This romantic place to stay offers a history all its own. Take a step back in time to enjoy the history of Glen Frazier, Franklin Canyon and nearby fine dining at the Bull Valley Road House. Adventure, hiking and mountain biking, 3 miles to Briones Regional Park, 10 miles to Mount Diablo State Park, 3 miles to Crockett Hills Regional Park, 3 miles to Martinez Pier, 2 miles to John Muir historical home. Other things to note The Modern Guide to Martinez, the Home of the Martini has a New Vibe,. This old fishing village, where the waters from Suisun Bay and Carquinez Strait meet, has changed a lot over the past seven years, and the downtown is home to many exciting new ventures on the east side of the Caldecott Tunnel. With shops, wine bars, breweries, music venues and unique eateries, downtown Martinez is bursting with energy. On many weekend evenings, you can walk down Main Street and hear at least two different musical acts playing for patrons at various restaurants and bars. During the day, people can be found cycling, roaming the farmers’ market, grabbing a pint with friends, exploring the Martinez Marina, or wine tasting at a few of the Contra Costa County wineries in the hills between Martinez and El Sobrante. Also, did you know the martini is rumored to have been invented in a Martinez bar during the Gold Rush? According to lore, the drink was originally called a Martinez, but the name changed to martini when bars in SF started making it. It’s just a rumor, but one that Martinez bartenders are happy to talk about when you ask them to make you a Martinez—shaken or stirred. WHAT TO EAT AND DRINK IN MARTINEZ Snacks + Coffee Guava Island Eats Craving some flavors of island culture? This sweet treat cafe features ice creams, milkshakes, and chico chillers with boba, tropical fruits, and sweets. It's a delicious place for creating memories and awesome pictures. Try the ube ice cream with boba and brown sugar syrup. // 716 Main St. States Coffee X Bread This coffee shop is an early morning networking hub for Martinez locals who are heading to work or out on a bike ride. With in-house roasted beans and freshly baked sourdough options that always sell out, you will want to get there early on weekends. // 609 Ward St. Wine + Cocktails + Breweries Market & Main The newly opened indoor public market features an artisan pizza and craft beer bar called Craft and Fire, an oyster bar named Shuck It, a coffee shop with provisions, a Moroccan cafe with Mediterranean pizzas, and cupcakes galore. Guests can grab a pint of craft beer or a glass of wine and sit at one of the bars, lounge outside, or head upstairs to people watch. // 610 Main St. Balestrieri Family Farm In the East Bay hills between Martinez and El Sobrante, travelers can find this family-run farm and tasting room. Grab sandwiches at Lucia's Craft Sandwich in Martinez and head to one of the Makers Movement events with artisan shops, live music, and of course wine tasting. Their events are kid- and dog-friendly, with llamas and a bean bag toss area. // 6140 Alhambra Valley Rd, Briones, Bar Cava The wine bar that put Martinez on the map serves small bites paired with wine flights and cocktails. For date night, order a charcuterie board or the brie quesadilla paired with a wine flight at the bar while listening to acoustic music. // 718 Main St. Barrelista Aged Cocktail Bar It's Barrelista Coffee by day and Barrel Aged by night, and Martinez locals regularly name this as the best place in town to grab a martini. The bartenders here don’t call it that though, so if you go, sit at the bar and order a Martinez before heading out for dinner. // 736 Main St. Del Cielo Brewing This Latinx family–owned brewery has plenty of seating and a craft beer menu that includes both lighter beers and hop-forward IPAs. Their event lineup reflects a welcoming attitude with live music, trivia nights, comedy shows, and even salsa lessons. // 701 Escobar St # A. Five Suns Taproom & Beer Garden The brewery recently moved to accommodate even more beer lovers with an outdoor beer garden with space for large groups and an indoor arcade. Most weekends you can pair live music with your hazy IPA. // 626 Main St. Proper Meals Papi's Modern Italian Kitchen This small kitchen puts a California twist on traditional Italian flavors, and anyone catching a whiff after walking past will be instantly hungry. They’re open for dinner most nights and brunch on the weekends, serving such dishes as prawn and pork belly antipasti; prosciutto and Pt. Reyes blue cheese pizzetta; pastas; and local proteins. There are several plant-based options—the Unicorn cauliflower (with mushrooms, vegan cheese, truffle, lemon, and basil) is a favorite. // 712 Main St. Taco Daddy’s This simple street taco shop in downtown Martinez is known for serving craft tacos but not chips. Instead, they feature tater tots that resemble nachos. Get the Phat Daddy tots with carnitas, shredded cheese, cheese sauce, salsa jimbo, caramelized onions, and cilantro. // 915 Main St. Vic's If you’re looking for a place for brunch after a night out, Vic’s is a mainstay among Martinez locals. They mostly serve the basics—think country-fried steak and eggs and biscuits and gravy—but #TheWaffleSandwich has its own hashtag for a reason. // 1500 Pacheco Blvd. OUTDOOR ACTIVITES IN MARTINEZ Radke Martinez Regional Shoreline This regional park on the shoreline of Carquinez Strait has plenty for everyone. Activities include running or walking along the marsh (no dogs allowed), fishing along the pier (with a license), soccer, bocce ball, and baseball. There are also two playgrounds, rocks, and a small beach depending on the tide. Most weekends you can find people flying kites on the grass. // Ferry St. George Miller Regional Trail Cyclists and horseback riders can enjoy the four-mile stretch of park along the shoreline between Martinez and Port Costa. An easy route, it takes just under two hours to complete. Head downtown for a beer or cup of coffee after. // Ferry St. Briones Regional Park Cyclists looking for a more advanced ride will appreciate the challenges on the table at Briones Regional Park. A 6,117-acre regional park, it has routes that range from a half-mile to the 20-mile Briones Loop-de-Loop, which has been called a “roller coaster ride along the ridge tops.” // 2537 Reliez Valley Rd. Martinez Farmers’ Market The downtown Martinez Farmers’ Market is open year-round on Sunday mornings. With so many East Bay farms to wander through, guests can take home tamales, local honey, sourdough, olive oils, fruits, and cheeses—everything you need for a picnic at the Martinez Regional Shoreline. // Main St. John Muir National Historic Site The father of the National Park Service, John Muir worked, raised a family, and wrote in his Martinez home. As America’s most famous naturalist and conservationist, guests can learn more about his life and legacy at the visitor center located in his home. There are hundreds of acres of hiking as well, and young kids can become a Junior Ranger and even earn a badge. // 4202 Alhambra Ave. BEST SHOPPING Mighty Market This bulk refill apothecary and low-waste shop instantly makes you feel like you are supporting something important. The staff will kindly explain each and every eco-conscious product in their shop—think goat milk soaps, green tea household cleaner, biodegradable loofahs, and bamboo everything. // 739 Ferry St. Knots and Found Martinez’s friendly neighborhood plant shop also stocks pots, accessories, and handmade macrame plant holders. You'll feel like you stepped into a jungle. // 701 Escobar St., Ste #E. Leather + Moss Mercantile This woman-owned general store carries beautiful artisan household items such as ostrich feather dusters and corn fiber brooms; pantry staples including salts, teas, and spices; personal care items; and gifts, all from small brands all over the country. The shop can be found inside the Market & Main indoor public market. // 610 Main St. Gilded Frond Clay + Textiles If you are looking for locally made gifts and a laugh-out-loud card, this is the store. Their gift shop focuses on local, artisan pottery, Martinez T-shirts, and funny notes. Visit them when you need a boost of dopamine and make sure to buy something for yourself or a friend. // 826 Main St.