Things to do in MARTINEZ
DISCOVER CONTRA COSTA'S HISTORIC WATERFRONT GEM
From historic landmarks to stunning waterfront parks, Martinez offers an unparalleled blend of outdoor adventure, cultural heritage, and small-town charm in the heart of the East Bay.
EXPERIENCE MARTINEZ: 2025 GUIDE
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HISTORIC LANDMARKS
Explore Contra Costa's oldest city with preserved Victorian architecture and the John Muir National Historic Site
12 Historic Sites
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WATERFRONT ACTIVITIES
4 miles of Carquinez Strait shoreline with boating, fishing, and stunning bay views
8 Waterfront Parks
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ARTS & CULTURE
Vibrant arts scene with galleries, theaters, and year-round community events
6 Cultural Venues
HISTORIC LANDMARKS & MUSEUMS
JOHN MUIR NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE
Walk in the footsteps of the "Father of National Parks" at his restored Victorian home and 1849 Martinez Adobe. Explore 9 acres of orchards and gardens.
VISITOR RATING 4.8/5 ★
TOURS AVAILABLE Daily Guided
ADMISSION $10 Adults
MARTINEZ MUSEUM
Housed in the former 1889 Veterans Memorial Hall, featuring exhibits on local history, Native American artifacts, and the city's industrial heritage.
EXHIBITS Rotating
ADMISSION Free
HOURS Wed-Sun 1-4PM
BORLAND HOME & GARDENS
Restored 19th-century Victorian home featuring period furnishings, beautiful gardens, and seasonal events in the Historic Downtown District.
ARCHITECTURE Queen Anne Style
EVENTS Seasonal
TOURS By Appointment
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN WALKING TOUR
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- 12 preserved Victorian buildings
- Historic Main Street architecture
- Original 1880s storefronts
- John Muir's final resting place
- Carquinez Strait waterfront views
TOUR DETAILS
Distance 1.2 Miles
Duration 2-3 Hours
Difficulty Easy
Best Time Weekday Mornings
GUIDED TOURS
Historical Society Tours
Saturdays at 10AM, $15 per person
Saturdays at 10AM, $15 per person
Self-Guided Audio Tour
Available via mobile app, $8 download
Available via mobile app, $8 download
WATERFRONT & OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
WATERFRONT PARK
10-acre park along the Carquinez Strait featuring fishing piers, walking trails, picnic areas, and stunning views of the Benicia-Martinez Bridge.
AMENITIES Picnic, Fishing, Walking
HOURS Sunrise to Sunset
PARKING Free
RANKIN AQUATIC PARK
30-acre bird sanctuary and aquatic park with walking trails, bird watching platforms, and educational exhibits about local wetland ecosystems.
BIRD SPECIES 150+
TRAIL LENGTH 2.5 Miles
EDUCATION CENTER Yes
MARTINEZ MARINA
Full-service marina offering boat launches, fishing access, and waterfront dining. Home to the annual Martinez Boat Show and summer concert series.
BOAT SLIPS 85
LAUNCH RAMP $15 Daily
EVENTS Year-round
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES & RECREATION
HIKING & BIKING
- Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline
- Briones Regional Park trails
- Franklin Ridge Loop Trail
- Waterfront Promenade walking path
- Hidden Lakes Park trails
WATER SPORTS
- Fishing from municipal pier
- Kayaking and paddleboarding
- Sailing from Martinez Marina
- Bird watching at Rankin Park
- Sunset cruises
FAMILY ACTIVITIES
- Municipal swimming pool
- Community center programs
- Playgrounds at 6 city parks
- Summer concert series
- Historical reenactments
ARTS, CULTURE & DINING
MARTINEZ ART GALLERY
Contemporary art gallery featuring local and regional artists, with rotating exhibitions, artist talks, and community art classes throughout the year.
EXHIBITS Monthly Rotations
CLASSES Weekly
ADMISSION Free
WATERFRONT RESTAURANTS
Savor fresh seafood and California cuisine with panoramic Carquinez Strait views at several waterfront dining establishments along the marina.
CUISINE Seafood Focus
PRICE RANGE $$ - $$$
RESERVATIONS Recommended
ANNUAL EVENTS & FESTIVALS
Year-round community celebrations including the Martinez Summer Concert Series, Holiday Parade, and the famous California Sunshine Festival.
MAJOR EVENTS 8+ Yearly
ATTENDANCE 5,000+
FREE EVENTS 6 Annually
2025 SEASONAL EVENTS CALENDAR
SPRING & SUMMER
- Martinez Waterfront Festival (May)
- Summer Concert Series (June-Aug)
- Fourth of July Celebration
- Farmers Market (Weekly)
- Art & Wine Walk (August)
FALL & WINTER
- Harvest Festival (October)
- Holiday Tree Lighting (December)
- Victorian Christmas Tour
- New Year's Eve Celebration
- Winter Bird Watching Tours
YEAR-ROUND
- First Friday Art Walks
- Historical Society Lectures
- Farmers Market (Sat AM)
- Marina Sunset Views
- John Muir Site Tours
