Solano: Marshlands, Trails and Cultural Heritage

Solano showcases the many sides of California: marshlands and vernal pool ecosystems, trails through open spaces, activities on the water, and historic places. Each destination has a different focus—from quiet wetlands to railroad rides and historic buildings.

Marshlands and Wildlife

Lynch Canyon Open Space Park has ten miles of trails for hiking, birdwatching, trail running, horseback riding and mountain biking. A section of the San Francisco Bay Area Ridge Trail runs through the park. The ridgelines offer views of Suisun Marsh, the Carquinez Strait and San Pablo Bay. Grasslands, oak woodlands, riparian forests and wet meadows provide shelter and food for deer, foxes, bobcats, waterbirds and numerous raptors.

Grizzly Island Wildlife Area encompasses about 12,900 acres of Suisun Marsh habitat, spread across ten parcels of land. In the approximately 1,700-acre Hill Slough Wildlife Area, salt marshes, managed marshland, tidal sloughs and higher-elevation grasslands meet. Peytonia Slough Ecological Reserve is a 117-acre brackish and salt marsh; channels there flow into Peytonia Slough. It can be reached by boat from Suisun Slough.

Jepson Prairie Preserve is considered 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 are offered of the vernal pool ecosystem ponds and the species that depend on them.

Trails for Different Activities

At Patwino Worrtla Kodoi Dihi Open Space Park, two trail offerings serve different uses: a specially surfaced, 0.6-mile accessible trail is designed for wheelchairs, strollers and walkers. There are also twelve miles of multi-use trails for hikers, cyclists and horseback riders. The park also provides habitat for golden eagles, acorn woodpeckers and California newts.

Lynch Canyon Open Space Park also combines several activities with views over marshlands and the bay. Those interested in bicycle and road trails will find 2.5 miles of such trails at Benicia State Recreation Area. Laurel Creek Trail is seven miles long and runs through Suisun Marsh. The routes differ in both length and the uses described.

Water, Shorelines and Camping

At Belden's Landing Park, a boat ramp leads to Suisun Marsh at Montezuma Slough. Fishing is possible there both from the shore and from a pier. Lake Solano Park offers picnic areas, birdwatching and access to Putah Creek for non-motorized boats. The park also has a campground for RVs and tents, as well as sites for cyclists arriving by bicycle. Check current operating conditions before your trip.

Sandy Beach County Park combines a sandy beach on the Sacramento River with picnic areas, a boat ramp and camping options. Activities available there include jet skiing, pleasure boating, windsurfing, sailing and beach activities. The river offers different recreational opportunities from those found in the marshlands and inland trails.

Railroads and California History

Western Railway Museum preserves the heritage of Northern California's electric railroads. Its 11-mile round trip travels through the landscape of Solano County, with views along the way of open farmland, Mount Diablo and the surrounding marshlands. Schedules may change, so check departure times before your visit. On weekends, there is no connecting bus to the museum from the Capitol Corridor Suisun City/Fairfield station. Check the connection for your travel date.

Several places tell the story of California's past. Benicia Capitol was built in 1852 and was one of four locations of California's “Capitol on Wheels.” Benicia Arsenal was established in 1849 on a 345-acre site east of the city along the Carquinez Strait. The City of Benicia still owns several of the arsenal's most historically significant buildings, including the Commanding Officer's Quarters. Mare Island Navy Yard was established on September 16, 1854, as the first U.S. naval station in the Pacific. Vaca-Peña Adobe was built in 1843.

The Jelly Belly Factory offers another perspective on technology and industry: its self-guided tour follows a 0.25-mile elevated route, passes interactive exhibits and includes a ride on the Jelly Belly Express. The Jelly Belly Museum, in turn, offers an interactive experience exploring the development of candy-making equipment and the growth of Jelly Belly.

When choosing where to stay, it helps to first decide what your trip will focus on. Nature trails and marshlands, activities on the water, or railroad and architectural history each lead to different itineraries. Base your search on the experiences that matter most during your stay in Solano.

Discover more destinations: Vallejo, Benicia, Vacaville, Fairfield, Suisun City, Dixon, Rio Vista, San Benito.

For the broader travel overview: California.