2023 Mother’s Day Weekend in Benicia
Looking for something special to do this Mother's Day? Celebrate all weekend with a special trip to Benicia! Here are some suggestions for delicious bakeries & restaurants, boutique shopping, and fun things to do with Mom on your outing to this artsy, waterfront town!
Pro-Tip: Trouble finding the perfect gift? Give Mom the gift of a full day spent together in Benicia with a city-wide Shop Benicia eGift card, redeemable at 60 locations around town!
Read on for inspiration on where to eat, where to shop, and what to do!
Where to Eat? Artisanal Restaurants
Benicia is home to a delicious array of eateries for any occasion. Here are some to consider for your special day with Mom:
Breakfast: Recently celebrated on Check, Please! Bay Area, One House Bakery is the perfect place to start your Mother's Day. Enjoy incredible baked goods from their upstairs balcony & watch behind-the-scenes action in the kitchen below, or head out to their secret, fairy tale back patio! Need more proof of how good this bakery is? One House Bakery was just featured in The New York Times, and supplies bread for Michelin-rated Bouchon Bistro.
One House is offering a special Mothers Day Menu, too. Get a High Tea Tower, specialty baked goods (like a heart-shaped baguette), chocolates, and quiches. Now accepting pre-orders.
If your mom loves coffee, check out States Coffee x Bread, which offers delicious espresso coffee, avocado toast, homemade bread, and artisanal spreads. If you have any trouble finding it, just follow the smell of freshly baked bread!
(Image Courtesy of: First Street Tap House)
Lunch: Enjoy lunch in a historic building (originally built in 1890) while sipping on a selection of 20 beers at First Street Tap House. Their menu features creative seasonal plates that are perfect for sharing.
If Mom loves live music, check out Lucca Bar & Grill. They offer gastro-pub style cuisine, and source ingredients from local farms and sustainable produce within 400 miles of the restaurant. After your meal, enjoy a drink in their beer garden.
Check out their live music schedule for an extra-special treat.
Dessert: For cookies, cupcakes, cakes, and more, head over to Fox & Fawn Bakehouse. All of their creations use the best vegan, organic, and fair-trade ingredients.
Or, how about the best ice cream in the county? Satisfy your sweet tooth and enjoy the fun & colorful interior of Double Rainbow Cafe, voted Solano County's "Best Ice Cream Store" in 2022 (Times Herald)!
Dinner: Enjoy classic Italian and innovative Californian cuisine while taking in waterfront views at Bella Siena. Their menu features fresh salads, savory pastas, hearty meat/seafood entrees, and an extensive wine list.
Another great location that provides stunning views of the Carquinez Strait (and lovely outdoor and indoor dining) is Sailor Jack's. Stop by and enjoy delicious seafood with California flair (also great for weekend brunch)!
Activities for Every Mom
Shopaholic Mom: You will find charming, one-of-a-kind boutique and antique shopping all along First Street!
For whimsical & unique fashion with a touch of rock & roll, pay a visit to Pink Arrows Boutique. If Mom is interested in modern, bohemian-style fashion, handmade jewelry, and gifts, check out Collektive Boutique!
Discover the finest European-inspired home decor & accents at Le Sparkly Chateau. For even more home decor, walk over to Bell & Brass, where you can browse a mix of new and vintage pieces, furniture, dinnerware, and luxurious bath salts and scrubs.
Artistic Mom: Benicia is home to a variety of art galleries and public art, all within easy walking distance to each other. Benicia Plein Air Gallery is one of the many galleries on First Street, and is a co-op consisting of 13 local artists.
There are also a number of
public art pieces that can be viewed while enjoying a stroll around downtown and the Marina, including Neptune’s Daughter, Robert Arneson's Self-Portrait, and the many street tiles by Guillermo Granizo.
Mom Who Deserves Some Pampering: Take time for a bit of R&R or beautification at one of Benicia's Beauty & Wellness centers: Bella Donna Skin Spa and Bombshell Hair & Ink. Please check websites for availability.
History Buff Mom: Dating back to the gold rush, Benicia is one of the oldest cities in California! It features charming vintage architecture and historic landmarks at every turn. Take your history buff mom on a walking tour, and check out the Benicia Capitol State Historic Park, located right in the middle of First Street.
Be sure to stop by the new home of Arts Benicia: a glamorous 19th century mansion - the Commanding Officer's Quarters - home to countless military balls and galas over the years.
Across the street, check out the iconic Benicia Clock Tower, which was a former military arsenal and still stands after a fiery explosion in 1912 blew up the building's top floor!
The Benicia Historical Museum is another great way to uncover the stories of Benicia’s past with your mom. The museum is housed in four 1850s sandstone buildings, and showcases the history of Benicia since its founding in 1847.
Outdoorsy Mom: Benicia has been recognized by the Amgen Tour of California and Ride Chronicles for its excellent cycling, and offers experiences for all skill levels. The city has a number of biking and hiking trails to enjoy.
For a one-of-a-kind adventure, walk or bike along the 50-mile long Carquinez Strait Scenic Loop which connects over 10,000 acres of parks and open spaces - and 5 historic communities (like Benicia)!
Whether you elect to take a breezy stroll along the waterfront or venture out to the 438-acre Benicia State Recreation Area, your outdoorsy mom is in for a treat.
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY !
