stuff from the parking lot level, or if you pack light you may like to take the trail down to the dramatic, rocky shoreline. There's a restroom, picnic tables, and a little bit of shade at the parking lot.

Directions: From northbound Hwy 780 take the Columbus Parkway exit, turn left at Rose Drive to loop back over the freeway, then turn right at the signs for the State Park. For your GPS use the address 1 Rose Drive. (The park brochure says 1 State Park Rd., but some GPS's don't recognize that address.)

There's a kiosk at the park entry where you pay your fee of $6 per vehicle. Sometimes the kiosk is staffed, but if not, just beyond it you'll see a supply of envelopes for your money and a slot. Be sure to bring small bills or a check because with the envelope system there's no way to get change. After you pass the entry you're on Dillon Point Road. Drive all the way to the end of the road to the Dillon Point picnic area parking lot. If that lot is full there's another lot a short distance back down the road.

Admission is $6 per vehicle, restrooms are open, rain cancels. Hope to see you there!

Glen Cove Waterfront again, June 19, 2024

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Wednesday, June 19, 10 am - 2 pm

Glen Cove Waterfront Park

End of Whitesides Drive, Vallejo CA 94591

Park website: Glen Cove Waterfront Park (solanoopenspace.org)

Glen Cove Waterfront Park was so nice today, let's go back this coming Wednesday, June 19th. This spot has great views of the Glen Cove shoreline and a sweeping panorama across the Carquinez Strait. Heads-up, it does get windy so be prepared to tie things down.

The park is at the end of Whitesides Drive in Vallejo. Park in the small lot or on the street. From there you can walk straight ahead out to the lookout area or turn left to take the trail down to the pretty little beach and agave grove.

Please note that there are no restrooms at this park, but there are public restrooms a short drive up the hill at Glen Cove School Park next to the tennis courts at 605 Glen Cove Parkway or you can drive further up Glen Cove Parkway to the Safeway shopping center.

Admission is free, rain cancels. I hope to see you there!

Glen Cove Waterfront Park, June 16, 2024

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Sunday, June 16, 10 am - 2 pm

Glen Cove Waterfront Park

End of Whitesides Drive, Vallejo, CA 94591

Park website: https://solanoopenspace.org/OtherOutdoor_GlenCovePark.asp

Let's go back to scenic and refreshing Glen Cove Waterfront Park! This spot has great views of the Glen Cove shoreline and a sweeping panorama across the Carquinez Strait. Windy weather is always possible at this shoreline area, so be prepared.

The park is at the end of Whitesides Drive in Vallejo. Park in the small lot or on the street. From there you can walk straight ahead out to the lookout area or turn left to take the trail down to the pretty little beach and agave grove.

Please note that there are no restrooms at this park, but there are public restrooms a short drive up the hill at Glen Cove School Park next to the tennis courts, 605 Glen Cove Parkway, or you can drive further up Glen Cove Parkway to the Safeway shopping center.

Admission is free, rain cancels. I hope to see you there!