I fell in love with Crockett the first time we visited. The sugar factory and bridge loom over the old buildings, creating an interesting juxtaposition of old and new. Just one winding exit off of the Carquinez bridge takes you to Sugar City. Another time and a place seemingly stuck in the past. Exploring this Bay Area small town is the perfect day trip. You'll feel like you've left The Bay, without actually leaving The Bay Area. Here are a few things we love to do in Crockett.
Spend A Day Exploring Crockett
There are a couple of things I try to squeeze in every day, whether I'm working or not. The first of those things - coffee! We are blessed with a lovely coffee spot, Revival Coffee, at the corner of Rolph and Pomona St. Revival has an excellent menu for any coffee enthusiast. We love their specials! Revival Coffee is a cute "canned ham" vintage trailer on the side of beautiful old building. They have lots of covered outdoor seating and beautiful views. This local favorite has quickly become a sort of 3rd place for Crockett residents to meet and enjoy a drink.
Next on my list is getting some movement in the sun. Crockett has great hiking trails, my personal favorite being the Crockett Hills Trailhead. It takes about 1 hour to complete the loop. This trail has plenty of shade and wide paths in most areas. There are winding walkways and enough of an incline to get your heart rate going!
Tip: This is a popular spot for mountain bikers, so keep your ears open for the sound of their bell when they come through the trails!
Want a condensed version of this? Check out The Cat Vintage instagram - we made a reel that covers this in under a minute!
Crockett: A Bay Area Small Town
The main thing we love about Crockett is how it's a small town amongst a lot of big towns and cities. The area of the Carquinez Straight in the East Bay that Crockett occupies is host to several smaller Bay Area towns that all feel like they're just off the beaten path.
Why do we love being in a small town? Crockett has a great community. While we're truly out-of-towners, being from Maine and all, we immediately felt connected to the local residents. There is generally a level of care when you're exploring somewhere new and the community is connected. You'll get locals saying hi and starting conversations because they don't recognize you. Little things that don't happen as often in areas with larger populations.
Restaurants Worth Exploring in Crockett
This small town has big flavor. There are several local eats that draw people from all around the San Francisco Bay Area.
Their menu strikes a perfect balance between inventive and comforting dishes, all at wallet-friendly prices. Get your breakfast sandwich or lunch here!New American BBQ, just off the last exit of the I-80 heading towards Napa. Mouthwatering dishes with heavy creole influence. Check out brunch on the weekends.
Award-winning crab house and prime rib. Make reservations ahead and enjoy the view of the Carquinez Straight!
Crockett: a Bay Area Town with a Sweet History
Crockett, California, situated along the picturesque Carquinez Strait, is a town steeped in a captivating blend of prosperity, maritime heritage, and enigmatic folklore. Originally home to the indigenous Carquinez people, it later became a focal point for Spanish explorers and Mexican rancheros. The fever of the California Gold Rush brought a surge of activity, propelling Crockett into a bustling hub of commerce and industry. Its strategic position facilitated a thriving shipping trade, while the dawn of the 20th century ushered in an era of oil refinement, marked by the establishment of the Pacific Coast's inaugural refinery by Standard Oil. Alongside its industrial legacy, Crockett earned the moniker "Sugar City" due to its association with the California and Hawaiian Sugar Company's operations, which once dominated the town's landscape. However, beyond its industrial prowess lies a spectral allure, as Crockett is shrouded in tales of paranormal activity, with whispers of ghostly apparitions haunting its historic buildings and waterfront. Despite its haunted past, Crockett remains a charming destination, blending its maritime heritage with a resilient community spirit that permeates its quaint downtown and storied streets.
