Benicia is home to Solano County’s only two state parks, both right here in town: the Benicia Capitol State Historic Park on First Street, and the Benicia State Recreation Area (BSRA). On a fall day in October, Benicia photographer Lisa Duncan captured the beauty of the State Recreation area: seasonal color at the Forrest Deaner Native Plant Botanic Garden, abundant picnic areas and the calming and picturesque waterfront surrounding the park.

Lisa Duncan Photography

Benicia State Recreation Area's Scenic December beauty

Autumn and early winter is a good time to visit BSRA, when the wind is low with abundant sunshine. Take a family bike ride, take binoculars for bird watching, fish the Carquinez Strait at Dillon Point where stripers run year round, or find a cozy picnic spot along the waterfront. Picnicking is particularly enjoyable in December, with a chill in the air announcing the waning of the season. Take a thermos of soup, some crusty sourdough bread from One House Bakery or Farm & Flour. Amp up the coziness factor with a steaming mug of rich hot chocolate as a special treat—click here for delicious recipes.