Man and woman walking in a vineyard holding wine glasses

How To Spend One Day in Vacaville

Only have a little time to explore? Here’s how you can dive straight into some of the best things to do, see, and eat in Vacaville during a quick trip!

WHAT TO SEE:

For travelers with a limited time to sight-see, we’ve narrowed down our favorite things to do around town into a few categories. If you’ve got more time to enjoy, visit our blog for even more guides to finding adventures around Vacaville!

OUTDOOR AGRIVENTURES

Lagoon Valley Park, a 470-acre regional park with non-motorized boating, disc golf, a dog park, and miles of hiking and biking trails, is a favorite for locals and visitors. If you’re up for a climb, take the Tower Trail (get directions in our guide here), or pick a different path and find one of Vacaville’s hilltop tree swings!

Discover even more outdoor adventures around the city, like the famous Nut Tree Boulders, which draw hikers from all over California to test their skills on problems ranging from V0-V9 and small farms and produce stands that offer up a rustic experience and fresh farm products.

ARTS AND CULTURE

Explore Vacaville’s artistic side with a trip to one of our galleries, theatres, or museums. Performing arts and music lovers can take in vibrant performances at the Vacaville Performing Arts Theatre or a live show at the summertime Creekwalk Concert Series.

Visual artists will enjoy the Vacaville Art League and Gallery, where local and regional artists display their best work, or revel in a tour of Vacaville’s public art. Get a dose of Vacaville history by exploring 5 of the city’s historic treasures, or indulge in some Nut Tree nostalgia at California’s Legendary Road Stop.

FAMILY FUN

Families love Vacaville for its wealth of easy-to-enjoy activities for all ages. Whether it’s ice skating at Vacaville Ice Sports or trampoline jumping at Rockin’ Jump.

Free fun can be had at the Center for Freedom and Flight or at Andrew’s Park, where the enormous Great Wonders playground and a gigantic dragon sculpture beckons to be climbed. See our Top 10 Outdoor Adventures for VacaKids to see even more ways for tykes and tots to enjoy the city!

SHOPPING IN VACAVILLE

Vacaville is a shoppers paradise, with the Vacaville Premium Outlets, the Nut Tree Shopping Center, and a collection of local boutiques and shops in Historic Downtown Vacaville, shoppers will find options ranging from local and unique to big brands, and everything in between.

WHERE TO EAT:

Kick off the day with a meal at one of the top breakfast spots around town. Whether you’re seeking out brunch, classic breakfast fare, or a quick bite, our Breakfast in Vacaville Guide will show you where to get an unforgettable early morning meal.

FLAVORS AROUND TOWN

Craving bold, global flavors? Check out our guide to International Flavors in Vacaville to taste Filipino, Thai, Japanese, and Mexican food that will make your mouth water. Or enjoy a meal with a side of fresh air at one of our restaurants with outdoor dining. Many of the patios are pet-friendly as well!

FRESH FROM THE FARMS

As a Northern California agricultural hub, Vacaville’s dining scene benefits heavily from locally grown meats, produce, and nuts. Serving up a bounty of these flavors is a local favorite: Backdoor Bistro and Wine Bar. This tucked away little gem, run by Chef Lindsey Chelini, can be found on Merchant Street in Downtown Vacaville and offers a rotating menu featuring fresh, locally grown ingredients.

SWEETS ‘N’ TREATS

No trip is complete without a treat, right? Explore sweet treats in Vacaville, from Fentons' mammoth sundaes to liquid nitrogen ice cream made while you wait at Peace Love and Boba, and creative halo-halo concoctions at Roline’s in our Sweet Cravings Guide.

BREWS AND BARRELS

You’ll find craft beer pubs like the Brass Tap, University of Beer, Linda's Cocktails, and Happy Hour spots around town serving up a mix of brews, including regional options like Heretic and Berryessa Brewing Company. Visiting on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday? Check out Vacaville’s very own Solano Brewing Company to sample pre-prohibition-era style beers in a cozy tasting room off Midway Road.

Looking to take in a wine tasting experience that’s “off the beaten path” from Napa Valley? Check out our Insider’s Guide to the Suisun Valley Wine Region to discover a beautiful little wine region just minutes from Vacaville.

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