The City of Benicia is a picturesque waterfront community with small town charm. It lies nestled on the East Bay Shoreline in the southernmost section of Solano County, overlooking the Carquinez Strait, which connects San Pablo Bay to the west and the Sacramento Delta to the east. It encompasses 14 square miles, and is located 35 miles northeast of San Francisco and 57 miles southwest of Sacramento. Benicia commands spectacular views of bay waters and hillsides.

Founded in 1847 and serving as California’s State Capitol for thirteen months during 1853 and 1854, Benicia is a historic and family orientated community. The City, rich in tradition, is home to more than forty historic sites. Benicia’s profile includes the state’s oldest standing (and fully restored) state capitol building, arsenal, original site of Mills College and the first Protestant Church and Masonic Temple in California. History buffs step back into the past at Benicia’s Camel Barns and Fire museums. Benicia’s history is alive in the buildings, and in the people who inhabit them.

Recreation is part of the appeal of the Benicia lifestyle, including uninterrupted miles of public shoreline, a marina for fishing and sailing and the Benicia State Recreation Area. In addition, the City has a 50-acre multi use community park and manages 156 acres of City parks. A breathtaking waterfront plays an important role in Benicia’s considerable charm. Recent waterfront development boasts a new promenade, walkway and park-like atmosphere at the foot of First Street (the heart of downtown Benicia).

Benicia boasts Northern California’s largest port-oriented industrial park, an expanding business park and serves as a primary Bay Area center for auto imports. The waterfront and historical buildings offer the potential for expanded tourism.

Benicia is home to 28,000 residents who have a high level of pride and concern for preserving the quality of life in their community, civic organizations and the community’s politics. Several years ago, the San Francisco Chronicle named it as the #1 City for family life because of its low crime, good schools, affordable housing, culture and recreation and several other factors. It is easy to see why this community is known for its energy and vitality.

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