The Union Hotel sits right on First Street in Benicia’s historic waterfront district, a cream-colored Victorian building that’s been welcoming travelers since the 1850s. Walking in with your dog, you’re stepping into genuine California history—the kind that doesn’t feel like a museum because people actually live and stay here.

The rooms are comfortable without being fussy. Each one has its own bathroom with a Jacuzzi tub, private phone lines, and period furnishings that reflect the building’s original character. Some suites overlook the Carquinez Strait, and those bathrooms have whirlpool tubs big enough for two, which is nice if you’re splitting a room with a traveling companion (your dog won’t judge the lack of an extra bed). The European-influenced touches throughout give the place a slightly continental feel while keeping things rooted in Northern California’s past.

Benicia itself is compact and walkable once you’re settled in. The marina is basically right there. You can wander through the antique shops and art studios along First Street and neighboring blocks, or grab lunch at one of the restaurants within easy walking distance. It’s the kind of small waterfront town that doesn’t feel overrun, which means there’s actually space to move around without constantly dodging crowds—a relief when you’re traveling with a dog.

The bay views and relative quiet make this a good base for exploring the quieter side of the Bay Area. You’re close enough to Vallejo and other Northern California attractions if you want a day trip, but Benicia itself is worth spending time in. It’s the sort of place where you can get a real sense of what the Gold Rush era towns were like without everything being completely restored into theme-park territory.