Port Costa is one of those places that doesn't feel like it exists in today's hyper-modern techno-world. Descending into the old valley ('Bull Valley') feels like you've entered another time. It's as if somebody preserved a scruffy, gritty Gold Rush port town and the next 150 years just passed it by. Back in the day it was a major ferry crossing for the transcontinental railroad, and you can still feel that history hanging around, everywhere. The whole town is basically one charming street - Old buildings. Interesting people. Artists. Motorcycles. Dogs. Oozing character.
The Warehouse Cafe is reason enough to visit. California bikers figured that out a long time ago. Part saloon, part museum, part collection of wonderful and weird stuff, it's packed with old signs, railroad relics, taxidermy, local history, and enough oddities to keep you looking around between beers. Do yourself a big favor and grab a cold one and take it out on the patio - overlooking the strait - that's when Port Costa really gets its hooks in. You stop checking the time, your phone may not even have reception, and you could not care less. One beer becomes two. An hour becomes three.
If you're planning ahead, stay at the Burlington Hotel. It's old, creaky, charming, and exactly what you hope it will be (great for a pleasant stay, after a night of revelry at the saloon). And you can walk right over to Bull Valley Roadhouse, which serves some of my favorite roadhouse-style food anywhere. Great food, great atmosphere, and it truly works because it's in Port Costa. This town is not polished. It's not trendy. And it's become one of my favorite places on Earth. read more