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Benicia Hotel Reservations and Benicia Vacation Information

Why Do Tourists Love the Charms of Benicia, California --Think Arts!

There aren't many hotels and accommodations in Benicia, a city of around 30,000 population. Charming homes, Benicia State Recreation Area, and First Street antique and boutique shops attract tourists to this city that's also home to Valero Refinery. A mix of residential, industrial and charming historic shops, Benicia is most often thought of as a day stop on trips outside San Francisco (37 miles and 45 minute drive by car).

Artists with loft and studio space, an 1859 Clock Tower and the 1850s Camel Barns are attractions that supply Benicia with ample charm and stem from its roots as the California State Capitol in 1853. While such honor lasted only one year (State Capitol was moved to Sacramento in 1854), Benicia continues to exude the charm of the early California era.

Today Benicia thrives as a suburb of San Francisco and Oakland, thanks to the Benicia-Martinez Bridge built in 1962. Just over 30 minutes from Napa wine country and an hour's drive to Sacramento, Benicia is ideally situated for the many destinations and attractions that vacationers like to see.

Benicia State Recreation Area attracts hikers, birders and those who love to spend time outdoors enjoying nature. Hills and rocky beaches at the Carquinez Strait, plus a marshland at Dillon’s Point where anglers fish, plus a 2.5 mile  paved path to ride bikes, run, roller blade or walk the dog, make this a popular location for locals and visitors. Open daily from around 8 a.m. to sunset, drive 1.5 miles west of Benicia on I-780 and take the Columbus Parkway exit where signs will direct you to the park.

Benicia's glass studios and art galleries offer world class collector art and gifts that vacationers like to buy and take home to add to collections. Among the studios you can visit are: Lindsay Art Glass, Nourot Glass Studio, Smyers Glass, Studio 41  An American Craft Gallery and The 701 Gallery. Hand blown glass vases, plates, bowls, lamp shades and other items are crafted and sold in these acclaimed galleries. Artist Robert Arneson once lived and worked in Benicia, at a home and studio on First Street. Art organizations in Benicia include ARTS Benicia at 991 Tyler Street, Suite 114, Benicia, CA. www.artsbenicia.org.

Entertainment include a community theater troupe, Benicia Old Town Theatre Group. Productions are performed twice a year in the Historic B.D.E.S. Hall, 140 West J Street, Benicia. Call: 707 746-1269. www.beniciaoldtowntheatregroup.com