Mother’s Day Weekend in Benicia
Celebrate this Mother’s Day all weekend with a special trip to Benicia! This historic waterfront town is filled with outstanding restaurants, shopping, art and more! Read on for our recommendations on how to create an unforgettable outing for any mom.
Pro-Tip: Trouble finding the perfect gift? Get mom a city-wide Shop Benicia eGift card and give the gift of a full day in Benicia, redeemable at 60 locations around town!
Where to Eat? Artisanal Restaurants
Benicia is home to a delicious array of eateries for any occasion. Here are some to consider for you day out with mom:
Breakfast: Start your day is at one of the most well-known places in town, One House Bakery. Recently celebrated in the San Francisco Chronicle. Enjoy incredible baked goods on their secret back patio, which may as well be an escape to a magical fairyland. One House has even been featured on Live with Kelly and Ryan and supplies the bread for Michelin-rated Bouchon Bistro.
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 and they are located near many of the attractions in Downtown Benicia.
Or, take your mom out to lunch and a show at Kimono Restaurant. Your lunch will be prepared right in front of you by their talented chefs who will chop, flip and impress you with a variety of tricks.
Dinner: Enjoy dinner while taking in the views of the Carquinez Strait and enjoying classic Italian and innovative Californian cuisine at Bella Sienna. 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 is the remodeled Sailor Jack's. Stop on by and enjoy delicious seafood with California flair (also great for weekend brunch!).
(Image Courtesy of: Pink Arrows Boutique)
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 the newly opened Le Sparkly Chateau! The Bridgerton vibes are strong here and there is always something new to discover.
At Daughter of Luna you'll find a beautiful and unique array of house plants and gift items such as greeting cards, books, candles and planters. While you were there, pick out a special arrangement, they were Voted Best Florist in Solano County 2021!
Artistic Mom: Benicia is home to a variety of art galleries and public art, ideal for more creative moms. 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 including: Neptune’s Daughter, Robert Arneson Self-Portrait, and Tiles by Guillermo Granizo.
(Image Courtesy of: Benicia Plein Air Gallery - MaryLou Correia "Flowering Crabapples")
Mom Who Deserves Some Pampering: In the midst of all this culture and shopping, take some time for a bit of R&R or beautification at one of Benicia's Beauty & Wellness locations. Bella Donna Skin Spa and Bombshell Hair & Ink. Please check websites for availability.
History Buff Mom: Benicia is one of the oldest cities in California and features charming vintage architecture and historic landmarks dating back to the gold rush! Take your history buff mom on a walking tour of Benicia’s vintage architecture and historical sites.
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.
And just a skip away, 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 a number of
biking and hiking trails around town that are exciting to explore. The city has been recognized by the Amgen Tour of California and Ride Chronicles for its excellent cycling and offers experiences for all skill levels. 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 stroll along the waterfront or venture out to the 438-acre Benicia State Recreation Area your outdoorsy mom is in for a treat.
2022 Mother’s Day Weekend Activities and Specials
Continuously Updated (last update 04/25/22)
Artist Show at Benicia Plein Air Gallery: On Saturday May 7th, 11am-5pm, the artists welcome the public to a special outdoor show. Artists will demonstrate painting bouquets designed by Sweetness and Light Floral Design.
One-Day Wheel Throwing Class: Sign up for
Happy Life Pottery’s
One-Day Wheel Throwing Class
on
May 8th from
3-5:30pm. Learn the basics of wheel throwing and create your own pottery.
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY !
