Forbes Island facts for kids
Forbes Island in 2021, off of Holland Tract
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 Forbes Island
Location in Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta
Forbes Island
Location in California
Forbes Island
Location in the United States
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| Geography | |
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| Location | Northern California |
| Coordinates | 37°58′22″N 121°34′53″W / 37.9728°N 121.5813°W |
| Adjacent bodies of water | Sacramento–San Joaquin River Delta |
| Administration | |
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United States
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| State |  California |
| County | Contra Costa |
Forbes Island is a very special floating island located near Holland Tract, California, in the United States. It used to be a unique restaurant found between Pier 39 and Pier 41 in Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco. It was the only "floating island" restaurant in the entire Bay Area. The restaurant's design was inspired by Captain Nemo's amazing underwater home from famous stories. The restaurant closed in 2017. The floating island was then moved to its current spot at Holland Riverside Marina in Brentwood, California.
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The Story of Forbes Island
Forbes Island started its life as a houseboat home on December 23, 1980. It was anchored in Richardson Bay near Sausalito in Marin County, California. A man named Forbes Thor Kiddoo created this floating home. He spent many years building it, from 1975 to 1980. He used cool things like portholes from old ships and beautiful seascape paintings. The home had 15 rooms, including three special "state rooms." It also had a large living area with fancy wood, mirrors, and a fireplace.
By the late 1980s, some people in Sausalito felt the houseboat was not allowed to be anchored there. In 1991, a group called the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission asked Forbes Kiddoo to move his floating home. This was because of building rules.
After leaving Sausalito, Kiddoo tried to anchor his barge in Half Moon Bay, but it was not allowed. So, he anchored it for five years in Antioch, California. During this time, he worked on making it even better. Later, he was given a special agreement to move it to San Francisco for 15 years.
From Home to Restaurant
The floating island was moved and opened as the Forbes Island restaurant in 1999. It was located between Pier 39 and Pier 41 in Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco. This was the only "floating island" restaurant in the Bay Area. It was quite large, measuring about 50 feet wide and 100 feet long. It weighed 700 tons!
The island had its own real palm trees and a waterfall. It also featured a fake fireplace and a tall, 55-step lighthouse with a special lens. There was even a dining room designed to look like a Tahitian place. The most amazing part was the main dining room. It was underwater and had portholes where you could see fish swimming by! This room was decorated to look like the inside of an old sailing ship from the early 1800s. The restaurant also had its own wine cellar.
In 2016, Forbes Island needed some repairs and updates. A special fireboat from the San Francisco Fire Department carefully pulled the island to a shipyard. This was for about two months of restoration work. After the work was done, it was returned to its spot near Pier 39. It was planned to open again in June.
The Restaurant Closes
In August 2017, the Forbes Island Restaurant closed for good. Forbes Kiddoo decided to retire. In March 2018, the restaurant was moved far away from San Francisco. It is now at the Holland Riverside Marina in Brentwood, California. This is in the eastern part of Contra Costa County. The island is now for sale. It is not expected to open as a restaurant again.
Dining on the Island
Eating at Forbes Island was a very unique experience. Imagine having dinner while the chandeliers gently swayed with the ocean's movement! Fish would swim past the portholes in the underwater dining room. Music would play in the background, making it a magical place.
The menu included dishes like steak, salmon, ribs, and chicken. There was also risotto, a creamy rice dish. People enjoyed eating delicious food while feeling like they were on a special adventure.
