Vacaville CaliforniaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Vacaville, California.
1. Vacaville Premium Outlets
SHOPPER'S RETAIL PARADISE
Vacaville Premium Outlets is one of the top attractions in the area, offering a wide range of factory outlets featuring designer brands at discounted prices. Shoppers can find options ranging from big brands to unique items all in one convenient location. The outlet mall provides an excellent shopping experience for visitors looking for great deals on quality merchandise.
2. Lagoon Valley/Pena Adobe Regional Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION HAVEN
Lagoon Valley/Pena Adobe Regional Park is a sprawling 470-acre regional park offering non-motorized boating, disc golf, and a popular dog park. Visitors can enjoy miles of hiking and biking trails that wind through the beautiful natural landscape. The park is a favorite destination for locals and tourists seeking outdoor recreation in a serene setting.
3. Downtown Vacaville
HISTORIC SHOPPING DISTRICT
Downtown Vacaville features a charming collection of local boutiques and shops in a historic setting. Visitors can explore unique stores offering everything from artisanal goods to specialty items not found in chain retailers. The walkable district combines shopping with dining opportunities in a picturesque small-town atmosphere.
4. Andrews Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY RECREATION AREA
Andrews Park offers free fun for the whole family with its enormous Great Wonders playground and gigantic dragon sculpture that beckons to be climbed. The well-maintained park provides a perfect setting for picnics, outdoor play, and community gatherings. Visitors particularly enjoy the creative play structures that entertain children of all ages.
5. Vacaville Museum
LOCAL HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Vacaville Museum is housed in a former Carnegie library built in 1908 and showcases the city's rich heritage through engaging exhibits. Permanent displays highlight Patwin Indian basketweaving, early farming roots, and the evolution of Vaca Valley into a modern city. Visitors can also explore memorabilia from the famous Nut Tree complex that helped put Vacaville on the map as a popular destination.
6. Alamo Creek Hiking Trail
SCENIC RIDGE VIEWS
Alamo Creek Hiking Trail offers a moderately challenging route that wraps around the edges of town, stretching over 5 miles as it climbs from Alamo Creek canyon to ridge tops. Hikers are rewarded with panoramic vistas overlooking Vacaville, the Suisun Valley, and the rolling Coast Range mountains beyond. The well-maintained trail features wildflowers, oak trees, and interpretive signs describing the native plants and wildlife that thrive in this open space wilderness.
7. Nut Tree Shopping Center
HISTORIC RETAIL DESTINATION
The Nut Tree Shopping Center continues the legacy of the historic Nut Tree complex that once made Vacaville a popular roadside retreat. Today's shopping center offers a variety of retail stores, dining options, and family-friendly attractions. Visitors can shop, dine, and enjoy the nostalgic elements that pay homage to the original Nut Tree establishment.
8. Morningsun Herb Farm
BOTANICAL GARDEN EXPERIENCE
Morningsun Herb Farm delights visitors with its extensive collection of herbs, vegetables, and ornamental plants in a picturesque farm setting. Garden enthusiasts can explore the grounds, purchase plants, and gather inspiration for their own gardens. The farm offers a peaceful retreat where visitors can connect with nature and learn about sustainable gardening practices.
9. Vacaville Ice Sports
YEAR-ROUND SKATING FUN
Vacaville Ice Sports provides a cool escape with its indoor ice skating rink that operates year-round for recreational skating and lessons. The highly-rated sports complex offers programs for all ages and skill levels, from beginners to advanced skaters. Visitors can enjoy public skating sessions, hockey games, or special events in this well-maintained facility.
10. Jack Hume Grove
TRANQUIL NATURE SPOT
Jack Hume Grove is a serene park space that offers visitors a peaceful retreat within the city limits. The beautifully maintained grove features mature trees, walking paths, and quiet spots for reflection or picnicking. Nature lovers appreciate this hidden gem for its tranquility and natural beauty throughout the changing seasons.
11. Center for Freedom and Flight
AVIATION HISTORY MUSEUM
The Center for Freedom and Flight offers free educational experiences focused on aviation history and technology. Visitors can explore exhibits showcasing aircraft, flight memorabilia, and the stories of pilots who shaped aviation history. The center provides an engaging opportunity for all ages to learn about the science and adventure of flight.
12. Leisure Town Road Wine Trail
LOCAL WINE EXPERIENCE
The Leisure Town Road Wine Trail connects visitors to local wineries and vineyards just outside Vacaville's city center. Wine enthusiasts can sample locally produced varietals while enjoying the picturesque scenery of the nearby wine country. The trail offers a taste of California wine culture without the crowds of more famous wine regions.
13. Nut Tree Airport
HISTORIC AVIATION LANDMARK
Nut Tree Airport serves as both a functional airport and a historic landmark connected to Vacaville's aviation history. Visitors can watch small aircraft take off and land or enjoy the airport's observation areas and aviation-themed displays. The airport continues the legacy of the original Nut Tree complex that once featured its own airfield for visitors arriving by private plane.
14. Suisun Valley Wine Country
BOUTIQUE WINERY REGION
Suisun Valley Wine Country is located just minutes from Vacaville and offers a more intimate wine tasting experience than its famous neighbor Napa Valley. Visitors can explore family-owned boutique wineries producing award-winning wines in a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere. The picturesque valley features rolling vineyards, farm stands selling fresh produce, and charming tasting rooms where guests often meet the winemakers themselves.
15. Vacaville Town Square
COMMUNITY GATHERING SPACE
Vacaville Town Square serves as the central gathering place in the heart of the city, hosting community events, concerts, and seasonal celebrations. The well-designed public space features attractive landscaping, seating areas, and a plaza that invites visitors to relax and socialize. Surrounded by shops and restaurants, the Town Square creates a focal point for both everyday enjoyment and special occasions throughout the year.