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Best Places to Visit & Things To Do in Fairfield, California, USA [Updated-2026]

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November 5, 2025

Best Places to Visit & Things To Do in Fairfield, California, USA [Updated-2026]

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The Flavorful Crossroads: Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Things To Do in Fairfield, California

Strategically positioned where the San Francisco Bay Area meets the golden hills of Solano County, Fairfield, California, is often seen as a convenient pit stop—a place to refuel on I-80 or catch a breath between the Napa Valley and the Bay. But to those who take the exit and explore, this city reveals itself as a destination with a surprisingly sweet, savory, and scenic soul all its own.

As the county seat of Solano County, Fairfield is a city of compelling contrasts. It’s where world-famous candy is made, where an emerging wine country is quietly flourishing, and where military aviation history takes flight. It’s a place that proudly serves as a gateway, but also confidently stands as a worthy stop with its own unique attractions and small-town charm.

This guide will take you beyond the highway to discover the very best things to do in Fairfield, California. We’ll explore its iconic factory, its burgeoning wine scene, its outdoor escapes, and the local flavors that make it much more than just a crossroads.

The Sweetest Stop: Iconic Attractions & Family Fun

Fairfield is home to one of the most famous and beloved factory tours in the United States, making it a mandatory stop for families and anyone with a sweet tooth.

1. Take a Delicious Tour of the Jelly Belly Candy Company

This is Fairfield’s undisputed crown jewel. The Jelly Belly Candy Company offers a free tour that is an entertaining and sensory-filled experience for all ages.

The Tour: Walk along an elevated gallery overlooking the actual factory floor where millions of Jelly Belly beans are made daily. You’ll see the entire process, from mixing the ingredients to the iconic “bean branding” and packaging. The smell alone is worth the trip!
The Jelly Belly Gallery: After the tour, immerse yourself in the world of jelly beans. See incredible works of art made entirely from Jelly Belly beans, including portraits of presidents and famous pop culture icons.
The Visitor Center: No visit is complete without a stop at the massive store, where you can sample new flavors, buy “Belly Flops” (imperfect beans sold at a discount), and load up on every imaginable type of Jelly Belly merchandise.

2. Soar Through History at the Travis Air Force Base Heritage Center

Fairfield’s identity is deeply intertwined with Travis Air Force Base, one of the largest and most important military air mobility bases in the United States. The Heritage Center is a world-class aviation museum that is open to the public and completely free.

The Aircraft Collection: Walk among a stunning collection of historic aircraft, including massive cargo planes like the C-5 Galaxy and C-17 Globemaster III, strategic airlifters, and vintage bombers. The sheer scale of these machines is awe-inspiring.
Indoor Exhibits: The museum also features extensive indoor exhibits detailing the history of the base, from its founding in World War II to its critical role in modern global operations. It’s a respectful and fascinating tribute to American airpower.

The New Wine Country: Suisun Valley Viticultural Area

Just a stone’s throw from the crowded and expensive Napa Valley, the Suisun Valley offers an authentic, laid-back, and equally beautiful wine country experience.

3. Sip and Savor in Suisun Valley

Often called “Napa’s Backyard,” this American Viticultural Area (AVA) is Fairfield’s best-kept secret. The vibe here is agricultural and unpretentious, focusing on quality and community.

Family-Owned Wineries: Explore rustic, family-run wineries where you’re likely to be served by the winemaker themselves. Tasting rooms like Wooden Valley Winery and Mankas Corner offer a warm welcome and excellent wines without the crowds or high prices.
The Suisun Valley Wine Co-op: A great starting point, the co-op features several local wineries under one roof, allowing you to sample a wide variety of the valley’s offerings.
Farm Stands and Orchards: The valley is also rich with farms. Depending on the season, you can stop at roadside stands for fresh fruits, vegetables, and artisanal products.

The Great Outdoors: Parks & Natural Beauty

Fairfield’s location at the edge of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta provides a beautiful, often marshy landscape perfect for recreation and wildlife viewing.

4. Find Solitude at the Rockville Hills Regional Park

For a dose of classic California landscape, head to Rockville Hills Regional Park. This 633-acre park feels a world away from the city, with rolling grasslands, rocky outcroppings, and stands of oak trees.

Hiking and Mountain Biking: A network of trails crisscrosses the park, offering everything from gentle walks to more challenging hikes with rewarding views of the surrounding valley.
A Peaceful Escape: It’s a popular local spot for dog walking, trail running, and simply enjoying a quiet afternoon in nature.

5. Explore the Wetlands at the Rush Ranch Open Space

Managed by the Solano Land Trust, Rush Ranch is a 2,070-acre open space that protects a significant portion of the Suisun Marsh, the largest contiguous brackish marsh on the West Coast.

What to Do:
- Hiking Trails: Walk the trails that wind through tidal marshes and up onto rolling hills, offering panoramic views of the marsh and Mount Diablo.
- Equestrian Center: The ranch has a strong equestrian heritage and offers opportunities for horseback riding.
- Blacksmith Shop: See a historic blacksmith shop and learn about the ranch’s agricultural past.
- Birdwatching: The marsh is an incredible spot for birding, home to hundreds of species including hawks, kites, and waterfowl.

A Taste of Fairfield: The Local Food Scene

Fairfield’s culinary scene is as diverse as its population, with a strong emphasis on farm-fresh ingredients and international flavors.

The Budweiser Brewery: While not a “local craft” spot, the Anheuser-Busch Brewery is a major landmark. They offer tours (check for availability) where you can see the massive scale of beer production and meet the famous Budweiser Clydesdales.
Farm-to-Fork Fare: Given its location in an agricultural hub, many restaurants pride themselves on using local produce. Look for spots highlighting ingredients from the surrounding farms.
International Cuisine: Reflecting a diverse community, you’ll find fantastic Mexican taquerias, Filipino restaurants, and classic American diners.

Day Trip Gateway: Fairfield’s Perfect Location

Fairfield’s greatest strategic advantage is its location, making it an ideal and often more affordable base camp for exploring Northern California’s most famous destinations.

Napa Valley: The heart of wine country is just a 20-30 minute drive away.
San Francisco: A 45-60 minute drive (traffic dependent) puts you in the heart of the City by the Bay.
Sacramento: The state capital is about a 45-minute drive northeast.
Lake Tahoe: For a longer day trip, the Sierra Nevada mountains and the stunning lake are about a 2.5-hour drive away.

Planning Your Fairfield Getaway: Practical Tips

Best Time to Visit:
- Spring (April-June) and Fall (September-October) offer the most pleasant weather, with warm, sunny days perfect for exploring the Suisun Valley and outdoor parks.
- Summer can be very hot, with temperatures often soaring into the 90s and 100s. This is a great time for indoor attractions like the Jelly Belly Factory.
- Winter is the rainy season, but it’s also the quietest time to visit and when the surrounding hills are brilliantly green.
Getting Around: Having a car is absolutely essential for exploring Fairfield and the surrounding attractions, including the Suisun Valley wineries. The city is spread out and public transportation is limited.
Where to Stay: You’ll find a wide range of national hotel chains, particularly clustered near the I-80 corridor, offering convenient and often affordable accommodations.

Your Fairfield Adventure Awaits

Fairfield, California, is a city that confidently owns its role as a crossroads while offering delightful discoveries of its own. It’s the joyful, sugar-rush energy of the Jelly Belly factory and the quiet, sophisticated pleasure of a glass of wine in a sun-drenched valley. It’s the powerful roar of a military jet and the peaceful call of a marsh bird.

So, come for the convenience, but stay for the flavor. Use it as your base to explore wine country and the Bay Area, but don’t forget to explore its own sweet, savory, and scenic offerings. You’ll discover that Fairfield isn’t just a place you pass through—it’s a destination that deserves a place on your itinerary.

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Explore More USA City

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Best Places to Visit & Things To Do in Fairfield, California, USA [Updated-2026]

The Flavorful Crossroads: Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Things To Do in Fairfield, California

The Sweetest Stop: Iconic Attractions & Family Fun

1. Take a Delicious Tour of the Jelly Belly Candy Company

2. Soar Through History at the Travis Air Force Base Heritage Center

The New Wine Country: Suisun Valley Viticultural Area

3. Sip and Savor in Suisun Valley

The Great Outdoors: Parks & Natural Beauty

4. Find Solitude at the Rockville Hills Regional Park

5. Explore the Wetlands at the Rush Ranch Open Space

A Taste of Fairfield: The Local Food Scene

Day Trip Gateway: Fairfield’s Perfect Location

Planning Your Fairfield Getaway: Practical Tips

Your Fairfield Adventure Awaits

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