What is Rio Vista CA known for?
Established in 1858 as “Brazos del Rio” (Arms of the River), Main Street the town that was to become Rio Vista was washed away in the great flood in January of 1862. Re-established later that year (and a mile farther south on higher ground) it survived as a vital stopping place for the great steamers and riverboats that plowed the calm waters of the vast Sacramento waterway and helped found the thriving territory that has become the State of California.
Known far and wide as “The Heart of the Delta” Rio Vista’s proximity to the confluence of California’s two mightiest rivers, and the 1000 miles of the Delta’s pristine rivers, marshes, and wetlands has made it popular for boaters, fisherman, wildlife enthusiasts, bird watchers, wind-surfers, and people seeking a slower pace and a tranquil atmosphere. Come see for yourself!
A Birds Eye View
Amazingly, the town of Rio Vista has grown little in comparison to the urban sprawl of most of the cities in the surrounding area. Even the recent addition of Trilogy to the township has not intruded upon the vast amount of open space surrounding our town. Though no one can predict what the future may hold for development, for now there is much room to breathe, relax, and enjoy “The Delta Lifestyle”. “Civilization”, (should you require it), is only minutes away via Highway 12 in either direction.
Our Town
If you tell most folks from anywhere outside the Delta you’re from Rio Vista, the usual response is “Never heard of it, where is it?” To reply “It’s about mid-way between Sacramento and San Francisco” doesn’t seem to invoke much recognition. But tell them “It’s the town that ‘Humphrey the Humpback Whale’ came to visit back in the fall of 1985 and in May of 2007 where the Humpback mother and daughter dubbed ‘Delta and Dawn’ got stuck too…” and suddenly everyone seems to know exactly where you’re from! The fact is, that aside from a few celebrity whales once having “vacationed” here and the annual Bass Festival Derby, there is nothing particularly famous nor “infamous” about Rio Vista at all. And that’s just the way most folks here prefer it. READ MORE
5 Things to do in the Rio Vista Area
1. Brannan Island State Recreation Area
17645 CA-160, Rio Vista, CA
Locations/Directions – The park is on Highway 160 a few miles south of the city of Rio Vista in Sacramento County. The park is located on the lower peninsular extension of Brannan Island, and is surrounded by the Sacramento River on the west, Three Mile Slough on the southeast, and Seven Mile Slough on the northeast.
Facilities – The park has a ten lane launch ramp, over 140 campsites and areas for picnicking and swimming.
2. Rio Vista Museum
16 N Front St, Rio Vista, CA
It was in 1975 that the following citizens met to discuss the idea of a museum in Rio Vista: Shirley Shearer, Pearl Hamilton, Genevieve James, Mildred Hansen, Esther Pierce, Marianna Harden, Madelyn Church, Barbara Tracy, Jim Tracy, Elliott Stevenson, Pat Gates, Albert Jongeneel, Buck Farnsworth, Wayne Gohl, Joe Betts, Iris Jacobs and Crystal Harris.
Open: Saturdays & Sundays, 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm
If you have a group who would like to see the museum during other hours, please call the museum at: 707-374-5169
3. RioVision Gallery
116 Main St, Rio Vista, CA 94571
Art for all ages supporting local artisans. RioVision is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving downtown Rio Vista CA. New art eaach month so there is something new to see each time you visit. See’s Candy is sold on site as a fund raiser for our programs.
4. Delta Marina Yacht Harbor & The Point Restaurant
100 Marina Dr Rio Vista, CA
The Delta Marina Yacht Harbor was built in the late 1950s by the Baumann family of Rio Vista, out of what used to be known as St. Josephs Cut along the Sacramento River.It can accommodate up to 250 boats. We have both covered and uncovered slips. Our slips range in size from 20 ft to 40 ft. We have one of the largest guest docks in the Delta, with nearly 800 ft of docking space for overnighters or yacht clubs.We also have an RV Park with 25 sites. Thirteen (13) of those sites are right on the Sacramento River, and others are tucked under mature trees with a view of the marina. Be sure to also check out THE POINT restaurant on the property, with great views, and even better food! 7 days a week.
5. Sidewalk Saturdays in Downtown Rio Vista
North 2nd Street and Main Street, Rio Vista
The Downtown Rio Vista Merchants take to the streets every 3rd Saturday May through September for Sidewalk Saturday. Restaurants will be open, and merchants will be putting specials out on tables for people to view. There will be crafts, vendors, music and fun on the streets and sidewalks of historic downtown Rio Vista. Stop by and enjoy the morning.
Ralene Nelson, REALTOR®
SOLD – 295 Sage Meadows Drio Vista
Calistoga model, with private courtyard, located on a corner lot. New interior paint (including garage) & tile/grout cleaned, gives this home a fresh look. Island kitchen with granite tile, black appliances, w/5 burner gas stove top & maple cabinets. Open floor plan makes this a great home for entertaining & the fireplace makes it cozy. Large master bedroom has bay window, upgraded tile in bath (walk in shower & tub). Den has been enclosed as well as another room, so this could be 4 bedrooms. One can be your den, other can be your craft/sewing room. 2nd bedroom has full bath, with courtyard entrance. Laundry room has sink, cabinets & folding space. Full patio & fencing secures this backyard for your family pet. Trilogy offers many amenities, from tennis, bocce, billards, pickle ball, golf, 2 pools & spas and even playground for grandchildren. Just bring your furniture & make new friends.READ MORE
FOR SALE – 718 Allender Way, Rio Vista
3bed/2bath/1,346sqft5,306sqft lot
$545,000 – As you approach this gorgeous home, it radiates pride of ownership. Driveway has been extended with new concrete on both sides of the home. New exterior paint with newer drought resistant landscaping w/new walkway to front door & drip system w/timer. As you step inside, the home has new interior paint, baseboards & LVP flooring throughout. Kitchen has painted cabinets w/quartz counters, stainless sink & refrigerator. Then step out to the newly landscaped backyard w/new patio, custom pergola, 8 X 12 pool, security fence & all new perimeter fencing, as well as french drains from back to front. Primary bath has painted cabinets, new mirrors & light fixtures. His & Her closets with a barn door that provides bath privacy. Home has all new light fixtures, hardware, whole house fan, water filtration & softener, & reverse osmosis and electric vehicle chargers. Just bring you furniture & enjoy this move-in ready home and bask in the sun with a BBQ. Room for RV parking. Solar lease is only $89 a month, 25 yr lease & transferable. Just bring your furniture and enjoy!! Rio Vista is a quaint little located in the heart of the Delta, close to San Francisco, wine country, Sacramento. Enjoy water sports, fishing & duck hunting. MORE INFO
FOR SALE – 181 Cedar Ridge Dr. Rio Vista
2 bed/2 bath/1,433sqft
New Price $519,500 – Look no further!! This Clipper model is like a new home, completely renovated, from new sheet rock to all new cabinets throughout, new baths, laminate flooring, quartz counters, appliances, and new interior & exterior paint. Located on the 11th fairway, bring some patio furniture & enjoy the scenery. This model provides a living room/dining room & a nook/great room. Trilogy provides so many amenities, including 2 swimming pools/spas, bocce courts, billiards, tennis courts, pickleball, gym & more. READ MORE
PENDING – 50 River Rd Spc 39, Rio Vista

$430,000 – Beautiful Carmel model, with custom entry & drought resistant landscaping (front & back). Very relaxing & private back yard, fully fenced for your pet. With upgraded front door, you enter this charming home, 2 bedroom, 2 baths, with bay windows in the nook & primary bedroom. Newer laminate flooring, plantation shutters in great room & 2nd bedroom. 2nd bedroom has build in unit with file drawer & desk space for your computer. Kitchen has newer stainless appliances, refrigerator, microwave & gas stove, oak cabinets, pantry, reverse osmosis & overlooks backyard. Primary bedroom overlooks the back yard & has walk-in closet. Primary bath has double sinks & walk in shower. Electric fireplace adds to the cozy great room. Laundry room has been updated w/sink & stackable washer/dryer. Now step out into this peaceful, relaxing & private backyard, with patio/cover and a lovely water fall. Enjoy your music & a beverage. Garage has built-in storage cabinets & ceiling storage units. Move in ready, so come join the fun at Trilogy. Ammenities include tennis/pickle ball courts, bocce ball courts, 2 pools/spas, gym, golf, computer room & many clubs to join. Are you interested in theater, card groups or other interests? Look no further!! Trilogy has a restaurant & cafe. No Bonds!!
PENDING – 731 Turnberry Ter Rio Vista
2 bed/2 bath/1410 sqft
$405,000 – NO BONDS-Spinnaker model with private backyard. This 2 bedroom, 2 bath home feels like a very relaxing cottage for a retirement home. The patio provides a quiet place for morning coffee & afternoon beverage. Den has built-in book/curio shelves & bay window. The Master bedroom has a bay window, which creates room for a sitting area. New hot water heater. Enjoy amenities such as golf, tennis, bocce, pools/spas & a new gym, and more. READ MORE
PENDING SALE – 524 Birch Ridge Dr. Rio Vista
2 bed/2 bath/1,172sqft/4,095sqft lot
Events in Northern California this Weekend
Oakley Summer Fest
Saturday 11am-5pm
Civic Center Plaza Oakley
The City of Oakley will be hosting Summer Fest on Saturday, July 1st, 2023 in Civic Center Plaza from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. The event will feature food vendors, arts & crafts, service, retail and non-profit organizations.
2023 Alameda County Fair
Through July 9th
Alameda County Fairgrounds, 2005 Valley Ave Gate 8, Pleasanton
Welcome back for another great year at the Alameda County Fair! We have food, shopping, entertainment, contest and much more! MORE INFO
Brentwood 75th Anniversary
Brentwood City Park
Brentwood Classic Parade, 9:30am
TUESDAY, JULY 4th AT 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Join us for the Brentwood Classic 4th of July Parade! The parade will begin at 9:30am with the Children’s Parade, followed immediately by the main parade. Pre-registration is not required for the Children’s Parade.
Carnique, 4:00pm
The 4th of July will begin with the Annual City of Brentwood 4th of July Parade. The City is organizing a Carnival called Carnique which will take place on Oak Street from 4-7pm.
An All-Female Aerosmith tribute band will grace the stage in City Park from 7pm-9pm
courtesy of the City of Brentwood.
Light Up the Night – 4th of July Drone Sky Show
TUESDAY, JULY 4, 2023 AT 9 PM – 9:15 PM
Immediately following the concert, the Drone Show will begin (9 PM – 9:15 PM). The show will feature over 150 drones and 12 animations both Patriotic and Brentwood themed.
MORE INFO
McCauley Estate Vineyards Wine & Dine
Sun, Jul 2, 2023 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM PDT
McCauley Estate Vineyards, 2525 Sunset Road Brentwood
We will be serving our wines by the bottle and glass on Sunday July 2nd from 12pm-3pm. We will have Golden Gate Gyro on-site selling food and live music with Randy Sykes.
Indoor and outdoor seating will be available. Dates will vary from month to month, so keep an eye out for our wine tastings on our Facebook, Instagram, and our Website
Wine & Dine at our beautiful estate on a gorgeous Sunday afternoon!