About Bradford Island
Bradford Island is not a typical entertainment venue – it’s actually a small, rural island in the Sacramento–San Joaquin River Delta . It spans roughly 2,172 acres (about 3.4 square miles) of reclaimed farmland in Contra Costa County . The island lies below sea level behind about 7.4 miles of levees (managed by Reclamation District 2059), protecting fields that grow wheat and support cattle (and even some natural gas wells) . With only a few dozen residents (around 48 people in recent counts ), Bradford Island exudes open-space charm. The only way on or off is by boat – there are no bridges or roads – so visitors must use the small Bradford Island ferry . Despite its simplicity, the island has scenic appeal. You can look out over the Delta and even see Mount Diablo on the horizon from the west side . It’s also recognized as important to the California economy: state water engineers note that Bradford Island (along with a few other Delta islands) is “critical” for protecting the Delta’s fresh water supply from saltwater intrusion . In short, Bradford Island seems like farmland locked in time – a unique Delta landscape with wide views, wildlife, and a history tied to California’s water management.
Events and Programming
Because Bradford Island is essentially private farmland, it doesn’t host scheduled concerts or public festivals. Most days you’ll find tractors in the fields rather than ticketed events. The island’s only real “programming” is agricultural and civic – for example, occasional spot repairs on the levees or Reclamation District meetings (which are not public entertainment). The one exception is the arrival of Forbes Island , a floating event venue moored at Bradford Island. Forbes Island originally operated as a novelty restaurant off Pier 39 in San Francisco. In 2023 it was moved to the Delta and relaunched as a private event space and rustic campground . It can host up to about 100 people (with tent/RV camping options) , but all visits there are by reservation only. Aside from any private bookings on Forbes Island, visitors typically enjoy Bradford Island by boating, fishing, or touring the Delta – not by attending a built-in program. In summary: there is no regular public performance schedule on Bradford Island. If you’re expecting a theater or concert hall, you won’t find one here. Instead, any special event would be privately organized (for example a wedding or retreat on Forbes Island), and tickets or invitations would come direct from the event host.
Tickets and Booking
There is no box office or online ticket system for Bradford Island itself – the island isn’t sold as a general-admission venue. The only “ticket” you need is for the vehicle ferry. You’ll need to purchase two ferry tickets per car (one for the trip over, one for the return) at the Valero Gas & Save station on Cypress Road in Oakley . This purchase is made in advance at the gas station convenience store; the ferry itself will only carry passengers with tickets in hand . The station address is 1541 East Cypress Road, Oakley (this is often called the “Gas N Save on Cypress”). After buying tickets there, you proceed a short distance to the Jersey Island ferry landing to board the Bradford Island ferry . By policy, no cash sales are allowed on the ferry – you must have tickets before boarding . Beyond the ferry, any specific event tickets (for example, an overnight camping stay on Forbes Island) would be arranged through that event’s organizer. In practice, the ferry tickets are the main pass you’ll need. There is no traditional theatre box office or ticket outlet on Bradford Island.
Seating and Layout
Don’t expect rows of seats or a structured auditorium – Bradford Island is flat, open farmland. The “layout” is basically a network of low levee roads, farm fields, a few ranch houses, and levee pump stations. If you step off the ferry, you simply drive onto the island’s main gravel road. There are no built-in bleachers or viewing platforms. In general visits, people stand or walk around however they like. If you attend a private event (e.g. on Forbes Island), that organizers may set up tables and chairs on the deck or open ground, but otherwise it’s all casual. One advantage of the island’s flatness is that you get full sky views in every direction. For example, from Bradford Island you have a clear line of sight to Mount Diablo across the Delta . Some visitors choose to stand along the levee roads to watch Delta boat traffic or sunsets. A practical tip: Forbes Island’s owner advises guests not to park on the levee road itself (it’s narrow) but in designated spots near the venues . In short, “seats” are whatever you bring – a folding chair, a blanket on the ground, or standing room. The best vantage points tend to be by the ferry dock or any open area near the water.
Getting There and Parking
The exact location of Bradford Island is in the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta near Oakley/Antioch, CA. To drive there, use main roads to reach East Cypress Road in Oakley. From the Bay Area, one common route is CA-4 East toward Oakley, then turn onto East Cypress Road. Follow East Cypress until you reach the Valero (Gas & Save) station at 1541 E. Cypress (that’s where you buy ferry tickets) . After purchasing tickets, continue along Cypress and take a left onto Jersey Island Road. You’ll pass through a gate and soon reach the car ferry on the False River . The ferry will transport you (and your vehicle) across to Bradford Island. There is no direct public transit to the ferry, and no alternate roads – all North/South approach routes go via Vallejo, Antioch, or Oakley to connect into this route. Check local maps or GPS for “Jersey Island Ferry” if needed.
Parking: One important note: there is no official parking lot for the ferry . Vehicles must board as soon as they arrive (so you can’t drive and leave your car). The Gas & Save station has a few parking spots if you need to wait for your ferry ticket turn, but otherwise you should plan to stay with your car. Similarly, on Bradford Island there is no public parking area – the island’s roads double as the parking areas for any event or activity. Standing or leaving vehicles on the levees or shoulders is discouraged (and against district rules) . In summary: drive to Oakley, purchase ferry tickets at the gas station, then keep your vehicle with you as you board the ferry (no separate parking).
Inside the Venue
Once on Bradford Island, you won’t find ticket counters or screening gates – it feels like rural farmland. The ferry operator may quickly verify tickets or count vehicles, but there are no turnstiles. Expect a very low-key entry: if it’s just a visit, you drive off the ferry and proceed onto the levee road. The “atmosphere” inside the island is purely agricultural. There are a handful of farmhouses, grassy fields, canals, and canal pump stations. There’s no formal lobby or corridor; people gather outdoors. If you’re attending an event (for example on Forbes Island), the entrance would be simply the landing where you park. There is no coat check or cloakroom – belongings just stay in your car or nearby.
Regarding amenities: bring what you need. There are no concessions stands or drink kiosks on the island (some events might bring in catering, but otherwise you should bring water and snacks). If you boarded the ferry expecting to find refreshments on the island, plan to use the Valero store before departure. The same goes for restrooms: there are no public restrooms on Bradford Island. (Guests typically use portable toilets brought in for events, or use facilities on the mainland before crossing.) Merchandise? Only if an event sold something; otherwise there’s nowhere to buy souvenirs. Also note cell reception can be very limited out on the levee roads – don’t count on reliable data or phone service away from the highway. In short, think of Bradford Island like visiting a campground: you bring everything with you, and what you see is wide-open fields and sky, not screens or speakers.
Nearby Amenities
Because Bradford Island is isolated, all dining, shopping and lodging are back on the mainland. If you need a pre- or post-visit meal, head to Oakley or Antioch (both a 10–20 minute drive away). Oakley has several fast-food and casual eateries near the highway (pizza, burgers, tacos, etc.) as well as grocery stores. A few restaurants line Highway 4 through Antioch too. For a Delta-flavored meal, note that nearby islands are home to well-known water-side venues: for example, the B & W Resort Marina in Bethel Island and the Pirates Lair Cafe in Walnut Grove (on the Delta Loop highway) both serve burgers, sandwiches and cold beer in a boat-friendly setting. If you plan to stay overnight, hotels and motels are located in Oakley and Brentwood. (There are no hotels on Bradford Island.) Places like Holiday Inn Express, Hampton, or Marriott in Oakley/Brentwood, or private vacation rentals, are typical options. Since public transit doesn’t serve the island, plan to drive or arrange a shuttle. In practice, most visitors park near the ferry or event site on Bradford, and all urban conveniences—food, gas, hotels—are found on the freeway exits in Oakley/Brentwood.
What Makes This Venue Special
Bradford Island’s uniqueness comes from its juxtaposition of raw nature and Delta history. For one thing, it’s one of the only places you can drive out of the San Francisco Bay Area onto a working farm by boat – it feels like stepping into another world. The island’s entire existence is tied to flood control: in 1921 a reclamation district was formed just to build and maintain its levees . That story shows in how self-sufficient the place is: sturdy pump houses, irrigation canals, and fields of grain under the sky. Wildlife thrives here, too – the marshy edges attract ducks, geese, herons and even hawks . Many visitors remark that the scenery is beautiful and “real” in a way you rarely see so close to a major city. Another standout is Forbes Island, the curious floating venue now moored at Bradford. A 700-ton artificial island, it used to be a San Francisco restaurant, and now it offers glamping and events for up to 100 guests . This means Bradford has a touch of whimsy: a floating dining room next to cattle fields. In essence, Bradford Island is special because it is so authentic and undisturbed, yet sprinkled with these unexpected stories. It’s a vestige of California’s rural past and water-future, where farmers watch Delta boats drift by all day. Whether for its sweeping levee views, its role in safeguarding the Delta’s water, or simply its strangeness (a private island reachable only by a little ferry), Bradford Island stands apart in the Bay Area scene.
Visitor Tips and Information
Plan ahead! Bradford Island has minimal facilities, so treat your visit like an outdoor excursion. Buy ferry tickets in advance at the Valero/Gas-N-Save on East Cypress (no cash on ferry) . Arrive early, because the ferry runs on a schedule but waits for no one. Once you’re on the island, stay with your car and group. Remember that Bradford Island is privately owned: all land is subject to “No Trespassing” rules . Stick to areas open to your visit (for example, the driveway by Forbes Island if you’re attending an event there) and absolutely do not park or wander onto other private fields or levee banks . In fact, the local water district explicitly warns that trespassing can mean fines or arrest . Dress casually and bring essentials: there is no water fountain or convenience store on the island. Sun protection and insect repellent are a good idea, since shade is scarce. If your trip extends into the evening, pack a flashlight and layers – Delta nights can cool off. Keep your phone and camera charged, but notice that cell coverage may be spotty out on the levee roads. Finally, be respectful of this unique rural setting. Drive slowly (kids and cows can appear unexpectedly), follow directions from any event staff, and leave no trace. With the right preparation – and by treating Bradford Island like a private outdoor getaway – you’ll fully enjoy this memorable slice of California.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I actually get to Bradford Island?
To reach Bradford Island by car, you drive to Oakley and take the ferry. Specifically, head east on CA-4 to the Pittsburg/Oakley exit, then turn onto East Cypress Road. At 1541 E. Cypress Rd (the Valero/Gas-N-Save station) you’ll buy ferry tickets . After buying tickets, continue onto Jersey Island Road to the ferry landing on the False River. The ferry will carry you to Bradford Island’s dock (on Taylor Road). Remember, there are no bridges – this car ferry ride is the only way onto the island .
What are the ferry hours or schedule?
The Bradford Island ferry does not run 24/7. Its schedule is fairly limited (often morning to early afternoon) and can change seasonally or due to maintenance. There isn’t a widely published fixed timetable, so it’s best to check with the Contra Costa County or Reclamation District websites for updates. Plan to arrive around the posted ferry times – late arrivals might have to wait for the next trip or miss it altogether.
How much does the ferry to Bradford Island cost?
You purchase two tickets per vehicle – one for the trip over and one for the return . Each ticket is relatively inexpensive (local reports suggest around $8 each, so roughly $16 total for a round-trip car crossing), but you should check the current rate at the gas station when buying. There is no charge for passengers riding in the car and no tickets sold onboard.
Where can I park when taking the ferry?
Officially, the ferry lands have no separate parking lot . Vehicles are expected to board or disembark and not leave a car for extended parking. The Valero/Gas station in Oakley has a few spots if you need to wait before buying tickets, but other than that plan to stay with your car. On Bradford Island, don’t leave vehicles on the levee road; for example, Forbes Island’s instructions explicitly say “never park on the levee road” . In practice, you keep your car with you on the ferry or on the private driveway if attending a specific event. If you must leave a car, ask the ferry operator if they allow it briefly at your own risk, but it’s generally discouraged.
Are there restrooms or food on Bradford Island?
No – Bradford Island has virtually no services. There are no public restrooms, restaurants or stores on the island. Before you board, use the facilities at the Valero station or in Oakley/Antioch. Bring your own water and snacks if needed. (If you’re attending an event on Forbes Island, that venue may supply portable toilets or catering, but in general you should be self-sufficient.) Think of Bradford Island like a remote park: come prepared.
Can anyone visit Bradford Island, or is it private?
Most of Bradford Island is privately owned agricultural land. Technically, unauthorized visitors are trespassing . In practice, the only people generally on the island are residents or invited guests. If you want to go for a picnic or drive around, remember that property owners expect permission. The ferry does allow families and sightseers onto the island’s public areas, but you won’t find open picnic areas or visitor centers. Always respect posted signs. The safest way to “visit” is by attending a booked event (e.g. on Forbes Island) or going on a guided tour – otherwise, stick to the ferry dock and open levee roads.
What can I see or do on Bradford Island?
It’s an open, flat island. There’s no built-in viewing platform or trail system – you’ll mainly see farmland, canals, levee banks and occasional homes. Visitors often stand by the ferries to watch boat traffic. Photography enthusiasts enjoy the wide Delta vistas (Mount Diablo is visible on clear days ). If the weather’s nice, simply walking or biking the levee road offers a sense of calm rural scenery. You might also observe wildlife like waterfowl and hawks. In short, it’s a place to experience the Delta’s natural and agricultural landscape rather than do a specific activity. The highlight is usually just being there – for some that means a quiet picnic by the water’s edge (on private property only) or a unique dinner on the floating Forbes Island.
What kind of wildlife is on Bradford Island?
You’ll find classic Delta wildlife here. Marsh birds like ducks, geese, herons and egrets are common in the island’s water channels. Raptors such as Swainson’s hawks, Cooper’s hawks and red-tailed hawks often soar overhead . On the ground, you may see meadowlarks, quail or rabbits among stalks of grain. Cattle roam the fields (in fenced areas), and small burrowing critters and snakes are possible too. In general, think of open farmland habitat – bring binoculars if you want to enjoy birdwatching.
Is there cellphone coverage on Bradford Island?
Cell signal can be spotty out in the Delta. Some visitors report weak or no coverage once off the ferries. It depends on your carrier and exact location, but don’t count on reliable data service. Plan accordingly: download any maps or tickets beforehand and charge your phone fully. If this is a concern, consider driving back to Oakley or having a car call ready when you return.
What should I bring when visiting Bradford Island?
Treat it like a camping trip: bring water, snacks, sunblock and bug spray, since there are no services. Wear sturdy shoes for gravel roads and boots if you plan to stroll in fields. Pack a flashlight, sweater, or jacket in case you stay until dusk (it can cool quickly). A fully charged phone is smart (even if signal is weak). If visiting an event, also bring any required confirmation or ID. And because amenities are zero, have cash or card ready for ferry tickets and use mainland restrooms/shops first. Essentially, you should have everything you need with you.
Are pets allowed on the ferry or island?
Policies can vary, but generally pets are allowed as long as they stay in your vehicle or on a leash. The ferry is designed for cars, so pets typically ride inside the car. On the island, as private land, pets must be managed carefully (especially around farm animals). There is no official “pet area,” and you must clean up after your dog. Larger events (like Forbes Island) may have their own pet rules – check with the organizers. In any case, bring water for your pet and watch for snakes in the grass.
Can I bring my bicycle or walk onto Bradford Island?
Technically yes, you can walk on. There isn’t a separate pedestrian ferry – if you’re on foot you can still use the car ferry (with a ticket). Many locals walk onto the islands via the ferry, but the expectation is that most people drive. Bicycles can also board the ferry. Just remember that the primary infrastructure is for cars, so cyclists should ride slowly and wear a helmet. Once on Bradford Island, bicycling on the levee roads is fine, but there are no dedicated bike paths. Always yield to farm vehicles on the narrow roads.
Where can I stay nearby if I want to visit Bradford Island?
There are no hotels on Bradford Island. Most visitors stay on the mainland. Nearby cities Oakley and Brentwood have motels and hotels (for example around I-80/Highway 4 in Oakley or I-680 in Brentwood). Look for chain hotels like Holiday Inn Express, Hampton Inn, or locally owned inns in those areas. If you plan to camp instead, Forbes Island itself now offers onsite tent/RV spots by reservation – but those must be booked in advance. In short, your best bet is to lodge in Oakley/Brentwood and drive to the ferry.
What city or address is Bradford Island considered?
Bradford Island is unincorporated land in Contra Costa County. For mail and GPS purposes, addresses on the island often use “Oakley, CA 94561.” The ferry crossing is referenced via Oakley as well (the Valero station on E. Cypress Rd). If you see listings or signs, you might encounter Oakley or nearby Bethel Island as the cited location. But note that even with an ‘Oakley’ address, you still reach it only by the Jersey Island ferry.
Is Bradford Island dangerous or flood-prone?
Bradford Island is low-lying and levee-protected. Historically, its levees have failed (most notably in 1983 and 2009) causing the island to flood completely . However, today the levees are maintained and breaches are rare. Visitors shouldn’t worry about sudden flooding in normal conditions. The main safety issues are mundane: watch out for loose cattle, uneven ground, and bring sun protection (there are few shade trees). In poor weather (heavy storms), the ferry may stop running – check conditions in advance. Otherwise, treat it like any rural outdoor area: no immediate dangers beyond common-sense precautions.
