Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Vallejo, CA

Vallejo is a city with approximately 120,000 inhabitants located 45 kilometers northeast of downtown San Francisco.

While excursions to Fisherman’s Wharf and other attractions in San Francisco are favored by guests visiting Vallejo, those preferring to avoid the Bay Area’s infamous traffic will find numerous activities available within the city limits.

The region boasts a wealth of cultural, historical, and artistic attractions, as well as some of California’s most picturesque state and national parks and pristine beaches.

Below are 15 engaging activities in and around Vallejo that merit attention during your visit to the area.

1. San Francisco Bay Ferry

The San Francisco Bay Ferry operates between Vallejo and the ferry terminal situated on the west side of the bay.

This activity ranks among the top attractions in the region, with scenic views during the journey between the cities that are nothing short of astounding.

Ferries depart throughout the day, allowing you to explore San Francisco without concerns about being left behind.

The Vallejo ferry terminal is located on Mare Island Way. Depending on weather conditions and winds, the trip typically lasts about an hour each way. Schedules may differ on holidays, so it is advisable to verify in advance if your visit coincides with a holiday.

2. Alden Park

Situated on the former naval base grounds on Mare Island in Vallejo, Alden Park is a prominent outdoor recreational area recognized for its scenic coastal views and the large ballistic missile display, symbolizing the Cold War era.

After the Navy vacated the base over twenty years ago, the tranquil park attracts minimal foot traffic, offering a perfect retreat for those seeking solitude.

The park showcases an impressive array of military artifacts from history, featuring artillery pieces, torpedoes from the Civil War, and a German submarine from World War II.

3. Mare Island Museum

For visitors to Vallejo seeking intriguing activities, Mare Island is a prime location for exploration.

It stands as the city’s most significant historical site, with the museum being just one of the many attractions available.

In addition to its indoor displays, the museum features extensive grounds comprising gardens, historic mansions, a chapel, and quarters for seamen, all remnants from when the island was an operational naval base.

The museum can be found on Railroad Avenue in Vallejo, offering both self-led exploration and docent-led tours regularly scheduled.

4. Six Flags Discovery Kingdom

California boasts numerous amusement parks; among them, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom is one of the most popular for visitors to the Bay Area.

This venue offers a multitude of attractions, making it a destination that consumes considerable time for families traveling with children.

Filled with thrilling rides suitable for nearly all ages, the park also provides diverse dining options, live entertainment, and various activities aimed at younger guests who may not yet be ready for the major rides.

It is conveniently located on Fairgrounds Drive in Vallejo, roughly five kilometers northeast of the downtown area.

5. Sunshine Smoothies and Coffee

Located on Wilson Avenue in Vallejo, Sunshine Smoothies and Coffee is a key destination for anyone looking to energize themselves before embarking on a busy day of sightseeing.

Sunshine emphasizes high-quality coffee, freshly pressed juices, and vegan smoothies, along with baked goods such as bagels and muffins.

Past visitors have praised the friendly staff, extensive menu offerings, and the prompt service at the walk-up and drive-thru windows.

Sunshine may not be ideal for those wishing to unwind with their beverage for an extended period, as it primarily operates as a takeaway establishment.

6. The Alibi Clock

Among Vallejo’s historical landmarks, the Alibi Clock possesses an exceptionally intriguing narrative.

While it may appear to be just another public clock to the casual observer, it once served as an alibi for two political dissidents wrongfully accused of detonating a bomb during a public event in San Francisco during the early 20th century.

Despite the existence of a photograph of the clock proving their absence from the scene at the time of the explosion, the duo was wrongfully convicted of the crime that resulted in ten fatalities.

However, both individuals were pardoned over a decade later, and the clock was relocated from its original site to its current location on Georgia Street in Vallejo.

7. Empress Theater

The Empress Theater has been one of Vallejo’s iconic landmarks since its construction over a century ago.

It continues to serve as one of Vallejo’s leading performing arts venues, hosting a diverse year-round schedule that includes theatrical productions, contemporary music, private functions, children’s performances, and even boxing events.

The theater features stunning architecture, advanced lighting and sound technology, and an elegant lounge-style bar which frequently hosts smaller, intimate gatherings.

Located downtown on Virginia Street, just a few blocks from the Napa River, it consistently garners high praise from patrons.

8. Mare Island Naval Cemetery

Beginning in the mid-1850s, naval officers, crew members, and soldiers were interred at the Mare Island Naval Cemetery.

Although it reached full capacity in the 1920s, the cemetery’s inhabitants include several notable individuals with fascinating histories, making it a truly unique location for those intrigued by the darker aspects of the area’s past.

Situated in a serene corner of Mare Island, it has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1975.

Visitors typically spend around an hour exploring the site before proceeding to other Mare Island attractions.

9. Vallejo Farmers’ Market

Whether it’s June or January, and despite weather conditions, the Vallejo Farmers’ Market is a cherished weekend tradition located at the intersection of Main and Georgia streets in the downtown area.

The market features numerous vendors offering an array of goods, including fresh seasonal produce, arts and crafts, baked items, prepared foods, and locally made health and body products.

Many patrons opt to enjoy breakfast or lunch on-site before browsing through the stalls. Previous attendees noted that parking is typically convenient, despite the market’s city center location.

With most vendors being local, don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations regarding attractions in the vicinity.

10. Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum

The Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum is yet another local attraction conveniently positioned on Mare Island.

The museum encompasses over 20,000 square feet of exhibits dedicated to preserving and promoting the region’s rich naval and shipbuilding heritage.

Housed in the former City Hall building constructed in the 1920s, the collection includes historic photographs, model ships, maritime memorabilia, and personal accounts from individuals who served and worked on the base in earlier years.

Throughout its history, the facility has served various purposes, including as a police station and government institution. It also boasts a gallery highlighting works by local artists.

11. S.S. Garden City Wreckage

Measuring over 200 feet in length and displacing more than 1,000 tons of water, the S.S. Garden City paddle-wheel steamer was a remarkable vessel upon its completion in the late 1800s.

However, after a fire in the 1980s, this once-majestic ship has now degraded into rusty boilers and an increasingly dilapidated paddle wheel. Nevertheless, for enthusiasts of nautical history, it remains a noteworthy attraction.

The wreckage rests quietly along a peaceful stretch of water near the ferry terminal, where it once transported passengers and vehicles between Vallejo and San Francisco before being decommissioned in the 1970s.

12. Mare Island Brewing Company

While Mare Island is primarily recognized for its historical sites, it is also an excellent location for those desiring to unwind with a refreshing beer.

The brewing company and taproom, located on Mare Island Way in Vallejo, are the result of collaboration between two California winemakers who ventured into brewing.

Mare Island offers an extensive selection of handcrafted beers, ranging from crisp ales and rich stouts to robust porters and hoppy IPAs. Its scenic waterfront setting presents visitors with breathtaking views of San Francisco Bay, creating a memorable visit.

13. Mare Island Naval Shipyard

Established in the mid-1850s, Mare Island Naval Shipyard marked the introduction of the first such facility on the West Coast.

Over the years, it produced an extraordinary number of naval vessels that served the nation for numerous years. Legend has it that workers once constructed a destroyer in less than 20 days.

Guided tours provide the optimal way to experience the site in its entirety. In addition to viewing dry docks, gantry cranes, and slips up close, guests can explore other notable attractions, including St. Peter’s Chapel and the mansion that formerly served as the base commander’s residence.

14. Napa Valley Wine Train

Napa Valley, recognized as California’s premier grape-growing and wine-producing region, is nestled in some of the state’s most picturesque landscapes, located approximately 25 kilometers north of downtown Vallejo.

The Napa Valley Wine Train traverses nearly 60 kilometers of exquisite territory characterized by rolling hills, expansive vineyards, and several well-known wineries.

Composed mainly of vintage railcars lovingly restored to their original state, the train offers a variety of seating arrangements, lounges, and dining options to ensure unforgettable journeys.

Departures are available from McKinley Street in Napa.

15. Alcatraz

Although Alcatraz is best known for its notorious prison that once housed some of the nation’s most dangerous criminals, the island is also home to the West Coast’s oldest lighthouse and a Civil War-era fort.

This iconic destination within the Bay Area is accessible via private ferry from the San Francisco side of the bay.

Many visitors opt for guided tours to maximize their experience, although audio guides are available for those who prefer a self-directed exploration.

To reach the island from Vallejo, take the San Francisco Bay Ferry and then utilize public transportation to the Fisherman’s Wharf departure point.

Be sure to check the island’s seasonal hours prior to your visit for up-to-date information.