Outside in Solano

Andrea Gutierrez

There are a few great places close to home for activities of all types. From birdwatching to bocce ball to roller skating to horseback riding, Solano County is abundant with beautiful open space to explore and a fun sport right in town. As seen in the August print version of Your Town Monthly, we’ve picked the following trio for our readers to check out.

Benicia State Recreation Area

Benicia-State-Recreation-AreaLocated two miles west of downtown Benicia, the area includes 447 acres of land with 2½ miles of paths set aside for cyclists, runners, walkers, equestrians and roller skaters. Trails roll through the marshy, grassy hillsides and rocky beaches along the narrowest portion of the Carquinez Strait.

Picnicking, bird watching and fishing are also attractions. Dogs must be on a leash at all times.

For more information, please visit parks.ca.gov.

Brannan Island State Recreation Area

Part of the state park system of California, Brannan Island State Recreation area hosts a labyrinth of waterways with islands and marshes all around. It’s one of the best local places for water recreation.

Swimming, boating, fishing and windsurfing are just some of the water activities that are available.

Canoe tours of ‘the meadows’ may be reserved on weekends during Spring and Fall. There are also over 140 campsites and areas for picnicking and swimming.

The park is on Highway 160, a few miles south of the city of Rio Vista. For more information, visit parks.ca.gov.

Learn to Play…or Join in on a Bocce Ball Game

The Fairfield Bocce Federation is an active club at the Fairfield Senior Center located at 1200 Civic Center Dr. in Fairfield and is open to all new members young and old all year long.

There are winter and summer leagues and also tournaments throughout the year. The Fairfield Bocce Federation is based in the Fairfield Senior Center at 1200 Civic Center Drive, Fairfield, CA.

Thursday nights are open Bocce for anyone 16 years or older wanting to learn how to play. Membership and fees are not required. Just show up and learn how to play!

For more information, visit fairfieldbocce.org.