Though it's located less than an hour from the bustling metropolis of San Francisco, Benicia, California, has the heart and soul of a small town. Its residents pride themselves in the history and culture of the area and wanted to preserve it while showing it off to the world. So, in 1986, a handful of community leaders sent an application to the California Main Street Program, and they became one of 15 cities that would participate in the program, led by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Today, the history and culture of Benicia is kept alive by Benicia Main Street, whose community events and local festivals bring both locals and visitors alike to explore the waterfront city's past. Their annual Benicia Waterfront Festival, for example, features local food and drink vendors set in front of the impressive waterfront views. Ghost walks, history tours, and farmer's markets are also on the agenda, offering plenty of activities to bring the community together.