2012 Martinez Historic Home Tour

Martinez was established in 1849 and has the largest number of older homes in our County.  On Saturday, visit Martinez and tour seven (7) of these homes which represent the architecture of the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries.

The tour begins at the Shell Club House with its intact Arts & Craft interior and the adjacent Shell Oil Museum – both located at 1635 Pacheco Blvd.  The tour includes the 1890 Borland House (home of the Martinez Museum), the 1917 City Hall (formerly a grammar school), John Muir’s 1882 Italianate Victorian Home and the 1849 Martinez Adobe.  A point of interest on the Tour is the monument where that most iconic of American cocktails was invented in 1874:  the Martini.

This year’s tour includes an exhibit of historical photographs and vintage camera equipment, live musicians at several locations, craft demonstrations, displays of art, and refreshments.  Also included is a side tour of the "Doll Hospital" in Martinez where vintage dolls are repaired and doll making classes are held.

Tickets are $25.  For online purchase of tickets using a credit card, please go to Eventbrite.  Tickets can also be purchased at the door for cash or check on the day of the Tour.  

You can drive the Tour route, or utilize the free shuttle service that will be provided, with bus departures approximately every 10 minutes.  Tour guides on the bus will entertain you with stories of historic Martinez.  Wear comfortable shoes; once you reach Martinez City Hall, located in the district where the homes are located, you may wish to walk the Tour.  The tour is self-paced.  The Tour will take place rain or shine.  Tour hours are from 10 am to 4 pm.  Plan on about two (2) hours to completely enjoy the event.  For more information, please visit the Tour website.

No children under 10 years of age (infants may be carried in arms or belly carrier).  Due to the period of the homes, they are not wheelchair accessible.  We regret that taking pictures is not allowed inside the homes.