Are you visiting Fairfield, California for the first time? Below is a list of “Insider Tips” for things to see and do while in town.
When I have a visitor from out of town, the first place they want to see is Jelly Belly or the Anheuser-Busch Brewery, but I also take them to Suisun Valley – for a more local, authentic experience.
When I want to escape the tourists, my favorite place to visit is Suisun Valley, a quiet but thriving wine region located just five miles from the Napa County line.
The best place to walk the dog is out at Rush Ranch, Lynch Canyon or Rockville Hills Regional Park – breathtaking views while you and your pup enjoy a peaceful stroll.
Museums are wonderful, but if you are traveling with kids, you’ll want to visit the many family-oriented attractions, like the famous Jelly Belly Factory, which offers free daily tours, or Driven Raceway, which gives visitors of all ages the opportunity to drive authentic European-style go-karts.
Northern California Food:
If you are looking for typical Fairfield cuisine, I recommend Mankas Steakhouse in Suisun Valley and Favela’s Fusion.
The best place to go for coffee & breakfast is Bab’s Delta Diner in nearby Suisun City. If you need an afternoon pick me up, Truffle Berries in downtown Fairfield has the best cookies – try the midlife crisis and tell ’em that Nancy sent you. I can handle this kind of midlife crisis!
Looking for inexpensive food in Fairfield? Stop by Evelyn’s Big Italian Pizzeria, Joe’s Buffet, or Mediteranean Food Center; all located in historic downtown Fairfield. For an expensive, yet quality meal, go to Rockville Corners in Suisun Valley.
Seeing a lot of jelly beans? Fairfield is best known as the home of the Jelly Belly Factory. I remember going here with my daughter’s girl scout troop. There’s free samples and fudge for the folks who prefer their sugar in a different format.
When you come to Fairfield, get your picture taken in one of Suisun Valley’s vineyards. No matter the time of year, the region is a beautiful place providing a stunning backdrop for photographs.
In Fairfield, outdoor lovers will love hiking at Rockville Hills Regional Park, Rush Ranch and Lynch Canyon. Looking for a little exercise? Walk along the beautiful Suisun Marsh.
The Fairfield Daily Republic will keep you posted on what’s happening in Fairfield.
In the spring, you should attend Suisun Valley’s Passport Sunday, an annual event that showcases the wineries and tasting rooms of the region. With “passports” in hand, travel from one winery to the next, sampling local food and wine, enjoying live music from area bands and socializing with family and friends.
In the summer, you should attend the two-day Fairfield Tomato Festival, held every August in downtown Fairfield. Plan a visit to Fairfield in the fall and celebrate the harvest in Suisun Valley. Some of the most popular attractions include the pumpkins patches at both Larry’s Produce and the Western Railway Museum and the Suisun Valley Corn Maze.
Come to Fairfield in the winter for fun holiday events at the Jelly Belly Factory, including visits with Santa Claus!
Insider Tip: Check out the often over-looked Suisun Valley, truly one of Fairfield and Solano County’s hidden gems. Often, travelers to this region go directly to Napa Valley but neighboring Suisun Valley offers a more rustic experience with smaller crowds. It’s a much more intimate experience for visitors, olive oil tasting and winemakers.
Just outside of Fairfield, you can visit Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, Vacaville Premium Outlets or the Western Railway Museum.
What are your favorite things to do in Fairfield and Suisun Valley? Do you have any insider tips to share?
For additional insider tips follow Northern California Travel Writer @Nancydbrown on Twitter and @fairfield4fun.
Article, photos and YouTube video by Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown. Thanks to Fairfield Visitors Bureau for assistance with this post.