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Fairfield is the county seat of Solano County, set between the San Francisco Bay Area and Sacramento along Interstate 80. It was founded in 1856 by Robert Waterman, a famous clipper ship captain, who named it after his hometown of Fairfield, Connecticut, and offered land for the county government. The grand Solano County Hall of Justice from 1911 still anchors the old civic center.
The city grew with the arrival of Travis Air Force Base, one of the busiest air mobility bases in the country, and today the Travis Heritage Center tells the story of military flight. Fairfield is also known for the Jelly Belly factory, where visitors can see how the famous jelly beans are made.
Downtown Texas Street has an arch, shops and restaurants, while the Suisun Valley wine country, Rockville Hills Regional Park and the waterfront of neighboring Suisun City offer wineries, trails and marsh views close by.
The famous jelly bean maker's factory and visitor center. A free self-guided tour shows how candies are made, and the center has a large candy shop, sample bar, cafe and jelly bean art portraits. Production slows on weekends and holidays, so a weekday visit shows the most activity on the floor.
A small farming valley just northwest of Fairfield with more than a dozen family-run wineries, farm stands and orchards. Tasting rooms are relaxed and less crowded than nearby Napa, and prices tend to be lower. Many rooms are only open Thursday to Sunday, so check hours and plan a driver.
Fairfield's historic main street, lined with older buildings, family-owned restaurants, bakeries and shops leading up to the Solano County government center. It hosts seasonal events such as a farmers market and holiday parades. Street parking is easy, and nearby lots are free on most days.
A neoclassical courthouse completed in 1911 at the head of Texas Street, with a columned front and dome. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and still serves county offices. Walk around the building and grounds for photos, and combine it with lunch on Texas Street.
A small Methodist chapel built of local stone in the 1850s and 1860s, standing in the historic Rockville Cemetery near Suisun Valley. It is one of the oldest buildings in Solano County and a California Historical Landmark. You can view the exterior and cemetery grounds; it is a short drive from Rockville Hills Regional Park.
An aviation museum at Travis Air Force Base, formerly the Travis Heritage Center, with historic military aircraft including large transports, engines and exhibits on airlift history. The base is restricted, so check the museum website for current visitor access rules and bring a valid photo ID.
A railway museum on Highway 12 southeast of Fairfield with a large collection of historic streetcars, interurbans and trains. Admission includes rides on restored cars along a heritage line, and seasonal excursions run toward Rio Vista. It is open on weekends, so check the schedule before you drive out.
A hilly park on the west side of Fairfield with oak woodland, small ponds and miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking. Spring brings green hills and wildflowers, and there are views toward Suisun Valley. Trails can be steep and rocky, so wear good shoes; a small parking fee may apply.
A protected ranch of grassy hills and canyons between Fairfield and Vallejo, managed by the Solano Land Trust. Trails climb to ridge views over the Bay Area, and hawks and eagles are common. It is open on certain days only and cattle graze there, so check opening days and close gates behind you.
A historic ranch on the edge of Suisun Marsh, the largest brackish marsh on the West Coast. It has a nature center, a blacksmith shop with demonstrations and trails through marshland full of birds. Bring binoculars and mosquito repellent, and check the calendar for guided walks and family days.
A restored historic movie house on Texas Street now used as a community performing arts venue for plays, concerts, comedy and film nights. It is part of the effort to revive the downtown. Check the event listings ahead of time, and plan dinner at one of the restaurants a short walk away.
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California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
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