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Martinez is a city of about 37,000 people on the south shore of the Carquinez Strait, about 30 miles northeast of San Francisco, and the county seat of Contra Costa County. Founded in 1849 and named for Ignacio Martinez, holder of the Rancho El Pinole land grant, it grew as a river port and ferry crossing during the Gold Rush.
The city's most famous resident was naturalist John Muir, who lived here from 1880 until his death in 1914. His Italianate home and orchards are now the John Muir National Historic Site, which also includes the 1849 Martinez Adobe and trails on nearby Mount Wanda. Martinez is also the hometown of baseball legend Joe DiMaggio and lays a claim to being the birthplace of the martini.
Downtown along Main Street has antique stores, restaurants and the historic county courthouse, while the Martinez Regional Shoreline and Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline offer walks along the water. The Martinez Amtrak station is a stop for the California Zephyr and the Capitol Corridor trains.
The 1883 Italianate mansion where John Muir lived and wrote is preserved with period furnishings, including his study, alongside orchards of the fruit he grew. The site also includes the 1849 Martinez Adobe. Explore on a self-guided tour or join a ranger program; entry is free, and a short film introduces Muir's life.
Part of the John Muir National Historic Site, this oak-covered hill south of the house was a favorite walking spot for Muir and his daughters. Fire roads climb to the summit for views over the Alhambra Valley. Rangers sometimes lead full moon walks. Park at the lot near the Park and Ride off Highway 4.
West of downtown, this regional park follows bluffs above the Carquinez Strait with trails through grassland and eucalyptus, wide views of the water and old ranch roads toward Port Costa. Wildflowers are lovely in spring. Trailheads are along Carquinez Scenic Drive; bring water as there is little shade.
Run by the Martinez Historical Society in an 1890 Victorian house downtown, this small museum displays photographs, artifacts and memorabilia on the city's past, including the Gold Rush era, Joe DiMaggio and local industry. Volunteers are happy to share stories. Opening hours are limited, so check before you go.
The Contra Costa County Historical Society runs this archive and exhibit space in downtown Martinez, with maps, photographs, newspapers and records covering the whole county. It is a valuable stop for genealogy and local history research, and small exhibits are on display. Check open days and call ahead for research help.
Main Street and its side streets hold antique and vintage shops, cafes, bars and restaurants in historic buildings, near the domed old county courthouse. A plaque marks the city's claim as the birthplace of the martini. A farmers market runs on Sundays. Street parking is easy, and the Amtrak station is a short walk.
This East Bay Regional Parks shoreline beside downtown has marsh trails, ponds, lawns, playing fields and a fishing pier on the Carquinez Strait, plus views of the bridges and passing ships. It is great for birding and an easy family walk. Parking is free, and the marina is next door.
Three bridges cross the Carquinez Strait here: two highway spans carrying Interstate 680 and a historic railroad bridge used by Amtrak and freight trains. The 1962 span, now carrying southbound traffic, also has a walking and cycling path. The waterfront parks in Martinez are the best spots to see them all.
South of the city, this large East Bay regional park covers rolling grassy hills, oak woodland and small ponds, with long trails popular for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Its northern trailheads are reached from the Alhambra Valley near Martinez. Wildflowers peak in spring; summer can be hot.
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California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
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