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.
![]() Lisa Duncan Photography Benicia State Recreation Area's Scenic December beauty |