Benicia is a waterside city in Solano County, California, located in the North Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area. It served as the state capital for nearly thirteen months from 1853 to 1854. The city is located along the north bank of the Carquinez Strait.
The main retail area in Benicia is First Street, which attracts out-of-town antique and boutique shoppers and those seeking small-town, historic charm. In 1987 Benicia was selected to participate in the California Main Street Program.
Sites of Benicia include:
- Third capitol of California, a restored building and interpretive historic materials
- Glass Beach is an unusual beach that is abundant in sea glass created from years of dumping garbage into an area of the coastline.
- A segment of the bicycle/pedestrian San Francisco Bay Trail runs through the Benicia State Recreational Area and downtown Benicia
Benicia Arsenal - Benicia Main Street: First Street-Shopping, Dining and Business district
- Alverez 9th Street Park has boat landing, beach area and a playground for kids.
ART
The historic neighborhoods and Benicia's water views have attracted artists with international reputations, such as Jack London, who visited Benicia on many occasions. Well-known local artist, the late Robert Arneson, built both his home and studio on First Street near the waterfront, where he played as a child. The site is distinguished by the famous Arneson bricks embedded in the sidewalk. Benicia Old Town Theatre Group offers high-quality theatrical entertainment opportunities and training in all aspects of theatrical arts, allowing aspiring performers and behind-the-scenes volunteers to learn practice and perfect their craft. Benicia is a community-based non-profit organization that provides quality exhibitions in its gallery and at other venues in Benicia, engaging public programs and inspiring family and youth art programs. For 30 years Arts Benicia has been a vital part of the local and regional art community, furthering and supporting artistic development, and enriching the larger community.