Benicia is a waterside city in Solano County, California, United States. It was the first city in California to be founded by Anglo-Americans, and served as the state capitol for nearly thirteen months from 1853 to 1854. The city is located in the San Francisco Bay Area along the north bank of the Carquinez Strait. Benicia is just east of Vallejo and across the strait from Martinez. Elizabeth Patterson has served as Mayor of Benicia since 2007.

The town can be divided into four areas: the East Side (east of First Street), the West Side (west of First Street), Southampton (the newer suburban neighborhoods north of highway 780), and the industrial park. Most of the town's older homes are on the east and west sides. Southampton contains primarily single family housing developments and condominiums, most of which were built between 1970 and 2000. The East Side includes the Benicia Arsenal, a former United States Army armory, which was bought by the city and is now used for a variety of purposes, most notably as live-work spaces for artists. The Arsenal is home to several historic (ca. 1860) landmark buildings such as The Clock Tower, the Camel Barn, and the Jefferson Street Mansion. The industrial park lies to the northeast of the residential areas of the city, and includes the Valero oil refinery. The Benicia State Recreation Area is on the far west edge of the city.

A breathtaking view of the Carquinez Straits and waterfront plays an important role in Benicia's considerable charm, along with its quaint small-town atmosphere, thriving 300-berth marina, treasure-filled antique shops, art studios, and eclectic shopping. Downtown Benicia is rich in California's history with over 30 historical points of interest. Strolling along downtown's First Street amidst beautifully maintained 19th century and Victorian style buildings is a favorite among visitors and residents alike. Take a walking tour of our historic neighborhoods and notice the Victorian-inspired homes and western architectural examples that date back to the 1850's, while enjoying the selection of comfortable cafes and fine dining opportunities.

Connections to Benicia include Interstate 680 from Martinez to the south and Cordelia Junction (Fairfield) to the north, and Interstate 780, Columbus Parkway, and other local roads from Vallejo to the west. Amtrak also runs past the city north towards Sacramento, but the nearest train station lies in Martinez across the Carquinez Strait. Railroad tracks carrying Amtrak and Union Pacific Railroad lines cross the strait alongside the Benicia-Martinez Bridge.

Over 28,000 people are fortunate to call Benicia home, where schools are ranked high in the state, the crime rate is very low, and cool breezes off the Carquinez Strait keeps the weather near perfect with an average temperature of 69 degrees. Benicia's waterfront location serves as a gateway between the Sacramento Delta's inland waterways and the San Francisco Bay.

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