Well... I've definitely seen better views in my day. But for what it's worth, it ain't too shabby…read more The Benicia Bridges Vista Point is located a few miles off of highway 680 in Benicia. It offers views of both sections of the Benicia-Martinez bridge, the Carquinez Strait, and the Suisun Bay. I tried coming here a few weeks back at night but I was met by a couple of cops who told me that the viewpoint was closed after dark. Since I was already on the other side of the bridge and it was still daylight out, I decided to try and catch a nice sunset there. Going down 680 South, there's a sign that says "Vista Point" a few exits before the 680/80 split. When you take that exit, you will drive a few miles down and make a left at the overpass. You'll arrive at a small parking lot with plenty of spaces to park. There are two entryways to the viewpoint, but both will take you to the same quick path to the top. There are a couple of benches but beware of bugs! When you make it to the top, you'll be met with the view of the boats sailing on the Suisun bay and cars passing over the Benicia-Martinez Bridge. I guess for the locals here in Benicia, this is probably a nice spot to escape. It's a nice little spot, but not one that I would frequent personally.

If you have a sack lunch and no need for any facilities, this might make a good place to stop to…read moreeat in the car. It is a sunny place without many shade trees when the Sun is overhead. My favorite view is of the three bridges before teaching the parking lot. There is no return lane near the parking! lot exit. If the parking lot appears busy, stop as soon as you enter it and figure out who looks like they are about to pull out and depart the area.

Fellow Yelper Terry T. very thoughtfully picked up on my fondness for mosaic tiled stairs and…read morerecommended I take a look at this particular flight. Vallejo?? Well, I immediately filed it into the cobwebs of what's left of my brain thinking it would be hidden in my subconscious. Sure enough I was recently driving on Route 37 and decided to stop in Vallejo. I'm not sure why, but I suddenly remembered those stairs were somewhere in town. Found 'em. They're in a relatively inconspicuous spot off the main thoroughfare, Sonoma Blvd. it took local neighborhood activists to get them renovated after they fell into a state of disrepair since the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. Inspired by the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps in San Francisco's Inner Sunset (review: https://bit.ly/3rRhxgn), they were able to recruit Aileen Barr and Colette Crutcher, the artists behind that masterwork as well as others in the city. Now I know nothing about Vallejo's history, so I couldn't appreciate a lot of the details of the imagery. Starting with the giant compass on top, it's pretty clear there was a lot of shipbuilding and other maritime activities like the ferry service to and from San Francisco. Obviously it's best to appreciate the two flights of stairs up close for all the trivia, but the best vantage point is actually across the street where the stairs look like a cascading waterfall. So if you're ever in Vallejo... RELATED - Exploring north of San Francisco? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2tIHlkV

Did some sight seeing in the home town today. A project the city had been trying to finish for a…read morewhile now got finished and dedicated at the end of 2021. I've finally made my way down town to see these beautiful steps. These centrally located, yet tucked away treasure can be found of the main road of Sonoma Blvd and Capitol street in downtown Vallejo. Visit for a breathtaking views of the city, walks for pets exercise, or just great photo opps. Whatever may be the case you are sure to enjoy some time enjoying this historical sweet space!

The Benicia-Martinez Bridge isn't anything amazing, although it does get you where you need to go…read morewith a price tag that doesn't seem worth it. There is not much you can do about it if you live there and so you start feeling like you are being taxed on everything, especially if you commute in for work. As of January 1st, 2026, it costs $8.50 to cross the bridge and there are several bridges in the bay area, so it feels that you get price gauged every time you cross any of them and not worth it. The amount of bridges in the bay area and the amount of price gauging is ridiculous. A series of 50-cent annual increases are in effect from 2026 to 2030 so you will continuously have to pay more year after year. The tolls are going up way beyond the rate of inflation and will continue to until 2030 and then they will have another tactic to increase it further. It's expected to be $10.50 to cross the bridge in 2030.

a large, multi lane freeway leading to Benicia, Vallejo, and Napa area. there is rarely traffic, as…read morethere is many lanes, fastrak enforced and nice drive

Lots of details about this interesting corner of the Bay Area provided by our guide Dan G. He was a…read morewealth of information, pretty funny and as a local was able to share a lot of perspective on the islands changes. Great day trip and I wish we had more time to poke around.

Wonderful tour led by Jim. History + nature! A great morning spent on the island…read more For people who are looking to visit the Naval Museum on the island, it is no longer open, but this tour is operative and you get to see the naval chapel and walk around the area. I was originally looking for information about the museum and arrived at this page: https://www.mihpf.org/tours. I hope this will help you find their tour options and dates! All digitalized, no fuss. And it turns out I was the only who signed up for today's tour, and they did not cancel on me because of that. I really really appreciated it. One last thing, the money you spend on the tour goes into helping this foundation : ) Yay!

Walking around on a Sunday afternoon, we notice the Benicia Capitol State Historic Park was open…read more We decided to go in and take a look around. It's not free to do so. I believe it's $3 per adult, which is not bad at all. We walked through and looked at the informational displays on the first floor. The Park Ranger that worked there spoke to us and gave us a little history. We also walked around the carriage house, workers' quarters, and sculptured gardens. Very nice visit. Glad they have it open for tours.

It was so cool understanding more of the history with Benicia and our state. Our guide Charlie was…read moreawesome. He loves his job and history. I loved his energy and how passionate he was. He explained a lot to us and let us take pictures even hold the keys. Its only 3 dollars to get in. Worth it! Only issue is that Fischer house was closed because they're fixing windows and it was suppose to be done by March and it still isnt. So couldn't see inside.

This little gift shop / visitors center at the end of First Street has been a mainstay for at least…read more15 years. It's a one-stop shop for all things visitor related from locally focused tchotchkes, Benicia specific Merch, local maps, community events... and See's Candy!!! The employees are always super knowledgeable, patient and helpful. Would definitely recommend visiting whether you are in town for a quick visit, or you're a local that needs to procure the perfect box of See's Candy as a gift.

MAIN STREET ON FIRST STREET…read more Benicia Main Street is located at the end First Street near the water. The building stands independently and has the happenings of Benicia inside. They sell Benicia-related trinkets for a small fee, local wine, beautiful local art and photography, and even See's chocolate. Most significantly, they organize events like the Benicia Ghost Walk, and promote activities like the Benicia Artists Open Studios. They have maps and a knowledgable person working that will answer questions you have. After asking more about the Ghost Walk, we learned that it was a one-time event that drew so much attention they changed to make it reoccuring. We're told it's very popular and not just focused on ghost-hunting, but that it tells a lot of history as well. Sounds awesome! The small room here is worth stopping in if you've walked all the way down to the water. The building is cute too!

John Muir lived right here in Martinez! I have been here…read moretoo many times to count. It is open every day, and free to visit!! John Muir was a very interesting man. His life story better told here and online than by me. I definitely recommend a visit! 5 stars for sure

4.4 stars We all…read moreknow some of his famous quotes: "The mountains are calling and I must go." "Going to the mountains is going home." "One touch of nature makes the whole world kin." According to Brittanica, John Muir was largely responsible for the establishment of Sequoia National Park and Yosemite National Park. Muir was a preservationist that didn't agree with allowing industries to harvest resources within the national parks. He was able to swing public and congressional opinion in favor of national forest reservations through his writing, which led to the establishment of Mt. Rainier National Park in 1899 and Grand Canyon National Park in 1919. His home became John Muir National Historic Site in 1964. Much of the exhibits within the home discusses his personal life and achievements. He was the eldest of 8 children, immigrated to the U.S. in 1849, and he married Louie Wanda Strentzel in 1880. He and his wife had 2 daughters named Wanda and Helen. In his lifetime, he has written 300 articles and 10 books, which can be purchased online and at Muir Woods National Monument and Bear Valley Visitor's Center. I highly recommend visiting this site if you'd like more information :) there's a lot more details here.