While Martinez has modernized its infrastructure and city services it still has the character of one of Northern California’s best older communities. Established in 1876, Martinez is the County seat of Contra Costa County. It is located along the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers in the central part of the County. The City’s roots can be traced to the late 1840s when it served as a ferryboat transit point across the Carquinez straits on the way to the gold fields. By the time of its incorporation, Martinez had evolved into one of the area’s most significant trading posts and shipping ports. Today, the City covers 12.5 square miles and has approximately 36,700 residents. As one of California’s first towns, Martinez retains a strong sense of history and family. The renowned naturalist John Muir made Martinez his home for nearly a quarter of a century and in 1915, the year after Muir’s passing, the legendary baseball great Joe DiMaggio was born here. One of the unique aspects of Martinez is its architecture. Many of the downtown shops still retain their early 20th Century look and charm, with some homes dating back more than 125 years.
Martinez citizens of all ages continue to enjoy the outdoors. With 16 city parks and a marina, there are also plenty of recreational opportunities available to the public. The waterfront’s top-flight bocce ball courts are host to the nation’s largest bocce federation. And nearby, the recently completed 10,000 square foot Skate Park offers an attraction for the youth of the region.
