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City in California, United States
Photo: NPS, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Martinez is in the outer East Bay in the San Francisco Bay Area in California. Martinez has easy access to nature, so it's no wonder the famed naturalist John Muir decided to settle here.
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This site includes a mansion, woodland, and grassland once belonging to John Muir and his family. Muir was known as an early environmentalist who founded the Sierra Club. The house, which has three stories plus a cupola, is full of exhibits about the lives of Muir and his family. If you enjoy being in nature, it's hard not to appreciate Muir's passion for trees, glaciers, and mountains, as well as his seminal accomplishments in protecting American wilderness. The historic site presents a nuanced, warts-and-all picture of Muir as a person. The grounds include his orchards, and if you come at the right time of year you might be able to try fruit from them. There is also an interesting adobe structure on site. In the spirit of Muir's legacy, you can combine your visit to the historic site with nearby Mount Wanda, where he and his family used to hike.
Includes exhibits on John Muir, Don Ignacio Martinez, Joe Di Maggio (another Martinez native), the Port Chicago disaster, and general history of the town, as well as a gift shop and information on tours, including a cemetery tour!
This memorial honors 320 people (including 200 young African American men) who were killed in a munitions accident during World War II while loading munitions and bombs onto ships bound for the Pacific Rim. Following the explosion many of the enlisted men refused to work, resulting in the Navy's largest mutiny trial and eventually helping to push the US Armed Forces to desegregate. The memorial is located on an active military base and as a result reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance and all visitors must be US citizens or permanent residents. Reservations can be made by calling or via an online reservation form. The memorial is actually located in Concord, but all visitors are shuttled to the memorial from John Muir National Historic Site in Martinez.
A beautiful 5,756-acre park covered in grassy hills and shady Oak trees. The park is south of Highway 4 off Reliez Valley Rd. Briones is a hikers paradise in the heart of the busy San Francisco Bay Area. East Bay Regional Park District Headquarters-PARK, group picnic reservations +1 510 636-1684, group camping reservations +1 510 636-1684. The park is open 8AM-10PM $5 per vehicle when the kiosk is attended.
Located immediately to the northwest of the John Muir NHS and extending to the Carquinez Strait, the ridgelines of this park offer extensive views of Mt. Diablo and the cities at its base, the Sacramento River Delta, Mt. Tamalpais and Mt. St. Helena. On clear winter days the snow-capped Sierras may be seen. Wild turkeys, hawks, deer, and other wildlife call the park home. In the spring cows are allowed to graze on the grassy hills. The park hosts a segment of the Bay Area Ridge Trail. Great for a short day hike (1 to 5 miles / 2 to 8 km).
This park has everything from rope swings to hills and even cool wildlife. There are also trails to Hidden Valley Park.
A free 10,000-foot skatepark for skateboarders and roller bladers.
Features trails, a marsh, a pond, two playgrounds and a fishing pier. Located in downtown Martinez near Ferry Street and the Amtrak station. Bicycling is allowed on the trails. Dogs are allowed in some areas of the park but not near the ducks and pond.
The hills behind John Muir's orchards, where the family used to take nature walks, are open for hiking. Two peaks were named after Muir's daughters, Wanda and Helen; Mount Wanda is the main one at 650 feet (200 meters). The fastest trail to the peak is almost all uphill with little tree cover, but the hard work is rewarded with lovely views of wild rolling hills, Benicia across the water, and Mount Diablo in the distance. A side route called the "nature trail" has more trees and variety in the landscape. Expect about 40 minutes to get to the peak if you're a strong hiker. The hills are managed by the National Park Service together with the John Muir historic site and make a fitting addition to a visit to the naturalist's house and orchards. You can reach the trailhead almost directly from the orchards: exit the historic site to the west, then turn left.
Radke Martinez Regional Shoreline (RMRS) is a regional park on the shoreline of Carquinez Strait. This wetland area, inhabited by lots of birds and other wildlife, contains approximately three miles (5 km) of trails through marshland and along the shoreline. The park's eastern half is managed by the city of Martinez and offers group picnic areas, baseball fields, bocce ball courts and soccer fields. The western half contains open lawns, small family picnic areas, and ponds and creeks.
A 2.2-mile pedestrian and bicycle path across the bridge to Benicia, part of the Bay Area Ridge Trail.
Waterbird Regional Preserve is a 192 acre regional park located in Contra Costa County adjacent to the city of Martinez. It is part of the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD). It primarily consists of an area known as McNabney Marsh, which provides habitat for a wide variety of waterfowl and shorebirds for resting and feeding. Activities in the park include birdwatching and hiking, although trails are mostly limited to upload areas. Dogs are not permitted in the preserve.
French fries, etc.
In downtown Martinez.
In downtown Martinez.
In a strip mall off of Morello Ave. Advertised as "The Best Kept Secret in Martinez."
Sushi and other Japanese dishes.
Restaurant and Catering
Downtown. Family owned and operated business, with two restaurants: one in Martinez and one in Concord.
Great place for drinks and billiards.
By bus/BART
Martinez is connected by County Connection buses to the town of Concord, as well as the North Concord/Martinez BART Station, Pleasant Hill BART Station, and Walnut Creek BART Station.
By car
Accessible by Highway 4 and Interstate 680.
By plane
The nearest airport is Buchanan Field in Concord (small aircraft). The closest major airport is Oakland International (OAK).
Downtown Martinez is very walkable, and some other attractions, including the John Muir historic site, can be reached by County Connection bus service (+1 925 676-7500).
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Concord · Regional · CCR
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