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Need a relaxed shopping stop or outdoor adventure in Northern California? Head to Vacaville! Located between San Francisco and Sacramento, Vacaville offers scenic parks, outlet shopping, family attractions, and easy wine country access. Whether you're up for hiking, retail therapy, or a laid-back escape, Vacaville delivers a perfect blend of fun and relaxation.
Vacaville, CA Highlights:
- Vacaville Premium Outlets: Shop top brands at one of Northern California’s largest and most popular outlet centers.
- Lagoon Valley Park: Hike, bike, fish, or picnic at this beautiful park featuring trails, a dog park, and scenic lake views.
- Downtown Vacaville: Stroll historic streets filled with local shops, restaurants, cafés, and frequent community events.
- Nut Tree Plaza: Family-friendly shopping and dining complex with a playful kids' train and outdoor seating areas.
- Vacaville Museum: Learn about Solano County’s history, culture, and art through rotating exhibitions and local artifacts.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Vacaville is during spring (March–May) and fall (September–October). Mild temperatures make it perfect for shopping, hiking, and outdoor festivals without the peak summer heat.
How to Get There
- If you are traveling by car: Vacaville is conveniently located along Interstate 80, about halfway between San Francisco and Sacramento.
- By Air: Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is about 40–45 minutes away; San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is about 1–1.5 hours away.
- By Train: Amtrak service is available in nearby Fairfield/Suisun City, with bus or rideshare connections to Vacaville.
Where to Stay
- Hyatt Place Vacaville – Stylish, modern hotel located close to shopping, dining, and major attractions.
- Hampton Inn & Suites Vacaville-Napa Valley – Comfortable option with free breakfast, pool, and easy access to downtown and the outlets.
- Residence Inn by Marriott Vacaville – Family-friendly suites perfect for longer stays, located near Lagoon Valley Park and shopping centers.
Best Things to Do
1. Hike, Picnic, and Explore Nature at Pena Adobe and Lagoon Valley Park
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Pena Adobe and Lagoon Valley Park is a charming 470-acre public park in Vacaville that offers expansive unspoiled natural areas and sweeping views of the nearby peaks of Solano County, located just off of Interstate 80. The park is a popular spot for non-motorized boating and fishing at its Lagoon Valley Lake, which is safe to traverse for experienced and novice boaters alike due to its depth of only approximately six feet.
Visitors can hike and bike trails throughout the park, including a 20-mile loop route and a 7.5-mile mountain biking route that ascends more than 1,100 feet in elevation. At the peak of the route, a wooden swing offers prime sunset views. Other park amenities include a disc golf course, archery course, and a 30,000-square-foot off-leash dog park. Each April, the Loop the Lagoon race offers two-mile, 5K, and 10K events.
4699 Peña Adobe Rd, Vacaville, CA 95687, Phone: 707-449-6126
2. If You Love Gardens and Aromatherapy, Visit Morningsun Herb Farm
© Morningsun Herb Farm
Morningsun Herb Farm is a family-owned herb farm located on the farm property of the Loveall family, open to the public Thursdays through Sundays during the afternoon hours.
Owners Rose Loveall and Dan Sale have grown the farm over the years to offer a wide variety of herbs, vegetable plants, succulents, and drought-resistant perennials, available for purchase within the facility's greenhouses.
Visitors can also stroll through the farm's sun and shade gardens, which showcase a variety of herb and perennial plantings in varieties that are for sale at the farm.
Garden art, soils and fertilizers, and gardening supplies are also available for purchase, and a variety of public workshops on gardening, planting, and crafting are offered to the public throughout the year. Morningsun Herb Farm is a beautiful place to visit on your romantic getaway.
6137 Pleasants Valley Rd, Vacaville, CA 95688, Phone: 707-451-9406
3. Discover Local Art and Heritage at The Vacaville Museum
© The Vacaville Museum
The Vacaville Museum is the premiere social and cultural history museum of Solano County, operated as a private nonprofit institution within the Solano County Museum Consortium, which also oversees the county's Benicia Historical Museum, Rio Vista Museum, Western Railway Museum, and Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum. The museum was opened in 1984 by the Solano County Historical Society and showcases a variety of rotating exhibits throughout the year. Past exhibits include Women I Have Encountered, which documented the role of influential women in social justice throughout the region's history. Public workshops are offered periodically at the museum for visitors of all ages, focused on a variety of cultural topics. Visitors can also explore the museum's gift shop, which sells local history books and artisan goods.
213 Buck Ave, Vacaville, CA 95688, Phone: 707-447-4513
4. Shop, Dine, and Play at The Nut Tree Plaza
© The Nut Tree Plaza
The Nut Tree Plaza was originally opened in 1921 as a roadside fruit stand in Vacaville along Interstate 80 and grew to become one of the region's major entertainment complexes, offering a restaurant, bakery, toy shop, airport, and miniature railroad at its peak. Though the complex closed in 1996 and again in 2009, it has recently reopened as a renovated master-planned development, showcasing nearly 400,000 square feet of retail space, apartment and office units, a public event center, and a two-acre children's amusement center. Anchor stores include Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th, Old Navy, and Michael's, with more than 25 dining options offered, including national chain favorites such as Buffalo Wild Wings, Chipotle, and Starbucks Coffee. Children's rides include the famed Nut Tree Railroad Engine #5, a charming children's carousel, and larger-than-life checkers and chess games for family play.
1661 E Monte Vista Ave, Vacaville, CA 95688, Phone: 707-447-6000
5. Crack Clues and Race the Clock at Beat the Room
© Courtesy of OlegDoroshin - Fotolia.com
Beat the Room
is a unique escape room experience offering two locations in Vacaville and Rocklin, originally opened in July of 2016 by a pair of Rocklin siblings. The attraction offers several unique escape rooms designed to be used by teams of two to eight participants, with an hourlong time limit for solving clues to figure out how to escape. Rooms include 221b Baker Street, which is a Sherlock Holmes-themed detective challenge, and The Plundering, a pirate-themed adventure set in the 18th-century. The attraction's lobby area can accommodate groups of up to 60 participants for private special events, including corporate team-building events.
814 Alamo Dr, Vacaville, CA 95688, Phone: 707-724-8696
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
6. Meet Farm Animals and Grow Your Knowledge at Lockewood Acres
© Lockewood Acres
Lockewood Acres is a certified organic farm where you can stock up with the best and freshest nutrient-dense farm produce. The farm is fully self-sustainable and provides fruit, veggies, nuts, eggs, meat and honey. Originally established to feed the family, Lockewood Acres has grown and grown over the years and can now feed just about the entire Vacaville community. The orchards have been planted with several different varieties of fruits including citrus, stone fruits, apples, pears, figs and more. Heritage breeds make up most of the livestock together with free-range chickens which lay some pretty unusual colored eggs. Visitors can drop by at any time – just call ahead to check that there is someone at home.
Lockewood Acres, 7781 Locke Rd, Vacaville, CA 95688, 707 624 0831
7. If You’re a Treasure Hunter at Heart, Explore Consolidated Rock and Mineral Shop
© Courtesy of CESARVR - Fotolia.com
Consolidated Rock and Mineral Shop is the American West Coast's largest rock and mineral store, showcasing a large collection of beautiful natural rocks and gemstones sure to delight amateur and professional collectors alike. The shop is located within a small tin warehouse facility and also showcases a variety of shells, fossils, and crystals, along with a special room devoted to amethyst crystals of all shapes and sizes. Rock and mineral deposits range from small stones to impressive large specimens, including collector's items and rare finds. All items are for sale at the shop, ranging in price from a few cents to thousands of dollars.
5115 Quinn Rd, Vacaville, CA 95688, Phone: 707-448-5525
Activities and Attractions for Couples:
8. Savor Authentic Flavors and Festive Vibes at Los Reyes Restaurante and Cantina
© Los Reyes Restaurante and Cantina
Los Reyes Restaurante and Cantina is a lively Mexican cantina in Vacaville's historic downtown district, serving up a wide variety of traditional Mexican cuisine favorites and dishes with a contemporary flair. All dishes are prepared with the highest-quality ingredients possible, with many crafted with locally-sourced meats and produce. Taco, tamale, and enchilada plates are available at lunch and dinner, along with favorites such as burritos, chimichangas, quesadillas, and chile rellenos. Land and sea entrees are also served, including mole poblano, mariscada, and camarones al mojo de ajo. A full-service bar offers Mexican cocktails prepared with the restaurant's exclusive ANAYA brand tequila.
21 Town Sq # A, Vacaville, CA 95688, Phone: 707-448-2113
9. Bowl, Celebrate, and Let Loose at Bowlero
© Ivika/stock.adobe.com
Bowlero
is where the fun happens in Vacaville. The bowling center has 40 back-lit bowling lanes and hosts weekly promotions, leagues and weekend parties. Ideal for all types of events like corporate team building, kids and teen’s birthday parties and year-end parties, the center offers great deals for groups. Everything you need for a great night out or a party is available onsite including some really good jumbo sharing plates, burgers, lamb lollipops and your favorite pizza and ice-cold beverages. In addition to the bowling lanes, Bowlero also has a great gaming arcade. Dedicated event planners are available to help streamline your party.
Bowlero, 155 Browns Valley Pkwy, Vacaville, CA 95688, 707 455 7827
10. Feast on Classic American Barbecue at Buckhorn BBQ
© Buckhorn BBQ
Buckhorn BBQ, Vacaville, California is a family-friendly chain restaurant that was born out of a chef's market stand in Napa, California in the 1990s, opening its first sit-down restaurant location in 1999 in San Francisco's Metreon neighborhood. The laid-back restaurant serves up a variety of expertly-grilled meats, including its signature tri-tip steak. All dishes use fresh, locally-sourced ingredients whenever possible to create the highest-quality dining experience possible. Diners can choose from a variety of sandwiches, burgers, and barbecue plates, featuring delicious hand-pulled pork, flavorful chicken and grilled salmon, and high-quality beef. Family feasts add sides to feed large dining groups, while a gluten-free menu caters to diners with dietary concerns. Local microbrews, fine wines, and cocktails are also served from the restaurant's full-service bar.
1650 E Monte Vista Ave, Vacaville, CA 95688, Phone: 707-452-0648
More Places to Eat
- BackDoor Bistro and Wine Bar – Cozy, farm-to-table restaurant offering seasonal dishes and fine wines.
- Fuso Italian Restaurant – Charming downtown spot serving classic Italian fare with a California twist.
- Merchant & Main Grill & Bar – Local favorite for steaks, seafood, and hearty American meals in a relaxed setting.
If you are interested in local events:
- Vacaville Fiesta Days (May) – Celebrate with parades, carnivals, food, and family-friendly entertainment downtown.
- CreekWalk Concert Series (Summer) – Free live music Friday nights at Andrews Park along the creek.
- Tree Lighting Ceremony and Merriment on Main (November) – Holiday fun with a Christmas tree lighting, shopping, and festive entertainment downtown.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Vacaville, California:
- Dixon (20–25 min) – Visit the famous Cool Patch Pumpkins (seasonal) or enjoy small-town charm and shopping.
- Winters (25–30 min) – Quaint town with wineries, olive orchards, and cozy downtown cafés.
- Fairfield (15–20 min) – Tour the Jelly Belly Factory or taste local wines at Suisun Valley wineries.
- Suisun City Waterfront District (20–25 min) – Stroll the marina, dine waterside, and explore local shops and nature preserves.
- Napa Valley (30 min) – Take a quick trip to world-famous vineyards, tasting rooms, and scenic drives.
I get asked this a lot so I decided to include it:
-
Where is Vacaville located?
- Vacaville is a charming city in Northern California's Solano County, considered to be part of both the San Francisco Bay Area and the Sacramento Valley.
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What is Vacaville best known for?
- Vacaville is best known as the home of the Nut Tree Airport, which showcases historic aircraft from the 20th century.
- It is also home to the Vacaville Premium Outlets, a popular retail center.
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What annual events take place in Vacaville?
- Each year, the city hosts the annual Vacaville Fiesta Days celebration, featuring a parade and an electric car showcase.
At a Glance:
Best Time to Visit |
Places to Stay |
Tips for Visiting |
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers. |
Hyatt Place Vacaville – A modern stay with great amenities. |
Visit the Nut Tree Plaza – Enjoy shopping, dining, and a family-friendly amusement area. |
Summer (June-August) – Warm and great for outdoor activities. |
Hampton Inn & Suites Vacaville – A comfortable stay near downtown. |
Hike at Lagoon Valley Park – Enjoy scenic trails, fishing, and picnic areas. |
Fall (September-November) – Cooler temperatures and harvest season. |
Courtyard by Marriott Vacaville – A convenient stay near outlet shopping. |
Visit local wineries – Explore nearby Suisun Valley for wine tasting. |
Winter (December-February) – Mild temperatures with occasional rain. |
Fairfield Inn by Marriott Vacaville – A budget-friendly option with easy freeway access. |
Shop at Vacaville Premium Outlets – Find deals on designer brands during holiday sales. |
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