Accessible Path: Yes (paved asphalt, compacted gravel, boardwalk)
Mileage: 1.5 mile loop
To an unsuspecting visitor, Martinez may seem like a sleepy former fishing town along the southern shore of the Carquinez Strait. Little do they know, however, that Martinez is the birthplace of two great American institutions. In 1849, a miner who struck it rich wandered into town and couldn't find a bottle of champagne to celebrate with. An enterprising bartender whipped up something special with the gin he had on hand and the Martini was born.
Sixty-five years later, an Italian family welcomed their sixth child - a son named Joseph. That young boy would make his professional baseball debut for the San Francisco Seals in 1932. Nine years later, Joe DiMaggio would hit safely in 54 straight games for the New York Yankees - a record that stands to this day. While you're in town, you'll have the opportunity to pay homage to both: Joltin' Joe's boat is on display in the marina, and any number of the bars downtown will gladly serve you one of their world-famous libations.
Before you begin your walk along the shore, feel free to wander around downtown and enjoy one of the many quaint restaurants or coffee shops. When you're ready, head north on Ferry Street. Once you pass the Amtrak station, you've entered the park. Follow the park road past the bocce courts on your right until you reach the parking area near the Harbor Master's Headquarters.
Radke Martinez Regional Shoreline Park is situated along the Carquinez Strait, just west of the Benicia Bridge. The park offers great views of the shoreline and the marshland within the park is ideal habitat for many types of birds. A great place to begin your walk is to to walk along the boats lining the marina docks and out to the pier.
Head out on the compacted gravel pathway toward the Carquinez Strait, you'll notice tall wooden piles directly adjacent to the pier. These are the remnants of the Bay Area's oldest ferry which began shuttling passengers across the Strait in 1847. The ferry operated for more than 100 years, up until the Benicia Bridge was completed in 1962. It no longer serves to transport people, but it does provide great habitat for mussels. As you near the end of the trail and walk on to the pier, you can see the town of Benicia across the water. Before the legislature was moved Sacramento in 1854, Benicia served as the State Capitol for the 13 months prior.
Once you're satisfied with the view across the water, turn around return toward the parking area. Before you reach your car, however, make a right turn as the path hugs the shoreline. Soon pathway will turn from the shore of the Strait and you'll find yourself along the shore of the pond. Many different types birds enjoy this tidal pond, including American Coots, Cormorants, Pelicans and Canadian Geese.
Enjoy the pathway around the pond, and keep an eye out for a boardwalk bridge leading you into the tall reeds of the marshland. After you cross the bridge, take the pathway to right and you'll find yourself looking upon a picturesque wooden arch bridge crossing Alhambra Creek. The creek originates in the Briones Hills, winds it way through the Alhambra Valley past John Muir's residence (yes, the famous naturalist, conservation advocate, and father of the National Parks lived in Martinez). More recently, this portion of Alhambra Creek has been home to a pair of Golden Beavers.
The arch bridge can get a little steep; if you need a friend to help with this part, be sure to bring one on your walk. Once you get over the wooden bridge, you'll see another bridge along the pathway leading you over the marshland. Follow the pathway and stay to the right when you come to the first intersection. The compacted gravel pathway continues along the shoreline, offering views of the water and the Crockett Hills. As you continue on the pathway, additional trails intersect with the compacted gravel shoreline trail. These trails are easy to traverse, but may not be the best surface for wheelchairs. If you're up to it, feel free to use the trails to further explore the marshland
In time, make your way back to the wooden arch bridge and take it once again over Alhambra Creek. Return over the boardwalk bridge to to once again find yourself at the pond. Take the compacted earth and gravel pathway to the right to continue making your way around the pond in a counterclockwise fashion. A paved portion of the trail will take you along the final stretch of the pondside pathway, eventually depositing you back at the parking lot where you began your journey.
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