A short drive and 20 miles away from Walnut Creek is Vallejo, California, the largest city in Solano County and home to a variety of attractions that call for a day trip. With all the excitement and opportunities of a larger city, Vallejo manages to maintain a small-town atmosphere that helps provide visitors with endless amounts of fun, from sightseeing to shopping and dining. No other city in the Bay Area puts you in the midst of as many activities as Vallejo does. While Vallejo is great for day trips, you may find that you will be coming back from Walnut Creek again and again. Here are a few of the options available to you on your day trip to Vallejo.
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
1001 Fairgrounds Dr., Vallejo, CA 94589
(707) 644-4000
Website: www.sixflags.com/discoverykingdom/index.aspx
A one-of-a-kind amusement park, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom combines thrilling roller coasters, fun family rides and interactive animal attractions to produce and amazing experience for the whole family. Whether you are an adrenaline junkie or much tamer, this park has plenty of fun things to do, including Odin, the white Bengal tiger; medusa, a fast and scream-inducing roller coaster; and Bugs Bunny to entertain the kids.
Arts and Heritage District
Downtown Vallejo and surrounding neighborhoods
Vallejo Architectural Heritage Foundation: Heritage House, 419 Farragut Avenue, Vallejo, CA 94590
(707) 644-7649
Website: www.historicvallejo.org
Vallejo’s arts and heritage district features the 1912 Empress Theatre, a plethora of art galleries, studios and shopping opportunities. Nationally registered as a landmark, this district starts on Georgia Street downtown and spreads outward to contain houses and buildings that illustrate the varied architecture of Vallejo. St. Vincent’s Hill Historic District is also nearby and encompasses the 33 blocks around St. Vincent’s Catholic Church. This neighborhood was originally a residential area for workers of the now defunct Mare Island Naval Shipyard. You can pick up a walking map of the historic Old Town from the Visitors Center at the Vallejo Ferry Terminal. Click here for a Vallejo’s Art and Heritage District map.
Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum
734 Marin St., Vallejo CA 94590
(707) 643-0077
Website: www.vallejomuseum.org
Preserving and exhibiting the city of Vallejo’s diverse history and the history of the U.S. Naval Shipyard at Mare Island, the museum is in the city’s Old City Hall. Featuring five galleries, including a submarine periscope, as well as a gift shop and bookstore, the museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday, from noon to 4 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for senior citizens and teenagers and free for children under the age of 12.
Jelly Belly Candy Company
1 Jelly Belly Lane
(707) 428-2800
Website: www.jellybelly.com
Take a guided tour of the Jelly Belly candy factory to see how the factory operates and to receive free samples of Jelly Belly flavors. There is also a café and hop on site so you can enjoy a great meal and a special treat afterward. The tours are free and available throughout the year. Call to schedule.