Love is in the air, and there's no better way to celebrate Valentine's Day than with a trip to Benicia!

Our charming & timeless city has everything you need to spend the perfect day with your loved one(s), and is excellent for a mid-week or weekend getaway.

Read on for Valentine's Day specials, activities, and inspiration!

Delicious Valentine's Specials

Benicia is home to a delicious array of eateries for any occasion. Here are some offering special treats for the holiday:

Take-Home Gourmet: Impress that special someone by picking up One House Bakery's five course Valentine's Day dinners, or their incredible chocolates, and pastries, including chocolate covered strawberries, shortbread cookies, chocolate boxes, and more! It's all part of the award-winning bakery's Valentine's Day Menu. 

Pro-tip: enjoy your food on One House's secret back patio garden for a fairytale romantic atmosphere.

Sweets for your Sweet: The new Disco Cake at Fox and Fawn is the perfect sweet treat this Valentine's Day! This single-layer cake is perfect for any time of day, and - as with all Fox and Fawn creations - this cake is vegan friendly!

(Image Courtesy of: Fox and Fawn)

Love at First Bite - Artisanal Dining

Breakfast: Start the day off right at 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!

If your special someone loves coffee as much as they love you, pay a visit to Rrags Coffee. They roast their own beans weekly!

Lunch: Enjoy lunch in a historic nineteenth century building (and former studio of famed sculptor Robert Arneson), 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 top attractions of First Street.

Pro Tip: Schedule a romantic picnic! Grab food to go from one of the many Benicia restaurants and head down to the First Street Green to enjoy it while taking in the view of the water. 

Dinner with a View x2: Treat your loved one to classic Italian and innovative Californian cuisine (not to mention an extensive wine list) at Bella Sienna. Enjoy dinner while taking in the views of the Carquinez Strait from their dining room, bar, or patio. Their menu features fresh salads, savory pastas, and hearty meat/seafood entrees.

Another great location that provides stunning, waterfront views of the Carquinez Strait is Sailor Jack's. Stop by and enjoy delicious seafood, including Dungeness Crab, with California flair (also great for weekend brunch!).

(Image Courtesy of: Pink Arrows Boutique)

Valentine's Gifts

You will find charming, one-of-a-kind boutique and antique shopping all along First Street!

Gifts and Outfits: Pink Arrows Boutique has a variety of Valentine's gifts for your special someone, and also makes a perfect "Galentine's Day" destination for the ladies! If you are looking for trendy, one-of-a-kind pieces with a touch of rock n roll - something to wear on date night - they have you covered.

Roses are Red: For sweet-smelling arrangements that brighten anyone's day, stop by Sweetness & Light Floral Design. Their stunning arrangements are created with local blooms, sourced within a 60 mile radius. In addition to beautiful flowers, you will find other gifts, cards, and even "Love Potions!"

Chocolates and More: Skip the line at See's Candy and stop by Benicia Main Street for chocolates and more.  The Benicia Main Street Gift Shop, located at 90 First Street, offers a variety of Benicia merchandise, local art, and memorabilia. 

Home Decor and Fashion: 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. Their sister store, Sparkly Ragz, also has great gift options, including jewelry & candles. The store features a wide variety of eclectic pieces!

Pro-Tip: Trouble finding the perfect gift? Get your loved one a city-wide Shop Benicia eGift card, and give the gift of a full day together in Benicia, redeemable at 60 locations around town!

Activities to Love

Enjoy Art: Benicia is home to a variety of art galleries and public art, ideal for any art lover. Check out the Little Art Shop's February featured artists, Detra Morgan, acrylic painting artist, and Barbara Richardson, steampunk artist.

There are also a number of public art pieces that can be viewed while enjoying a stroll, including: Neptune’s Daughter, Robert Arneson Self-Portrait, and many Street Tiles by Guillermo Granizo.

History 101: Benicia is one of the oldest cities in California, and features charming vintage architecture and historic landmarks dating back to the gold rush!

Be sure to stop by the new home of Arts Benicia, a glamorous nineteenth century mansion - the Commanding Officer's Quarters - home to countless military balls and galas over the years.

Just a skip away, check out the iconic Benicia Clock Tower, a former military arsenal that 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. The museum is housed in four 1850s sandstone buildings and showcases the history of Benicia since its founding in 1847. If you happen to be visiting on February 18th, check out their History Talks event.

Spend Time Outdoors:  Benicia has some of the best biking and hiking trails in the Bay Area. 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. Why not take a romantic stroll or bike ride along the Benicia Waterfront?

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY !