Tucked between Napa Valley and San Francisco, Vallejo is California’s best-kept secret waiting to be discovered.
This waterfront city boasts a killer combo of historic charm, outdoor adventures, and cultural hotspots that’ll surprise even seasoned Bay Area travelers.
From quirky museums to scenic ferry rides and farmers markets bursting with local flavor, Vallejo packs a punch way above its weight class.
Ready to explore? Here are the 12 best things to do in Vallejo, California that prove this underrated city deserves a spot on your NorCal itinerary.
1. Six Flags Discovery Kingdom – Best for Thrill Seekers & Families
Hold onto your hats – Six Flags Discovery Kingdom is where rollercoaster dreams come true!
This unique hybrid park combines heart-pounding rides with up-close animal encounters, making it perfect for adrenaline junkies and animal lovers alike.
Must-rides include Medusa, with its looping, diving steel track, and Joker, a wooden coaster that’ll rattle your bones in the best way.
Animal exhibits let you meet bottlenose dolphins, tigers, and even sea lions between rides.
Pro tip: Visit on weekdays for shorter lines, and don’t miss the summer nighttime events when the park lights up.
With options for little kids (hello, Looney Tunes Seaport!) and daredevils, this is easily one of the top things to do in Vallejo.
2. Mare Island Preserve – Best for History Buffs & Hikers
Step into Vallejo’s naval history at Mare Island Preserve, a 1,400-acre playground of historic shipyards, scenic trails, and Instagram-worthy ruins.
Once the first U.S. Navy base on the West Coast, today it’s a fascinating mix of nature and nostalgia.
Hike the Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve Trail for bay views and cool breezes, or explore the crumbling WWII-era structures (perfect for moody photos).
The Mare Island Museum in the old Officers’ Club dishes the juicy backstory of this strategic military site.
Birdwatchers, bring binoculars – the wetlands attract herons and egrets like nobody’s business. History + hiking = a perfect Vallejo day trip.
3. Vallejo Farmers Market – Best for Foodies & Local Flavors
Foodies, make a beeline for the Vallejo Farmers Market (Saturdays year-round) where 50+ vendors sling everything from organic strawberries to fresh-baked sourdough.
The vibe here is unpretentious and friendly – just like Vallejo itself.
Must-tries include Filipino lumpia, Mexican mangonadas, and local honey from nearby Suisun Valley.
Vegan? You’ll love the plant-based tamales and nut cheeses. Grab a coffee and people-watch – this market is where Vallejo’s diverse cultures shine brightest.
Pro tip: Come hungry and leave with a reusable bag full of goodies. Supporting local farmers never tasted so good!
4. Blue Rock Springs Park – Best for Picnics & Views
Need a chill afternoon? Blue Rock Springs Park delivers rolling green hills, shady oak trees, and panoramic views of the Carquinez Strait.
The 1.5-mile Creek Trail is perfect for easy hikes, while the disc golf course adds friendly competition.
Families love the playground and splash pad (open summers), and there’s plenty of picnic space for lazy lunches. Keep an eye out for wild turkeys strutting through the grasslands – pure NorCal magic.
With free admission and parking, this is one of the best budget-friendly things to do in Vallejo. Sunset here? Chef’s kiss.
5. Vallejo Naval & Historical Museum – Best for Nautical Nerds
Housed in a 1930s courthouse, this quirky museum dives deep into Vallejo’s shipbuilding past and Gold Rush connections.
The scale model of Mare Island will blow history buffs’ minds, while exhibits on African American pioneers reveal untold local stories.
Kids dig the interactive periscope (yes, you can actually use it!) and vintage diving suits that look straight out of Jules Verne.
Don’t miss the rotating exhibits – recent ones covered women in the Navy and local jazz legends.
At just $5 for adults, it’s a steal for an afternoon of time travel.
6. Dan Foley Park – Best for Waterfront Relaxation
Craving water views without the crowds? Dan Foley Park’s man-made lake is Vallejo’s best-kept secret for paddle boating, fishing (stocked with catfish!), and lazy picnics.
The 1-mile loop trail circles the lake, perfect for morning jogs or post-lunch strolls. Weekends bring families barbecuing under the palms, while ducks and geese patrol the shoreline.
Bonus: The community center hosts free summer concerts – check the schedule and bring a blanket!
7. Empress Theatre – Best for Arts & Culture
This 1911 vaudeville house is now Vallejo’s coolest performing arts venue, hosting everything from Latin jazz to stand-up comedy.
The restored interior (think gilded balconies and velvet seats) makes every show feel special.
Check their calendar for free community events, or splurge on tickets to national touring acts. Pro tip: Friday night shows often end with impromptu meetups at nearby cafes.
Supporting local arts has never been this glamorous!
8. Hanns Park – Best for Hidden Hikes
Tucked away in east Vallejo, Hanns Park is a 115-acre escape with meandering trails through oak woodlands and grassy meadows.
The 3-mile loop serves up quiet solitude and deer sightings – rare so close to the city.
Mountain bikers love the challenging single tracks, while birders flock here for migratory songbirds in spring. Pack water – the rolling hills get steep, but the ridge-top views are worth every step.
9. Vallejo Ferry – Best for Bay Adventures
Skip the traffic and sail to San Francisco in style! The Vallejo Ferry offers 1-hour scenic rides to the Ferry Building, with outdoor decks perfect for spotting dolphins and the Golden Gate Bridge.
Morning commuters sip coffee as the sun rises over the bay, while weekend riders snap photos of Alcatraz and Angel Island. Pro tip: Buy a round-trip ticket and explore SF without parking headaches.
10. Children’s Wonderland – Best for Little Kids
This whimsical playground looks straight out of a storybook, with mini castles, tunnels, and a life-size pirate ship that’ll make any kid’s day.
The fully fenced area gives parents peace of mind while little ones burn energy.
Weekday mornings are blissfully uncrowded, and the shaded benches make it comfortable year-round. Best of all? It’s completely free – Vallejo’s sweetest deal for families.
11. Hiddenbrooke Golf Club – Best for Tee Time
Golfers, meet your new favorite course! Hiddenbrooke’s Arnold Palmer-designed greens wind through golden hills with zero urban noise – just birdsong and the occasional deer sighting.
The 19th hole grill serves solid burgers (with veggie options), and twilight rates make it surprisingly affordable. Non-golfers can still enjoy the scenic driving range with a bucket of balls.
12. Vallejo Art Walk – Best for Creative Souls
On second Fridays, downtown Vallejo transforms into an open-air gallery with local artists, live music, and pop-up performances. Galleries keep doors open late, while food trucks dish global bites.
Don’t miss the mural alley near Georgia Street – it’s a colorful tribute to Vallejo’s diversity. The vibe? Chill, inclusive, and authentically Vallejo.
Final Thoughts
From coasters to kayaks, and from historic hikes to foodie feasts, Vallejo delivers NorCal adventures without the crowds or price tags of its famous neighbors.
These 12 best things to do in Vallejo, California prove this underrated city is way more than just a ferry stop.
Ready to explore? Grab your walking shoes, charge your camera, and discover Vallejo’s secrets for yourself. Know a spot we missed? Shout it out in the comments – we’re always hunting for new local gems!