Location: Vallejo
Top Things to do in Vallejo
Top 10 Things to do in Vallejo, United States
Vallejo (/vəˈleɪ(h)oʊ/ və-LAY-(h)oh; Spanish: [baˈʎexo]) is a waterfront city in Solano County, California, located in the North Bay sub-region of the San Francisco Bay Area. Vallejo is geographically the closest North Bay city to the inner East Bay, so it is sometimes mistakenly associated with that region. The population was 115,942 at the 2010 census. It is the tenth most populous city in the San Francisco Bay Area, and the largest in Solano County. Vallejo sits on the northeastern shore of San Pablo Bay, 30 miles north of San Francisco, the northwestern shore of the Carquinez Strait and the southern end of the Napa River, 15 miles south of Napa. The city is named after General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo, a native Californio, leading proponent of California's statehood, and one of the first members of the California State Senate; the neighboring city of Benicia is named for his wife, Francisca Benicia Carrillo de Vallejo.
Restaurants in Vallejo
1. San Francisco Bay Ferry Vallejo Service
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 286 reviews
Reviewed By Gene G - Benicia, California
Park $, then my Senior clipper card makes it easy to Ferry Building, then the street car works for me. From Benicia it is 7 Miles and no bridge versus bart. I like it, coming back the line wraps around the ferry Building,
2. Benicia Capitol State Historic Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 67 reviews
Park houses the Fischer-Hanlon house and the one time California State Capitol building.
Reviewed By jdc8mbc - California
The Benicia State Capitol building is the only still-standing pre-Sacramento capital building. (Previous locations included San Jose, Vallejo, and Benicia. Monterey was the capital when California was under Spanish/Mexican rule.) The building houses a museum displaying artifacts and objects from when Benicia served as California's capital, including the rooms housing the House and Senate. The museum is open Thursday-Sunday, closed Monday, Tuesday and holidays. The volunteer ranger was quite knowledgeable and helpful in explaining the history of California.
3. Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1 reviews
America's only combination theme park, oceanarium and wildlife park features zany "Zonga," a twisted mega-coaster with four full-circle, tilt-loop inversions.
Reviewed By Blong83 - Cottage Grove, Oregon
This place costs almost as much as a worthwhile theme park without the benefit of the atmosphere. It was my daughter's first theme park and one of the attendants was very good to her but not much else was positive. She had an accident and we were not close to a bathroom and it was very difficult to get a few paper towels when an iced drink was spilled in her stroller. It felt like all but a couple of the rides we could go on together were broken (you can only do the spinning boat ride so many times) and not much shade. By the end I was willing to pay any price to sit in air conditioning and eat but the indoor dining was hotter than outside. Ended up paying $53 for two old burgers, soggy fries, six onion rings, and weak drinks. Bought our tickets online and still spent $140 at the park for a mostly frustrating day. Next time I'll save my money for Disneyland and Knotts Berry Farm.
4. Benicia State Recreation Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 69 reviews
Reviewed By Gregory S - Lodi, California
I have mixed feeling about this Park. We visited in mid-August, everything above the water and wetlands was dry a uninviting. Maybe this would be better in the spring and might be a good place to camp then. The parking lot at the end of the road was full. We could see people near the water. Some were fishing.
5. Empress Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By Rita B - Vallejo, California, United States
Venues that played at the Empress in the last year included acrobats, independent films, singers, tribute bands, etc. There is plenty of parking and the venue is handicap accessible. The theater has about 100 seats on the main floor and possibly 200 seats in the balcony. The first 8-10 rows in the balcony have good leg room; the remainder of the balcony seats are fine if you have short legs. All seats have good visibility. It is a historic building but it has air conditioning.
6. Benicia Public Pier & Beach
Overall Ratings
4 based on 31 reviews
Reviewed By CynBee227 - Vallejo, California
Great area to launch a small boat or kayak, grass area to picnic, beach volleyball net, play structure for small children, and bathroom (not fancy but offer a toilet and sink). Beautiful carquinez straight location to view sunset over the bridge.
7. Vallejo Farmers Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 45 reviews
Reviewed By Mannypic - Vallejo
I really enjoy the atmosphere with all the vendors selling a large variety of fruits and vegetables. Everyone is so friendly when the Vallejo Farmers Market is open on Saturdays. I especially like the barbeque stand! I highly recommend coming to this Farmers Market!
8. Mare Island Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
Mare Island was the first Naval Base on the West Coast,opening in 1854. Beatiful Historic properties with National Landmark Status. Museum building opened in 1855. 2-Mansions in 1900, and 1901 Chapel with the most Tiffany Stained Glass in the West. Properties available for Tours, Weddings,and many types of special events, such as Memorials, Funerals & Concerts.The properties are managed by the Mare Island Historic Park Foundation. (A non-profit established in 1995)
Reviewed By Gregory S - Lodi, California
I was stationed at the Naval Training Center at Mare Island 1969-1970. The shipyard was considered off limits to us at that time so I was intrigued to learn that there was a museum. If you are into naval history this is a must stop. I expected a small place with a bunch of pictures hanging on the wall and a volunteer asking for money. There are pictures on the walls and the volunteer will not turn down a donation but there is much much more to this museum. There are several maps and models showing the evolution of the shipyard. On one of the models, I was able to find the guardhouse where I stood mid watch on cold winter nights. We spent an hour wandering around looking at all kinds of interesting artifacts. I was a cruiser sailor so submarines were unknown territory to me. The docent took me to the plaque of the second ship to be named USS Chicago. It was constructed at the shipyard in the 1930s and sunk in WWII. (I served on the fourth USS Chicago.) The periscope is fascinating even though I am a bit too tall to really enjoy it. I am a sucker for a gift shop. I purchase a Mare Island plaque to add to my Navy collection and ordered two USS Guitaro plaques (before and after she sank in the shipyard) and a plaque of the USS Long Beach. All in all a very enjoyable visit. If you are a navy buff be prepared to spend at least an hour in this museum.
9. Mare Island
Overall Ratings
4 based on 38 reviews
Reviewed By sphyggy - Vallejo, California
Many things happening on Mare Island it's awesome to have this available 10 minutes from home. Lots of walking trails, interesting sights, fun art studios, and even a winery! Wonderful place to hang out by the water. Great views.
10. Alvarez Ninth Street Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By mini - Fremont, California
We enjoyed going to this wonderful park right by Carquinez Strait. There are nice views also of Carquinez Bridge.
There is picnic tables with water views. There is also a nice children's playground. For those who have their own boat, there is boat launching facilities. One can also go fishing.
There is also volleyball facilities.
There is a large parking lot.
The park is free to use.
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