Where is Pinole, California

Pinole is a city in the East Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area, located in Contra Costa County along the eastern shore of San Pablo Bay. It is about 25 miles northeast of San Francisco and 15 miles north of Oakland. The city is known for its historic downtown, waterfront setting, rolling hills, and access to regional parks and trails.

Location Map of Pinole, Contra Costa County, California

About Map: The map shows the location of Pinole in Contra Costa County, in the U.S. state of California.

Pinole Map, California

Where is Pinole Located?

Pinole is a city located in Contra Costa County, California, the United States. It lies on the eastern shore of San Pablo Bay in the East Bay region, about 25 miles northeast of San Francisco and roughly 15 miles north of Oakland. Richmond is around 8 miles south, while Hercules is about 3 miles north. Pinole is positioned near 38.005° North latitude and 122.298° West longitude. The 2020 Census recorded 18,390 residents. The city covers about 13.56 square miles, or 35.12 square kilometers. Pinole's history dates to the Spanish and Mexican periods of California, and the community later developed as a small agricultural and commercial center. Its historic downtown preserves older buildings and streets that reflect the city's early growth. Pinole Point and the nearby San Pablo Bay shoreline provide views of the bay and access to natural areas. The city is also close to the Pinole Valley and regional open-space lands. Pinole was incorporated in 1903. A unique fact about the city is that its name comes from the Native American word "pinole," referring to a type of meal made from ground grains or seeds. The city benefits from convenient access to Interstate 80, connecting it with Richmond, Berkeley, Oakland, and the wider Bay Area. Nearby attractions include Point Pinole Regional Shoreline, which offers hiking, beaches, wildlife viewing, and scenic bay views.

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Pinole City Facts

Distance from Pinole, CA to Nearby Cities

• Hercules, CA – 3 miles (5 km)
• Richmond, CA – 8 miles (13 km)
• San Pablo, CA – 5 miles (8 km)
• El Sobrante, CA – 8 miles (13 km)
• Martinez, CA – 15 miles (24 km)
• Berkeley, CA – 15 miles (24 km)
• Vallejo, CA – 15 miles (24 km)
• Concord, CA – 20 miles (32 km)
• Oakland, CA – 15 miles (24 km)
• Emeryville, CA – 15 miles (24 km)
• San Francisco, CA – 25 miles (40 km)
• Walnut Creek, CA – 20 miles (32 km)
• San Rafael, CA – 20 miles (32 km)
• Fairfield, CA – 30 miles (48 km)
• Antioch, CA – 35 miles (56 km)
• Livermore, CA – 40 miles (64 km)
• San Mateo, CA – 40 miles (64 km)
• San Jose, CA – 60 miles (97 km)

Top Attractions in Pinole

• Pinole Historic District – The city's historic center features older commercial buildings, local businesses, restaurants, and architecture reflecting Pinole's early development.
• Point Pinole Regional Shoreline – A large East Bay regional park with hiking and biking trails, beaches, bay views, wildlife habitat, and fishing areas.
• Pinole Point – A scenic shoreline area overlooking San Pablo Bay with access to open space and natural habitats.
• Pinole Valley Park – A community park with open fields, sports facilities, playgrounds, walking areas, and recreational space.
• Bayfront Park – A nearby waterfront park offering open space, walking paths, picnic areas, and views across the bay.
• Pinole Creek – A local waterway that passes through the city and connects neighborhoods with natural areas and wildlife habitat.
• Wildcat Canyon Regional Park – A nearby East Bay park with hiking trails, rolling hills, grasslands, and views toward San Pablo Bay and the Berkeley Hills.
• Richmond-San Rafael Bridge – A nearby Bay Area landmark crossing San Pablo Bay and connecting Contra Costa and Marin counties.

Airports Near Pinole, CA

• Buchanan Field Airport (CCR) – 20 miles
• Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport (OAK) – 25 miles
• San Francisco International Airport (SFO) – 35 miles
• Sacramento International Airport (SMF) – 60 miles
• Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport (STS) – 55 miles

Sources:

Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the official Pinole city website and local government records.

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