Vallejo Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Vallejo with this travel guide featuring insider recommendations on things to do, places to stay, and where to eat.


Introduction to Vallejo

Vallejo is a hidden gem located in Solano County, in North Bay, in the Bay Area, in California, United States of America, in North America. Known for being home to the Six Flags Discovery Kingdom amusement park, Vallejo also offers visitors a rich cultural and historical experience, along with natural attractions and delicious cuisine. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll take you through the top things to see and do in Vallejo, including insider recommendations on where to eat, stay, and shop.

List of Places to Visit in Vallejo

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Vallejo is a city steeped in history and culture that visitors can explore through the numerous museums and historical sites in the area. The following are some must-visit attractions:

  • Mare Island Museum: This museum is dedicated to the rich naval history of Mare Island and the West Coast’s naval base. Visitors can explore exhibits showcasing the ships built on Mare Island, learn about the lives of the sailors and employees who worked on Mare Island, and more.
  • Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum: This museum houses exhibits on the history of Vallejo, including the city’s Native American heritage and its role in the Civil War and World War II.
  • Mare Island Naval Cemetery: This cemetery is the final resting place of more than 8,000 sailors and Marines and offers visitors a beautiful and peaceful spot to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who served.
  • Benicia State Historic Park: Located just a short drive from Vallejo, this park is home to several historic buildings and landmarks, including the Camel Barns and the Fischer-Hanlon House.

Natural Attractions of Vallejo: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Vallejo is also home to a variety of natural attractions, including parks and scenic views. Here are some of the top places to visit:

  • Blue Rock Springs Park: Offering stunning mountain views and plenty of hiking trails, this park is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline: This park spans over a thousand acres of shoreline, offering visitors the chance to explore sandy beaches, hiking trails, and scenic views.
  • Mount Wanda: Named after John Muir’s daughter, this trail offers visitors the chance to follow in Muir’s footsteps and explore stunning views and beautiful flora and fauna.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Vallejo

For those looking to explore Vallejo’s natural beauty, there are a variety of hiking and biking trails throughout the city. The following are some of the best routes for outdoor enthusiasts:

  • Bay Area Ridge Trail: This trail covers over 5,000 miles through 9 counties in the Bay Area and passes through Vallejo offering stunning views of San Francisco Bay, and Mount Diablo.
  • Ravenswood Open Space Preserve: Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and explore this preserve’s miles of hiking trails, taking in views of marshland, forests, and more.
  • West Hills Trail: This trail offers visitors a strenuous uphill climb but rewards hikers with stunning views of the surrounding hills and farmland.

Best Things to Do in Vallejo: Activities and Tours

In addition to its museums, parks, and natural attractions, Vallejo also offers visitors a variety of unique and exciting activities and tours. Here are some of the top things to do:

  • Six Flags Discovery Kingdom: This amusement park offers a wide variety of attractions, from thrilling roller coasters to interactive animal exhibits.
  • Vallejo Farmers Market: Every Saturday, locals and visitors can enjoy fresh produce, artisanal foods, live entertainment, and more at this popular farmers market.
  • Vino Godfather Winery: Wine lovers can enjoy tastings and tours of this unique winery, located in the heart of Vallejo.

Week-Long Itinerary for Vallejo

Day 1: Visit the Mare Island Naval Cemetery and the Mare Island Museum. Take a hike at Blue Rock Springs Park.

Day 2: Explore the Vallejo Farmers Market and take in a show at the Empress Theatre.

Day 3: Visit the Benicia State Historic Park and Fischer-Hanlon House. Enjoy a wine tasting at the Vino Godfather Winery.

Day 4: Visit the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum followed by a hike at Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline.

Day 5: Visit Six Flags Discovery Kingdom and enjoy all the amusement park has to offer.

Day 6: Take a hike up Mount Wanda and enjoy picnicking and scenic views.

Day 7: Head up to Napa Valley for a day trip and explore some of California’s finest wineries.

Food and Drink Scene of Vallejo

Vallejo’s food and drink scene offers visitors a diverse mix of cuisines and beverages. Here are some of the top dishes and beverages to try during your stay:

Must-Try Dishes:

  • Cioppino: This seafood stew is a must-try when visiting Vallejo. Made with Dungeness crab, shrimp, mussels, and other seafood, this dish is a local favorite.
  • Solano Stew: This hearty and filling stew is made with ingredients common to the Solano County region, including beef, onions, carrots, and potatoes.
  • Vallejo-style tacos: These tacos are made with a secret blend of spices, creating a unique and unforgettable flavor.

Local Beverages:

  • Napa Valley wine: Vallejo is located just a short drive away from Napa Valley, known for its world-famous wineries and vineyards.
  • Suisun Valley wine: Suisun Valley, located just a few miles from Vallejo, offers a wide selection of award-winning wines, including Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.
  • Craft beer: Vallejo has a thriving craft beer scene, featuring a variety of unique and delicious brews.

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

Vallejo offers a variety of accommodations to suit every budget, from charming bed and breakfasts to luxury hotels. Here are some of the top options:

  • Courtyard by Marriott Vallejo Napa Valley: This hotel offers contemporary rooms and an outdoor pool.
  • Vallejo Inn & Suites: This budget-friendly hotel offers guests comfortable accommodations and easy access to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom.
  • The Napa Inn Bed and Breakfast: Located just a short drive from Vallejo, this charming bed and breakfast is perfect for a romantic getaway.

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

What better way to remember your trip to Vallejo than with a unique souvenir or local product? Here are some of the top things to bring home:

  • Napa Valley wine: Take home a bottle of wine from one of the many vineyards located just a short drive from Vallejo.
  • Six Flags Discovery Kingdom memorabilia: Bring home a souvenir from one of the city’s top attractions.
  • Local art: Vallejo is home to a thriving arts community, and visitors can find unique and beautiful pieces of art to bring home as a souvenir.

Local Culture and Customs of Vallejo

Vallejo celebrates its cultural diversity throughout the year with festivals and events. Visitors can immerse themselves in the city’s culture by attending one of the following events:

  • Vallejo Indian Pow Wow: This annual event showcases Native American culture and features dancing, drumming, and more.
  • Vallejo Shakespeare in the Park: This event offers free outdoor performances of Shakespeare’s works, including plays and narratives.
  • Vallejo Waterfront Weekend: Celebrate the waterfront with this annual festival featuring live music and food vendors.

Best Time to Visit Vallejo

The best time to visit Vallejo is during the summer months to take advantage of the warm weather and outdoor activities. However, spring and fall are also great times to visit, offering mild temperatures and fewer crowds.

Do’s and Don’ts of Vallejo

Do:

  • Do visit Six Flags Discovery Kingdom.
  • Do explore Vallejo’s natural beauty.
  • Do try Vallejo-style tacos.

Don’t:

  • Don’t leave your belongings unattended.
  • Don’t underestimate the weather. Be prepared for hot temperatures in the summer and occasional rain in the winter.
  • Don’t forget to explore the neighboring Napa Valley.

Safety and Health

Safety in Vallejo

Vallejo is a relatively safe city to visit, but visitors should still be cautious and aware of their surroundings. Avoid walking alone at night and keep valuables out of plain sight.

Health in Vallejo

Vallejo has a few hospitals and medical centers for any medical emergencies during your stay. However, travelers should still make sure they are up-to-date on their routine vaccinations and take necessary precautions to protect themselves against illness.

Getting to Vallejo: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Vallejo

The nearest airport to Vallejo is the Oakland International Airport (OAK) located 37 miles away. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is also nearby, located 42 miles away.

Bus Stations Near Vallejo

Greyhound offers multiple buses to Vallejo each day from San Francisco, Oakland, and other Bay Area cities.

Other Options

Vallejo can also be reached by car via I-80, which runs through the heart of the city.

How to Get Around in Vallejo

Vallejo has a few transportation options for visitors, including a bus system, taxis, and rental cars. The city also offers a ferry service that connects Vallejo to San Francisco and the surrounding Bay Area cities.

Where to Go Next from Vallejo: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Vallejo is located near some of California’s most popular attractions, including the Napa Valley, San Francisco, and Sacramento. Here are some of the top nearby destinations to visit:

  • Napa Valley: Located just a short drive away, Napa Valley is known for its world-class wineries and vineyards.
  • San Francisco: This iconic California city is famous for its diverse culture, great food, and beautiful landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island.
  • Sacramento: The state capital of California is home to numerous museums, historical sites, and a thriving entertainment scene.

Conclusion

Vallejo offers visitors a unique combination of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and delicious cuisine. Whether you’re interested in museums, hiking trails, local cuisine, or just relaxing by the waterfront, Vallejo has something for everyone. Use this comprehensive guide to plan your next trip to Vallejo and experience the best of what this California city has to offer.

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