- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Benicia State Park
Rating Details »
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
7 reviews for Benicia State Park
Lost in the wondrous East Bay with a friend but both of us armed with cameras, we were originally searching for a different wilderness area but discovered it was too far away.... being on a time schedule, we had passed and decided to backtrack to this state park, especially when we saw from the highway it was bordering a body of water. We both thought it quite steep for a $6 day-use fee with a vehicle so we wanted to get as much possible out of our measly fee paid by driving all the way to the last lot next to the water. We then trekked to the water and though very unkept as far as maintenance of the grounds goes, the views and numerous picnic areas seen and knew this place must be VERY busy during the height of summer period. With cameras in hand, we saw many boats cruising around, two Amtrak trains, the Carquinez Bridge and straits, many small lizards, a dove, many seagulls, a very active egret, and many unusually pocked standstones that I would normally see on a northern California coast. Many people fishing and jogging, though not at the same time. Nice peaceful area with lots of potential if only they would spend a bit of non-existent money to spruce up the park. Aside from fast-moving travel on I-80 E or W-bound, am not usually in the area, but if I were would visit again! Many areas for parking! One thing I did notice that was very apparent, this park to me seemed very STaRK as compared to other state parks I've been to.
DISCLAIMER: Items, things seen by my friend and I during this visit may or may not be seen during your visit. I will not be responsible for the control of things seen by persons while at the state park. Venture at your own risk in reference to my description.
PHOTOGRAPHICALLY SPEAKING: On this particular day it was hot, clear skies but with a nice breeze. Everything was so dry we even passed up seeing the gardens which we both usually would see as we enjoy photographing flora. You will need your super-sensitive eyesight in order to SEE all of the details and especially those tiny lizards!! Lots of seabirds - no pelicans though but in general the unique perspective of seeing the great bay from yet another Bay Area location for pictures made this spot a joy. You can make this a picnic to enjoy a relaxing time makes this a good spot for pictures in you're in the woods nearby. Am sure on a more cloudy/foggy day the scenes would be more interesting!
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (1)
Not a huge fan of long walks on beach, but I do love a long skate through the park! Beautiful views of the water, the hills and wild life. In the summer the heat can be brutal but it's a great place to just forget you are in a busy world. Great place for a run or walk or if you want to bike around. Check it out!
Paths and paved roads meander along a part of the bay yet to succumb to total griminess (uhm...wait...is that a refinery? Or a couple dozen refineries??). There aren't many trees, and as such there is little reprieve from the sun, but the cool breeze makes up for it. In a word, the feel of this uncrowded land is "peaceful." A great running spot - soft dirt or asphalt and gently rolling hills with little threat of being run over or mauled by a cougar or sexual predator*.
Since this is a state park, there is a $4 price tag to parking your car on site...but there are ways to get around that**
*Sigh. Benicia just feels so SAFE.
**Ahem. If you are too cheap to support your state park system.
People thought this was:
- Useful (6)
- Funny (6)
- Cool (6)
I just started running and this place is great for getting your stride on.
The day fee is $4 and if you are caught without paying it in the parking lot the Park Ranger will give you a $64 ticket! So just park outside for a quick run.
It closes at Sunset and the cops will be around there to make sure people are safe.
The fountains are clean and the trails are separated by pedestrian and bike paths with a small grass valley in between. As with most jogging trails there are some fitness stations at certain intervals for you to stretch your extremities.
A very nice park in the East Bay with views of the Carquinez Strait IMO..
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
- Cool (1)
My go-to spot to go jogging. I feel like a total tightwad, but I always park in the neighborhood nearby instead of the lot. Shameful, I know... Anyhow, the path is pretty much always well maintained and trash-free. My biggest problem with the park (and it is not one that they can help) is that it seems that everything that I am allergic to, grows in abundance in this park. By the time I get back out of the park, my eyes are red and swollen and my nose is running like a faucet. So basically, I can't go running here in the months of April, May or part of June. Anyhow, it's a peaceful place to go, even just for an afternoon walk with the dog. Oh yeah- the park rangers are friendly too!
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (1)
I love Spring. And because I love the late afternoon sunshine the hubby, dog and I decided to jog along the trail here. Very beautiful on a bright clear day. There is a walking path and a bike path which is very convenient. They do charge $4 for parking now so I recommend taking the Military exit and parking on the street for free. The park hours are 8am to Sunset.
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (1)
This place is simply a great place to run, walk, or bike. It's a 5 mile round trip trail. As the previous yelper mentioned, there is a fee to park in the lot, but most people just park on the street outside of the parking lot and run/walk in. My goal is to always finish this in less than 48 minutes, but sometimes it is simply too difficult. They do have water spouts every 1/2 mile or so towards the back, but it is also a lot more hilly in the back as well. The reason why I like this place so much is that you don't really have to worry about cars running you over, and it is almost exactly 5 miles so you can easily gauge the pace at which you are running. The only reason I don't give this place 5 stars is because of the occasional awkward smell coming from the nearby water. Besides that, Benicia State Park is a great place to run.
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
- Cool (2)
