Visiting Vacaville for a quick vacation? We have rounded up 18 AMAZING things to do in Vacaville (CA) – day or night, including exploring its victorian history!
Perfectly placed between the well-known Californian cities of San Francisco and Sacramento, Vacaville has become a popular stop on the way to the West Coast. Surrounded by orchards and undulating hills, and packed with family-friendly activities, Vacaville offers up a varied set of activities for your getaway.
With a history dating back to 1849, not only is there plenty to learn about in the city’s museums, but the streets lined with Victorian architecture are a treat to look at too.
Here’s how to spend your time in Vacaville.
11 Things To Do In Vacaville During The Day
Filling your itinerary with fantastic things to do in Vacaville during the day isn’t hard; spectacular regional parks, unbeatable shopping opportunities, and fascinating museums await.
1. Peña Adobe Regional Park
To the southwest of Vacaville is the Peña Adobe Regional Park, one of the most popular recreational sites and well-known things to do in Vacaville city. Set around a historic Adobe house (made of cob and rammed earth) Peña Adobe Regional Park is an awesome place for hiking, dog walking, and fishing on the local lake.
The sweeping green fields and rolling hills make this a beautiful place in which to escape the city streets. Whether you spend a few hours here all the whole day, there is plenty to keep you entertained at Peña Adobe Regional Park.
Need to know
- 4699 Peña Adobe Rd, Vacaville, CA 95687, United States
- Open: Monday to Sunday, 7:30am – 7:30pm.
- Suitable for children.
- Pets must be leashed.
- Fishing is allowed.
- Ticket prices: Free entry (parking $5)
2. Morningsun Herb Farm
Morningsun Herb Farm encapsulates everything that is inviting about small farm shops in Califonia. This small family-run farm sells a huge range of flowers and herbs, making it an ideal location for a day’s outing.
You can peruse the large selection of herbs, plants, and flowers on display or take a walk through the fields of green. In this way, Morningsun Herb Farm combines elements of a smallholding with a local farm shop. The staff here are all too happy to share their insights into horticulture and suggest the best herbs and plants for your culinary or holistic needs.
Need to know
- 6137 Pleasants Valley Rd, Vacaville, CA 95688, United States
- Open: Monday to Saturday, 9 am – 5 pm.
- Suitable for children.
- Pets must be leashed.
- Ticket prices: Free entry
3. Vacaville Vintage Market
On the third Saturday of the month, Vacaville plays host to the Vacaville Vintage Market. The market is home to an array of vintage clothing and items, with something different appearing each month.
You can spend a couple of hours browsing through vintage sunglasses, men’s clothes, women’s clothes, and so much more. The Vacaville Vintage Market is the perfect place to pick up a bargain while exploring all the wide variety of things to do in Vacaville. You may come across well-known worldwide brands, all for a fraction of the price you would normally pay.
Need to know
- Corner of West & Monte Vista Avenue, Vacaville, CA 95688, United States
- Open: Third Saturday of the month, 9 am – 2:30 pm.
- Suitable for children
- Pets must be leashed.
- Ticket prices: Free entry.
4. Rowland Freedom Center
The Rowland Freedom Center is a fun and educational outing that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. The center named after Herm Rowland, who helped launch not only this but also the American Armory Museum in neighboring Fairfield, has a number of exhibitions that provide an overview of aviation history. Designed in order to honor heroes of aviation, the vast collection of Second World War planes brings the whole experience to life.
Need to know
- 300 County Airport Rd, Vacaville, CA 95688, United States.
- Open: Monday to Sunday, 10 am – 4 pm.
- Suitable for children.
- No pets allowed.
- Ticket prices: Free entry.
5. Brazelton Ranch
This family-owned farm settled in Vacaville since the 1960s is filled with the freshest, seasonal fruits. The Brazelton Ranch, committed to agricultural preservation, hold hordes of food products all year round. Their range includes fruits; vegetables, diary, and eggs, all of which are available for purchase at their onsite farm shop.
Spend an afternoon admiring the wide variety of crops spread across this lusious 2,204-acre farmland. The Brazelton Ranch is well known for its peaches and oranges, make sure to check their Facebook for announcements about their most recent harvests.
Need to know
- 3628 Gates Canyon Rd, Vacaville, CA 95688, United States
- Open: Thursday to Tuesday, 9am to 2pm. Closed Wednesdays.
- Suitable for children.
- No pets allowed.
- Ticket prices: Free entry.
6. Bounty Books
Boasting fan favorites and friendly service, Bounty Books is the perfect cozy corner to choose your next novel in this ‘things to do in Vacaville’ guide. Its labyrinth of literary arts attracts like-minded book lovers to enjoy new and used books. As well as including a section for local authors to advertise their work.
Whether you are a sci-fi fanatic or a hopeless romantic, this should be your next adventure while in Vacaville.
Need to know
- 877 Merchant St, Vacaville, CA 95688, United States
- Open: Monday to Thursday, 10am to 6PM, Friday & Saturday 10am to 4pm, and Sunday 12 until 4pm.
- Suitable for children.
- No pets allowed.
- Ticket prices: Free entry.
7. Vacaville Museum
For those interested in finding out about Vacaville’s history, the Vacaville Museum is the place to go. This fantastic museum is home to numerous exhibitions that showcase the history of the city and the wider area.
With exhibitions constantly changing and updating, you never know what you’re going to see next at the museum. At other times, cultural workshops take place, giving you a hands-on experience to really understand the history and culture surrounding this part of California. As well as introducing you to the city’s most historic monuments and things to do in Vacaville.
Need to know
- 213 Buck Ave, Vacaville, CA 95688, United States
- Open: Thursday to Saturday, 1 to 4:30 pm.
- Suitable for children
- No pets allowed.
- Ticket prices: Free entry.
8. Al Patch Park
In the mood for a family game? Al Patch Park might just be what you’re looking for. Not so much a picnic park, but more of a sports haven, Al Patch is home to softball fields, a football field, and a padded running track. Even if you don’t manage to bag a spot on the field, join the crowd and cheer on the team for a high-energy afternoon.
Need to know
- 82JG+5H, 1717 California Dr, Vacaville, CA 95687, United States
- Open: Monday to Sunday 6 am – 9pm
- Suitable for children.
- Pets must be leashed.
- Ticket prices: Free entry.
9. Atma Wholistic Day Spa
Why not throw an afternoon of pampering into your itinerary? Home to the Atma Wholistic Day Spa, there’s no better place to relax and unwind. Services range from deep-tissue massages to hot-rock therapy, all-organic facials to chemical peels.
Need to know
- 500 Merchant St, Vacaville, CA 95688, United States
- Open Monday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm.
- Not suitable for children.
- Ticket prices: treatments start from $45
10. The Rock Shop
One of the more unusual but fascinating things to do in Vacaville is to visit The Rock Shop – the west coast’s largest rock and mineral shop which sells a huge range of gemstones, rocks, and precious stones.
Whether you collect such things, are interested in geology, or simply enjoy exploring things that are a little bit different, Vacaville’s Rock Shop is a fascinating place to visit when you’re in the city. With such a beautiful collection, it will be no surprise if you leave with a memento.
Need to know
- 115 Quinn Rd, Vacaville, CA 95688, United States
- Open Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 6 am.
- Suitable for children.
- No pets allowed.
- Ticket prices: Free entry.
11. Keating Park
Step up to the batting plate at Keating Park to perfect your swing on the well-kept baseball fields. With the regular little league and softball games, there is no shortage of activities for adults as well as things to do in Vacaville for kids. The park is well known by locals who enjoy gathering to watch family and friends play while walking their dogs around the area.
Sign up to join a game or look into the Stadium rental options available for a fun few hours with the whole family.
Need to know
- California Dr, Vacaville, CA 95687
- Open: Monday to Sunday, 8am to 9pm
- Suitable for children.
- No pets allowed.
- Ticket prices: Free entry.
7 Things To Do In Vacaville During The Night
Shopping, escape rooms, alfresco entertainment, you name it, Vacaville has it. With plenty of things to do in Vacaville at night, there’s no need to head to your hotel once the sunsets with these 7 evening activities.
1. Beat The Room
One of the best things to do in Vacaville as a group when spending the evening in Vacaville is head to the escape room, known as Beat The Room. With many different themed rooms and numerous ways to get out, the challenge of working together and figuring out the puzzle is exciting for all.
With each clue, you’ll get one step closer to unlocking the door and succeeding. Beat the Room is seen as one of the best escape rooms around, and you’re guaranteed to have a fun time before the night is through!
Need to know
- 814 Alamo Dr, Vacaville, CA 95688, United States
- Open Wednesday to Sunday 11 am – 10 pm
- Suitable for children.
- No pets allowed.
- Ticket prices: $25
2. Stars Recreation Center
For a great all-around night out in Vacaville, you can do no better than heading to Stars Recreation Center. A combination of a bowling alley, arcade, laser tag, and pool rooms, there is plenty to do to keep you entertained.
Serving up a few drinks and food, Stars Recreation Center is a fantastic place to come in a group and have a good time. Get the competitive streak going with a few games of bowling, and then head over to the pool room to pot a couple of billiard balls. With high energy and a great atmosphere, Stars Recreation Center offers one of the best nights out in Vacaville.
Need to know
- 155 Browns Valley Pkwy, Vacaville, CA 95688, United States
- Open: 12 pm to 1 am.
- Suitable for children
- No pets allowed.
- Ticket prices: Prices vary on which activity you choose.
3. Nut Tree Plaza
One of the most famous locations in the city of Vacaville is the Nut Tree Plaza. Once a humble roadside fruit stand, the plaza has grown into the place to be in the evenings.
A combination of shops, eateries, and entertainment facilities, the 400,000-square-foot complex is a buzz of excitement. Alongside places to eat, the Nut Tree Plaza is also home to rides such as the Nut Tree Railroad Engine, a carousel, and a large chessboard.
Need to know
- 1661 E Monte Vista Ave, Vacaville, CA 95688, United States
- Open Monday to Sunday 11 am – 7 pm.
- Suitable for children.
- Pets must be leashed.
- Ticket prices: Free entry.
4. Vacaville Ice Sports
Vacaville Ice Sports is an easy way to escape the Califnonrian heat and enjoy a range of sports on the ice. Simply strap on your skates and enjoy an evening of entertainment practicing piroets or simply trying to stay standing!
From relaxing skating across the white rink to heart-racing competitive games of hockey, slipping out onto the ice is the perfect way to cool off after a day in the sun. Vacaville Ice Sports is also home to its own skating academy, and for those of you uninitiated, you can take a skating class.
Need to know
- 551 Davis St, Vacaville, CA 95688, United States
- Open: Monday to Saturday, 10 am – 8:30 pm.
- Suitable for children.
- No pets allowed.
- Ticket prices: $15
5. Andrews Park
The leafy green Andrews Park in the north of the city is a beautiful place for a sunset stroll after a long day exploring the city. A one-kilometer trail winds around the park and leads you past a number of historical kiosks, only adding to the park’s ambiance.
Safe and well lit, taking a walk through Andrews Park is a comfortable experience, any time of the day. Yet, the unmistakable sight into the west offers a gorgeous view of a Californian sunset, one that you will not forget in a hurry.
Need to know
- 614 E Monte Vista Ave, Vacaville, CA 95688, United States
- Open: 8 am – 8pm
- Suitable for children.
- Pets must be leashed.
- Ticket prices: Free entry.
6. Vaca Valley Bingo
For an evening of laughs, good conversation, and the chance to win a few dollars, why not try your hand at a little bingo. Vaca Valley Bingo has been welcoming residents of all ages through its doors for years and has brought the world of bingo to more than just an older few.
With numerous games and a friendly atmosphere, Vaca Valley Bingo offers the chance to enjoy an evening without the need to drink too much and go to excess. It also has the positive aspect of giving you the chance to win big!
Need to know
- 190 Bella Vista Rd, Vacaville, CA 95687, United States
- Open Monday to Saturday 4:30 pm – 10 pm.
- Not suitable for children.
- No pets allowed.
- Ticket prices: Prices vary according to event nights but ‘Buy in’s typically start at around $30.
7. Brenden Vacaville 16
Another relaxing way to spend a free evening in Vacaville is to catch a movie at the local cinema. One of the best movie theatres in the city is Brenden Vacaville 16.
Brenden Vacaville 16 shows a mixture of new and classic films, which means there’s always something to watch, no matter who you are with or what you enjoy. Alongside the great film selection, the movies also provide a range of snacks and dining options, ideal for a complete evening of fun.
Need to know
- 531 Davis St, Vacaville, CA 95688, United States
- Open from 10 am to 10 pm Monday to Sunday.
- Suitable for children.
- No pets allowed.
- Ticket prices start from around $12
Final Thoughts on Vacaville (CA)
Depending on how you plan to spend your time in Vacaville, a day out here will cost you around $70 per person. That’s an average based on an adult choosing one daytime and one nighttime activity from this list.
For kids, the cost will be a little less, especially if you focus on affordable activities like the town’s cinema or the free evening activities at Nut Plaza. Of course, there are ways to make your visit cheaper with the free things to do in Vacaville, including strolls through Andrews Park or a spot of baseball at Al Patch Park.
While you’re in the state check our guide to 18 amazing things to do in Santa Ana.
