Martinez
Picturesque and beautiful, the city of Martinez, California is located just a few miles northeast of San Francisco Bay. Along the sunny California coast, Martinez became a city in 1876 and was the home of environmentalist and Sierra Club founder, John Muir. Old brick buildings line historic Main Street, and the city's primary employers are Contra Costa County and the Shell Oil Company. Originating alongside the California Gold Rush of the 19th century, Martinez has more than a dozen parks within its small 12-mile diameter, and is the home of the Martinez Regional Shoreline and Briones Regional Park. Grassy hills, historic old buildings, and its close proximity to San Francisco make Martinez a great place to visit.