15 Best Things to See in Vallejo (CA)

A city of 120,000 people, Vallejo lies 45 kilometres northeast of San Francisco’s central business district. Visitors to Vallejo often take day trips to Fisherman’s Wharf and other San Francisco sites, but the city itself has a tonne of activities as well for those who don’t want to battle the dreaded traffic in the Bay Area. There are many sights in the area that are related to culture, history, and the arts. It also has some of the most unspoiled beaches and most stunning state and national parks in the entire Golden State. The following list of 15 activities in and around Vallejo is worth reading about.

Mare Island Naval Shipyard

Mare Island Naval Shipyard was the first of its sort on the West Coast when it opened in the middle of the nineteenth century. Its crew produced an astounding number of naval warships over the years that would serve the nation for a long time. Its hard-working employees reportedly finished a destroyer from bow to stern in less than 20 days, according to folklore. The best way to see the full site is on a guided tour. Visitors may get up and personal with the slips, gantry cranes, and dry docks in addition to seeing other sights like St. Peter’s Chapel and the mansion where the base commander originally lived.

Empress Theater

Since it was constructed more than a century ago, Vallejo’s Empress Theatre has been one of the city’s most recognisable structures. It remains one of Vallejo’s top performance spaces and has a year-round calendar of activities that includes anything from boxing contests to private gatherings to contemporary music concerts and dramatic theatre. Along with stunning architecture, cutting-edge lighting and audio equipment, and a chic lounge-style bar that frequently hosts smaller, more private events, the theatre also have amazing features. Several blocks inland from the Napa River, it is situated downtown on Virginia Street and consistently gets great reviews from visitors.

Napa Valley Wine Train

California’s primary grape-growing and wine-making regions are Napa Valley and Sonoma. About 25 kilometres north of the centre of Vallejo, it is surrounded by some of the state’s most stunning natural landscapes. The Napa Valley Wine Train encompasses nearly 60 kilometres of premium real estate, including expansive stretches of picturesque vineyards, rolling hills, and some of the most well-known wineries in the state. The majority of the train consists of historic railcars that have been meticulously restored to almost their original state. They include a variety of lounges, dining rooms, and seating areas that provide unique encounters. In Napa, tours leave from McKinley Street.

Mare Island Naval Cemetery

Naval officers, crew members, and soldiers were buried at Mare Island Naval Cemetery beginning in the middle of the 1850s. The cemetery’s population, which includes several notable people with intriguing pasts despite having reached its maximum capacity in the 1920s, makes it a genuinely unusual destination for anyone curious about the macabre side of the region’s history. Since 1975, the cemetery on Mare Island has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is nestled away in a peaceful area. The majority of visitors explore for roughly an hour before moving on to other Mare Island attractions.

Mare Island Brewing Company

Mare Island in Vallejo is well renowned for its wealth of historical attractions, but those in need of liquid refreshment can also unwind there with a refreshing beer. On Mare Island Way in Vallejo, you can find the brewery and taproom. They were the creation of two winemakers from California who chose to venture into the brewing industry. Mare Island’s handcrafted beers run the gamut from crisp ales and dark stouts to hearty porters and hoppy IPAs. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay from their picturesque waterfront position, which makes for a genuinely unforgettable experience.

Alden Park

Located on the former naval base site on Mare Island in Vallejo, Alden Park is a popular outdoor recreation destination most well-known for its scenic coastal location and the massive ballistic missile on display that harkens back to the tense years during the Cold War. Over twenty years ago, the Navy formally vacated the base. A tranquil park is now a nice option for individuals wishing to get away from the throng because it doesn’t see a lot of foot traffic. A German sub from World War II and artillery pieces from the Civil War are among the stunning array of historical military relics on display in the park.

Vallejo Farmers’ Market

The Vallejo Farmers’ Market is a weekly event that always takes place on the weekends at the intersection of Main and Georgia streets in the heart of Vallejo. It doesn’t matter if it’s June or January, cold and windy or bright and sunny. Numerous merchants selling anything from baked goods, prepared food, and locally produced health and beauty products to fresh seasonal produce, arts and crafts, and products are present at the market. Many visitors decide to eat their breakfast or lunch on-site before touring the facility. Despite being in a city, past guests said parking wasn’t an issue. Most vendors are locals, so don’t be shy about asking for recommendations for things to see and do around town.

Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum

Another convenient municipal attraction is the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum, which is situated on Mare Island. The museum has more than 20,000 square feet of display space dedicated to preserving and showcasing the great naval and shipbuilding heritage of the region. The museum is located in the 1920s-era structure that once housed the city hall. Its collection contains old pictures, model ships, nautical artefacts, and first-person tales of those who have worked at and served at the facility. The building has played a variety of roles over the years, including a police station and a government building. A gallery featuring works by regional artists is also present.

Alcatraz

Although Alcatraz Island is most known for the notorious prison that once housed some of the nation’s most dangerous criminals, it also has a Civil War-era fort and the oldest lighthouse on the West Coast. It is a top attraction in the Water Area and is reachable via private ferry from the San Francisco side of the bay. To make the most of their time, many visitors sign up for a guided tour, but audio guides are also available for those who want to explore on their own. Take the San Francisco Bay Ferry from Vallejo to the Fisherman’s Wharf departure point, and then take public transportation there. Before making a special journey, check the webpage as the island’s hours change with the season.

The Alibi Clock

The Alibi Clock is perhaps the historic landmark with the most unusual backstory in Vallejo. Untrained eyes would think it’s just another city clock, but it once served as an alibi for two political dissidents who were falsely accused of blowing up a bomb at a public gathering in San Francisco in the early 20th century. The two were found guilty of the horrific act that left ten people dead despite having a picture of the clock to show they were far from the bomb location when it exploded. However, the clock was transferred from its original place to its present one on Georgia Street in Vallejo after both were pardoned more than ten years later.

S.S. Garden City Wreckage

The S.S. Garden City paddle-wheel steamer, which measured more than 200 feet long and could move more than 1,000 tons of water, was a marvel to see when it was constructed in the late 1800s. The once-proud ship is now little more than rusty boilers and a slowly degrading paddle wheel as a result of a fire in the 1980s, but for fans of nautical history, it’s unquestionably a sight worth seeing. It used to ferry vehicles and people between Vallejo and San Francisco until the 1970s when it was mothballed and currently stands silently alongside a calm section of water close to the city’s ferry terminal.

San Francisco Bay Ferry

The San Francisco Bay Ferry runs between Vallejo and the city’s ferry terminal on the west side of the bay. It’s one of the most well-liked tourist attractions in the region, and the scenery between the two cities is simply magnificent. Ferries operate continuously, so you won’t have to be concerned if you decide to get off and visit San Francisco. The Mare Island Way neighbourhood is home to the ferry dock for Vallejo. The journey typically takes an hour each way, depending on the weather and headwinds. If you want to visit during a holiday, make sure to check the schedule in advance.

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom

There are an astounding number of theme parks in California. Six Flags Discovery Kingdom is one of the most well-liked attractions for visitors to the Bay Area. It’s one of those locations that take up significant amounts of vacation time for families travelling with children because there is so much to see and do there. Its attractions include an abundance of thrilling rides for almost all ages, live entertainment, and lots of kid-friendly activities for tiny ones who aren’t yet old enough to experience the bigger coasters. Five kilometres northeast of the city centre, on Fairgrounds Drive in Vallejo, is where you’ll find the park.

Sunshine Smoothies and coffee

Located on Wilson Avenue in Vallejo, Sunshine Smoothies and Coffee is a must-visit attraction for those looking to fill their tanks before spending a long day on their feet taking in the area’s sights. Sunshine takes great satisfaction in serving premium coffee, just-pressed juices, and vegan smoothies. Additionally, they offer baked items like muffins and bagels. Previous visitors have praised the restaurant’s friendly personnel, broad menu, and quick service at the drive-thru and walk-up windows. Given that the majority of their business is takeout, Sunshine is not a good option for individuals wishing to unwind with their drink for a few hours.

Mare Island Museum

If you’re seeking intriguing things to do in Vallejo, Mare Island is the ideal location to stay for a few days. The museum is simply one of many interesting places to visit; it is the city’s main historical attraction. The museum’s large grounds also include gardens, old homes, a chapel, and seamen’s quarters, all of which were abandoned when the island served as a working naval post. These structures are in addition to the museum’s indoor exhibits. In Vallejo, the museum is situated on Railroad Avenue. Although docent-led tours are frequently offered, you are welcome to explore on your own if you want.