Fairfield Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, food and drink scene, local culture, and safety tips in Fairfield, California. Plan your next trip with our week-long itinerary and transportation options.


Introduction to Fairfield

Located in Solano County, in North Bay, in the Bay Area of California, Fairfield is a vibrant and bustling city that offers something for every traveler. With a rich history spanning over 150 years, Fairfield has become a hub of cultural, natural, and recreational attractions.

From scenic views to outdoor adventures, tasty dishes to exciting shopping options, Fairfield offers an eclectic mix of experiences to suit all tastes.

List of Places to Visit in Fairfield

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Travis Air Force Base Heritage Center: A must-visit for history buffs, this museum showcases the evolution of aviation and airpower through interactive exhibits and displays.
  • Jelly Belly Candy Company: Take a tour of the factory and see how your favorite jelly beans are made.
  • Budweiser Brewery Experience: Take a guided tour of the iconic brewery and sample some of the world-famous beer.
  • Solano County Historical Society: Explore the city’s rich history at this museum, featuring exhibits on local Native American and Californian history.

Natural Attractions of Fairfield: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Rockville Hills Regional Park: This 633-acre park is perfect for hiking, biking, and picnicking.
  • Suisun Marsh Wildlife Area: The largest marsh in California, this area offers incredible birdwatching and fishing opportunities.
  • Mount Diablo State Park: Located just an hour away, this park offers hiking, camping, and spectacular views from the summit.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Fairfield

  • Green Valley Trail: This 6.5-mile trail winds through the beautiful Green Valley countryside, offering scenic views and plenty of wildlife spotting opportunities.
  • Rockville Hills Regional Park Trails: With over 30 trails of varying difficulty, this park is a hiker’s paradise.
  • Pleasants Valley Trail: Spanning 7.5 miles, this trail offers hikers and bikers stunning views of the valley and surrounding landscape.

Best Things to Do in Fairfield: Activities and Tours

  • Suisun Valley: Tour some of the area’s best vineyards and wineries, tasting world-class wines and enjoying scenic vistas.
  • U-Pick Farms: Sample fresh produce straight from the source at a local U-Pick farm.
  • Skydiving: Take an adrenaline-fueled jump over the scenic skies of Fairfield and the surrounding areas.

Week-Long Itinerary for Fairfield

Day Activity
1 Visit Travis Air Force Base Heritage Center, Jelly Belly Candy Company Factory, and Budweiser Brewery Experience
2 Explore Rockville Hills Regional Park
3 Take a tour of Suisun Valley wineries and vineyards
4 Visit Suisun Marsh Wildlife Area for birdwatching and fishing
5 Go skydiving
6 Enjoy a leisurely day at Green Valley Trail and Pleasants Valley Trail
7 Wrap up your trip with a visit to Solano County Historical Society and some souvenir shopping at local stores and markets.

Food and Drink Scene of Fairfield

Must-Try Dishes

  • Suisun Valley Wine: Sample some of the world’s best wine at one of the many vineyards and wineries in Suisun Valley.
  • Burgers: Fairfield is known for its mouthwatering burgers, with popular options including In-N-Out Burger and Nation’s Giant Hamburgers.
  • Jelly Belly Jelly Beans: Take a tour of the factory and try some of the unique and delicious flavors of Jelly Belly jelly beans.

Local Beverages

  • Suisun Valley Wine: With over a dozen vineyards and wineries in the area, there are plenty of wines to try, including cabernets, chardonnays, and zinfandels.
  • Budweiser Beer: Take a tour of the legendary brewery and sample some of the world-famous beer.
  • Bourbon: Fairfield boasts several distilleries that offer excellent bourbon.

Where to Stay in Fairfield: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott: A budget-friendly option that offers comfortable rooms and convenient amenities, including a heated pool and fitness center.
  • Courtyard by Marriott Fairfield: A great choice for business or leisure travelers, with spacious rooms and an excellent location near local attractions.
  • La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Fairfield - Napa Valley: Featuring cozy rooms and a hot tub, this budget-friendly hotel is a great choice for families and couples.

What to Buy in Fairfield: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Jelly Belly Jelly Beans: Stock up on your favorite flavors at the Jelly Belly candy store.
  • Suisun Valley Wine: Bring home a bottle (or two) of your favorite wine from Suisun Valley.
  • Local Artisan Products: Check out local markets and stores for handmade jewelry, soap, candles, and other unique goodies.

Local Culture and Customs of Fairfield

  • Respect for Military Personnel: As home to Travis Air Force Base, Fairfield has a deep respect for the men and women who serve their country.
  • Appreciation for Wine and Food: Fairfield is located in a region known for its vineyards and wineries, so it’s no surprise that locals have a great appreciation for food and drink.

Best Time to Visit Fairfield

The best time to visit Fairfield is during the spring and fall months when the weather is mild, and the crowds are smaller. However, if you’re interested in attending the annual Jelly Belly Candy Palooza or the Solano Wine & Food Jubilee, plan your visit accordingly.

Do’s and Don’ts of Fairfield

Do:

  • Do explore the local vineyards and wineries in Suisun Valley.
  • Do visit the Travis Air Force Base Heritage Center for a fascinating look at aviation history.
  • Do sample some of the city’s legendary burgers.

Don’t:

  • Don’t forget to respect the military personnel and facilities.
  • Don’t miss out on the opportunity to go skydiving over the stunning landscape.
  • Don’t skip the chance to try some of the unique flavors of Jelly Belly jelly beans.

Safety and Health

Safety in Fairfield

Fairfield is a relatively safe city, but it’s always best to exercise caution and common sense when traveling. Keep an eye on your belongings, avoid poorly lit areas at night, and stay alert in crowded areas.

Health in Fairfield

Overall, Fairfield’s health services are above the national average. There are several medical facilities, including NorthBay Medical Center and Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, located in the city.

Getting to Fairfield: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Fairfield

  • San Francisco International Airport: 60 miles away
  • Sacramento International Airport: 50 miles away
  • Oakland International Airport: 55 miles away

Bus Stations Near Fairfield

  • Fairfield Transportation Center: Served by Greyhound and Fairfield and Suisun Transit buses

Other Options

  • Train: Amtrak’s Capitol Corridor train service stops in nearby Suisun City.
  • Car Rental: Several car rental companies operate in the area, including Avis, Budget, and Hertz.

How to Get Around in Fairfield

While car rental is a popular option for getting around Fairfield and the surrounding areas, there are several public transportation options available, including:

  • Fairfield and Suisun Transit: This local bus system operates several routes throughout Fairfield and nearby cities.
  • Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART): BART offers a convenient way to travel throughout the Bay Area, including San Francisco and Oakland.

Where to Go Next from Fairfield: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Napa Valley: Just a short drive away, Napa Valley is a paradise for wine lovers, with over 400 wineries and tasting rooms to explore.
  • San Francisco: Explore the world-famous Golden Gate Bridge and enjoy the city’s eclectic mix of cultures, food, and attractions.
  • Sacramento: The capital of California, Sacramento offers a fascinating mix of history, culture, and natural beauty.

Conclusion

Fairfield is a city that has something for everyone, whether you’re interested in history, natural beauty, or adventure. Plan your trip today and discover all that this vibrant city has to offer.