Janelle & Thomas
Things To Do
First St. Cafe
A Downtown landmark in Beautiful Benicia with yummy eats! First Street Cafe is located in downtown historic Benicia, California. For the last 23 years, we've been a warm place to eat, drink and relax - our classic American cafe is where both regulars and visitors delight in our timeless comfort & charm.
Benicia Historical Museum
Benicia Historical Museum, also referred to as the Camel Barns, is a unique museum with exhibits highlighting the history of Benicia and the military presence in the Bay Area. It gets its nickname because the structure did in fact house camels. During the 1850s and 1860s the US Army experimented with utilizing camels as pack animals. But the idea was nixed at the outbreak of the Civil War, and several of the camels were shipped to the Benicia Arsenal, the current museum, to be sold. Guests can peruse the place solo, but guided group tours require an appointment.
Sailor Jack's
Once a former sea captain’s home, the delightful restaurant called Sailor Jacks resides on the scenic Carquinez Strait. The house is a charming two-story abode with an outdoor deck and patio, providing the perfect nautical atmosphere for enjoying a lovely meal. Start with a luscious bowl of chowder and finish with Sailor Jack’s unbelievably delicious bread pudding, topped with brandy caramel and whipped cream. Sailor Jacks gets its name from celebrated author Jack London, who actually lived in the area and held a special spot in his heart for this coastal region.
Benicia State Recreation Area
Located along the narrowest portion of the Carquinez Strait is the beautiful Benicia State Recreation Area. Rocky beaches, marshes, and grassy hillsides contribute to the beauty of this area, and it is a great place to escape the hustle of the city. Take a stroll, hike, or ride a bike. The Benicia State Recreation Area also offers fishing, horseback riding, picnicking, and bird watching. Benicia State Recreation Area is even great for meditation. If you want to catch some nice scenic views take the loop trail, a 1.3 mile (2.1 kilometer) trek that is okay for people of all skill levels. Dogs are also welcome, but they must be on a leash.
Benicia Fire Museum
Established in 1981, the Benicia Fire Museum contains many interesting treasures of fire service equipment, including the “Phoenix,” an 1820s double decker hand-pumper that needed 45 men to operate! The “Phoenix” was also one of the first fire engines to arrive in California in 1847, and was part of the firefighting effort in San Francisco’s devastating 1906 earthquake and fire. Benicia Fire Museum is open the first three Sundays of the month, from 1 pm to 4 pm and is FREE; however, donations are greatly appreciated.
The Rellik Tavern
An ultra-hip lounge, bar, and tapas house, The Rellik Tavern serves craft beer, wine, and small plates in a festive venue. Many tourists will be glad they dropped in. Live music is performed on weekends. And for you Madonna die-hards and Boy George fanatics, check out The Rellik Tavern’s DJ Decade Thursday special, Ladies and 80s. A favorite among locals is The Rellik Tavern’s Sunday special, build-your-own-Bloody Mary, where guests choose their liqueur and build a Bloody Mary from a buffet of ingredients! Available from 9 am to 1 pm.