Martinez brings together the history of John Muir, landmark buildings, and waterfront destinations. When planning your visit, keep the access requirements in mind: some places can be explored inside or through a visitor center, while others can currently only be viewed from the outside. There are also seasonal programs, trails through varied landscapes, and waterfront activities.
John Muir and the Mount Wanda Landscape
The Strentzel/Muir House was built in 1882 in the Victorian Italianate style. It was John Muir’s home for the last 24 years of his life. The visitor center at the John Muir National Historic Site provides access to the park’s main grounds and shows a short film about Muir. If you’re planning a visit, check the latest visitor information for operating details.
Mount Wanda is also part of the Historic Site, but offers a different experience: the area includes 326 acres of oak woodlands and grassland. It is open daily from sunrise to sunset; trail conditions can change, so check the latest conditions before setting out. Seasonal Historic Site programs include campfire talks and guided hikes on Mount Wanda. As these activities take place seasonally, check the dates in advance if you want to plan your visit around them.
The house and grounds offer different ways to explore John Muir’s story: the house provides a historical connection, while Mount Wanda puts the landscape at the center. However, the specific programs and an outdoor walk are not the same offering; guided hikes in particular are part of the seasonal programs.
Historic Sites with Different Access Options
The Martinez Adobe was built around 1849 by Don Vincente Martinez from adobe bricks and is part of the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail. The building is currently closed to the public for safety reasons. Visitors can view it from the outside. Check the latest access information before visiting, as it may change.
Another historic site commemorates Dr. John Marsh. At the Site of the Murder of Dr. John Marsh, he was murdered by ruffians on September 24, 1856, while on his way home from Martinez. The exact date and its connection to Martinez are part of this site’s story and distinguish it from buildings that stand out today primarily for their architecture or former use as residences.
A specific access requirement applies to Alhambra Pioneer Cemetery: you must pick up a key at the Martinez Police Department before entering. Confirm the procedure before your visit. Captain Joseph Rutherford Walker is buried in the cemetery, connecting its local history with a well-known historical figure.
The Marina and Fishing by the Water
Fishing and waterfront recreation are the focus at Martinez Municipal Fishing Pier. The pier was renovated in 2025 and reopened in late 2025. The city describes it as a scenic spot along the waterfront. Martinez Marina offers a different overview of the city’s maritime side: it includes 332 boat slips, a park, a fishing pier, open spaces, and maritime businesses. The marina has supported boaters and anglers for more than 40 years.
If you’re choosing between the two destinations, consider what you’re looking for: Municipal Fishing Pier is described as a place to fish and spend time by the water; the marina brings together boat slips and other named facilities. Both are part of Martinez’s waterfront, but their stated features differ. In addition to the slips, the marina’s listed amenities explicitly include its park, open spaces, and maritime businesses.
Architecture, Local Collections, and City History
The Martinez City Library was designed in 1941 by architect E. Geoffrey Bangs. Its architectural style is classified as Art Deco or Classical Modern, and it is considered locally significant under Criterion C in the area of architecture. These details make the library a distinctive part of Martinez’s architectural history. The Borland House, by contrast, is notable for its role in preserving local collections: the house, dating from the 1890s, was acquired by the Martinez Historical Society and the city as a repository for local papers, documents, photographs, and artifacts.
The story of the martini’s origins is also part of the local cityscape. The official city history identifies Martinez as the birthplace and home of the world-famous martini. This claim can be considered alongside the architectural and historical themes without equating it with the visiting opportunities at the other sites.
Discover more destinations: Danville, Lafayette, Pacheco, Concord, Pinole, Pleasant Hill, San Pablo, Orinda.
For the broader travel overview: Contra Costa.
