Benicia is a watersie city in Solano County, California, United States. It was the first city in California to be founded by Anglo-Americans, and briefly served as the state capital for nearly thirteen months. The population was 26,865 at the 2000 census. The city lies in the San Francisco Bay Area near San Francisco and next to Vallejo. Benicia is located on the north side of the Carquinez Strait, directly facing the city of Martinez.