Explore
Mare Island

GLIMPSE THE PAST. SEE WHAT’S TO COME.

A world-class distillery. Miles of waterfront trails. A riverside brewery. Historic settings. A tour of public art or global trees. Easy ferry or car access. The Mare Island Company invites you to visit, or join our next community event.

Make Your Day at Mare Island

Person holding an iphone with the home screen of the Mare Island app showing

THE MARE ISLAND APP

Stocked with deep details on the island’s rich past, and tons of ideas for what to do in the present, the Mare Island app is like a tour guide in your pocket. Download on your phone and unlock all the history, food, art, and nature the island offers.
Download the App

Empty boardwalk on the San Pablo trail with gold grass in the foreground and hills and blue sky in the background.

SAN PABLO TRAIL

Located on the western side of Mare Island, the 4-mile San Pablo Bay Trail offers exceptional views of San Pablo Bay, Mt. Tamalpais, the East Bay hills, and the Sonoma and Napa Valleys.

Black and white historical shot of a naval ship docked out the water in the Mare Island ship yard

HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTS

Mare Island has a long and colorful history, celebrating its 160th anniversary in 2014. The Island is a museum from the historic buildings, to the tree-filled Alden Park, and the untouched nature preserve. Take a guided tour, or rent a historic facility for your next special event.
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The side of an industrial building painted with a brightly colored mural.

PUBLIC ART DISCOVERY

Explore Mare Island by foot, bike or car and encounter an array of temporary art installations. From large-scale murals to oversize sculptures, local and national artists can be seen adding color and texture across the landscape.

Close-up of a person’s hand during a pint of beer at a brewery

MARE ISLAND BREWING CO.

The Mare Island Brewing Co. resides in a completely restored and renovated historic coal shed, producing custom craft beers, private event space and indoor and outdoor dining.

Drone shot of St Peters chapel with sun shining through the trees behind it.

ST. PETER’S CHAPEL

Built in 1901 under the guidance of Chaplain Adam McAlister, St. Peter’s Chapel is the oldest naval chapel in the United States. Charm and history inside and out, the Chapel has 29 brilliant stained glass windows, 25 of which are from the famed Tiffany glass studios in New York. 

Wino Godfather Winery wooden bar counter top with bottles of wine lined up ready to server.

VINO GODFATHER TASTING ROOM

Step back in time and taste the hand-crafted small batch wines in the stately rooms of the former Captain’s Quarters Mansion on Officers Row. 

Close-up of a marble table with a latte, fresh flowers, pastry, book and Quarters napkin.

THE QUARTERS COFFEE HOUSE

Housed in a historic officer’s residence along Walnut Ave on Officers Row, The Quarters is known as “Mare Island’s Living Room”. Sip, shop, or linger with a variety of espresso, coffee, tea, local snacks and beverages, and a range of local-made gifts and wares.

Red brick and wooden beam room at Savage & Cooke Distillery with barrels lining the the floor.

SAVAGE & COOKE DISTILLERY

Located in a stunning historic and renovated brownstone, Savage & Cooke distillery ages and bottles Bourbon, Whiskey and Rye. Eat and drink: along with beverage tours and tastings, experience Blanchard’s famous fried chicken and soulful southern cooking. 

Lush green trees with a hint of a trail weaving through them out into an open green area, mountains are silhouetted in the background.

SHORELINE HERITAGE PRESERVE

Located on the southern portion of Mare Island, the Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve is 215 acres of open space with walking trails, diverse wildlife and breathtaking views.

Entryway to the Mare Island Art Studios with a big, open red door.

MARE ISLAND ART STUDIOS

The Mare Island Art Studios is both a work and gallery space for an eclectic group of artists including painters, woodworkers, metalworkers, printmakers, photographers, videographers, sculptors, textile artists and more.

THE WET MILE PASSPORT

Come wander Mare Island’s Wet Mile and collect stamps at each venue for your Wet Mile Passport. Discover tasty local food and drink flavor as you visit these four special destinations fueling the future of historic Mare Island.
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Eat, Drink, and 
Be Mare Island

A growing collection of food and drink options–breweries, distilleries, wineries, and cafés–are fueling Mare Island’s people and plans. Check out all the spots along The Wet Mile and make plans to sip, shop, and wander here soon.

THE WET MILE

 

HOW TO GET HERE

Getting to
Mare Island

  • Take the I-80 freeway east toward Sacramento/Vallejo.

    Cross the Carquinez Bridge and take the I-780/Benicia/Martinez exit (exit 30A) and loop beneath the overpass following signs for I-780 west. I-780 becomes Curtola Parkway.

    Follow Curtola Parkway along the waterfront and past the marinas.

    Turn left at Mare Island Causeway.

    Approximate drive time: 45 minutes.

  • Take Highway 101 to Highway 37 towards Vallejo.

    Before the raised overpass, take the Mare Island/Walnut Avenue exit.

    Approximate drive time: 35 minutes.

  • Take the I-80 freeway west toward Vallejo. Take exit 33B to merge onto Highway 37 west toward Novato/San Rafael.

    Continue on Highway 37 for approx. 4.7 miles and take the Mare Island exit (exit 17).

    Approximate drive time: 1 hour.

  • Take the I-680 freeway over the Benicia Bridge to I-780 west. I-780 becomes Curtola Parkway.

    Follow Curtola Parkway along the waterfront and past the marinas.

    Turn left at Mare Island Causeway.

    Approximate drive time: 30 minutes.