Location: Martinez
Top Things to do in Martinez
Top 10 Things to do in Martinez, United States
Martinez (/mɑːrˈtiːnɪs/ mar-TEE-niss; Spanish: Martínez) is a city in and the county seat of Contra Costa County, California, in the East Bay of the San Francisco Bay Area. The population was 35,824 at the 2010 census. The downtown is notable for its large number of preserved old buildings and antique shops. Martinez is located on the southern shore of the Carquinez Strait in the San Francisco Bay Area, directly facing the city center of Benicia and the southeastern end of Vallejo, California.
Restaurants in Martinez
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. Todos Santos Plaza
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 46 reviews
Reviewed By phil350 - Concord, California
The place has gone through lots of renovations and upgrades. The latest is the best with signs and lights. They have farmers market every week, some small concerts, and there's lots of lawn for kids to play around. They have fenced the area in now that kids don't wonder off too easily. It's located in the center of Concord surrounded by many restaurants, stores, fire station, banks, movie theater, hotels and residential areas. It is a place with diverse amount of people come to visit or go to. At night they light the trees and make the place a warm place to go. Nearby is BART station walking distance away. Bus is also available and taxi cabs as well.
4. See's Candies
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By p0psDaad9 - Pleasant Hill, California
This is easy. I first came into a See's on my own in 1956. I was looking for a gift for a girl friend. I'd been in there with my Mother on a few occasions before but this was my first time solo. What impressed me most was the service they will package your choices as you like. They always give you a freeby
The first Sees I, California. went to was in Alameda I've been in many since and they are consistently good!
I send Chocolates to my By brother in Verplankt, NY, if I miss an occasion , he reminds me
I've been at Pleasant Hill, which has it's own See's since 1997 Every bit as good
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. Lindsay Wildlife Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 210 reviews
Reviewed By 862heather - Walnut, California
Thus is a small animal museum with attached clinic for injured wildlife and a nice small gift shop. Nearby is a miniature train museum especially wonderful during the holiday season.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
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