Solano County’s largest city is classic Bay Area.
For one thing, Vallejo is located along the Mare Island Strait and San Pablo Bay, so water dominates its views. On days when such county cities as Dixon are broiling under 90-degree heat, Vallejo might have gray skies from the coastal overcast.
Also, the older parts of Vallejo have more of an urban than suburban atmosphere found in many of the county’s cities.
One of the county’s biggest tourist attractions is in Vallejo: Six Flags Discovery Kingdom. The amusement park features such theme rides as The Joker, Wonder Woman Lasso of Truth, Harley Quinn Crazy Coaster and Batman: The Ride. The Tsunami Soaker is a tea cup-type ride that allows riders to squirt each other using large water guns.
Animal shows and attractions at Discovery Kingdom feature giraffes, seals, sharks, butterflies and other creatures.
The 149-acre Solano County fairgrounds is located nearby. It is home to the county fair each summer, but also hosts events year-round.
Vallejo is home to a ferry that links it with San Francisco. Riders can take catamaran ferries that reach almost 40 mph and make the trip to the San Francisco Ferry Building in about an hour. Ferries are also available to Pier 41, Angel Island and Oracle Park.
Mare Island gives people the chance to see a former naval shipyard that was founded prior to the Civil War and closed in 1996. Buildings from various eras are visible, from the 19th-century brick buildings and Victorian homes to massive, World War II-era industrial buildings.
The excellent Mare Island Strait led the Navy in 1852 to buy land for Mare Island Naval Shipyard. The first commander was David Glasgow Farragut, who later gained fame during the Civil War for capturing Mobile, Alabama, and for operations along the lower Mississippi River.
The shipyard was a mainstay of the Pacific Fleet’s presence through World War II and the Cold War prior to its closure. Vallejo has since redeveloped Mare Island as an industrial area work in progress as well as home to institutions such as Touro University, which occupies the old hospital building, and residential subdivisions.
Mare Island also plays host to a portion of the San Francisco Pacific Flyway Festival each February, with hikes along the picturesque shoreline and viewing of the various migratory birds.
Visitors can hike in Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve. Among the features there are a 284-foot-high hill overlooking San Pablo Bay, the Mare Island cemetery and century-old stone buildings at the old ammunition depot.
Gen. Mariano Vallejo, a powerful civil and military leader when Mexico ruled California, lent his name to the city.
Vallejo in 1850 wanted to establish a city that would become the capital of the newly formed state of California. He saw the location as “the true center of the state, the true center of commerce and the true center of travel,” according to Frank Keegan’s book “Solano: The Crossroads County.”
Modestly, Vallejo wanted to name his city “Eureka.” Others insisted it be called “Vallejo” in his honor and their viewpoint won out.
Vallejo is among the nation’s most diverse cities.
Vallejo Convention & Visitors Bureau: 800-4-Vallejo, 707-642-3653, www.visitvallejo.com
Vallejo Chamber of Commerce: 707-644-5551, www.vallejochamber.com
Mare Island Museum
The former Mare Island Naval Shipyard was the first permanent naval installation on the West Coast when founded in 1854.
It built more than 500 ships in its 142-year service to the United States before closing in 1996. Today, much of Mare Island’s historical artifacts are carefully being preserved by the Mare Island Historic Park Foundation.
It’s housed in Building 46, a 50,000-square-foot space built in 1855.
Location: Eighth Street and 1100 Railroad Ave., Vallejo
More information: 707-557-4646; www.visitvallejo.com/listing/mare-island-museum
Empress Theatre
Vallejo’s Empress Theatre opened in February 1912, hosting a vaudeville act. It was re-opened in 2008 after nearly 20 years of non-use due to damage from the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. The one-room movie house has undergone complete renovation and seismic retrofit. Operated as a nonprofit, it now shows movies, hosts live performances and is rented for private events.
Tours and sales of old movie posters also are offered.
Location: 330 Virginia St., Vallejo
More information: 707-552-2400, www.empresstheatre.org
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
Known years ago as Marine World/Africa USA for its ocean and continental wildlife, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom is now known more for its rides.
Take a topsy, turvy spin on the thriller coaster, Superman, or one of the many other thrill, family or children’s rides.
See cougars and dolphins, walruses and penguins, among other animals. Take in a wildlife show, eat some food and take in an exhibit. The park also transforms during some holidays, adding special attractions for Halloween and Christmas and a Fourth of July celebration that includes fireworks. Season passes are available.
Location: 1001 Fairgrounds Drive, Vallejo (From Fairfield: Take Interstate 80 westbound. From Interstate 80, take the Discovery Kingdom exit)
More information: 707-643-6722 for recorded information; 707-644-4000 for administrative office, www.sixflags.com/discoverykingdom
Children’s Wonderland Park
Acres of pure childhood joy await at this Vallejo park, with castles, a giant teapot, fire truck and other play structures as well as Cinderella’s carriage and modern play structures.
A fully fenced park with plenty of high-imagination play areas, picnic facilities, open space, a craft area and an outdoor theater, Children’s Wonderland provides plenty of fun for the youngsters.
Birthday party packages are available as well as multiple-visit passes.
Location: 360 Glenn St., Vallejo
More information: 707-980-8004, www.gvrd.org/children-s-wonderland
Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum
The Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum is a required stop for fans of local history and the Navy.
The museum, which is located in Vallejo’s historic old City Hall, features five galleries devoted to the history and cultures of Vallejo and the U.S. Navy at Mare Island. It also sponsors educational and cultural programs.
It is a lot of history to cover, because Vallejo traces its roots to 1844 with the arrival of Gen. Mariano Vallejo, and Mare Island Naval Shipyard traces its own history to 1852, when Congress bought the island.
While three of the galleries are devoted to permanent exhibits, the other two offer a constantly changing menu of visiting exhibits pulled from other museums and private collections.
One of its more unusual features is the working submarine periscope that can be found at the top of the museum’s grand staircase, where visitors can get a sub’s-eye view of surrounding Vallejo.
Location: 734 Marin St., Vallejo
More information: 707-643-0077, www.vallejomuseum.org
San Francisco Bay Ferry
Used by both commuters and tourists headed from Solano County to San Francisco, the San Francisco Bay Ferry, formerly the Vallejo Bay Ferry, offers another option to traveling to the interior Bay Area.
The San Francisco Bay Ferry leaves the Vallejo waterfront several times daily to bring travelers across San Pablo Bay to the San Francisco Ferry Building. Ferry commuters avoid the traffic and get stunning views of the region. The trip takes about an hour. Some ferries also stop at Pier 41.
In addition to the daily trips, the ferry offers special service to San Francisco Giants games.
There is a fee to park.
Location: 289 Mare Island Way
More information: 877-643-3779, www.sanfranciscobayferry.com
Vallejo Symphony
The Vallejo Symphony continues its run as one of the oldest in the state.
The symphony, which performs at various venues, was formed when a group of community leaders determined that local musicians needed a showcase for their talents. At the same time, community members could be enriched by attending live performances.
On Feb. 21, 1931, a 60-piece orchestra, under the direction of Julius Weyand, made its debut in the auditorium of the city’s newly dedicated Veterans Memorial Building. For several years, the concerts took place at the Hogan High School auditorium.
The symphony moved to the Empress Theatre for the 2017-18 season. The final performances of this, the symphony’s 89th season, happened June 18-19.
More information: 707-643-4441, www.vallejosymphony.org
Vallejo Calendar of Events
Decked Out at the Quarters: Noon to 4 p.m. April 7 at 1015 Walnut Ave., Mare Island. This free event for all features more than 20 musical acts spanning jazz, folk, R&B and rock on six stages, family activities including face painting, food vendors and beverages. Info.: www.visitvallejo.com/events/upcoming-events.
Bay Area Butterfly Festival: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 1, Mare Island Promenade, 860 Nimitz Ave. A family friendly event with artisan booths, food trucks, music, children's section, beer, soda drinks. speakers, raffles and more. Free admission for 12 and under. Info.: www.bayareamonarchs.org.
Solano County Fair: June 12-15, 900 Fairgrounds Drive. Carnival rides, live entertainment, classic fair food, shopping, animal and livestock exhibits, and more. Info.: https://scfair.org.
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