1. John Muir National Historic Site
I was visiting with my son so I decided to first head to the John Muir National Historic Site to learn about history and nature in the same spot. This is a public park that honors the life of John Muir, America’s most famous naturalist, and conservationist and advocates for nature.
You'll find the beautifully preserved 14-room Italianate Victorian mansion where Muir lived. The surrounding 325-acres of native grasslands and oak woodlands are still delightful (they were owned by the Muir family).
You can enjoy several activities such as a 20-minute film at the Muir/Strentzel Visitor’s Center about Muir's contributions to conservation called A Glorious Journey, a Muir/Strentzel Family Gravesite Tour. We checked out the variety of ranger programs and spent quite a bit of time here.
Address: 4202 Alhambra Ave, Martinez, CA 94553
2. Radke Martinez Regional Shoreline
Another great place to spend time outdoors was Radke Martinez Regional Shoreline. This is a 343-acre regional park located on the shoreline of Carquinez Strait in Martinez.
Part of the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) system, the park features a variety of outdoor recreation for the whole family to enjoy. Think open grassy lawns with picnic areas, bocce ball courts, soccer and softball fields, a skateboard park, and three miles of hiking and biking trails along the shoreline and through the surrounding marshlands. I was surprised to learn that the 500-mile long San Francisco Bay Trail actually passes through the park. We rested next to a pond (there are several!). You can enjoy excellent birdwatching and fishing here.
Ferry St, Martinez, CA 94553, Phone: 888-327-2757
3. California Magic Club
The California Magic Club is dedicated to all things magical so if you are a fan, don't miss this. It's been running for two decades.
Nestled on Main Street in the historic district of downtown Martinez, the unique venue is a combination of dinner theater, magic shop, comedy club, historical museum, and training ground for up-and-coming magicians that offers an unforgettable evening out.
Dinner theater shows include a three-course dinner. You get to enjoy an hour-long stage show with close-up magic performed.
Featured performers vary each weekend, and special dietary requirements can be taken into consideration.
California Magic Dinner Theatre, 514 Main St, Martinez, CA 94553, Phone: 925-374-0056
4. Martinez Museum
The Martinez Museum is another great place where you can learn about local history. It is managed by the Martinez Historical Society and is dedicated to showcasing the history and heritage of Martinez.
Established in 1973 to save an 1890 cottage from demolition, the Martinez Historical Society began to collect papers, documents, photographs and artifacts that documented the city’s history and opened the Martinez Museum to share the story with the public.
Today, the Museum features a comprehensive county history library with an extensive collection of historical photographs, artifacts from the city and county. The Martinez Museum is open on the first four Tuesdays and Thursdays of each month and the first four Sundays of each month.
1005 Escobar St, Martinez, CA 94553, Phone: 925-228-8160
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
5. George Miller Regional Trail
If you like a walk or a jog like me, don't miss the George Miller Regional Trail is a paved pedestrian trail that links Martinez to Port Costa and is open to walkers, bikers, and equestrians.
Named to honor Congressman George Miller for work and his crucial support on the restoration of the old county road for almost 40 years, the scenic trail winds along the Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline through the wooded landscape with gentle grades, boasting spectacular views of Carquinez Strait, Benicia’s waterfront and Mt Diablo along the way.
The multi-use trail links the communities of Martinez, Port Costa, and Crockett with accessible cycling, hiking, and horseback riding route and is closed to all motorized vehicles. The George Miller Regional Trail is open to the public seven days a week.
6. Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline
The Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline is a parkland that runs between the town of Crockett and the hillsides overlooking Martinez. It is made up of 1,415 acres of rugged bluffs, wooded ravines, open, rolling grasslands and eucalyptus-shaded meadows. I walked along the riverside shoreline and it was beautiful!
Providing a gateway to the river delta region along the northern edge of Contra Costa County, the parkland features several multi-purpose trails that wind their way around the beautiful landscapes, boasting canyon views and ridgetop vistas.
The northwestern edge of the shoreline park features the remnants of a former brickworks, grain wharf, and resort, which date back to the turn of the century and recall the historic character of the site.
Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline, Carquinez Scenic Drive in Martinez and Crockett, CA
7. Contra Costa County Historical Society
Visiting hours are limited at the Contra Costa County Historical Society, so be sure to plan your visit carefully if you are a history buff. The Contra Costa County Historical Society was established to preserve and protect the documents and records pertaining to the history and heritage of Contra Costa County, as well as provide access to them for research and educational purposes.
The Contra Costa County Historical Society has a History Center that stands as an archive and treasure trove of pictures, photographs, letters, records and documents that tell the story of Contra Costa County's past.
The Center is a working facility where such documents are available for research purposes and are preserved for future generations.
Contra Costa County Historical Society's History Center, 724 Escobar Street, Martinez, CA, Phone: 925-229-1042
Where to Eat:
8. Copper Skillet Courtyard
Rest your feet and enjoy have lunch (or you could start with a hearty breakfast)! Copper Skillet Courtyard is a family-owned restaurant that has been serving delicious fare to the community of Martinez for more than 18 years.
Boasting an old-school woodsy vibe, the family-friendly restaurant is famous for its $5.99 breakfast specials which are served Monday through Friday and provide five different options from which to choose.
The restaurant also offers other specials such as $6.99 lunch specials with seven different options and a variety of signature dishes like the Martinez Burger with half a pound of hamburger patty stacked with Ortega chili peppers, bacon, jack cheese, and tomato on grilled sourdough bread.
I enjoyed the Reuben Sandwich which boasts grilled pastrami with sauerkraut and Swiss cheese on rye bread and is served with kosher pickles and fries.
811 Ferry St, Martinez, CA 94553, Phone: 925-228-3457
Plan Your Trip