Richmond

Richmond sits on the eastern shore of San Francisco Bay and divides into industrial zones, residential blocks, and waterfront stretches at roughly 14 meters (46 feet) elevation. The city runs along the coast with harbor basins, former shipyard sites, and parks by the water.

The city experienced rapid growth during the Second World War when four yards operated around the clock and drew thousands of workers. After the war ended, the economy shifted from shipbuilding to other forms of manufacturing.

The shipyards and industrial buildings still shape the cityscape today, reminding visitors of the time when vessels were built here for the war effort. Many residents descend from workers who came from other parts of the country to labor in the yards.

BART stations link the city directly to San Francisco, Oakland, and other Bay Area destinations, making arrival without a car straightforward. Waterfront paths and parks are walkable or reachable by bicycle.

Point Molate hosted the last commercial whaling station in the continental United States until the mid-20th century. Today only ruins and foundations recall the fleet that sailed from here.

Location: Contra Costa County

Inception: 1905

Elevation above the sea: 14 m

Shares border with: Tara Hills, Pinole, El Cerrito, Albany, San Francisco, San Rafael, San Pablo

Website: https://ci.richmond.ca.us

GPS coordinates: 37.93583,-122.34778

Latest update: December 4, 2025 19:02