Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Vacaville, California

Northern California is a prominent travel destination recognized for its renowned cities and exceptional attractions. However, in the pursuit of visiting the most frequented locations, travelers frequently overlook the smaller cities and towns that merit attention, such as Vacaville.

Located in the Sacramento Valley region of Solano County, Vacaville represents a blend of a large town and a small city, with a connection to nature stronger than that of many larger urban areas.

With a population of approximately 100,000 residents, visitors can anticipate fewer crowds and a wide range of attractions and amenities.

The city is situated roughly halfway between the major hubs of Sacramento and San Francisco. Consequently, it only takes about an hour of driving to reach either city for a day of exploration.

In addition to its favorable climate, Vacaville boasts a diverse array of shops, outdoor areas, and museums. Local dining establishments offer a variety of local and international cuisine. Visitors can spend their days discovering the historic downtown area, sampling wines at nearby Suisun Valley wineries, hiking in Lagoon Valley, or attending outdoor artistic performances.

A variety of festivals and events occur throughout the year in Vacaville, such as Vacaville Fiesta Days and the Festival of Trees and Tree Lighting Ceremony each December. Each Friday during the summer months, the city hosts the Creek Walk in Downtown Vacaville.

Below are 15 of the most noteworthy activities to experience in and around Vacaville, California.

1. Catch up on Local History at the Vacaville Museum

The most effective method for gaining insight into any city and its neighboring area is to visit a museum that showcases the region’s history and its inhabitants. The Vacaville Museum serves as an excellent starting point for your exploration.

This historic museum narrates the story of Vacaville and Solano County through a diverse range of exhibits that vary throughout the year. An exhibit focusing on influential women from the area as well as another featuring the residents who once inhabited the vicinity of Ulatis Creek are just two examples from the more than 40 displays the museum has offered over the years.

Occasionally, cultural workshops are conducted, and handcrafted items are available for purchase at the on-site gift shop. Visitors can opt to navigate the museum independently or join a guided tour.

2. Discover the Iconic Nut Tree Plaza

While roadside attractions are often commonplace across the United States, few are as iconic as the Nut Tree Plaza in Vacaville.

This extensive complex originated as a simple fruit stand along the roadside in the 1920s. Presently, it encompasses an impressive 400,000 square feet of retail shops, dining options, and entertainment venues.

Begin your visit by exploring the shops, which include notable names such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Old Navy, Nordstrom, and Kirkland’s. For families with children, there is ample entertainment; the on-site amusement center features rides, games, and complimentary events.

Conclude your day with a delightful meal at one of the restaurants, such as Buffalo Wild Wings or Chipotle. Additionally, the complex is home to a Starbucks coffee shop and an ice cream parlor.

3. Start Your Day Right at Healthy Life Shakes and Cafe

For frequent travelers, finding healthy food and beverages on the go can be challenging. Healthy Life Shakes and Cafe addresses this concern, offering an array of quality, nutritious options.

This locally-owned establishment presents protein shakes, smoothies, keto coffee, and acai bowls prepared with organic and all-natural ingredients, completely devoid of artificial additives. A variety of meals are also available throughout the day, prepared using an air fryer.

Menu items include chicken wings, breakfast burritos, wraps, sandwiches, teriyaki bowls, and steak, accompanied by an aloe shot and a Matcha Tea with every order.

4. Spend the Day Golfing at Paradise Valley and Rancho Solano Golf Courses

Although numerous golf courses populate the region, the top choices for a day on the greens in the Vacaville area are Paradise Valley and Rancho Solano. These two courses are located a mere ten minutes apart, facilitating an opportunity to play both in a single day.

Paradise Valley presents a relaxed atmosphere with beautifully maintained grounds featuring oak trees and creeks. In contrast, Rancho Solano embodies a country-club ambiance, characterized by expansive greens recognized as some of the most substantial in the state. This course offers a greater challenge with its rolling terrains, lakes, and bunkers.

Both courses are equipped with a driving range and a Legends Bar & Grill on-site.

5. Explore Pena Adobe and Lagoon Valley Park

One does not need to venture far to discover natural environments in and around Vacaville; however, Pena Adobe and Lagoon Valley Park stand out as a top location. Visitors will find scenic vistas, nature trails, hiking, biking paths, picnic areas, and a lake suitable for fishing and boating, all in one locale.

The park encompasses 470 acres of natural terrain, providing an experience that feels miles away from urban life. The trails include a 20-mile hiking loop and a 7.5-mile biking path. Additionally, there are facilities for disc golf, a dog park, and an archery range available on-site.

6. Enjoy Many Facilities at Andrews Park

The primary highlight of Andrews Park is the Creekwalk. This section of the park hosts numerous concerts and festivals throughout the year. Furthermore, this picturesque 18-acre park features walking paths, picnic areas, a playground, and several barbecue facilities.

7. Take a Tour of the Jelly Belly Factory

For a truly unique opportunity, embark on a 40-minute guided tour of the Jelly Belly Factory located in Fairfield, just outside of Vacaville. Knowledgeable guides will lead you through the operational factory, showcasing how the renowned jelly beans are produced.

8. Take Part in an Escape Room Experience

Escape rooms have surged in popularity across the nation. At Beat the Room, participants can engage in a distinctive escape room experience.

Various thematic rooms are available, including a pirate-themed adventure. As long as your group consists of two to ten individuals, you can immerse yourself in the experience. Participants will have one hour to solve a series of clues and puzzles to facilitate their escape.

9. Satisfy Your Hunger at Los Reyes Restaurante and Cantina

Enjoy the lively ambiance of Los Reyes Restaurante and Cantina in downtown Vacaville, where a diverse selection of traditional Mexican dishes with a contemporary twist awaits you.

Choices from the extensive menu include tacos, enchiladas, burritos, quesadillas, and various seafood entrees, all prepared using high-quality ingredients that are locally sourced whenever feasible.

The full-service bar features Mexican specialties, including tequila-based cocktails.

10. Take Part in Some Hands-on Learning at Vacaville’s Imagine That

Visitors of all ages appreciate the interactive science and technology exhibits at Vacaville’s Imagine That. This educational center spans 6,100 square feet, offering various activities aimed at promoting lifelong learning.

11. Take a Tour of the Anheuser-Busch Factory

Situated in the nearby city of Fairfield, the Anheuser-Busch Factory is a must-visit destination for beer enthusiasts. Several tours are available, all covering fundamental aspects, including the beer production process and a comprehensive overview of how the factory implements sustainable practices using renewable energy.

Perhaps the most eagerly anticipated portion of the tour is the delectable samples offered to each participant of legal drinking age. Throughout the year, various events, including auto shows and concerts, may also take place.

12. Eat, Drink and be Healthy at Virtue Juice Bar

Virtue Juice Bar transcends the concept of a standard juice bar, offering a fusion of dining and wellness services focused on promoting healthy lifestyles.

The knowledgeable staff are eager to share their insights on nutritious food and beverages while crafting meals designed to reinvigorate you for the remainder of the day.

The exceptional, signature juices are freshly prepared in front of you using the finest organic ingredients and top-tier juicing equipment. Additionally, offerings include smoothies, espresso elixirs, acai bowls, and a selection of dairy- and gluten-free options.

13. Immerse Yourself in the World of Rocks and Minerals

At the Rock Shop, the largest rock and mineral shop on the west coast, visitors have the opportunity to view an extensive collection of rocks and gemstones.

Whether you are an avid collector or simply an interested observer, the impressive variety of small and large specimens, including rare finds, is sure to captivate. Additionally, a separate room is dedicated to amethyst crystals, fossils, and a collection of seashells, with items available for purchase.

14. Spend a Day Hiking in a Hiker’s Paradise

The agreeable climate, stunning landscapes, and unspoiled wilderness areas of Northern California make it an ideal destination for hiking. There exists a variety of trails catering to all skill levels in and around Vacaville.

At Lake Berryessa in the Cold Canyon region of nearby Winters, hikers can enjoy mountainous terrain along with picturesque vistas.

The Skyline Wilderness Park in Napa Valley features a popular trail that traverses grasslands and oak trees on the ascent to the summit of the park. Additionally, the Basalt Boulders area boasts numerous trails of varying lengths and difficulty levels.