Welcome to Martinez
A close-knit city teeming with sports enthusiasts and historical buildings
One of California's oldest towns, Martinez is one of California's oldest and smallest cities. You won’t find large malls or high traffic here. Instead, you will find a quaint downtown area, unique locally-owned restaurants, and a lively marina. Its beautiful riverfront provides a perfect backdrop for various recreational activities and stunning views of the area’s semi-rural landscape.
Martinez has a robust history, which is seen today in its array of museums and intricate architecture. The small city is home to the John Muir National Historic Site, Martinez Museum, Contra Costa County Finance Building, A.F. Bray Courts Building, and Veterans Memorial Building.
What to Love
- Horseback riding at George Miller Regional Trail
- Animal and bird viewing at Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline
- Easy access to the Amtrak and BART station
- Located 40 minutes south of Napa Valley
- Magic shows at California Magic Club
- The birthplace of famous baseball player Joe DiMaggio and the martini cocktail
- Teeming with picturesque ranch land
Local Lifestyle
The city's influence extends beyond its community, as it has served as Contra Costa County's county seat for over 150 years. But what really makes Martinez special are its residents. From the community leaders to the bocce players and families, the locals are what make the city so welcoming and appealing. Martinez neighborhoods are typically laid-back and friendly, with a rural-suburban mix where nature meets community.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Residents have a wide range of dining options. Grab your friends and enjoy authentic Italian cuisine at the laidback eatery Mangia Bene Restaurant. Patrons rave about the menu, which features homemade pasta, fresh bread, and delectable desserts. Asian fusion fare is served in a brightly lit space at Lemongrass Bistro. Diners have their choice from a broad range of entrees inspired by Laos, Vietnamese, and Malaysian flavors. Head to Firehouse Brew and Grill to delight your palate with classic bar eats and an impressive range of beer, wine, and cocktails. Taco Tuesdays have never been more fun than at La Tapatia, a vibrant Mexican eatery serving housemade tortillas, numerous salsa options, and mouthwatering tacos. You must also check out Slow Hand BBQ! Locals know this is the place for really good BBQ and Slow hand is use the words down to earth to describe their atmosphere and food
At Bella Siena in nearby Benicia, diners have panoramic views of the Carquinez Strait. The menu is inspired by Siena, Italy, with classic Italian dishes served with a California twist. Another favorite among locals is RÊVE Bistro, located in nearby Lafayette. This Michelin-recognized eatery is home to five-star chef Paul Magu, who wines and dines guests with an approachable menu filled with classic favorites like perfectly-grilled steaks and French onion soup and an extensive wine selection.
Things to Do
Residents love attending the city’s many events. The annual Madness on Main Street Car Show features an array of classic and luxury cars on display for attendees. Another enjoyable event where locals meet up with neighbors, friends, and family is the annual 4th of July Parade. If you arrive early, you can also join the Flag Raising Ceremony.
Downtown Martinez is well-known for its numerous beer crawl events, like the Santa Beer Crawl and Zombie Brew Crawl, where locals stroll down Main Street to try over 30 craft beers. Another must-attend event for beer lovers is the Bay Area Craft Beer Festival, which takes place at the Martinez Waterfront and allows locals to sample over 40 breweries and 100 beers. There is also Roxx on Main, which features live music from local musicians such as Jeff Tamelier, formerly of Tower of Power. People come from all over the bay area to hear music at this venue.
Martinez is also home to the Martinez Bocce Federation, the largest Bocce Ball league in the country. After watching a game, head to the community’s parks and green spaces. Cappy Ricks Park, Ferry Point Picnic Area, Golden Hills Park, John Muir Park, and Plaza Ignacio Park provide picnic areas, playgrounds, and walking trails. Enjoy recreational sports at Foothills Park's basketball courts, Hidden Valley Park's baseball fields, Morello Park's tennis and volleyball courts, and Waterfront Park's bocce ball courts.
Schools
