This historic town on the Carquinez Strait is often overlooked – perhaps because it’s associated with jury duty. Martinez is, after all, the county seat of Contra Costa. But the waterfront town is enjoying a renaissance, says Adam Hoffert. And while you might expect that from the chairman of the town’s Chamber of Commerce, he’s not wrong.

This region has always prided itself on its great hiking trails and outdoor activities, but the influx of new, talented entrepreneurs and up-and-coming businesses – a market hall, new restaurants and entertainment options – has increased the city’s cool factor, says Hoffert.

The river breezes keep temperatures cool even during the summer heat – at least on this side of the Caledecott Tunnel.

Still, start your Martinez adventure in the morning, when temperatures are at their lowest, with a morning hike to Mount Wanda and Mount Helen, which puts John Muir front and center. Start at the trailhead at Franklin Canyon Road and Alhambra Avenue and take the main fire trail for a brisk, tranquil 2.7-mile hike up and around the two mountains named for Muir’s daughters. Pause to enjoy the views from Mount Helen across the Carquinez Strait, and keep an eye out for the wide variety of birds that frequent the preserve, including red-tailed hawks, scrub jays and acorn woodpeckers.

Then head to John Muir National Historic Site. This property, which includes Muir’s Victorian home, orchards and gardens, once belonged to the legendary naturalist who is considered the father of the national park system. During the fall harvest, the National Park Service offers visitors free fruit from the orchards.

Explore the Strentzel-Muir House and climb the bell tower for another great view and to ring the bell. Then, walk through the rooms and see how the family lived in the late 1800s. There’s no charge to enter the grounds and you’re welcome to bring a picnic.

If you didn’t pack any picnic food, you’re probably ready for a pick-me-up by now. Half a mile down Alhambra Avenue, you’ll find Mountain Grounds, a small cafe serving cozy coffee drinks and creative pastries. Grab an iced pistachio latte, perhaps with a blueberry custard galette.

On Sundays, the historic downtown area is bustling as the Martinez Farmers Market takes over Main Street with stalls selling fresh produce and prepared foods like bao, tamales and bolani flatbreads.

Down the street, Market & Main has been delighting locals and visitors since it opened in late 2021. It’s home to a variety of temptations, from cookie shop Out the Dough to Shuck It Oyster Bar, Souley Vegan and a Shipwreck Nautical Bar that opened in February.

You’ll find the stylish Bentley’s Cocktail Bar & Lounge with its ’20s vibe upstairs and in the backyard, as well as sister hotspot Bentley’s Container Bar, a shipping container-turned-open-air bar that’s been serving cocktails since last year. And now Bentley’s has introduced a Sunday R&B brunch service – DJ Koolens did his thing one weekend. You’ll want to make reservations, says co-owner Krystal Endsley.

Since this is Martinez, you’re probably looking for martinis. San Francisco can claim the modern, gin-centric cocktail, but if you’re familiar with Gold Rush history, you’ll know that the first “martini” – the Martinez cocktail – was served here in 1849. A Martinez bartender mixed an ounce of gin, a glass of vermouth, two dashes of maraschino liqueur, and a dash of bitters and sugar syrup for a nouveau riche gold miner, and a cocktail legend was born. Just steps away at the intersection of Masonic Street and Alhambra Avenue, you’ll find a plaque that reads “Birthplace of the Martini.”