Visiting only the big cities is for tourists, travelers know that to really experience a country you need to visit places outside of the traditional guidebook. So, if you find yourself on a road-trip through the USA, inevitably you’ll be seeking out some cool off-the-beaten-track towns. In California the perfect town to help you get a real taste for the states is Vacaville. Vacaville is a little gem hidden between Sacramento and San Francisco. From nature parks to wine-tasting, outdoor concerts to factory tours, this small town really has it all. Read on to find out about some cool things to do in Vacaville, California.
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1. Try out rock climbing at The Nut Tree Boulders
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
If you are the type of tourist who likes extreme outdoor adventures, take up the challenge and climb The Nut Tree Boulders. These are basalt boulders in Vacaville within a short drive away from the Bay Area. These boulders vary in height, so visitors can choose which climb they like depending on their skill. Some boulders at The Nut Tree Boulders are as low as 10 ft (3 m), while others can go as high as 30 ft (9 m). The best part? This natural park is dog friendly. Visitors may bring their furry best friends, as long as they are on leashes.
The Nut Tree Boulders
Address: On private land wm public Access Unnamed Road, Vacaville, CA 95688, United States
2. Purchase organic spices at Yah-Whooo Organic Farm
Are you a health-conscious person following a strictly organic diet? If so, you might want to swing by Yah-Whooo Organic Farm and score some fresh produce. Make your boring meals extra flavorful with Yah-Whooo Organic Farm’s microgreens. This fantastic shop was established in 1987 and is owned by women. It offers organic microgreens that are patronized by some of the best restaurants in California. Also, they also supply vegetables to other grocery stores and farmers’ markets in the state. Yah-Whooo Organic Farm carries 17 healthy offerings, such as pepper cress, red mustard, radish, cabbage, pea shoots, arugula, and more.
Yah-Whooo Organic Farm
Address: 7366 Elizabeth Rd, Vacaville, CA 95688, United States
Website: Yah-Whooo Organic Farm
3. Marvel at the beauty of nature at Jack Hume Grove
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Looking for a place to relax in Vacaville? Jack Hume Grove might pique your interest. It is a beautiful park in the city that is adorned with beautiful California blooms and lush redwood trees. Nature is within reach in this park. Visitors may enjoy a picnic at Jack Hume Grove as well as go for a hike on the park’s trails. Some of its paths lead to a hilly area where one can see the beautiful Vacaville city landscape.
Jack Hume Grove
Address: Vacaville, CA 95687, United States
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
4. Score some flavorful berries at Morningsun Herb Farm
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Morningsun Herb Farm on Wednesday, December 16, 2020
Are you a person with a green thumb or a regular Jane who is fascinated with Mother Earth and her creations? Whatever you like, you are welcome to explore Morningsun Herb Farm. This farm is a fairytale-like place filled with blooms, herbs, cherry tomatoes, and berries. There are also domestic animals you will come across within the property, as well. You can admire nature’s wonders and even purchase some of them if you like. Morningsun Herb Farm sells succulents, lavender, Thyme, Basil, and more.
Morningsun Herb Farm
Address: 6137 Pleasants Valley Rd, Vacaville, CA 95688, United States
Website: Morningsun Herb Farm
Opening hours: Thu - Sun: 10am - 4pm (closed from Mon - Wed)
5. Shop for art pieces at Vacaville Art League & Gallery
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Nestled in Vista Crossings, Vacaville Art League & Gallery is a haven for art enthusiasts. It is an art hub with rotating exhibits that changes every month or two. It features masterpieces from resident artists, as well as guest artists. You will find different artforms in this gallery, including paintings, vases, art installations, ceramics, glassworks, and photographic creations. Besides a showroom of creative ideas, Vacaville Art League & Gallery has an on-site shop where you can buy artworks and artisan products.
Vacaville Art League & Gallery
Address: 718 E Monte Vista Ave, Vacaville, CA 95688, United States
Website: Vacaville Art League & Gallery
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 12pm - 4pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
Price: Free
6. Embrace Mother Nature at Lagoon Valley Park
Make the most of the Mediterranean climate by hiking in one of the local parks. Lagoon Valley Park is consistently listed as one of the best things to do in Vacaville- and for good reason! Spanning 470-acres (190-hectares), this park has something for everyone. If hiking or biking is your thing, you’re in for a real treat as the park boasts specialized trails. It’s also home to the only lake in Vacaville – perfect for fishing or sailing. If you’re looking for a more relaxing time, the park also has large spaces for picnics and BBQs. With stunning panoramic views so close to the city, you would be a fool to miss the opportunity to embrace the great outdoors.
Lagoon Valley Park
Address: 1 Peña Adobe Rd, Vacaville, CA 95688, USA
Website: Lagoon Valley Park
7. Spend a day at Nut Tree
Nut Tree claims to be ‘California’s Legendary Road Stop’ and with everything it offers, it truly is the stuff of legends. Occupying 71-acres (29-ha) of land, the development includes a retail park and an amusement centre. Originally a lone fruit stand on the side of the highway, Nut Tree has been converted into a one-stop road-stop between San Francisco and Sacramento. 225 million USD has been invested into the old family park renovating it into a purpose-built retail park for the whole family. Splurge in the stores, dine in one of the 26 high-quality restaurants or enjoy yourself in the mini amusement park.
Nut Tree
Address: 1661 E Monte Vista Ave, Vacaville, CA 95688, USA
Opening Hours. Sun-Thurs 10am-7pm, Fri-Sat 10am-5pm
Website: Nut Tree
8. Bargain hunt in the local markets
Nothing is as exciting as finding a great bargain. At St Paul’s Methodist Church, you can rummage through precious treasures and gorgeous clothes for FREE at the monthly Vintage Market. Held on the third Saturday of every month, the Vintage Market becomes home to an eclectic mix of stalls selling furniture, kitchenware, jewelry, clothes and much more. If rummaging through vintage items isn’t your thing, then pop to the Farmer’s Market instead. Located just off Main Street, the Downtown Farmer’s Market provides locally sourced produce from eggs to baked goods. Promising live music, family fun and fresh food, the market is the place to be every Saturday 8:00am-12:00pm from May to October.
Farmer's Market
Address: 300 Main Street, Vacaville, CA, USA
When: Every Saturday
Website: Vacaville Farmer’s Market
9. Sip an ice-cold glass of wine in Suisun Valley
After a long day of bargain hunting or hiking through Lagoon Valley Park, relaxing with a glass of wine is a perfect way to unwind. Make the most of Solano County’s Suisun Valley by attending a wine-tasting in their spacious vineyard. The best part? No crowds! So, settle down with one of their specialities: Petite Sirah, Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon; and feast your eyes on the superb scenery. And if you really want to feast, take advantage of their farm stands selling locally sourced foods from nuts to fresh fruit and vegetables.
Suisun Valley Wine Tasting
Address: 4495 Suisun Valley Rd, Fairfield, CA 94534, USA
Website: Suisun Valley
10. Learn about the past at the Vacaville Museum
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Opened in 1984, the Vacaville Museum promotes awareness of the history and culture of Vacaville and the surrounding areas through the production of a variety of exhibits and educational programs. It delivers great insight into the area through specially curated displays which regularly change throughout the year. You can wander the museum yourself or follow one of their guided tours. When you’ve finished don’t forget to pop into the shop and pick up some handmade crafts made by the local people.
Vacaville Museum
Address: 213 Buck Avenue, Vacaville, CA, USA
Opening Hours: Wed-Sun 1:00-4:30pm
Price: Adults: 3 USD Students and Seniors: 2 USD
Website: Vacaville Museum
11. Soak up the sun in Andrews Park
Andrews Park is a lovely manicured park in the city centre complete with a playground, five BBQ pits, and historical trails. It is also home to numerous events throughout the year like carnivals or outdoor concerts. Andrews Park is perfect for a picnic or sitting under the tree and reading a book on a lazy afternoon. Or make the most of its electrical outlets and turn the park into your outdoor office - or even better, an outdoor cinema.
Andrews Park
Address: Monte Vista Avenue & School Street, Vacaville, CA, USA
Website: Andrews Park
12. Party at Creekwalk Plaza
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
At the edge of Andrews Park you’ll find Creekwalk Plaza, the site of many outdoor events in Vacaville. With an exciting line-up of local bands and entertainers, Creekwalk is the place to be to enjoy the balmy Californian evenings. Popular events include: Food Truck Mania held on the 2nd Sunday of each month between April and September; the 4th of July celebration festival; and the Creekwalk Summer Concert Series held every Friday between June and September. So head over the Creekwalk Plaza to enjoy a community party, make new friends and get to know some interesting local bands.
Creekwalk Plaza
Address: Creekwalk at Andrews Park, 614 West Monte Vista Avenue, Vacaville, CA, USA
Website: Creekwalk Events
13. See the oldest building in Solano County at Peña Adobe
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Despite its relatively small size, the Peña Adobe Park is the one area with the richest history in Vacaville. The park is home to the oldest building in Solano County! The simple wooden structure was erected in 1842 and was home to the first settlers in the area - the Vaca-Peña family who went on to establish the town of Vacaville. The Peña Adobe Historical Society take great pride in preserving the family home and you can now visit the Peña Adobe on the first Saturday of the month between February and December.
Peña Adobe
Address: Peña Adobe Road, Vacaville, CA, USA
Website: Peña Adobe
14. Satisfy your sweet tooth at the Jelly Belly Factory
Just outside of Vacaville in the neighboring Fairfield area you will find candy heaven. The Jelly Belly Factory Tour is a 40 minute walking tour which shows you the magic behind the world famous sweets. Find out why it takes a week to make each bean and see how other products like gummi worms are born inside the real working factory.
Jelly Belly Factory Tour
Address: 1 Jelly Belly Lane, Fairfield, CA, USA
Opening Times: Daily 9:00am-4:00pm
Price: Free
Website: Jelly Belly Factory
15. Crack open a cold one at the home of Budweiser
If candy isn’t your thing, maybe you’d prefer a beer tour at the Anheuser-Busch Factory in Fairfield. Opened in 1976 the Fairfield factory is responsible for providing the all-American drink to the North-eastern regions of the country. On the tour you can see why the Fairfield factory has become of the ‘greenest’ factories of production with over a third of its electricity coming from renewable energy resources. Choose from a wide variety of tours and find out exactly how America’s favorite alcoholic beverage is made. Look out for special events such as car shows and concerts held throughout the year.
Anheuser-Busch Factory
Address: 3103 Busch Drive, Fairfield, CA, USA
Opening Times: September - May: 10:00am-4:00pm (closed Wednesdays), June - August: 10:00am-5:00pm (Closed every Wednesday in June)
Prices: Tour prices start at 5 USD
Website: Budweiser Tour
More than just a road stop
For many years Vacaville has been treated as a road-stop between San Francisco and Sacramento, but those days are gone. Now Vacaville is a great destination in itself offering each visitor a unique experience.
History
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