Benicia California

Hidden Treasure by the Bay

Photographs and Text by Dawn Bonner

Imagine spending an afternoon gliding across the water kite surfing or jumping off a cliff to hang glide over wind surfers and sailboats as they zigzag the waves at the Ninth Street Park. Or, kayaking, canoeing or walking and enjoying the roses and beautiful landscape.

Then, after working up an appetite, knowing only a few blocks away, gourmet delights wait to satiate the taste buds. Then, after a great meal, burn off the calories by taking a stroll to admire the latest hand blown vases and contemporary furniture, plus the newest additions of antiques found by shop owners with exquisite taste.

Sounds like an exquisite vacation, doesn’t it?

This haven is called Benicia, Calif., where outdoor sports abound in the charming city by the bay. Kayakers, boaters, fishermen, bikers, pets, and walkers are welcomed with an abundance of water, wind, and beauty. Benicia is a great answer for an escape for a few hours or a few days.

Park and walk to the water, breathe in the fresh salt air, hear the sea gulls croon happily as they soar overhead, and enjoy the smells wafting from the restaurant-lined street and relax. Fido is welcome, too.

Promise yourself to take a break, even if it is just for an afternoon.  Go with someone special, have a date with yourself, bring the children or do all of the above and make a weekly date.  And, Benicia is dog friendly, you and Fido will make plenty of friends on your walk by the Bay.  There are watering holes and bag stations on First Street.

Where to Eat on First Street

 

• Petals Restaurant is the place for unforgettable Thai food, a stunning décor and great service.
• Sandoval’s Mexican Food, for the best burritos.
• Captain Blyther’s or Shoreline Restaurant both offer water view dining.
• Pacifica Pizza or Char’s Hot Dogs for good, fun street food.
• Union Hotel Restaurant and Bar for full-service dining.
• The Jefferson Street Mansion at 1063 Jefferson St., serves exquisite food for a truly grand dining experience. Each table is limited to two seatings per night, so the guests can enjoy each other while lingering over each course. Guests are invited to peruse the mansion and enjoy the exquisite décor.

Where to Shop

• Environments, at 970 Grant Street, is a furniture store dedicated to designs that are architectural in nature with a quality that is hard to find in today’s market. The designs are done in-house and some of the furniture is even made on site. If you are looking for unique art, sculpture, and accessories for your home, this is a great resource. You can furnish your dining room, bedroom and living room in one stop with elegance and show stopping pieces.

• Iron Horse at 433 First Street, has grown from a small space to

a huge store with romantic pieces for the abode. Lighting, chairs, throws, furniture, and art.  With and emphasis on leather and black wrought iron.
• First Street is dotted with several antique stores that are worthy of your time and attention as well.

Where to Stay

The Inn at Benicia Bay, 145 East D Street, offers a romantic B&B. A block off First Street, in the heart of downtown Benicia, the Inn is a restored 1850s Victorian. With nine rooms to choose from that are furnished with antiques, original artwork and Jacuzzi baths, prices range from $129 to $249. One of the rooms has Erte prints with an art deco theme, and another room has a poster bed, gorgeous marble fireplace, double Jacuzzi tub and a dry sauna.

What to do

The Historic Downtown Benicia Walking Tour is a great way to learn of the rich history of this former capital of California. Pick up the Walking Tour brochure from the Chamber of Commerce located at 601 First Street.  The tour starts at the public fishing pier where parking is free and plentiful. The tour includes such notables as the original train depot where the world’s largest ferry once called Benicia home. It carried passengers and trains across the water to Port Costa.

The Jurgensen Old Corner Saloon, now home to A Faery Tale, a bookstore, was once a favorite hangout for Jack London. He began his writing career in Benicia where he drew his inspiration for “Tales of the Fish Patrol” and “John Barleycorn.” 

The walk continues on to East 2nd St. to the oldest original, unaltered house in Benicia, the Walsh House, which was shipped from Boston in 1849 and is now a B&B.  The B&B is beautiful, well-kept, and a historical landmark. The tour continues back down the other side of the street to the pier at the restored Benicia train depot, which now houses See’s candy and souvenirs.  The tour has a total of 25 different landmarks to visit.