Marshlands, open trails and railway history offer different ways to explore Solano. Several come together at Lynch Canyon Open Space Park: ten miles of trails invite visitors to hike, birdwatch, trail run, ride horses and mountain bike. A section of the San Francisco Bay Area Ridge Trail runs through the park; from the ridges, views stretch across Suisun Marsh, the Carquinez Strait and San Pablo Bay.

Marshland, Biodiversity and Trails

The landscapes themselves also vary significantly. Grizzly Island Wildlife Area encompasses about 12,900 acres of Suisun Marsh habitat across ten land parcels. At Hill Slough Wildlife Area, about 1,700 acres of salt marshes, managed marshlands, tidal sloughs and higher-elevation grassland shape the landscape. Peytonia Slough Ecological Reserve is a 117-acre brackish and salt marsh area; channels flow into Peytonia Slough there. The area is accessible by boat from Suisun Slough.

For trails of different lengths, Patwino Worrtla Kodoi Dihi Open Space Park offers a clear comparison: a specially paved, 0.6-mile accessible trail is designed for wheelchair users, strollers and walkers. There are also twelve miles of multi-use trails for hikers, cyclists and horseback riders. Golden Eagles, Acorn Woodpeckers and California Newts also make their home in the park. Laurel Creek Trail is seven miles long and runs through Suisun Marsh. At Rockville Hills Regional Park, 633 acres of grassland and oak woodlands meet a dense mixed deciduous forest.

Jepson Prairie Preserve tells a distinctive natural history: it is one of the best-preserved examples of vernal pool ecosystems in California. Rare species found there include vernal pool fairy shrimp, Conservancy fairy shrimp, vernal pool tadpole shrimp and the California Tiger Salamander. In spring, guided tours visit the pools and the species that depend on them. The National Park Service designated the Dixon Vernal Pools, centered on Jepson Prairie, a National Natural Landmark in 1987.

Railway Heritage and History

Western Railway Museum preserves the heritage of Northern California’s electric railways. Its 11-mile round trip travels through the landscape of Solano County and offers views of open farmland, Mount Diablo and the surrounding marshlands. Operating hours may change; check the schedule before your visit. There is no connecting bus to the museum on weekends from the Suisun City/Fairfield Capitol Corridor station. If you plan to take the train there, check the connection in advance as well.

Several places in Benicia recall California’s history. Benicia Capitol was built in 1852 and was one of four locations of the “Capitol on Wheels.” Benicia Arsenal was established in 1849 on a 345-acre site east of the city on the Carquinez Strait. The City of Benicia still owns several of the most historically significant buildings of Benicia Arsenal, including the Commanding Officer's Quarters. Vaca-Peña Adobe dates back to 1843.

Water, Picnics and Camping

A range of activities centers on the water. Belden's Landing Park provides access to Suisun Marsh at Montezuma Slough via a boat ramp; fishing is available from the shore and a pier. Sandy Beach County Park features a sandy beach on the Sacramento River, picnic areas, a boat ramp and camping facilities. Recreational activities available there include jet skiing, pleasure boating, windsurfing, sailing and beach activities.

At Lake Solano Park, visitors can enjoy picnic areas and birdwatching, as well as access to Putah Creek for non-motorized boats. The campground accommodates RVs and tents; there are also sites for cyclists arriving under their own steam. Check current campground conditions before your trip. Benicia State Recreation Area has 2.5 miles of roads and bike trails.

More to Explore

Technology and everyday history also have a place here. Jelly Belly Factory offers a self-guided tour along a 0.25-mile elevated route, with interactive exhibits and a ride on the Jelly Belly Express. The Jelly Belly Museum features interactive exhibits on the development of candy-making equipment and the growth of Jelly Belly.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Vallejo, Benicia, Vacaville, Fairfield, Suisun City, Dixon, Rio Vista and Los Angeles.

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