Benicia, California

• When was Benicia the capital of California?
  • From February 1853 to February 1854, Benicia served as the capital of California.
  • The state legislature met at the Benicia Capitol until voting to move the capitol to Sacramento, where it remains today.
• What is the significance of the Benicia Capitol building?
  • The Benicia Capitol State Historic Park houses the only pre-Sacramento state capitol building still standing in California.
• Has the Benicia Capitol building been restored?
  • Yes! The building has been painstakingly restored as closely as possible to its original state.
• What can visitors see when touring the Benicia Capitol?
  • Visitors can explore a recreation of the legislative chamber, including the desks and setup of the original interior.
  • The capitol also features exhibits on California’s history, providing insights into the state's past.

115 W G St, Benicia, CA 94510

• What is the Benicia State Recreation Area?
  • Benicia State Recreation Area is a protected tidal wetland located just a couple of miles west of downtown Benicia.
• What kinds of wildlife can be found in the recreation area?
  • The marshes are home to a wide variety of species, including:
    • Birds, such as Rails, Yellowthroats, and Suisun Song Sparrows
    • Mammals, including river otters, beavers, coyotes, and muskrats
• What bird species can be spotted at Benicia State Recreation Area?
  • Bird lovers may find several species of Rails, including:
    • California Clapper Rail
    • Black Rail
    • Virginia Rail
  • Other common sightings include Yellowthroats and Suisun Song Sparrows.
• What recreational activities are available?
  • The park features over 2.5 miles of paved paths, perfect for:
    • Walking
    • Biking
    • Running
    • Roller skating
    • Taking a leashed dog for a stroll
• Are there scenic spots or picnic areas?
  • Visitors can enjoy beautiful views at Dillon’s Point.
  • There is also a picnic area available for visitors to relax and enjoy the surroundings.

1 State Park Rd, Benicia, CA 94510, Phone: 707-648-1911

Activities and Attractions for Couples:

• What is the Benicia Public Pier?
  • The Benicia Public Pier follows the line of the waterfront along the Carquinez Strait, and the promenade features many palm trees, scenic views, and benches.
• What can visitors expect along the waterfront?
  • Visitors taking a walk along the waterfront will find everything from fishermen to sailboats just off the coast, and the beach near the pier is a relaxing place to take in some sun and some views.
• Is the beach near the pier crowded?
  • The beach is heavily populated on weekends and sunny days by locals and vacationers alike.
• Is the beach dog-friendly?
  • Yes, it is even dog friendly, so both humans and their four-legged pals can dip their feet in the water and play in the sand.

• What is Arts Benicia?
  • With a focus on the visual arts, Arts Benicia works to bring art and creativity to the Benicia community through a series of exhibits, classes, events, and other opportunities.
• Who can participate in Arts Benicia events?
  • This organization hosts events for both youth and adults to encourage them to get in touch with their creative sides.
• What types of classes and workshops are available?
  • Classes and workshops include topics such as drawing, painting, sketch journaling, photography, and mixed media art.
• What community events does Arts Benicia offer?
  • Throughout the year, Arts Benicia offers many events such as sidewalk sales, “Creativi-Tea” parties at local cafes and tea rooms, and even events where folks can paint together in the park or at the waterfront.

991 Tyler St # 114, Benicia, CA 94510, Phone: 707-747-0131

• What is the Benicia Certified Farmers Market?
  • At the Benicia Certified Farmers Market, located on First Street from B Street to D Street, visitors can indulge in local food and produce from farmers and producers in the area.
• When does the farmers market take place?
  • This evening farmer’s market runs on Thursdays between 4 pm and 8 pm, from the last Thursday in April all the way through to the end of October.
• What can visitors find at the farmers market?
  • Not only is there fresh produce, nuts, and fresh-cut flowers sold under the white awnings and tents of the market, but there are also a multitude of food vendors where guests can grab a bite of street food for dinner or a snack.
• Are there other vendors besides food sellers?
  • Yes, the market also features a number of craft sellers and some non-profits which set up shop in the market.

90 1st St, Benicia, CA 94510, Phone: 707-745-9791

• What is the historical significance of Benicia?
  • The city of Benicia holds a special place in the history of California, as the one-time capital of the state, and also in other unique ways such as being the headquarters of the camel experiments in the mid-1800s.
• What can visitors see at the Benicia Historical Museum?
  • At the Benicia Historical Museum, visitors will find artifacts and exhibits relating to this history, all housed in a beautifully historic building called the Camel Barn.
• Why is the museum building called the Camel Barn?
  • The Camel Barn is named for the camels that were kept there before the Civil War when the U.S. military shipped camels from the Middle East and experimented with their use as pack animals.

2060 Camel Rd, Benicia, CA 94510, Phone: 707-745-5435

If you are traveling with kids:

• What is the Benicia Clocktower?
  • The Benicia Clocktower makes for an impressive sight near the entrance to the Port of Benicia.
• When was the Benicia Clocktower built?
  • Built from local sandstone found in Benicia in 1859, the Clock Tower was originally constructed as a three-story building to be part of the U.S. Military Arsenal.
• Why does the Clock Tower only have two stories today?
  • Unfortunately, due to a fire in 1912, the building was damaged and now only has two stories instead of three.
• Why is the Benicia Clocktower significant?
  • The Clock Tower remains a striking building that appears in many photographs and depictions as an icon of Benicia.
• How is the Benicia Clocktower used today?
  • Today, the Benicia Clocktower is primarily used for events, weddings, conferences, dances, and other functions.

1189 Washington St, Benicia, CA 94510, Phone: 707-746-4285

• What is the Fischer-Hanlon House?
  • The Fischer-Hanlon House is a California Historical Landmark located on West G Street, next to Benicia Capitol State Historic Park.
• What is the history of the Fischer-Hanlon House?
  • The Fischer-Hanlon House was once a hotel during the Gold Rush era, originally located on First Street. After a fire, the owner, Joseph Fischer, had the entire house relocated to its current location.
• What does the Fischer-Hanlon House look like?
  • The house has a wide front face, turquoise shutters, and a small balcony over the front door, giving it an unassuming appearance, but it is a true slice of history.
• Can the Fischer-Hanlon House be used for events?
  • Yes, today the house and its gorgeous gardens are available for use as a venue for weddings and other events.
• Is the Fischer-Hanlon House a family-friendly attraction?
  • Yes, the Fischer-Hanlon House is a unique California attraction that you can visit with the whole family.

115 W G St, Benicia, CA 94510, Phone: 707-745-3385

• What is the Benicia Fire Museum?
  • Founded in 1981, the Benicia Fire Museum documents the history of the fire department in the city.
• What can visitors see inside the museum?
  • The museum’s expansive collection includes historic fire engines dating back to the early 1800s, showing how fire-fighting technology evolved over time.
• What is the significance of the Phoenix fire engine?
  • The Phoenix engine started in New York and was shipped to California in 1820, making it the first fire engine in the entire state. It remained in service until 1923.
• How does the museum showcase the evolution of firefighting?
  • The collection highlights the development of firefighting techniques with inventions like the hand pump for water and more advanced fire engines.
• Are there any stories about the firemen in the museum?
  • Yes, the exhibits tell amusing and informative stories about the firemen who worked tirelessly to protect their city.

900 E 2nd St, Benicia, CA 94510, Phone: 707-745-1688