Benicia, Waterfront city in Solano County, California, US.
Description
Benicia is a city in Solano County, California, sitting on the north shore of the Carquinez Strait. Residential streets mix with older commercial zones, while the waterfront area offers access to the water and small parks scattered along the shoreline.
History
The settlement was founded in 1847 by General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo and his brother-in-law, named for Vallejo's wife. Between 1853 and 1854 the California government met here before moving permanently to Sacramento.
Culture
The name comes from Doña Francisca Benicia Vallejo, wife of a Mexican general who once controlled the region. Today visitors see the legacy in the downtown quarter along First Street, where old storefronts and brick buildings recall the early settlement years.
Practical
Downtown streets with shops and restaurants sit close to the water and can be explored on foot. Visitors driving from the Bay Area cross the Benicia-Martinez Bridge over the strait and find parking along the main avenues.
Did you know?
The old 19th-century arsenal complex now houses workshops and galleries, where artists have set up studios in the former brick buildings. On weekends visitors often find open studio events where they can watch craftspeople at work.
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National Defense Reserve Fleet
5.3 km
Benicia–Martinez Bridge
3.9 kmGlass Beach
2 km
Benicia State Recreation Area
3.4 km
Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline
3.6 km
Port Costa School
3.5 km
Radke Martinez Regional Shoreline
4.8 km
Martinez Library
5.4 km
Old Masonic Hall
1.2 km
Jardín Botánico de Plantas Nativas Forrest Deaner
0 mMaria Field
1.6 kmDuncan Graham Park
1.2 km
Benicia Public Library
1.1 kmBenicia Capitol State Historical Monument
1.5 kmCity of Benicia Fishing Pier
2.3 kmBandstand
1.1 kmArch Bridge
4.7 kmMartinez Waterfront Amphitheatre
4.7 kmBenicia Plein Air Gallery
1.9 kmHappy Life Pottery and Gallery
1.6 kmMartinez Beavers
5.3 kmBenicia Bench
2.1 kmMural, Work of art
5.4 kmWork of art, sculpture
5.3 kmVista Point
2.7 kmScenic viewpoint
2.2 kmScenic viewpoint
2.2 kmScenic viewpoint
3.8 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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