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Beautiful, accessible Bay Area location to adventure with your dogs off leash. Lots of cool art displays and views of the bay to enjoy.
I really enjoyed hiking here: Free parking, not crowded, lots of wild flowers, and lots of interesting things to find along the walk. I came here kind of early, around 10am, so tide was low enough we walked on the rocky path where it was covered with green algae.... Probably not a great idea since I was not in the right shoes and could've easily slipped and made a fool of myself. But I have to admit that it was a nice walk, even a little romantic! By the time we were leaving the water level was already visibly higher and rocks previously visible were now underwater. A lot of people walk their dogs here, without leashes. The dogs all seemed to be having fun. I would recommend this place for a cheap but romantic date.
Beautiful Place to Walk! Beautiful Sunsets , Views of SF Bay , a must Go place, With Fur babies or friends or just myself
It took an abundance of commitment, resolve, and money, but somehow the Albany Bulb has ended its former problem, the main reason I previously hated the place: They've ousted all of the former tenants of this landfill along the shores of SF Bay. When I last visited the Albany Bulb it had been described to me as a place along the shore, with lots of artwork, placed there for all to enjoy. What it also had were a huge number of people who called the place home and who accounted for much of the garbage on site as well as the menacing pseudo-scary vibes the place gave me. My 1-star review was evidence of how little desire I had to ever return. After all of these years though, I was persuaded to return when I was assured that the place has changed. Somehow, all of the inhabitants were moved out and on, and the Albany Bulb is a far more enjoyable place as a result. It still has lots of art (much of it the type done with spray paint, driftwood, rock, and wire) and there's sort of something to be seen at every point one can wander. And, there's a lot of wandering that can be done. If you think you've covered it all, think harder; you're sure to have missed things. The Albany Bulb still feels gritty and somehow a bit menacing to me, leftover vibes perhaps, of those who were forced to leave. Much of the art on display has been vandalized but that doesn't mean there's not interesting things to see. In this area, I still prefer the Point Isabel Regional Shoreline for a walk along the Bay but I also think the Bulb is worth at least a 1-time visit. P.S. Free parking, dogs allowed.
If you grew up around the bay area in the 70s you might remember the large wooden mudflat art objects along the Emeryville peninsula side of 80. I always wondered what they did with them. The album he bald is the site of where they dumped cement from several home factories, the freeway they rebuilt and the BART construction. Add a little fill dirt and a few years and the Albany bulb has become a beautiful park in the bay. Hundreds of whimsical art objects nestled in nooks and crannies all around. Dozens of crane sculptures made from rebar. Large wooden sculptures, spray paint everywhere. Homemade swings from trees in the shade, meditation spaces, amazing views for 360°. Park near the northern end of the Richmond race track, there's plenty of free parking. Then a half mile walk and you're there. There's also an audio tour put together by Berkeley students if you want a little history of the area. https://monumenttoextraction.org/ It's controlled chaos, anybody can do art out here. If you feel like it, bring some mosaic tiles and grout or possibly a can of paint.
FOUND-OBJECTS, GRAFFITTI, and ART. A magical space where creativity and freedom reign supreme all on the site of a former landfill. Albany Bulb is one of the most thrilling things I've done recently, a rare place that rewards and gives back the more adventuresome and curious you are. It's beautiful right next to the water and there is something at every turn, small details for the observant and entire structures for those willing to scurry down the side of a small cliff. It started as a "clean" landfill in 1908 that accepting concrete, rebar, asphalt, and brick as refuse. In the 80s they stopped using it as a landfill and then nature took over with indigenous plants and animals blending it all back into the environment. Artists began to take notice of the open space in the 90s. A collective known as Sniff began to decorate the Bulb. Others used this wild space differently: A lending library was installed. An amphitheater was created with found materials. Nowadays it feels like its always changing and evolving, with old works vanishing and new ones appearing to take their place. I recommend start at Mad Marcs Castle, its the vibe of the entire place and if you sneak behind the back wall you get great views of San Francisco. I came early morning with my oldest and there were old people sitting on benches, people jogging with their dog, and a young couple pushing a stroller. It felt safe to bring a child to.
4-24-21 very popular place for families with kids and/or canines to frolic off leash at this beach. It's grandpup's all time favorite spot to find freedom with dogs of all breeds and sizes. Today we saw two other Frenchies here at the same time. Windy as predicted on the weather forecast it was BRRR cold. At the entrance there was a two door restroom but one was out of order. It was like an Alaska outdoor commode with not even a flush lever. Fortunately on the outside there was a hand sanitizer station as there was no running water. The sand is riddled with tiny stones, twigs and is grayish, not white or beige. To the joyful pups enjoying the outdoors it's not an issue.
I heard this trail was an easy trail to walk on and it had cool art structures. What nobody did right about was that you needed better walking shoes. Lol I was wearing regular flats, so some of the concrete/rock formations were a little steep to walk up but I managed. I would've been a little better off in tennis shoes or at least something that didn't slip off my foot. lol There were dogs on the trail and people kept their distance cool little lookout spots around every bend. Part of the trail was a little overgrown as we walked 2 miles around the loop. My poor shoes couldn't make it through the bay portion of rock formation, so we took a picture from the top of the hill. Really nice day but a bit breezy since you're by the shore. Parking is a little scarce though. If you're driving down the road and find a parking spot, take it! Took us at least 15 minutes to get a spot driving back-and-forth maybe four times until somebody left. Lol but all worth it!
Beautiful. I did not expect this place to be as great as it was when I went around sunset (extensively pictured) today. There's a mini beach, light trails, multiple vantage points, and sea-level accessibility. Crowd wasn't too crazy, but there were just enough people with cute dogs to enrich the experience. I was able to find parking relatively easily when I came today around 6p. Definitely worth the drive if anyone is in NorCal and looking for a nice view. It does get chilly as expected so be sure to dress warm if you plan to come in the evening! Can't wait to come again.
Wow. I'm kinda mad it took me so long to find this place. I can't say anything that hasn't already been said. Such a great spot. Everyone was in masks, bathroom at beginning of trail was clean, and it's super dog friendly. All dog owners were responsible and picked up after their fur baby. It was greatly appreciated that I didn't have to watch my step to step in dog poo or not. There was a pretty intense dog fight in the doc beach this morning, but I was not down there so can't speak to the specifics. The art pieces. Incredible. Made me question- how does someone add to it? Are these locals? Are they school groups? How do they decide to put where and what is allowed? So many questions!
Albany Bulb is a dog friendly beach with a 1.9 mile loop on a easy to walk trail. Albany Bulb was formally a land fill. There are unique installments around that you can find along your walk. There are also slabs of cement that have graffiti art on it that can make for some great photos. On the beach side, on a clear day, you will be able to see views of the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance. I came here with my husband, our little girl dog to meet a friend of mine (who suggested we meet here) and her dog. We came on here on a Tuesday afternoon, around 1:30 pm. We were able to find (free) parking in the designated parking area (where you can find the restrooms if you really need to use them) but you can also find (free) parking along the street if all the spots have taken. During our time here, we saw other dogs with their owners having a fun time playing along the sand and in the water (one dog was just way to friendly and gave both my husband and I a jump hug. Luckily our vacation rental had a washer and dryer). It was a nice relaxing afternoon and then a nice and easy walk around the trail. Would have not been out in this part of Northern California if my friend had not suggested this place. Great place to bring your pup and have a fun day in the sun.
This was such a great find in the east bay, right next to Albany Beach, which meant we could jump in the water and cool off on a scorching hot day, before exploring the Albany Bulb. Tip, wear hiking shoes or sneakers, not sandals, as it will take some climbing over uneven terrain, rocks, and dirt along the way, to get to some of the art displays and pieces. There is graffiti art throughout the entire area, along many of the rocks on the water, as well as through the dirt paths and among the trees and debris that create a canvas for the many artists to apply their talents and creativity in different ways. It's kind of like a scavenger hunt (without clues), so you just venture through the area and trek through various trails, trees, and plants, climbing giant stones, wooden planks, and rubble, till you come across something interesting (ie. structures made out of sticks or bricks, kitchen pans or rope hanging from tree branches, colorful painted/ decorated seating, etc.). There were a couple exhibits filled with messages by visitors, with jars containing paper and writing instruments to allow visitors to add to the piece, such as the "Worry Tree", where people could write and hang their own tags with their worries written out (and hopefully let their worries go). There is no exact theme, just a bunch of random displays created or added to this former landfill, creating a unique destination for curious art-lovers and seekers of unconventional attractions. If you want to walk through the entire thing, it is somewhat of a hike, we didn't go the entire distance as it was a really hot day, but it's a great place to go for a walk with free entertainment and an opportunity to explore cool and quirky art. There is limited free parking available at Mclaughlin Eastshore State Park/ Albany Shoreline (Albany Beach). And a small bathroom building right next to the parking lot (which is actually worse than a porta potty inside, but better than nothing). I will definitely return someday with better shoes, so I can experience the rest of the Bulb that I missed.
My daughter and decided to go for a beautiful walk. We both love any bodies of water! This was the perfect place. Everyone walking their dogs . We got sad bc we didn't have our pup. Always a next time. As we walked we saw so many fun and beautiful sights. Check out my pic for more details. We can't wait to go back. read more
Come for a walk, a hike and adventure. Take I. The hidden treasures of art upcycled cast away items. Enjoy trails with your dogs, kids, and friends. With each twist and turn you discover art. Carpool with friends parking g is tight. read more
Bulb Fiction Known colloquially as "The Bulb," this former "clean debris" (e.g., concrete, asphalt, brick, etc.) dump site has changed hands over the years and has been owned by the likes of the Transcontinental Railroad, Santa Fe Railroad, and, finally, the City of Albany. While not officially a park, per se, this 31-acre site has served as many things beyond a dunno, including a homeless village, music venue, museum, and racetrack--just to name a few. Its current iteration is that of an avant-garde art display, of sorts, and a popular hiking destination for locals and visitors alike. The Good: *Really truly, far-out art displays everywhere you look. Lots of talented folks have passed thru here and left their mark. *The views are SPECTACULAR! You can see the most of The Bay from here, including the Bay & Golden Gate Bridges, as well as Angel and Treasure Islands. *Dog-friendly trails *Albany Beach nearby The Meh: *The trails aren't in the best shape, but they're decent enough. *No trail markers, but it's hard to get lost as they all kinda circle back around to each other. The Ugly: *Some of the art displays aren't very PC or kid-friendly, so be prepared to avert their eyes. TLDR: Fun place to explore, enjoy the views, and get your hike on. read more
1 year ago
Beautiful, accessible Bay Area location to adventure with your dogs off leash. Lots of cool art displays and views of the bay to enjoy. read more
I really enjoyed hiking here: Free parking, not crowded, lots of wild flowers, and lots of interesting things to find along the walk. I came here kind of early, around 10am, so tide was low enough we walked on the rocky path where it was covered with green algae.... Probably not a great idea since I was not in the right shoes and could've easily slipped and made a fool of myself. But I have to admit that it was a nice walk, even a little romantic! By the time we were leaving the water level was already visibly higher and rocks previously visible were now underwater. A lot of people walk their dogs here, without leashes. The dogs all seemed to be having fun. I would recommend this place for a cheap but romantic date. read more
1 year ago
Beautiful Place to Walk! Beautiful Sunsets , Views of SF Bay , a must Go place, With Fur babies or friends or just myself read more
4 years ago
1 year ago
I have been coming to the bulb for years. I love this place. I went last week and my favorite art display had fallen. I tried to pick it up but it's very heavy, who can we talk to about fixing this? I shed a literal tear when I saw this. PLEASE RESPECT THE ART AND THE NATURE WHEN YOU VISIT. read more
It took an abundance of commitment, resolve, and money, but somehow the Albany Bulb has ended its former problem, the main reason I previously hated the place: They've ousted all of the former tenants of this landfill along the shores of SF Bay. When I last visited the Albany Bulb it had been described to me as a place along the shore, with lots of artwork, placed there for all to enjoy. What it also had were a huge number of people who called the place home and who accounted for much of the garbage on site as well as the menacing pseudo-scary vibes the place gave me. My 1-star review was evidence of how little desire I had to ever return. After all of these years though, I was persuaded to return when I was assured that the place has changed. Somehow, all of the inhabitants were moved out and on, and the Albany Bulb is a far more enjoyable place as a result. It still has lots of art (much of it the type done with spray paint, driftwood, rock, and wire) and there's sort of something to be seen at every point one can wander. And, there's a lot of wandering that can be done. If you think you've covered it all, think harder; you're sure to have missed things. The Albany Bulb still feels gritty and somehow a bit menacing to me, leftover vibes perhaps, of those who were forced to leave. Much of the art on display has been vandalized but that doesn't mean there's not interesting things to see. In this area, I still prefer the Point Isabel Regional Shoreline for a walk along the Bay but I also think the Bulb is worth at least a 1-time visit. P.S. Free parking, dogs allowed. read more
If you grew up around the bay area in the 70s you might remember the large wooden mudflat art objects along the Emeryville peninsula side of 80. I always wondered what they did with them. The album he bald is the site of where they dumped cement from several home factories, the freeway they rebuilt and the BART construction. Add a little fill dirt and a few years and the Albany bulb has become a beautiful park in the bay. Hundreds of whimsical art objects nestled in nooks and crannies all around. Dozens of crane sculptures made from rebar. Large wooden sculptures, spray paint everywhere. Homemade swings from trees in the shade, meditation spaces, amazing views for 360°. Park near the northern end of the Richmond race track, there's plenty of free parking. Then a half mile walk and you're there. There's also an audio tour put together by Berkeley students if you want a little history of the area. https://monumenttoextraction.org/ It's controlled chaos, anybody can do art out here. If you feel like it, bring some mosaic tiles and grout or possibly a can of paint. read more
FOUND-OBJECTS, GRAFFITTI, and ART. A magical space where creativity and freedom reign supreme all on the site of a former landfill. Albany Bulb is one of the most thrilling things I've done recently, a rare place that rewards and gives back the more adventuresome and curious you are. It's beautiful right next to the water and there is something at every turn, small details for the observant and entire structures for those willing to scurry down the side of a small cliff. It started as a "clean" landfill in 1908 that accepting concrete, rebar, asphalt, and brick as refuse. In the 80s they stopped using it as a landfill and then nature took over with indigenous plants and animals blending it all back into the environment. Artists began to take notice of the open space in the 90s. A collective known as Sniff began to decorate the Bulb. Others used this wild space differently: A lending library was installed. An amphitheater was created with found materials. Nowadays it feels like its always changing and evolving, with old works vanishing and new ones appearing to take their place. I recommend start at Mad Marcs Castle, its the vibe of the entire place and if you sneak behind the back wall you get great views of San Francisco. I came early morning with my oldest and there were old people sitting on benches, people jogging with their dog, and a young couple pushing a stroller. It felt safe to bring a child to. read more
4-24-21 very popular place for families with kids and/or canines to frolic off leash at this beach. It's grandpup's all time favorite spot to find freedom with dogs of all breeds and sizes. Today we saw two other Frenchies here at the same time. Windy as predicted on the weather forecast it was BRRR cold. At the entrance there was a two door restroom but one was out of order. It was like an Alaska outdoor commode with not even a flush lever. Fortunately on the outside there was a hand sanitizer station as there was no running water. The sand is riddled with tiny stones, twigs and is grayish, not white or beige. To the joyful pups enjoying the outdoors it's not an issue. read more
I heard this trail was an easy trail to walk on and it had cool art structures. What nobody did right about was that you needed better walking shoes. Lol I was wearing regular flats, so some of the concrete/rock formations were a little steep to walk up but I managed. I would've been a little better off in tennis shoes or at least something that didn't slip off my foot. lol There were dogs on the trail and people kept their distance cool little lookout spots around every bend. Part of the trail was a little overgrown as we walked 2 miles around the loop. My poor shoes couldn't make it through the bay portion of rock formation, so we took a picture from the top of the hill. Really nice day but a bit breezy since you're by the shore. Parking is a little scarce though. If you're driving down the road and find a parking spot, take it! Took us at least 15 minutes to get a spot driving back-and-forth maybe four times until somebody left. Lol but all worth it! read more
Beautiful. I did not expect this place to be as great as it was when I went around sunset (extensively pictured) today. There's a mini beach, light trails, multiple vantage points, and sea-level accessibility. Crowd wasn't too crazy, but there were just enough people with cute dogs to enrich the experience. I was able to find parking relatively easily when I came today around 6p. Definitely worth the drive if anyone is in NorCal and looking for a nice view. It does get chilly as expected so be sure to dress warm if you plan to come in the evening! Can't wait to come again. read more
Wow. I'm kinda mad it took me so long to find this place. I can't say anything that hasn't already been said. Such a great spot. Everyone was in masks, bathroom at beginning of trail was clean, and it's super dog friendly. All dog owners were responsible and picked up after their fur baby. It was greatly appreciated that I didn't have to watch my step to step in dog poo or not. There was a pretty intense dog fight in the doc beach this morning, but I was not down there so can't speak to the specifics. The art pieces. Incredible. Made me question- how does someone add to it? Are these locals? Are they school groups? How do they decide to put where and what is allowed? So many questions! read more
Albany Bulb is a dog friendly beach with a 1.9 mile loop on a easy to walk trail. Albany Bulb was formally a land fill. There are unique installments around that you can find along your walk. There are also slabs of cement that have graffiti art on it that can make for some great photos. On the beach side, on a clear day, you will be able to see views of the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance. I came here with my husband, our little girl dog to meet a friend of mine (who suggested we meet here) and her dog. We came on here on a Tuesday afternoon, around 1:30 pm. We were able to find (free) parking in the designated parking area (where you can find the restrooms if you really need to use them) but you can also find (free) parking along the street if all the spots have taken. During our time here, we saw other dogs with their owners having a fun time playing along the sand and in the water (one dog was just way to friendly and gave both my husband and I a jump hug. Luckily our vacation rental had a washer and dryer). It was a nice relaxing afternoon and then a nice and easy walk around the trail. Would have not been out in this part of Northern California if my friend had not suggested this place. Great place to bring your pup and have a fun day in the sun. read more
4 years ago
This was such a great find in the east bay, right next to Albany Beach, which meant we could jump in the water and cool off on a scorching hot day, before exploring the Albany Bulb. Tip, wear hiking shoes or sneakers, not sandals, as it will take some climbing over uneven terrain, rocks, and dirt along the way, to get to some of the art displays and pieces. There is graffiti art throughout the entire area, along many of the rocks on the water, as well as through the dirt paths and among the trees and debris that create a canvas for the many artists to apply their talents and creativity in different ways. It's kind of like a scavenger hunt (without clues), so you just venture through the area and trek through various trails, trees, and plants, climbing giant stones, wooden planks, and rubble, till you come across something interesting (ie. structures made out of sticks or bricks, kitchen pans or rope hanging from tree branches, colorful painted/ decorated seating, etc.). There were a couple exhibits filled with messages by visitors, with jars containing paper and writing instruments to allow visitors to add to the piece, such as the "Worry Tree", where people could write and hang their own tags with their worries written out (and hopefully let their worries go). There is no exact theme, just a bunch of random displays created or added to this former landfill, creating a unique destination for curious art-lovers and seekers of unconventional attractions. If you want to walk through the entire thing, it is somewhat of a hike, we didn't go the entire distance as it was a really hot day, but it's a great place to go for a walk with free entertainment and an opportunity to explore cool and quirky art. There is limited free parking available at Mclaughlin Eastshore State Park/ Albany Shoreline (Albany Beach). And a small bathroom building right next to the parking lot (which is actually worse than a porta potty inside, but better than nothing). I will definitely return someday with better shoes, so I can experience the rest of the Bulb that I missed. read more
I cant believe it took a global pandemic for this art loving hiker to discover this magical place! Art for the masses that rivals galleries and museums all with a water backdrop. There are so many nooks and crannies to discover as well as two labryinths. Bring an offering and maybe some chalk and enjoy the day. read more
6 years ago
What an interesting stopover on our way back from Napa... figured we'd take our time to stretch our legs, and this turned out to be a fun spot to explore. Located along the water, the parking lot leads up to a small beach area and a trail that extends to where the "bulb" area is. There's quite a few places to check out, but we were limited on time and didn't get to explore it thoroughly. I enjoyed the random displays of "urban" art along the trails, especially the driftwood dragon and stone maze areas. It can get quite chilly due to the winds, and good footwear is recommended if you start going "off trailing" like we did. Most trails are easy, but there were a few times where were along a small cliff edge. I also spotted some areas where you could hop along the rocks in the ocean, possibly some tide pools in the area? Either way the view was nice, and it was a nice little getaway from the busy East Bay area. The only reason why I'm docking a star is that there was a bit of trash in some of the bush areas - I wish people were kinder about picking up after themselves. Parking in the area is free, but it was quite busy on Sunday afternoon - we lucked out on getting a spot. However car break ins seem to be common in the area, as we saw one car with a smashed back window and there are signs around... just something to be wary about. As for facilities, they have restrooms... but they appear to be vault toilets, so just an FYI if you're not a fan of those. read more
What is Albany Bulb? Is it a brand of light bulb? Or should the question be, "where is Albany Bulb"? It is located west of Albany. People say that it looks like a bulb, but to see it you would need to be a bird or look at a map. Anyway, this is a great place next to the East Bay's edge where you can go for a walk with the kids, dogs or even by yourself. There is a great dog beach, where some peeps even go for a swim. In the early 60s, construction debris, mostly concrete and rebar, was dumped in the area as fill. This is what created the Bulb. I had heard of the urban art that is at Albany Bulb. My friend, who is a local "Albanian", acted as my tour guide taking us off the beaten trail. There were so many photo opportunities!The valerian was in bloom and I had a hard time not taking pictures of these beautiful, pink flowers. By the time that we got to the larger sculptures my phone/camera was almost out of juice. There was so much more I wanted to take pictures of. So, we are going to go for a hike here again soon and go the opposite direction, and I will make sure I have a full charge. TIPS: Bring drinking water. Wear walking shoes. Wear sunscreen on exposed areas. If you love to take pics--make sure your device is fully charged. read more
This is a wonderful place to spend an afternoon. You can take a leisurely walk, explore, check out the art or just enjoy the breeze from the water. We have been coming here for years. My favorite thing about this place is that dogs are ok off-leash and there are always lots of friendly doggos and owners. I also love that the art is ever-changing, so you never get bored and can always find something new. This is the only spot I know of where you can see the Golden Gate Bridge, appreciate art and relax for hours on end all for free. I have waited long enough for this review... it's time to let the secret out! read more
2 years ago
2 years ago
The local spot. Hit it at an off hour in my opinion. They added parking and some concrete sidewalks. It's a fantastic view of SF, a fab dog running beach, and excellent for a picnic. Best to go near high tide as the water is clearer. read more
I've long wanted to explore this place and decided to bring my dog along. It was a nice, crisp morning with beautiful views of the bay. Once you get to walking you warm up, and there's a lot to see along the way and lots of dogs making it what I consider making it dog friendly. read more
I ran here from Berkeley a few weeks ago and I had a very good time. The vibes were great and there is a fun beach area that I wish I had a chance to go to in the summer. As everyone else has said, there are many dogs and people are responsible to pick up after them, making it a pleasant experience for everyone I am not sure what the exact geographical area is for Albany Bulb but it is a long strip that extends out into the Bay and constitutes about a mile or so if you walk from the main road. There is a rocky area when you go further out that you can venture to and has some very nice views of the surrounding area and of the SF skyline on clear days. I would definitely come back here with my friends to have a picnic or go to the beach as it is a fun place with tons of space to enjoy nature and what I think is some of the best coastline in East Bay. read more
Great place to take your dog! Many are off leash. Pros: -Free 2 hour parking near the cheap horse races parking at golden gate fields -little beach area with sand where your dog can frolic -waterfront views of San Francisco -friendly people -different sections/trails to check out -unique place where man made art and nature collide! Cons: -some parts smelled like sulfur read more
Not only was it the most perfect January day weather wise, everyone who was at the Bulb, was observing the mask request and social distancing. Arrived about 215, and there was no obvious parking - one loop, found a couple that was leaving, turned on blinker - no one got agro behind me - pulled in and spent the next 2.5 hrs just wondering. Paths are clear, side paths are use at your skill level. Fun art installations all throughout Will be making the trek back - read more
4 years ago
Have you been to the Bulb? Wait, I have a better question: Have you heard of the Bulb? Yeah, me neither. I accidentally came upon it when I missed a turn onto 880 off Buchanan Street and thought I was going to end up at Golden Gate Fields. I got the horse right here. The name is Paul Revere. Can do. Can do. This guy says the horse can do. Yes, I played Nicely Nice at my middle school production of "Guys and Dolls", and damn was I good. Anyway, I didn't make a theatrical comeback at the racetrack. Instead I found myself at the start of a landfill peninsula caused by all the construction debris that accumulated from the creation of Golden Gate Fields. Pretty story, huh, though it's a relative haven for dog walkers. There's a lot of concrete and rebar covered in graffiti like an abandoned dump, which is why the East Bay Regional Park District has been hesitant to take over the strangely bucolic area. Yet, it doesn't feel particularly dangerous except for some of the footing on the jagged bluffs, and there are bay views to savor, especially from the round hill at the western end and the narrow breakwater just beyond (photo: http://bit.ly/2qd3fr9). But the real attraction here consists of the random pieces of urban art to be found basically everywhere, some quite accomplished (photo: http://bit.ly/2GKKxhz), a lot just simply there. It's worth a stroll around for an hour or so before you put twenty on Paul Revere. Can do. Can do. That horse really can do. read more
What a wonderful oasis among all the urbanization of the East Bay. The Albany Bulb is a peninsula that protrudes into the Bay near the horse track. Parking is tight. Plan on looking/waiting for parking for about 10-15 minutes after work on weekdays, and on the weekends. There is a small quant beach at the base of the bulb. After walking past, I recommend heading out onto the peninsula on the southern side. The path will lead to a fork. Take a hard left. This will take you along a path near the water. At high tide, the water is up on the pathway a bit. If your nimble enough, you can hop the rocks that have become flattened over time. If not, you can jump to an upper pathway that always stays above the tide. A full circumnavigation of the perimeter of the bulb takes me about 40 minutes. Its not the best place for jogging because the ground is rocking and uneven in various spots. Along the way you find lots of unique art. I'm not sure who does the art, but they sure are creative! read more
6 years ago
Amazing not-so-hidden gem of the Bay Area. I've made some really beautiful memories exploring this place with my dog. It was basically a construction material landfill during the 1960s, and over time some of the homeless population of Albany/Oakland starting eking out a living here during the late 1990s and as recently as 2013, until it was turned into a public park. Here's a great documentary about the people who lived here in the late 90s, and their subsequent removal by Albany police: ttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6XYZbY8t4k read more
5 years ago
I went to this park today for the first time. My husband and son we're lining up next-door at the COVID-19 vaccination clinic, and in the meantime I decided to take a walk in this park. The park is small and located next to the bay. You get some beautiful views of the bay and of San Francisco. The park allows dogs and I saw many dogs at the beach.There were many books so I will have to bring my dog next time. Parking was very challenging and I wish that there was more parking so it was easier to come here. The park also links to a very long trail that goes along the waterfront. Overall it was a nice experience. read more
Cute little hiking spot that requires a little effort and exploration going off trail but has its gems. honestly i'm a little surprised albany bulb isn't more known but I guess people just don't know about this place? There is a large parking lot area so parking is easy to find. At the beginning of the trail there is a small patch of beach and tables that makes a nice picnic spot. This is also a dog park so if you're feeling down, coming here isn't a bad idea. The best part of Albany Bulb is all the strange artifacts and statue that are scattered across (reminded me of those people turning into trees from the movie Annihilation). This is a fun little spot to bring a date and have an adventure, you can thank me later (: read more
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Ask the Community - Albany Bulb
I have been going here for years, went last week and noticed a two hour parking limit and got a ticket. Is this new?
Nope been 2 hour parking for many years
Once I am parked in GG Field parking lot, where is the entrance? How do I know that I am on the right trail?
I do not park in the GG field parking lot. Although there aren't many parking spaces, I park in the lot at Albany State Marine Reserve that is right in front of Albany Beach. You can find this on Google maps at 1 Buchanan Street, Albany, CA 94710.…
How would it be to ride an e-bike?
Does this trail have water(fountains or tap) for dogs?
No, unfortunately it does not. I bring a dog water bottle that hangs from the treat bag belt around my waist. There are bathrooms near the parking lot on the way to the beach so the water bottle can be refilled. The Bay water is obviously not fit…
Review Highlights - Albany Bulb
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13 reviews that are not currently recommended
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Albany Bulb - landmarks - Updated August 2026
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