The Ferry Point Picnic Area, on the Martinez Regional Shoreline, offers a beautiful natural setting to enjoy a picnic, a walk, or just sit and experience the views. The area includes many picnic tables, which are available on a first come first serve basis. Stop by one of the restaurants downtown Martinez and pick up something to eat, then drive or walk to the Ferry Point Picnic Area and enjoy your lunch by the water. If you aren’t hungry, have a seat at one of the many benches that allow you to sit comfortably and watch the rhythm of nature.
You’ll see and hear birds that call this area home, including seagulls, pigeons, and Canadian Geese. The marsh area of the shoreline is a migratory stop for many bird species. The views include the hills around Martinez, the Carquinez Straight, the charming houses in Benicia, and boats sitting patiently upon the water. There is something relaxing about the sound of water lapping against the shore. Even a picnic lunch can change your day and the Ferry Point Picnic Area is the place to get away from it all, in your own hometown. When we slow down and take time to carefully look around us, we notice details that we never saw before.
The park has a large grass area that is a perfect for kite flying. The wind coming from the Strait and over the ridge gives the lift needed to fly a kite. The breeze can be strong in this area, so come prepared by wearing layers. On the day I visited, the wind was so cold it made me want to leave, but the bright sun, fresh sea air, and the vast views called me to stay.
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There’s so much to see here – you can start with a picnic and stay for hours exploring. In the picnic area alone there’s a memorial to student choir members from Yuba City High School who were killed in bus accident in 1976. The City of Martinez planted one tree for each person who lost their life in the accident. A plaque provides a list of each choir member, the tree that was planted for them, the tree donor and where the trees are located. The memorial has flowers on each side, a bench in front of it, and looks out on the water.
Also see the plaque dedicated in 1984 to the Italian Fishermen. This plaque is close to the restrooms, which are available in Harbor Master/Bait Shop building, part of the East Bay Regional Parks.
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Take a walk on the Martinez Pier while you are there. Read more about the pier in “” by Bruce Campbell.
Whether you want to enjoy a picnic lunch, a walk, or an entire day, the Ferry Point Picnic Area is the place to start. It's close to home, but will make you feel like you have escaped to a place far away.
To get to the picnic area, take Ferry Street to the end and look for the signs. Parking is free. Dogs are allowed on leash in some areas. Check the Martinez Regional Shoreline map for details.
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