Benicia State Recreation Area sits on the western edge of Benicia, bordering Vallejo's Glen Cove neighborhood. Wikipedia says it covers 447 acres of marsh, grassy hillsides and rocky beaches along the narrowest part of the Carquinez Strait, where the combined Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers approach San Pablo Bay.

Construction right now

California State Parks says two Americans with Disabilities Act upgrade projects are underway. In the picnic area, crews are fully remodeling the restroom and adding ADA parking and accessible paths to several picnic spots, with completion projected for mid-May 2027. Separately, a trail project on the Bay Area Ridge Trail at Dillon Point is expected to finish before the end of 2026.

State Parks is also working with the Solano County Resource Conservation District on the multiyear Glen Cove Waterfront Enhancement Project. The project removes non-native plants and plants native species that are culturally significant to the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation. Expect occasional temporary closures, herbicide use and volunteer work days.

What to do

Cyclists, runners, walkers, equestrians and roller skaters use the park's 2.5 miles of road and bike paths, and picnicking, birdwatching and fishing are popular. State Parks calls the marsh at Dillon Point a favorite fishing spot. Dogs must be leashed, and a parking fee applies.

The park has three first-come, first-served "en route" campsites for fully self-contained motorhomes or trailers, and tents aren't allowed. Collecting anything is prohibited, mushrooms included.

Wildlife

Wikipedia says the Southampton Bay Wetland Natural Preserve makes up 70% of the park, with brackish, salt and freshwater marsh. Endangered residents include the salt marsh harvest mouse, the soft bird's-beak plant, California clapper rails and black rails, and the park is designated an Important Bird Area. River otters, muskrats and beavers live here too. Wikipedia says the beavers probably arrived from the Delta in 2007.

Wikipedia also covers the place names. Spanish diarist José de Cañizares named the cove Puerto de la Asunta in 1775. The current name, Southampton Bay, comes from the Navy frigate Southampton, which arrived in 1849.

Across the strait: Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline.