Best attractions and places to see around Kensington include a diverse range of natural parks and historical sites. The region features expansive shorelines, offering opportunities for various outdoor activities and scenic views. It is characterized by its blend of natural beauty and historical significance, providing visitors with a variety of experiences. The area offers a mix of recreational spaces and cultural landmarks.
Last updated: April 24, 2026
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César Chávez Park is 90 acres in size and did not always look so nice, It was a landfill in 1957, untill In 1969, the city adopted the Marina Master Plan. In 1991 the city completely sealed the landfill and the park opened soon thereafter, first named North Waterfront Park, then renamed after César E. Chávez, who was a union leader and founder of the United Farm Workers of America. Today a paved paths goes around and through the park, with picnic tables, barbecue grills, and a sun dial.
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Point Emery, located on the SF Bay Trail, is a charming little park with stellar bay views, walking paths, and relaxation spots with benches along the trails. Open daily from 5 AM to 10 PM, Point Emery provides a perfect outdoor setting for families and dog owners, with designated off-leash areas for pets. The park features two launches: a wide sandy beach north of the parking lot and a narrow set of stairs near the Point, making it popular for kayakers, paddleboarders, and kiteboarders. The short walk to the beach, through small dunes and down steps, gives way to a beautiful stretch of golden sand. Although there are no public transportation services nearby, a good amount of parking is available.
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Point Emery, located on the SF Bay Trail, is a charming little park with stellar bay views, walking paths, and relaxation spots with benches along the trails. Open daily from 5 AM to 10 PM, Point Emery provides a perfect outdoor setting for families and dog owners, with designated off-leash areas for pets. The park features two launches: a wide sandy beach north of the parking lot and a narrow set of stairs near the Point, making it popular for kayakers, paddleboarders, and kiteboarders. The short walk to the beach, through small dunes and down steps, gives way to a beautiful stretch of golden sand. Although there are no public transportation services nearby, a good amount of parking is available.
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Point Isabel Regional Shoreline Park is a multi-use park for for joggers, windsurfers, kayakers, photographers, picnickers, and dog walkers. Spanning 50 acres, this park was formerly a landfill but underwent a clay-capping operation in the 1980s, transforming it into a secure and environmentally safe public space.
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César Chávez Park is 90 acres in size and did not always look so nice, It was a landfill in 1957, untill In 1969, the city adopted the Marina Master Plan. In 1991 the city completely sealed the landfill and the park opened soon thereafter, first named North Waterfront Park, then renamed after César E. Chávez, who was a union leader and founder of the United Farm Workers of America. Today a paved paths goes around and through the park, with picnic tables, barbecue grills, and a sun dial.
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César Chávez Park is 90 acres in size and did not always look so nice, It was a landfill in 1957. In 1969, the city adopted the Marina Master Plan. In 1991 the city completely sealed the landfill and the park opened soon thereafter, first named North Waterfront Park, then renamed after César E. Chávez, who was a union leader and founder of the United Farm Workers of America. Today a paved paths goes around and through the park, with picnic tables, barbecue grills, and a sun dial.
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A dirt trail continues out to the tip of a spit of gravel with splendid views across SF Bay to the Golden Gate.
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Former landfill site converted to a great 90 acre waterfront park at the northern end of the Berkeley marina, with a paved bike trail along the shoreline.
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Kensington offers several beautiful natural spaces. You can visit Point Isabel Regional Shoreline Park, a multi-use park perfect for walking, windsurfing, and dog walking. Another excellent spot is Point Emery, a beach with stunning bay views and paths ideal for kayakers and paddleboarders. Additionally, Oakland Gateway Park🌳 Judge John Sutter Regional Shoreline provides spectacular vistas of the San Francisco Bay and city skylines.
Yes, Kensington is rich in history and culture. You can explore the historical significance of Oakland Gateway Park🌳 Judge John Sutter Regional Shoreline, which played a role in the East Bay's transportation history. For architectural and academic history, visit Sather Gate to Berkeley University Campus and the iconic Berkeley Campanile Sather Tower, offering panoramic views.
Many attractions around Kensington are great for families. Point Isabel Regional Shoreline Park is multi-use, accommodating picnickers and dog walkers. Point Emery offers designated off-leash areas for pets and a sandy beach for play. The Berkeley Campanile Sather Tower provides an engaging experience with its views, and Oakland Gateway Park🌳 Judge John Sutter Regional Shoreline is also family-friendly with its trails and views.
The region around Kensington offers numerous walking and hiking opportunities. You can find various trails at Point Isabel Regional Shoreline Park and Point Emery. For more extensive options, explore the hiking routes in the area, such as the 'Meadows Canyon, Curran Trail & Wildcat Gorge loop' or 'Wildcat Peak loop' in Tilden Regional Park. You can find more details on these trails in the Hiking around Kensington guide.
Yes, cycling is a popular activity here. Point Isabel Regional Shoreline Park and Point Emery both feature cycle ways. The Oakland Gateway Park🌳 Judge John Sutter Regional Shoreline is home to the Alexander Zuckermann Bay Bridge Trail, popular with cyclists. For more routes, check the Cycling around Kensington guide, which includes routes like the 'Richmond Bay Trail – San Rafael Bridge Bike Path loop'.
For spectacular views of the San Francisco Bay and city skylines, head to Oakland Gateway Park🌳 Judge John Sutter Regional Shoreline. Point Emery also provides stellar bay views from its walking paths. Additionally, the observation platform of the Berkeley Campanile Sather Tower offers incredible panoramic views of the entire Bay Area.
Absolutely! Point Isabel Regional Shoreline Park is renowned as a multi-use park that welcomes dog walkers. Point Emery also features designated off-leash areas, making it a great spot for pets and their owners.
The region has a fascinating history. Point Isabel Regional Shoreline Park was formerly a landfill transformed into a public space, and its history includes being a ferry point during the Gold Rush. Oakland Gateway Park🌳 Judge John Sutter Regional Shoreline is rich in transportation history, with remnants of the Key System electric railway and the Oakland Army Base. Sather Gate at Berkeley University Campus has a unique story involving its sculpted panels being removed and later restored.
Yes, Sather Gate to Berkeley University Campus is noted as wheelchair accessible. Many of the parks and shorelines, such as Point Isabel Regional Shoreline Park, also offer easy access for pedestrians and via bike, with free car parking available.
The shorelines around Kensington are perfect for water activities. At Point Isabel Regional Shoreline Park, you can enjoy windsurfing and kayaking. Point Emery is popular for kayakers, paddleboarders, and kiteboarders, with convenient launches. Oakland Gateway Park🌳 Judge John Sutter Regional Shoreline also features Radio Beach, suitable for windsurfing, kiteboarding, and kayak launching.
Visitors appreciate the diverse offerings, from the expansive green spaces and scenic bay views to the rich historical context. The multi-use nature of parks like Point Isabel Regional Shoreline Park, which accommodates various activities, is highly valued. The stunning vistas from places like Point Emery and the historical depth of sites like Oakland Gateway Park🌳 Judge John Sutter Regional Shoreline are frequently highlighted.


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