The Best Places to Visit When Driving from Bay Point to Union City

Exploring California can be an adventure. Its dramatic landscapes, coastline, and metropolitan areas offer something for everyone. When it comes to taking a road trip, California offers diverse and breathtaking landscapes, a variety of places to stop, and exciting things to see along the way. Driving from Bay Point, California to Union City, California might not be the longest adventure, but there are destinations worth seeing along the way.

In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the top five places to visit when driving from Bay Point to Union City.

Pleasant Hill, California

If you are starting your trip from Bay Point, the first place you should visit after driving 10 miles is the Town of Pleasant Hill. This charming town gives visitors a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking and biking. If you like to shop, check out the Sunvalley Mall in the middle of town to grab some bargains or buy souvenirs for your trip.

If you are a history buff, check out the Pleasant Hill Museum and the Steel Ranch Artifacts Museum to get a glimpse of the town's rich history. The Pleasant Hill Downtown Association also hosts events throughout the year, so keep an eye out for concerts, festivals, and street fairs!

Benicia, California

Benicia, California, is a small town but there's a lot to see and do. After driving for 20 miles from Pleasant Hill, Benicia is the perfect place to stop and stretch your legs. This small town has a lot to offer, from a charming waterfront to a vibrant arts scene. If you're looking to learn more about the town's early days, visit the Benicia Historical Museum which presents fascinating information about the town's past.

Benicia's main street is full of interesting shops and restaurants to explore. If you like art, the Benicia Art Gallery is a must-see. You can also visit the Benicia Capitol State Historic Park, a landmark that played an important role in California's early history.

Mission San Jose

After driving for 20 miles from Benicia, you'll reach Mission San Jose. The mission represents the history of the Ohlone people and is known as the "Jewel of the Missions". If you’re a history buff, you'll find the tour particularly exciting because it details the history of Spanish settlement in California. The building dates back to 1797 and has a range of artifacts on display, including original mission-era catalogs.

Unfortunately, some of the structures such as the church and other original buildings are believed to have been destroyed by earthquakes. However, restoration work takes things back to how they were in the past and gives you an insight into the fascinating history of San Jose.

Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area

When you've learned enough about history, drive to the Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area just a few miles away from Mission San Jose. Don't let the name fool you, the park offers a lot more than just wild swimming. You can spend hours exploring this natural preserve with its hiking trails, fishing areas, picnic spots, and areas to exercise.

The park is a great place to have a break from driving, relax and picnic, and enjoy the scenic views. The park offers stunning views of the rolling hills, lush greenery, and the nearby quarry, providing an ideal environment to unwind and escape from the hustle and bustle of California's urban life.

Alameda Naval Air Museum

As you near Union City, take a detour to the Alameda Naval Air Museum, located in the historic hangars of the Alameda Naval Air Station. The museum boasts of a collection focussed on the naval aviation heritage of the USA from World War II to the present day. The museum exhibits an extensive collection of aircraft, helicopters, engines, and interactive displays.

The hangars are also home to an impressive restoration operation for old aircraft. You may be lucky enough to witness a skilled technician working on an old warbird. It’s a great place for aircraft enthusiasts to get a glimpse of some of the world's most impressive warplanes.

Conclusion

As you can see, there is no need to rush from Bay Point to Union City, as there are many fascinating places to stop and explore along the way. Pleasant Hill is an ideal place to start your trip with plenty of outdoor activities. Benicia offers a vibrant arts scene, while Mission San Jose provides a glimpse of Californian history. The Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area is a great place to unwind in the great outdoors, and Alameda Naval Air Museum is perfect for aviation buffs. Add these destinations to your itinerary to make the most of your road trip from Bay Point to Union City.