Wednesday, November 2, 2016

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This walk takes you over the blue waters of Carquinez Strait on the Benicia-Martinez Bridge to the town of Benicia. It meanders through the marina followed by a scenic jaunt along the shoreline trail out to the pier and beyond. The return includes a short stroll around the Arsenal Area to the Jefferson St Mansion and the historic stone Clock Tower.

Walk across the Carquinez Strait on the Benicia-Martinez Bridge Path, it’s 2.1 noisy miles from Mococo Rd in Martinez to its north end on Park Rd in Benicia.

Enjoy the waterfront views along Carquinez Strait!

Exit the path and turn left onto Park Rd followed by a right on Jefferson St to Military E.

Turn left on E 6th St and follow the steps down through Ethelree Saraiva Park to E L St. Turn right on E L St and head south on E 5th St to Turnbull Park.

Go through the parking lot and take the mulit-use trail around the Benicia Marina and Yacht Club.

The Benicia Marina, located on the waterfront between East Second and East Fifth streets, is a full-service marina offering a fuel dock, pump-out station, launch ramp, general store, restrooms and showers, laundry facilities and secured gates. It’s a great stop for boaters who want to visit for the day or stay overnight. And it’s an easy walk to the shopping, dining, spas, nightlife and visitor centers on First Street. *1

The trail exits onto E B St with grand views of the Franklin Hills and Mt Diablo!

Turn left on 1st St and walk out to Benicia Point Pier.

The downtown waterfront area in Benicia encompasses the Waterfront Promenade, Benicia Point Pier, and First Street Green. Beyond downtown, the waterfront is accessible at many spots on the southern edge of Benicia, via pedestrian and bike routes from the Benicia Marina to West 14th Street, and then outdoor recreation areas that extend further west along the Strait. *1

Enjoy the wonderful waterfront views!

Benicia’s proximity to the water provides a stunning backdrop for a relaxing stroll along First Street or an invigorating hike along the trails in the State Recreation Area. The Carquinez Strait connects Suisun Bay with San Pablo Bay, a northern extension of the San Francisco Bay. So the city reaps all the benefits of a seaside, but sheltered, location: a mild climate and more fog-free days that make the views out over the water seem limitless! *1

Exit the pier and head north on 1st St to the downtown area. You can stop at one of many cafes and restaurants for a bite to eat or just sit and relax with a cup of coffee or tea.

Turn left on W E St towards the Shorelight Inn. The road runs onto the shoreline trail as it meanders along the scenic waterfront with perfectly placed picnic tables and benches. Stop and simply enjoy the views!

The trail exits onto Semple Ct, go straight and turn left onto Semple Crossing. The paved road heads west behind the waterfront homes to the shoreline.

At the gated home, follow the path along the right side of the iron fence. The trail continues along the waterfront with marvelous views of Carquinez Strait!

Stay on the path, it winds along the shoreline before cutting in between the houses and exiting out onto W I St.

Return east along the residential neighborhood on W I St to 1St St. Turn left on 1st St and make a right on E K St  to E 7th St and Military E.

Military E name changes to Grant St as you head into the Benicia Arsenal Area. Go left on Adams St and head up Jefferson St to the Jefferson St Mansion.

Head east on Jefferson St and cut through the fence for a walk around the historic Commandant’s Home and Stone Clock Tower.

Make your way back along Jefferson St to Park Rd and cross the Benicia-Martinez Bridge back into Martinez.

This is a wonderful leisurely walk around Benicia’s beautiful waterfront area. You can walk as much or as little as you want, it’s easy to extend the walk further along the shoreline into Benicia State Recreation Area or cut it short and take your time window shopping around the downtown area.

*1 http://www.visitbenicia.org/

Stats:
10.4 Miles with 394′ of elevation gain
Max elevation: 172′
Time: 4.5 hours with multiple stops
Hike: Easy
Parking: Small pullout area off the side of Mococo Rd east of the Benicia-MartinezBridge Path entrance (2 cars max)
No facilities & no water.
Bring water-plenty of food options on 1st St in Benicia
Dog friendly

Weather: Sunny & warm. Temps ranging from the mid 50’s to the high 60’s with NE winds

View the interactive RGPS route map & profile