If you are looking for a waterside destination in the San Francisco Bay Area, consider Benicia. The city sits on a bay in the northern region of Solano County. In the 1850s, it served as the state’s capital for almost 13 months. As of the 2010 United States Census, its population is 26,997.
Happy Life Pottery
Happy Life Pottery and Gallery is a place for art lovers and beginners alike. Visitors can take classes to learn pottery, glassware, jewelry making, and more. They can even book private parties here. It is also a great place for team building activities, birthday parties, and bachelorette parties. The studio is located in the historic downtown Charleston area.
The studio provides all the necessary materials, and the classes are fun and educational. Visitors can learn handbuilding techniques while exploring different glaze options. Students can also glaze their finished pieces. The classes are great for beginners, and Happy Life Pottery also hosts guest potters. Owner David Stellato quit a corporate job to raise his two sons and later discovered the joys of pottery.
The town also offers great shopping, dining, and entertainment. The Tannery Building, or “Tannery Row,” is a vibrant indoor market, complete with restaurants, taverns, and quaint shops. It’s also home to the Benicia Historical Museum, which provides educational activities and displays of the town’s past.
Benicia also boasts a thriving artist community. Local painters, ceramic artists, glass blowers, jewelry makers, and more make their homes in the city. You’ll also be inspired by the city’s scenic vistas and thriving arts scene. A former military base, the Benicia Arsenal, has been turned into a creative space for artists and is home to a gallery that showcases the work of local artists.
Benicia is also home to a certified farmer’s market, where local produce and crafts are sold. The Benicia Art Walk is held on the second Saturday of each month, from June to October. During the Art Walk, visitors can enjoy live demonstrations from local artists and galleries. The event is free and offers plenty of street parking. The event is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.
Rellik Tavern
Rellik Tavern is a casual, comfortable hangout with craft beer, wine, small plates, and live music. You can even stop by for coffee during the day. This cozy bar is the perfect place to unwind after a day at work or play. Located on the edge of the Benicia Harbor, this neighborhood bar is one of the best places to hang out in Benicia.
The friendly service is second to none. When we visited on a Friday evening, the restaurant was already packed. It has a nice back yard and can accommodate private events. The food and drinks were excellent, and the chef is a talented cook. The menu was varied and well priced, with many smoked and flavored beers. The staff is very helpful and knowledgeable. If you’re a beer enthusiast, be sure to check out the Bruehol Benicia Brewing Company.
While you’re in town, you can also enjoy brunch at Rellik Tavern, a hip, cozy bar in downtown Benicia. This upscale tavern features daily gourmet coffee, craft beer and wine, and small plates. On weekends, live music is performed here. The Rellik Tavern also has DJ Decade Thursday specials and a build-your-own Bloody Mary Sunday special, where customers can build their own Bloody Mary.
Rellik Tavern is a quaint, family-owned establishment that serves inventive cocktails and local microbrews. The restaurant has a large wine selection, and its ambiance is intimate and cozy. There is something for every palate. Whether you want to celebrate your big day or relax after a long day at work, Rellik Tavern is a fine place to spend an afternoon.
Benicia Clock Tower: Benicia Clock Tower was originally a military arsenal built in 1859. It was the first of its kind in the “far west.” It was originally built with two towers, but one of them was destroyed by an explosive mishap in 1912. Its distinctive appearance is characterized by its rough rock face and fine Benicia sandstone.
Waterfront: Benicia’s waterfront used to be a bustling seaport. The town was home to tanneries and shipyards. Nowadays, it is a beautiful place to enjoy the view of the Carquinez Strait. In addition, you can enjoy a variety of events here, including the Benicia Waterfront Festival.
Benicia State Recreation Area
The Benicia State Recreation Area is a state park unit in California that protects a tidal wetland. The state park is located in the Solano County city of Benicia, about 2 miles west of downtown. The park also borders the city of Vallejo’s Glen Cove neighborhood.
The park is a wonderful place for bird watching. Many species of birds inhabit the area, including Black Rail, Northern Harrier, Short-eared Owl, and Common Yellowthroat. The wetlands are home to a population of about 3% of the world’s Suisun Song Sparrow, and between five and 10 percent of the Saltmarsh Common Yellowthroat. There are also two miles of bike trails for visitors to enjoy. In addition to bird watching, this state park is also popular for fishing. Visitors must be aware of the rules of the park.
Visitors may also camp en route, but the sites are limited to vehicles with trailers and motor homes. Tents are not permitted. The bay-side trails at Dillon Point are ideal for strolling. There are two separate bay-side paths, including one for cyclists and one for pedestrians. A portion of the Bay Area Ridge Trail runs through the park.
Benicia State Recreation Area is a tidal wetland defense state park unit located on the western border of Benicia. This 720-acre park is home to marshes, grassy hillsides, and rocky beaches. The park is also pet-friendly and welcomes your pets!
Benicia Clocktower
The Benicia Clocktower is a beautiful structure located near the entrance to the Port of Benicia. It was constructed in 1859, using local sandstone. Originally, it had three floors, but an explosion in 1912 damaged it and only two remain. Today, it is used for different events and exhibitions.
Benicia has several attractions to offer tourists. It is a charming, waterfront city with a vibrant arts scene and many dining and retail outlets. There is also a Benicia Clocktower, which is one of the city’s most prominent attractions.
For those interested in art, you may also want to check out the Benicia Historical Museum. This museum is filled with historical relics, exhibits, and more. The Camel Barn gets its name from the animals that lived there during the Civil War. US military personnel brought the camels here from the Middle East.
Another interesting place to visit in Benicia is the Benicia Old Town Theater Group. This non-profit organization has been performing in the city for over fifty years. Its mission is to provide entertainment and educational opportunities for locals and visitors alike. In addition to performing classics, it has also produced shows like Reefer Madness and Rabbit Hole. It also offers Dinner and a Show, which allows you to dine while watching a play.
During the day, you can also relax on the public pier. The pier has benches and scenic views. The town also features a beer garden, which is open from March until the first Friday of December. You can also enjoy a beer at Bruehol Brewing, which features seasonal classics and experimental new kinds. There are also events on a regular basis at this brewery, which make it even more enjoyable to visit.
