Benicia, California, is a city on the water that reflects the Golden State’s classic charm. The city was once the capital of the state. It is in the North Bay area of the San Francisco Bay Area.
The city is where history, culture, and natural beauty all come together, making it a must-see for people who like both excitement and peace.
Here is a look at Benicia’s best-kept secrets, hidden gems, and most popular sites from someone who lives there. This article talks about every aspect of Benicia, from quiet beach vacations and historic sites to high-end restaurants and unique local art scenes. It’s a must-read for anyone planning a trip to this beautiful Californian town.
13+ Fun Things To Do In 2024 In Benicia, California
1. Benicia State Recreation Area
At Benicia State Recreation Area, you can start your trip by enjoying nature. This state park, which opened in 1957, is a haven for walkers and people who love animals.
This park is 447 acres big and has a marsh, grassy fields, and rocky beaches. Its beautiful trails lead to breathtaking views of the Carquinez Strait, and its diverse ecosystem makes it a great place to watch birds and take pictures of wildlife.
You can run, walk, roller skate, or ride a bike on the park’s 2.5 miles of road and bike paths, which are fun things to do outside in Benicia. You can also have a picnic in the spot a mile into the park.
The address is 1 State Park Rd, Benicia, CA 94510.
2. Benicia Capitol State Historic Park
In Benicia, one of the interesting things to do is to see California’s third capitol building. This is where the state government met from 1853 to 1854.
The building of the capitol is the only pre-Sacremento capital that still stands. The Fischer-Hanlon House is in the park. It is an early Benica building that was moved to the land and turned into a house in 1858.
Inside the Benicia Capitol State Historic Park, you can go on a guided walk to see several desks that were used in the early days of the state. Each desk has a candlestick, a quill, a newspaper from the 1800s, and a top hat.
115 W G St, Benicia, CA 94510
3. Benicia Historical Museum
Want to do something fun today in Benicia? Visit the Benicia Historical Museum to learn about the past of the area. The museum is in the old city armory and lets people learn about Benicia’s history.
From Native American history to the city’s part in the Gold Rush and WWII, the museum’s collections cover a lot of ground when it comes to local history.
There are artifacts and displays about the history of the city on your right. They are all in a beautiful old building called the Camel Barn, which got its name from the camels that were kept there before the Civil War while the US military brought them in from the Middle East to try out using them as pack animals.
This is the address: 2024 Camel Rd, Benicia, CA 94510
4. Arts Benicia
Arts Benicia, which has been around since 1987, is one of the best places for art lovers to go in Benicia. A lot of bright artists from the Bay Area and beyond gather at this lively non-profit gallery.
Arts Benicia is in the historic Commanding Officer’s Quarters in the Arsenal area. It has three floors with gallery, classroom, and project spaces that add up to about 6,000 square feet.
Check out this gallery to see some of the best neighborhood art. There are a lot of free things to do in Benicia, California. One of them is Art Benicia.
This is the address: 1 Commandant’s Lane, Benicia, CA 94510
5. Benicia Public Pier & Beach
One fun thing to do outside with family in Benicia is to go to the Benicia Public Pier & Beach. With its location on the Carquinez Strait, this waterfront spot lets guests enjoy the peace of the Strait, relax on the beach, or fish off the public pier.
You can take a stroll along the Benicia pier or watch as fisherman set their lines a few meters out to sea while enjoying the unique atmosphere and charm of the coastal city.
This is the address: 101 1st St, Benicia, CA 94510
6. Benicia Certified Farmers Market
The Benicia Certified Farmers Market is on First Street between B and D Streets and is open every Thursday from April to October.
At this seasonal market, you can find farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh-cut flowers, arts and crafts, specialty foods, baked goods, and a lot of gourmet food sellers. On First Street Green, kids can also have fun with things like face painting and the inflatable bounce house.
1st Street between B and E D St, Benicia, CA 94510
7. Cullinan Ranch
A short drive to Cullinan Ranch is a fun thing to do near Benicia. This swamp restoration area was made in the early 1990s and has many fun things to do, like watching birds, fishing, and hiding along the paths.
The ranch has beautiful views of the mountains that circle the Bay and the animals that live in the restored ponds. At Cullinan Ranch, some tracks lead to an observation point, benches, and signs that tell you about safety and other things.
1158 Sears Point Rd, Vallejo, CA 94592
8. Benicia Community Park
Check out the Benicia Community Park, also known as Big Slide Park. It’s a fun thing to do with you and your family. This park is a great place for families to spend time outside.
The park has a lot of different features, such as picnic areas with grills that can be reserved, baseball fields, multi-use fields, volleyball grass courts, a state park, a dog park, bathrooms, a playground, a walk to Lake Herman, a frisbee golf course, and access to the Rollye Wilkerson Trail.
If you’re with your family in Benicia, you should spend the weekend at this lovely park.
This is the address: 540 Rose Dr, Benicia, CA 94510
9. Benicia Clocktower
The Benicia limestone found was used to build the Clock Tower in 1859. It is a three-story historic building that is part of the U.S. Military Arsenal. Since there was a fire in 1912, the Clock Tower only has two floors left.
This historic building is at the entrance to the Port of Benicia and is mostly used for events, weddings, conferences, dances, and other activities these days.
If you go to the Benicia Clocktower on a Tuesday afternoon, you can take a walk of the inside and see what’s inside.
This is the address: 1189 Washington St, Benicia, CA 94510
10. Alvarez Ninth Street Park
One unique thing to do in Benicia is to have fun in the outdoors at Alvarez Ninth Street Park. This park is on 9th Street and is 5.8 acres in size.
This park is free to enter and has a lot of fun outdoor features, such as a boat launch, a fishing pier, a picnic area with a grill, a playground, bathrooms, a beach, sand volleyball fields, a turf area, and a natural view.
You can have a picnic, take a stroll along the water, or just sit back and watch the world go by during your stay.
904 W 9th St, Benicia, CA 94510
11. Sailor Jacks
There are some great seafood places in Benicia that you should try while you’re there. This restaurant on the water in Benicia is named after a famous sea captain from the 1800s. It serves delicious, real fish.
This diner is on the beautiful Carquinez Straits and serves lunch, dinner, and brunch on the weekends. It’s a great place for a lovely dinner because you can see the whole Carquinez Strait from there.
123 1st St., Benicia, CA 94510
12. Mare Island Preserve
You can have fun at the Mare Island Preserve, which is close to Benicia, CA. This 215-acre park used to be part of the Naval Ammunition Depot and is just across the strait.
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There are great walking tracks, lots of beautiful wildlife, and stunning views of San Pablo Bay in this park. Wildlife can now live in safety in the preserve, which is open to the public. It also has important naval sites.
One of the best things to do in Vallejo, CA is to search this area.
Get in touch at 167 O’Hara Ct, Vallejo, CA 94592
13. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
Want to do something fun today in Benicia? Then go to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, which is one of the oldest Episcopal churches in California.
Beautiful Gothic Revival design and stained-glass windows make this church, which was built in 1855, stand out. When you visit the church, you can be amazed by how well this old building has stood the test of time.
120 E J St, Benicia, CA 94510
14. Fischer-Hanlon House
The Fischer-Hanlon House is a California Historical Landmark that is next to Benicia Capitol State Historic Park. It is a fun place for history buffs to visit in Benicia.
During the gold rush, the house was used as a hotel. After a fire in 1856, it was bought by Joseph Fischer, a businessman from Benicia who was born in Switzerland and had the whole thing moved to where it is now.
These days, weddings and other events can be held in the house and its lovely grounds. Take a walk around this beautiful building and admire the work of art that is on show.
115 W G St, Benicia, CA 94510
15. Benicia Marina
A stroll through the harbor is a fun thing to do in Benicia. The harbor has a lovely path for walking or riding bikes that is good for both kids and adults.
One side of the road has hundreds of boats docked, and the other side has a line of willow trees. There’s no better place to take it easy and enjoy the sun. Along First Street, the marina makes it easy to walk to and from the shops, restaurants, spas, nightlife, and tourist centers.
266 E B St, Benicia, CA 94510
Ideas for Things to Do in Benicia
Benicia is a city with a lot to offer. It has a rich history, a lively arts scene, beautiful parks, and unique places to eat. Make sure Benicia is on your list of places to visit in California when you plan your next trip there. Explore this lovely city and find out what makes it special.