The best road cycling routes around Vallejo

From here you can take the Hiddenbrooke Trail toward Sulphur Springs Mountain and beyond. You can use this as an out and back trail or continue into Hiddenbrooke and return along the road.

Lynch Canyon is a gateway to a network of trails and ranch roads open to both hikers and cyclists. From the east entrance, the path climbs steadily toward the North Ridge Trail, offering wide views across the surrounding hills. From there, the route bends east toward American Canyon and then northeast to Cordelia Junction, linking open grasslands with scenic ridgelines along the way.

Alhambra Cemetery and the adjacent St. Catherine Catholic Cemetery sit quietly on the hillside above Martinez, offering views of the Carquinez Strait and a glimpse into Contra Costa County’s early history. These historic burial grounds date back to the 1800s and include graves of pioneers, veterans, and local families.

The Benicia State Recreation Area entrance sits just off I780 and offers easy access to paved bike trails, marshland views, and shaded picnic spots. From here, you can connect to the Carquinez Scenic Drive or explore the wetlands along Southampton Bay. It’s a convenient launch point for a peaceful ride or walk through this tucked-away stretch of shoreline.

As this Scenic Drive is a deadend for cars, ending halfway at Ozol, even this first section is a pleasant walk, without traffic and frequent vistas across the water.

The Benicia Arsenal was established in 1849 on 345 acres of land east of the City and adjacent to the Carquinez Strait. The area was developed over a century of active military use with a variety of facility types including administrative and office buildings, storehouses, shops and residential quarters, as well as a hospital and port. In addition to the frame, brick, and stone structures built in the area between 1854 and 1911, many newer buildings were constructed during World War II. The Arsenal was deactivated in 1964 and the Defense Department transferred ownership to the City of Benicia in 1965. Today, the City retains ownership of several of the most historically significant structures, including the Commanding Officer's Quarters, the Clocktower building, the "Camel Barns", and one of the original powder magazines. The Arsenal is now characterized by older historic buildings, as well as studios, small professional offices, commercial and light industrial activities.

The Rankin Aquatic Center in Martinez is a vibrant community pool offering a range of aquatic activities for all ages. There are separate areas for shallow and deep-water swimming, including a diving tank with a diving board, and a play structure featuring a water bucket, adding an element of fun for younger swimmers. The schedule includes Tot Splash, Recreational Swim, and Lap Swim sessions, with varying hours throughout the season. The facility also offers pool party rentals. The full schedule for Rec Swim and Lap Swim are available on the RAC website. Age 3-17: $5 Age 18-54: $7 Age 55+: $6 https://www.cityofmartinez.org/departments/recreation/swimming-rankin-aquatic-center

Small grass area above a beach cove at 6th and West I Streets.