Location: Benicia
Top Things to do in Benicia
- 1. John Muir National Historic Site
- 2. Benicia Capitol State Historic Park
- 3. San Francisco Bay Ferry Vallejo Service
- 4. Benicia State Recreation Area
- 5. Martinez Regional Shoreline
- 6. California Magic Dinner Theatre
- 7. Benicia Public Pier & Beach
- 8. Benicia Historical Museum
- 9. Armando's
- 10. Benicia Certified Farmers Market
Top 10 Things to do in Benicia, United States
Benicia (/bəˈniːʃə/ bə-NEE-shə; bə-NI-shə; Spanish pronunciation: [beˈnisja]) is a waterside city in Solano County, California, located in the North Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area. It served as the state capital for nearly thirteen months from 1853 to 1854. The population was 26,997 at the 2010 census. The city is located along the north bank of the Carquinez Strait. Benicia is just east of Vallejo and across the strait from Martinez. Elizabeth Patterson has served as Mayor of Benicia since 2007.
Restaurants in Benicia
1. John Muir National Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 131 reviews
Museum dedicated to the founder of the environmental movement.
Reviewed By Jinnyus - Florence, KY
I like visiting historic homes and it was nice to see this one. John Muir lived here as an adult when he took over his father-in-law's orchard business. The house isn't overly large, but has some nice views from the upper level. You can learn a bit about Muir by watching a short film in the visitor center and then tour the main house and the adobe out back. Cool things are the fact that the windows are old wavy glass and you can walk up to the attic and bell tower. It's rare to get into an attic in an old home. You kind of get an idea of what the view would have been back in Muir's day.
Plus, you can pick fruit in season from apple, peach, pear, lime, lemon, and persimmon trees or grapes off the vine for free! The grapes were like raisins on the vine when I was there. Tasty! And, you can see a sequoia that Muir planted.
2. Benicia Capitol State Historic Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 67 reviews
Park houses the Fischer-Hanlon house and the one time California State Capitol building.
Reviewed By jdc8mbc - California
The Benicia State Capitol building is the only still-standing pre-Sacramento capital building. (Previous locations included San Jose, Vallejo, and Benicia. Monterey was the capital when California was under Spanish/Mexican rule.) The building houses a museum displaying artifacts and objects from when Benicia served as California's capital, including the rooms housing the House and Senate. The museum is open Thursday-Sunday, closed Monday, Tuesday and holidays. The volunteer ranger was quite knowledgeable and helpful in explaining the history of California.
3. San Francisco Bay Ferry Vallejo Service
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 286 reviews
Reviewed By Gene G - Benicia, California
Park $, then my Senior clipper card makes it easy to Ferry Building, then the street car works for me. From Benicia it is 7 Miles and no bridge versus bart. I like it, coming back the line wraps around the ferry Building,
4. Benicia State Recreation Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 69 reviews
Reviewed By Gregory S - Lodi, California
I have mixed feeling about this Park. We visited in mid-August, everything above the water and wetlands was dry a uninviting. Maybe this would be better in the spring and might be a good place to camp then. The parking lot at the end of the road was full. We could see people near the water. Some were fishing.
5. Martinez Regional Shoreline
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 51 reviews
Reviewed By YayaShare - Concord, California
The Martinez Regional Shoreline offers about a two mile fun and easy hike along the shore in Martinez. The well-maintained path meanders through lush shore vegetation and along the water. It's a perfect place to take young children as there is plenty to see, including the remains of an old beached sailing ship. Along the shore there are places to find sea glass, which kids really like. This is a nice place to visit for a leasurely stroll.
6. California Magic Dinner Theatre
Overall Ratings
5 based on 39 reviews
Reviewed By travel4CF - San Gabriel, California
Gary Griffin is a fantastic host at the California Magic Theatre. We enjoyed a tasty dinner, attentive service from staff, and close up magic at our table. The Illusionist, Jack Alexander, was amazing. The headlining magician, Mark Morfin, was entertaining with his stories and magic. I and my guests enjoyed every moment with laughs or ooh's & awe. I could not have found a more fun supper club to celebrate time together or to just have a fun night out.
7. Benicia Public Pier & Beach
Overall Ratings
4 based on 31 reviews
Reviewed By CynBee227 - Vallejo, California
Great area to launch a small boat or kayak, grass area to picnic, beach volleyball net, play structure for small children, and bathroom (not fancy but offer a toilet and sink). Beautiful carquinez straight location to view sunset over the bridge.
8. Benicia Historical Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22 reviews
The Benicia Historical Museum at the Camel Barns is located in the heart of the historic Benicia Arsenal (The Arsenal land was turned over to the City of Benicia in 1964 from the US Army.) The Museum highlights local history from the Patwin Tribes to modern times with our Sustainability and Granizo Art Tiles exhibits. At the Museum you will learn how this little city reflects the larger changes of the state of California and how Benicia influenced several of these changes.
Reviewed By John L - San Francisco, California
This is an excellent museum covering lots of Benicia history. It’s not often we visit a used camel lot. The docents are knowledgeable, friendly and present their information in an easy to understand way. I’ve lived in The Bay Area since 1949. This is the first time we’ve spent any time in Benicia and now realize what a lot of history is there. Used Camels, railroad ferries, arsenals, buildings manufactured on the East Coast and assembled in town, the State Capitol, along with pretty grounds make for a great day. Bring a snack and children along. Unfortunately no camels there.
9. Armando's
Overall Ratings
5 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By travelingranmaFresno - Fresno
I was actually taking a walk through the town when I heard some lively music. Out of curiosity and the love of music I went to check it out. What I found was a quaint and obviously popular bar with live music. My timing being what it is, I caught the tail end and do not have as much to tell you as I would like. The place was packed in the late afternoon. Drinks were being served and people were laughing and rocking to the music.
LIve music is offered on various days through the week. Entry fee is inexpensive, maximum being$15, but, usually only $10. Music genres include blues, jazz, bluegrass and more. Being live there seems to be plenty of interaction between the bands and the audience. One of the things that attracted me the most was the interesting environment this bar presents. Review the photos carefully and take time to visit Armando's.
10. Benicia Certified Farmers Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By hutchss - Benicia, California
This is a weekly Farmer’s Market in downtown Benicia that runs from late April to late October on Thursdays. The time - which varies with daylight - is 4:00 to 7:00 pm - approximately. There are many local produce kiosks plus various others selling jewelry, purses, honey, etc. There are food wagons, too, offering various entrees from hot dogs to hamburgers - and everything else in between. There is always live music with a seating area to sit and listen to the tunes. This market has tons of local energy - a real hometown feel - and many locals come to meet and greet. The local stores enjoy the increased foot traffic, too. After all, Thursday is the new Friday! Love this event and home town feel!
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