El Cerrito Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, see, and eat in El Cerrito. Plan your trip with our comprehensive travel guide for a memorable experience in California.


Introduction to El Cerrito

El Cerrito is a small city located in Contra Costa County, in the East Bay region of the Bay Area, California. It is an ideal destination for travelers looking for a quiet and peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

With its mild weather, stunning natural landscapes, charming local culture, and rich history, El Cerrito has plenty of options to offer to tourists. Whether you’re interested in outdoor activities, exploring museums, indulging in local cuisine, or simply relaxing, El Cerrito has something for everyone.

Plan your trip to El Cerrito with our comprehensive travel guide to discover the best things to see, do, and eat in this beautiful city.

List of Places to Visit in El Cerrito

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • El Cerrito Historical Society: Explore the rich history of El Cerrito and the Bay Area at the El Cerrito Historical Society. This museum features exhibitions and artifacts that detail the city’s development, spanning from its agricultural roots to present-day.
  • Rancho San Pablo: Rancho San Pablo, situated in Wildcat Canyon Regional Park, is the site of one of the area’s first land grants and home to the Domingo Sais family, who made a living raising cattle and farming.
  • Berkeley Art Center: Located on a hill above the UC Berkeley campus, the Berkeley Art Center showcases the work of local and regional artists. The center hosts contemporary exhibitions, as well as educational programs and lectures.

Natural Attractions of El Cerrito: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Wildcat Canyon Regional Park: Wildcat Canyon Regional Park offers breathtaking views of the Bay Area and the San Pablo Reservoir. This park is ideal for hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities, with multiple trails and picnic areas available.
  • Hillside Natural Area: Hillside Natural Area features a variety of trails that will take you through oak woodlands, grasslands, and chaparrals. The views from the top of the hill are particularly stunning - on a clear day, you can see all the way to Mount Tamalpais in Marin County.
  • Mira Vista Golf & Country Club: Mira Vista Golf & Country Club is an 18-hole golf course situated atop the scenic Berkeley Hills. Golfers can enjoy panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay while playing through challenging terrain.

Hiking/Biking Routes of El Cerrito

  • The Ohlone Trail: The Ohlone Trail is a multi-use trail that stretches from Berkeley to Concord, passing through El Cerrito. This trail is perfect for hikers and bikers who want to explore the scenic landscapes and natural beauty surrounding El Cerrito.
  • The Bay Trail: The Bay Trail loops around the entire San Francisco Bay Area, including El Cerrito. This trail is ideal for cyclists, and offers stunning views of the Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge from various viewpoints.

Best Things to Do in El Cerrito: Activities and Tours

  • Elevation 66 Brewing Company: This microbrewery serves an impressive range of craft beers in a cozy and laid-back atmosphere. Join a brewery tour to learn about the brewing process and sample some of their signature beers.
  • Cerrito Theater: Catch a movie in the historic Cerrito Theater, which has been entertaining locals since the 1940s. The theater features a mix of new releases and classic movies, as well as a bar and lounge area.
  • Alvarado Park: Alvarado Park is a charming park that features picnic areas, BBQ pits, and playgrounds. Its main attraction is the cascading waterfall, which provides a beautiful backdrop for a relaxing day out.

Week-Long Itinerary for El Cerrito

Day Activities
Day 1 Visit the El Cerrito Historical Society, followed by lunch at Fat Apples, a popular local bakery featuring a tantalizing menu of pies, quiches, and sandwiches.
Day 2 Take a hike on the Ohlone Trail, followed by a brewery tour and beer tasting at Elevation 66 Brewing Company.
Day 3 Visit the Berkeley Art Center, followed by a picnic in the Hillside Natural Area.
Day 4 Play a round of golf at Mira Vista Golf & Country Club, followed by a sunset dinner at Sunset View Restaurant, which overlooks the Bay.
Day 5 Explore Wildcat Canyon Regional Park, followed by a movie at the Cerrito Theater.
Day 6 Discover the stunning views from Madera Open Space, a peaceful hilltop retreat offering scenic vistas of the Bay.
Day 7 Relax in the Alvarado Park, have a picnic and enjoy the cascading waterfall.

Food and Drink Scene of El Cerrito

Must-Try Dishes

  • Tacos de Asada: These are authentic Mexican tacos made with grilled beef, fresh cilantro, onions, and a squeeze of lime, served on soft corn tortillas. Head over to Tacos el Autlense for some of the best tacos in town.
  • Berkeley Bowl Salad: The Berkeley Bowl Salad, served at the Berkeley Bowl Cafe, is a vegan delight featuring mixed greens, veggies, and a savory ginger-miso dressing.
  • Mushroom Curry: The Mushroom Curry at Secret Kitchen is a vegetarian dish bursting with flavor. The curry is made with a blend of spices, fresh mushrooms, and coconut milk.

Local Beverages

  • Craft Beer: The East Bay is known for its thriving craft beer scene, and El Cerrito is no exception. Elevation 66 Brewing Company, located on San Pablo Avenue, offers a range of delicious beers on tap.
  • Wine: The Bay Area is home to many wineries and tasting rooms, and several vineyards are within driving distance of El Cerrito. Take a short drive to Napa, Sonoma, or Livermore to sample some local wines.

Where to Stay in El Cerrito: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Hotel Mira Vista: This traditional hotel in the heart of El Cerrito offers comfortable rooms, complimentary breakfast, and a fitness center.
  • El Cerrito Lodge: This rustic lodge-style hotel offers cozy and affordable accommodations, nestled in a peaceful wooded setting.
  • Airbnb: Several local residents rent out their homes or apartments for short-term stays through Airbnb, providing a personalized and authentic travel experience.

What to Buy in El Cerrito: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Bead Inspirations: Create your own unique jewelry at Bead Inspirations, a bead and jewelry supply store in the heart of El Cerrito.
  • Wooden Toys: Toys Unique is a local shop that sells handmade wooden toys, inspired by classic designs and made with high-quality materials.
  • Organic Produce: El Cerrito has a thriving farmers market that takes place on Tuesdays, offering fresh, local produce from nearby farms.

Local Culture and Customs of El Cerrito

  • Tolerance: El Cerrito is a diverse and inclusive city, known for its welcoming and accepting community. Visitors are encouraged to embrace the multicultural spirit of the city.
  • Environmental Awareness: El Cerrito is committed to sustainability and reducing carbon footprint. Visitors are encouraged to be mindful of their environmental impact, and to take advantage of the city’s many eco-friendly initiatives.

Best Time to Visit El Cerrito

The best time to visit El Cerrito is from March to June or September to November, when temperatures are mild, and the crowds are thin. Summers are generally hot and dry, while winters are cool and wet.

Do’s and Don’ts of El Cerrito

Do:

  • Explore the parks and natural areas surrounding El Cerrito, including Wildcat Canyon Regional Park and Hillside Natural Area.
  • Learn about the rich history of El Cerrito and its role in the Bay Area at the El Cerrito Historical Society.
  • Indulge in the diverse and delicious cuisine of El Cerrito, from classic Mexican tacos to modern vegan dishes.

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage the natural beauty of the parks or hiking trails.
  • Neglect to bring reusable bags and containers, as El Cerrito is committed to reducing waste and protecting the environment.
  • Be impolite or disrespectful to the friendly and accepting community of El Cerrito.

Safety and Health

Safety in El Cerrito

El Cerrito is a relatively safe city, with low levels of violent crime. However, visitors are advised to take common-sense precautions, such as keeping valuables out of sight and using a secure lock when leaving vehicles or bicycles unattended.

Health in El Cerrito

El Cerrito has several urgent care centers and primary care physicians located in proximity. Visitors should ensure that they have appropriate health insurance coverage before embarking on a trip to El Cerrito.

Getting to El Cerrito: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near El Cerrito

The nearest airport to El Cerrito is Oakland International Airport, which is approximately 20 miles south of El Cerrito. San Francisco International Airport is the next closest airport, located approximately 25 miles south of El Cerrito.

Bus Stations Near El Cerrito

Greyhound and Amtrak offer bus services to El Cerrito, making it easy to access the city from other locations in the Bay Area and beyond.

Other Options

El Cerrito is accessible by car via Interstate 80, which runs directly through the city. Additionally, BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) has a station in El Cerrito, making it easy to travel to other destinations within the Bay Area.

How to Get Around in El Cerrito

El Cerrito is a pedestrian-friendly city, and many of the main attractions are accessible by foot. Additionally, the city has a bus network and a BART station, making it easy to travel to other locations within the Bay Area.

Car rental is also available, with multiple car rental companies located in nearby cities such as Berkeley and Oakland.

Where to Go Next from El Cerrito: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • San Francisco: San Francisco, one of the world’s most iconic cities, is just a short drive or BART ride from El Cerrito. Explore the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, and other famous landmarks.
  • Berkeley: Berkeley is a charming college town located just south of El Cerrito. Explore the UC Berkeley campus, the Berkeley Art Museum, and the vibrant Telegraph Avenue shopping district.
  • Napa Valley: Known for its vineyards and wineries, Napa Valley is a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts and foodies. Take a scenic drive through the valley and sample some of the world’s best wines.

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, cultural immersion, or simply relaxation and rejuvenation, El Cerrito has everything you’re looking for. Plan your trip today with our complete travel guide, and experience the best of what this charming Bay Area city has to offer.