Bookshop Benicia

Bookshop Benicia occupies a lovely space on First Street in one of the Bay Area's best-kept secrets, a historic waterfront town where the Carquinez Strait meets a thriving arts community. Since 2002, the store has been the literary anchor of Benicia's charming downtown, with a selection that honors the town's rich history as California's one-time state capital and its present-day identity as an artists' haven. The local history section covers Benicia's fascinating past, from its role in the Mexican-American War to its years as the seat of California government, while the art section reflects the galleries and studios that line First Street. The used books are carefully selected and priced, offering excellent value to browsers. The in-store cafe serves pastries and coffee with a view of the street, and the intimate events space hosts regular author readings that draw from both the local community and the broader Bay Area. Bookshop Benicia proves that great bookselling can thrive in small towns with big literary hearts.