Forum Discussion

fidhleir's avatar
fidhleir
Explorer
Apr 14, 2018

Rest Stop, east San Francisco Bay area

I'm heading from Morro Bay to the Sonoma area and need a place to pull off for a break while getting around the San Francisco area. I'll be making a stop at the Wal-Mart in Salinas and will need one more break before we reach our destination. Depending on traffic we'll either go up 880 through Oakland or 680 through Walnut Creek. I don't see any rest stops, Wal-Mart, or Camping World (my usual stops) on either route. I'm a long bed crew cab F250 with a 36' fifth wheel so over 50' parking space needed. Thanks.
Roads and Routes
  • NMDriver's avatar
    NMDriver
    Explorer
    Apr 15, 2018
    IF you are using the 80 to go north via Vallejo then you can pull off at the Hilltop Dr exit 198 in Richmond and go over to the Hilltop Mall. There is a Walmart there and a mostly empty parking lot.

    I would use 680 instead of 880. 880 or 580 ends up putting you into the 580/880/80/Bay bridge perpetual traffic jam.
  • fidhleir's avatar
    fidhleir
    Explorer
    Apr 15, 2018
    Thanks for the suggestions. I get overwhelmed in the Oakland traffic and never sure where to get off without getting trapped. Just looking for a stretch and bathroom break.
  • IBcarguy's avatar
    IBcarguy
    Explorer
    Apr 15, 2018
    I can't think of any rest areas off of 880 or 680.If you take 880, you could get off at Marina Blvd and go west to the San Leandro marina. There's a couple of restaurants, golf course and several huge parking lots that you could easily fit it. There's scenic views of the bay and Marina, walking paths, etc. It would be a great place to stop, assuming you don't intend to stay overnight. You can see it from a earth view on Google maps.
  • NMDriver's avatar
    NMDriver
    Explorer
    Apr 15, 2018
    Waterbird Regional Preserve. If you just need a place to park for a few hours, however no dogs allowed. Take I-680 north past Concord and Highway 4. About two miles before the Benicia-Martinez Bridge, take the Marina Vista/Waterfront Road exit. At the end of the off-ramp turn right onto Waterfront Road, drive about 1/4 mile, turn right onto Waterbird Way, and watch for the right turn into the Preserve.

    There is also the Suisan Bay Overlook at exit 61 on 680 past the bridge.
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Apr 15, 2018
    State rest stops in our urban areas are few to none, fid. How many in OC for instance? None in LA County until you get to the Frazier Park area.

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