It’s under 30 miles from Napa to Vacaville, but the drive is on a curvy route into Solano County, which some folks cheekily refer to as “Napa’s Backside.” Others call this the “Petite Sirah Capital of the World.” One thing is certain: Agriculture is abundant.
The landscape is generously sprinkled with fruit and nut orchards, rolling hills of vineyards, and small family-run farms and ranches, giving Vacaville an unmistakably friendly and outdoorsy vibe. Furthermore, Vacaville’s Mediterranean climate means warm, comfortable days with sunny skies.
Melyssa Reeves, president and CEO of Visit Vacaville, suggested, “There are so many great things to do in Vacaville, especially outdoor activities. Being an agricultural region, there are opportunities for farm visits and animal interactions. One of my favorites is Menagerie Hill Ranch. Here you will get to meet an alpaca and learn about these furry creatures.”
OUTDOOR RECREATION
Explore the trails, hike a two-mile loop around the lake, and climb the heights. Lagoon Valley Regional Park has sweeping views of the hills, a small grove of redwoods for shady picnics, and an Instagram-worthy tree swing. Ideal for hiking and biking, there are 470 unspoiled acres plus fishing, non-motorized boating, archery, disc golf, horseshoe pits, and a huge dog park. // www.visitvacaville.com/blog/vacavilles-lagoon-valley-park
Climbers know that in the hills above town, a field of primo basalt boulders offers one of the best places for easy-to-moderate bouldering in all of Northern California. // www.visitvacaville.com/blog/bouldering-in-Vacaville-1
SEASONAL THINGS TO DO
Right through the year, special events fill the calendar. Vacaville Arts Week 2023, on September 16-25, is a weeklong celebration of the arts that overlaps with the Ag & Art Film Festival (www.agandartfilmfestival.com) on September 13-17, 2023. Highlights include Fruit of the Vine, a grape story exhibit about the history of Solano County winemaking at the Vacaville Museum (www.vacavillemuseum.org). At Nut Tree Plaza on Sept. 16, 2023, the Vacaville Jazz Festival (www.vacajazzsociety.org) is free all day, and Town Square music continues on Thursdays until October.
For cultural performances, there’s a local ballet company, a community symphony orchestra, a performing arts academy, a youth theater group, and a young artists’ conservatory of music. // www.downtownvacaville.com/entertainment
Every Saturday from 8am to noon, year-round, it’s time for the Downtown Vacaville Farmers Market at Andrews Park, a popular weekly event since 1994.
Shopping at Vacaville Premium Outlets on Interstate Highway 80 is a draw due to its nearly 100 factory stores for famous fashion brands. // www.premiumoutlets.com/outlet/vacaville
YEAR-ROUND FAMILY FUN
Vacaville is all about big adventures in a small town. Close to everyone’s heart, historic Nut Tree Plaza has train rides on the colorful mini-railroad pulled by the legendary No.5 engine and fun whirls on the merry-go-round’s painted carousel animals.
Book a one-hour ranch tour to get up close and personal while feeding the alpacas at Menagerie Hill Ranch and learning about these handsome South American mammals. Visitors can even adopt one for 12 months. //
www.menageriehillranch.com
WHERE TO EAT
Food and service are highly rated at the popular BackDoor Bistro and Wine Bar, where the seasonal menu is focused on local purveyors for a farm-to-table dining experience. Check the music calendar for local performers. // www.backdoorbistro.com
Reserve ahead for dinner and the dueling pianos at Mäksē Steakhouse every Friday and Saturday night. // www.duelingpianovacaville.com
The Brass Tap has over 150 craft beers, wine, cocktails, food, and live entertainment. // www.brasstapbeerbar.com
A fixture on the downtown scene for 20 years, enjoy Mexican food at a local favorite, Los Reyes Restaurante Y Cantina. Brunch, happy hour, and kids menu with a pet-friendly patio. (www.losreyesvacaville.com) Vacaville has more ethnic dining options at Buddha Thai Bistro, Fuji Sushi Buffet, and Clay Oven Grill and Bar.
Save room for dessert. Old-school-style handmade premium ice cream and old-fashioned sundaes at Fenton’s Creamery cannot be beaten. // www.fentonscreamery.com
WINERIES AND TASTING ROOMS
Established in 1982 as California’s second AVA, Suisun Valley is one of wine country’s best-kept secrets. Heat-loving varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Merlot are the success stories for Suisun Valley Vintners & Growers Association, which has earned a reputation for growing, producing, and selling quality grapes across 3,000 farmed acres.
Don’t miss The Main Grape at 444 Main Street, a lively spot serving wines from all over the world. In the heart of historic Downtown Vacaville, the locally owned wine bar serves popular menu items. Open daily (except Tuesday) with live entertainment on Monday evenings. // www.themaingrape.com
For 90 years, the Lanza family has produced award-winning wines at Wooden Valley Winery. Visit the tasting room open daily, 10am. to 5pm, or enjoy the outdoor picnic area. // www.woodenvalley.com
BackRoad Vines pours handcrafted, distinctive Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, GSM, and red wine blends. Tasting room hours are Saturday through Thursday from 1 to 5pm and Friday from 4 to 8pm. //
www.backroadvines.com
WHERE TO STAY
Affordable, three-star hotels and motels are the sweet spot for Vacaville accommodation, well-suited for singles, couples, families, and travelers seeking pet-friendly places with pools. The new Hyatt House Vacaville opened in July 2023. Other convenient properties for visitors are Hyatt Place Vacaville, Sonesta Essential, Courtyard by Marriott, Holiday Inn Express & Suites.
