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Vacaville lies in Solano County at the edge of the Sacramento Valley, halfway between San Francisco and Sacramento along Interstate 80, with golden oak-covered hills rising to the west. It was founded in 1851 on land bought from Juan Manuel Cabeza Vaca, a Mexican rancher whose name the city still carries, and it grew as a center of fruit orchards that shipped cherries, apricots and other produce across the country. The city was incorporated in 1892.
Vacaville is famous for the Nut Tree, which began as a roadside fruit stand in 1921 and became a beloved stop for travelers. Today Nut Tree Plaza keeps a carousel, a small train and playful sculptures, next to the Vacaville Premium Outlets.
The historic Pena Adobe from the 1840s is one of the oldest buildings in the county, and Lagoon Valley Park and the hills around the city offer trails and wide views. Downtown Vacaville has a creek walk, local restaurants and the Vacaville Museum.
A shopping and dining center on the site of the famous Nut Tree roadside stop, which welcomed travelers from 1921. It has stores, restaurants, a hotel and a family park with a carousel and small train. Look for displays about the original Nut Tree, and visit the family park on weekend afternoons.
A large outdoor outlet center next to Interstate 80 with over 100 stores selling discounted fashion, shoes and home goods. It is a popular stop for travelers between the Bay Area and Sacramento. Check the website for coupons, and come on weekday mornings to avoid the busiest crowds.
An adobe house built in the early 1840s by the Pena family, one of the oldest buildings in Solano County. It stands in Pena Adobe Park at Lagoon Valley, with the Mowers-Goheen Museum nearby. Visit the grounds anytime; check with the historical society for open house days inside.
A local history museum in a historic building downtown, with exhibits on Solano County's Native Americans, farming, the railroad and the growth of Vacaville. Rotating exhibits and family programs are offered. It opens only some days of the week, so check hours, and pair it with a walk downtown.
Vacaville's old downtown along Main Street, with restaurants, coffee shops and small stores near Ulatis Creek. The landscaped creek walk and Andrews Park host summer concerts and a farmers market. Use the free parking lots and walk around the creek, especially on summer evenings.
A downtown park along Ulatis Creek with lawns, shade trees, a playground, picnic spots and an amphitheater used for free summer concerts and community events. It links to the creek walk. It is a good place to relax after lunch downtown; bring a blanket for the concerts.
A large park around a lake in a valley southwest of the city, with picnic areas, a bike park, disc golf, dog park and trails into the surrounding hills. It is popular for walking and fishing. There is a small parking fee on weekends; spring brings green hills and wildflowers.
A hiking trail in Vacaville that climbs through oak woodland and grassy slopes to viewpoints over the city and valley. It is a short but steep local favorite. Go early in the day in summer, wear shoes with good grip on loose rock, and bring water, as there is little shade on top.
A city-owned theater with several hundred seats, hosting touring shows, concerts, dance, local theater groups and community productions. It is a comfortable modern venue with good sightlines. Check the season calendar online, and arrive a little early for parking near the theater.
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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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Photo: UncleVinny, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
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