The California Legislature met in Benicia’s State Capitol building in 1853 and 1854. The third State Capitol in California, this restored building is the only surviving pre-Sacramento capitol and makes for a wonderful peek back into the period. State Park docents highlight the early history of the state of California and the activities of California’s fourth and fifth legislatures. Join informal docent-led guided tours of the
Benicia Capitol building Thursday and Friday afternoons 1– 4pm and most mornings 10am – noon.
Three generations of the Joseph Fischer family lived in the Federalist-style home adjacent to the Capitol. It was donated to the State in 1969, completely restored and furnished to the period, and surrounded by lovely Victorian gardens. Tour the Fischer-Hanlon House Thursday and
Friday afternoons at 2pm. Additional Fischer-Hanlon House tours are available on many Saturdays at 10:30am and on July 17 at 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm. Sunday tours are offered at 1pm, 2pm and 3pm on July 11 and 25. Fischer-Hanlon House tours are limited to seven visitors on a first-come, first-served basis; the Fischer-Hanlon House is open by guided tour only.
Admission to Benicia Capitol State Historic Park is $3.00 for adults, $2.00 for youth ages 6-17 and free for children 5 years and younger.
Admission includes self-guided tours of the Carriage House and the Benicia Capitol building, and scheduled guided tours as available.
The Benicia Capitol is open for self-guided tours and California State Parks Annual Day Use Parking Pass sales 10am-5pm, Thursday through Sunday. Please call before your visit for updated tour times and additional tour dates, or to reserve a school or group tour.
California State Parks supports equal access. Prior to arrival, visitors with disabilities who need assistance should contact the park at (707) 745-3385; Benicia Capitol State Historic Park, 115 West G Street, Benicia, CA 94510; www.parks.ca.gov.
