Industrial archaeology is the study and exploration of abandoned industrial sites. My primary motivation is experiencing these ruins firsthand—walking through the remains, understanding their history, and documenting what survives. California has an extraordinary number of historically significant industrial sites, from munitions factories to naval installations.
Richmond & Point San Pablo
America's Last Whaling Dock
A burnt-out pier near Point San Pablo, Richmond, CA, offering a glimpse into California's whaling industry.
How to get there: Take the last exit off Highway 580 (just before the toll booths heading west toward the bridge) onto Western Drive. Follow it to the end, where you'll find a poor road (likely dirt) that heads up and over a hill. Eventually you'll reach Point San Pablo, an isolated community of boathouses. Please respect residents' privacy.
What to do: Follow the old train tracks toward the whaling pier. Note: The pier may have been demolished, but the walk along the tracks and the village itself are worthwhile.
Point Pinole Park
Open in Google Maps
Site of the Giant explosives factory. Visible ruins remain, including earth berms built to contain explosions. The road to Point Pinole is still named after the factory.
History: The factory experienced multiple explosions during its operation, resulting in numerous deaths and injuries.
Hercules Powder Works
The site of this former dynamite and nitroglycerin plant is now largely demolished. During its history, the plant experienced an extraordinary number of catastrophic accidents, with 59 deaths recorded in its first 38 years.
Notable events: In 1908, a single explosion killed 24 men. In 1953, the last major explosion killed 12 workers. During World War II, the plant was the world's largest producer of dynamite. Built in 1879 by California Powder Works of Santa Cruz, it was sold in 1976.
Berkeley & East Bay
Lawson Adit
A historic mining tunnel located on the UC Berkeley campus—a relic of California's mining past.
Nike Missile Site at Tilden Park
From Inspiration Point, take the Nimitz Way bike path to its end. Atop a small hill, you'll find concrete pads connected by roads—remnants of a Nike radar tracking site from the 1960s.
Details: The site was demolished in the 1970s when missiles became obsolete. You can see substantial concrete, rebar, and wire buried under the dirt. Construction debris may have been left in place rather than removed. The actual launch pads were located elsewhere in the valley. For more information, visit the
Nike Missile site.
Point Albany Landfill
A landfill site near Golden Gate Fields with extensive rebar and concrete structures. Much of the debris has been transformed into industrial art by an anonymous artist.
Access: Park near the water north of Gilman. Be aware of homeless camps in the area.
Point Isabel: TEPCO Pottery Deposit
Along the southern shore, just next to the Costco parking lot, walk the waterline to discover an extraordinary deposit of broken pottery—billions of pieces, many still bearing the "TEPCO" insignia.
History: TEPCO produced plates and cups for restaurants, likely over 50 years ago. The specific reason for this massive pottery dump remains unclear.
Key Route System
Berkeley once had an intricate system of electric trains that was dismantled in the mid-20th century. Though little remains, you can explore the tunnel under Henry Street beneath the fountain—originally a train-only passage.
Remnants: The Key Route alignment through Albany now follows the BART right-of-way. Train tracks still lie buried under asphalt on Shattuck Avenue in Berkeley.
Old Colgate-Palmolive Factory
Located on 7th Street between Ashby and Dwight, this vast factory complex exists in two partially demolished sections. The main concrete structure and the original wooden section (with two floors, ladders, and industrial equipment) offer substantial exploration opportunities.
Access & Caution: Both sections are supposed to be locked daily with barbed-wire fencing. However, when the adjacent Lawrence Berkeley National Lab receiving building gate is open during the day, the Colgate property becomes accessible. The site is perfectly suited for mountain biking. Be aware that lab security is vigilant due to classified weapons work and may pursue trespassers.
Oakland & Alameda
USS Hornet (CV-12)
This Essex-class aircraft carrier is now a museum ship in Alameda, offering visitors a chance to explore a functioning warship with an extraordinary combat record.
History: The USS Hornet served from World War II (with notable action against Japanese forces) through the Vietnam War and concluded by recovering the Apollo 11 capsule—the first crewed moon mission.
What to see: Admission is $14. Visitors can explore the first level including crew briefing rooms, mess halls, and officers' quarters. The main flight deck is open (and rusty, which adds authenticity). A Desert Storm flight simulator is available for $3 additional. The island (control tower) features volunteer-led mini tours of navigation, admiral's, and captain's quarters. Recently opened sections include the engine room, forward section, and Marine Detachment quarters. The ship was nearly sold for scrap but was rescued by enthusiasts.
Details: The ship is closed Tuesdays. Take the Webster Tunnel from Oakland and follow signs.
F-8 Crusaders on USS Hornet
Two crashed fighters aboard show different fates—one partially intact, the other severely damaged and currently undergoing restoration by Marine Reserves volunteers. The damaged one is missing wings, filled with beach sand, and has its nose filled with concrete (which someone has begun chipping away to reveal original controls and wires).
Old Oakland Amtrak Station
Visible from the newer section of Highway 880 in West Oakland, this abandoned train station features platforms on the upper floor (legacy of elevated tracks now removed).
Status: Last used in the 1990s but appears as though abandoned 50 years ago. The surrounding neighborhood is not particularly safe for exploration.
South Bay Area
Mountain View Airfield
Added July 2011 – The Mountain View Airfield was discovered on some old USGS maps from the 1940s. There is no trace left of the airfield, but I present my findings for historians.
Ghost Towns of the Santa Cruz Mountains
Added January 2006 – Explore the ghost towns hidden in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
Ghost Town of Drawbridge
Drawbridge was a resort town around the beginning of the 20th century in San Francisco Bay. Here are some photos from my visit, an aerial view, and a picture from 1993.
How to find it: Use Yahoo Maps to locate the town (it's still on the maps!). Notice there are no roads to the town. You can either park at the end of Cushing Parkway (Fremont end) and walk along dirt roads to the train tracks, then head south; or park at the Alviso Marina and head north on the train tracks. Watch for trains—there's no room for pedestrians!
Note: Technically illegal to be there, but official tours used to run. There isn't much left—most shacks have fallen down and many are underwater.
Town of Alviso
Alviso used to be a major hub—the ferry port for trips between San Francisco and San Jose before good roads or trains existed. Once the train line was built (now the Caltrain line), the town declined. Not a ghost town like Drawbridge, but with old buildings and interesting history.
Highlights: The abandoned marina built in the 1960s, now silted over with reeds. Good hiking/biking trails through salt flats. Also check out Val's Restaurant—vintage since 1941 with authentic 1940s décor. See the excellent SJ Underbelly website for detailed history and pictures.
New Almaden & Quicksilver Mines
The Town of New Almaden and the New Almaden Quicksilver Mines – One of California's oldest towns, dating back before the Gold Rush. During the Gold Rush era, mercury (quicksilver) was essential for processing gold. New Almaden pulled out more metal of value than any other mine in California—that's why the San Jose Mercury newspaper has its name!
The town is a virtual museum with nearly every house having historical significance. Visit the Casa Grande museum in town. At the end is a parking lot where you can explore the mine area—a lot of opportunities for amateur archaeology.
See pictures from my trip to New Almaden
Ghost Towns of Alma and Lexington
Now underwater – See pictures from December 2004 and check out another explorer's website with pictures
Creepy House in Fremont
Park somewhere on Ford Lane (off Mowry), then walk to the end of Ford Lane until you reach the train tracks. Go west (left) along the tracks for a few hundred yards until you see the old house. It's essentially at the end of Redwood Terrace (a new housing development), but you can't access it from there.
The Pulgas Water Temple
Not really a ruin, but looks old. Built less than 100 years ago. Owned by the water department and only open during normal business hours (NOT weekends!).
How to get there: From Interstate 280 in San Mateo County, exit Edgewood Road. Drive west to Canada Road and turn right (north). Drive about 1.5 miles and turn left into the parking lot.
Sunol Water Temple
The sister of the Pulgas Water Temple, built in 1910 and recently restored. It used to be a great modern ruin 10 years ago! Take Highway 680 to Sunol—just before town you'll see the gateway. Opens Monday-Friday, closes early (~3pm). While there, check out the Niles Railroad in Sunol, which runs on weekends. You can see evidence of other ruins in the area, including an abandoned picnic area and restrooms.
Ruined Factory near Niles
Along the railroad from Niles to Sunol in Niles Canyon, there are the ruins of a factory. You can see the tall smoke stacks (not yet investigated).
Phantom Towns on Yahoo Maps
This was written in 2004 when Yahoo still had maps and was still displaying obsolete place names... oh well, I'll leave this section for historical purposes ...
Neal, California – Actually a railroad stop at the intersection of Matadero and Laguna Ave in Palo Alto.
Now it is Bol Park Native Garden and the train tracks are a bike path. More information on the train branch line called the Mayfield Cutoff, which ended service in 1964
and became the Foothill Expressway.
There used to be a commuter train along what's now the Foothill Expressway. Torn out and replaced with pavement. Some pieces remain in Saratoga, making for an interesting bike ride.
Champagne Fountain
– Once a Paul Mason champagne vineyard with a train stop. The mod 1960s building inspired "The Jetsons" cartoon. Sadly, the building was torn down for Interstate 85.
Read more about the Fountain on My Material Life.
Originally called Congress Springs Junction, as it was here that the road to the Congress Springs resort started.
Congress Springs was a mineral spring just above Saratoga Village and below the Mountain Winery on Congress Springs Lane. The hotel burned in 1903, and nothing remains of it.
The name of the springs and the town came from the original Congress Springs in Saratoga, New York.
One local was so irritated by the name change that he replaced the sign with one reading "Hiccup Gulch."
Frontier Village
Little remains of this 1960s amusement park in San Jose, but the grounds still exist as a park.
Santa's Village
Used to be off Highway 17. Appears to be mostly gone now. (I postponed exploration when a cop drove by!)
Bay Area Historic Theaters
California's grand theaters represent a bygone era of cinema. Several remain in operation, offering a chance to experience movies the way they were meant to be seen.
Paramount Theatre (Oakland)
Billed as "the most glamorous theatre west of the Mississippi," this downtown Oakland gem retains its old-timey glamour. With ornate décor, it evokes the Emerald City from the Wizard of Oz.
They occasionally offer movie nights (still happening in 2026, but the URL keeps changing).
California Theatre (San Jose)
A newly restored downtown San Jose theater with stunning architecture. If you appreciate historic theater design, a movie here is a worthwhile pilgrimage. Fully restored and beautifully maintained.
Stanford Theatre (Palo Alto)
A preserved historic theater in Palo Alto.
Castro Theatre (San Francisco)
Another wonderful old theater in the Castro district, maintaining its historic charm and programming.
Other Parts of California
Bodie Ghost Town
Arguably the best-preserved wild west town. Closed in winter due to heavy snow unless you're willing to cross-country ski 6-20 miles from the main highway.
New Idria
New Idria
is 3 things in one: a ghost town in central California, a rock-hounding mecca and a off-roading adventure. Oh, and the bonus is that it is a super fund site too. Did I tell you that the mine specialized in mercury and asbestos?
You need a permit to explore the area. You need to get combination lock codes to drive on the dirt roads. Regulations change, so you'll need to do some homework and find out the most recent webpages. The area is the Clear Creek Management Area.
Easiest access is from the south, at Jade Mill Campground. The first part of the road is a decent dirt road, although I would not take a low clearance vehicle here. Probably fine without 4x4. However, the road gets worse and
worse the farther you go, and if you decide to go north from New Idria towards, Panoche, the road is really bad and you will definitely need 4x4 and it wouldn't hurt to pack a mattock and shovel to fix the road as you go. This was my first 4x4 adventure in my F150,
and it was scary and right at the limits of my ability.
( Wayback Archive of Steve Reiss's New Idira Website)
