Benicia is a Bay Area city adjacent to the Carquinez Strait, which forms part of San Francisco Bay. Benicia, with a population of 28,000, is known for its small-town friendliness and high quality of life.
In addition to its historic charm, Benicia has a wealth of leisure and recreational options.
At Embarc Dispensary in Fairfield, we love our small Bay Area communities and hope that all of our customers get the chance to explore what this region has to offer.
Here’s a quick summary of all the things that make Benicia a great town to visit and explore. Check our visitor’s guide to Benicia below:
BENICIA’S MANY RECREATION AREAS
Benicia has a full-service marina and several municipal parks, as well as the Benicia Capitol State Historic Park and Benicia State Recreation Area, a nearly 500 acre open space area adjacent to Southampton Bay, so there’s no shortage of outdoor recreation to be enjoyed here.
Benicia State Recreation Area is a California state park that protects tidal wetland. It is located 2 miles west of downtown Benicia, and borders Glen Cove, Vallejo’s neighboring city.
The park stretches 447 acres along the Carquinez Strait’s narrowest stretch, encompassing marshlands, grassy hilltops and rocky beaches.
Southampton Creek and the tidal marsh front San Pablo Bay; the combined waters of the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers reach it from the north.
Benicia’s location on the Carquinez Strait makes it a perfect spot for enjoying water activities. There are several marinas in town, as well as a public boat launch.
The Benicia State Recreation Area offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, picnicking, and camping. And don’t forget to explore the historic downtown area!
HISTORY IN BENICIA
Benicia, founded in 1849, was the third city to incorporate in the California State after Sacramento and San Luis Obispo.
It became the third state capital in 1853. Benicians hurried to build the red brick capitol building after it was discovered that legislators were dissatisfied with muddy San Jose.
The structure is now a state park and a designated historic landmark open for visitation. After 13 months as the State Capital, the legislature relocated to Sacramento. The building is now a state park and a historical site accessible for tours.
The Benicia Historical Museum tells the history of Benicia’s significance in California’s history, as well as how this history relates to the formation of our nation before and after statehood.
One of Benicia’s most distinctive contributions to US military history is known as the Camel Barns Complex. In the 1850s and 1860s, the United States Army tested camels — imported from the Middle East — as pack animals.
The practice was discontinued following the outbreak of the Civil War.
The remaining camels were taken to Benicia Arsenal for sale to the public and kept in what is now our main Museum gallery.
Today, the museum functions as a place for the community to learn about its history. It runs several community events and educational opportunities throughout the year.
ARTS AND CULTURE IN BENICIA
Arts Benicia is a non-profit organization dedicated to cultivating cultural life in Benicia through the visual arts.
They organize exhibitions, educational programs, and workshops designed to help artists and engage the general public.
The group has seasonal art shows and gallery openings throughout the year, as well as annual charity art auctions in the fall. Various special projects are also offered, as well as monthly drawing classes.
The Benicia City Park Arts in the Park is an annual summer arts event held there.
The Benicia Peddler’s Fair is one of Northern California’s largest street fests, first started in 1963 with a few collectible and antique stores setting up their goods on tables outside St. Paul’s Church.
It has long been traditional to have the Benicia Fourth of July Parade down First Street, which features music, dancing, floats, horses, clowns, and live performers.
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN BENICIA
Benicia boasts over 30 historical sites in the downtown area, including a restored State Capitol dating from 1853.
The re-created State Capitol is one of California’s most notable landmarks, having been built in 1853.
The historic core of Benicia offers approximately a mile of one-of-a-kind specialty shops, antique dealers, and excellent restaurants.
From the early Victorian houses, which date back to the 1850s and up to the turn of the century, to beautiful restorations of many of these structures, you’ll notice the Victorian-inspired homes and “false-front western” architectural examples that date from the 1850s through today.
Many of these structures have been tastefully restored while new commercial developments add to Benicia’s historic charm.
EMBARC DISPENSARY – FAIRFIELD
Located at 180 Serrano Drive in Fairfield, Embarc is committed to serving top quality cannabis products to towns across the Bay Area and beyond.
Visit us in-store and browse our shelves with a shopping basket in-hand. Or, consult with our friendly Guides who will walk you through our inventory and help you find the best products for your personal preferences and needs.
If you’re a flower smoker, stop by our flower bar and actually see and smell the flower yourself. We hope that our premium cannabis and welcoming atmosphere keep you coming back to shop with us — we’re looking forward to serving you!
