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Background |
Prior to the 1830's, the countryside where the City of Vallejo now stands was inhabited by the Suisun and Karkin Indians. In 1835, a Mexican military officer, General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo, was sent to the northern California frontier where he established several land grants. Vallejo, California was the first permanent home of California's state government, founded in 1844 by General Vallejo. Vallejo grew into a major shipping and naval center and the Mare Island Naval Shipyard, the West Coast's first shipyard, was established in 1854. For 142 years, it was the first and most famous naval ship building and repair facility on the west coast. | |
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Karen
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put together some suggested itineraries for you. |
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1 Day Tour |
Walking Tour 1: Although closed by the military in 1996, the once secret Mare Island Naval Shipyard is now open for formal tours of its unique history. The first military installation on the west coast, Mare Island features almost 150 years of U.S. Navy, California, and Vallejo history. St. Peter’s Chapel, located on the island, contains a priceless collection of Tiffany stained glass windows. The magnificent mansions on "Officers Row," the historic stone dry dock built over the course of almost 20 years late in the 19th Century, and the building ways where almost 500 ships from sailing vessels to nuclear submarines were built and launched, all make a tour of Mare Island something not to be missed. | |
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2 Day Tour
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If You Have 2 Days,
spend the first day as suggested above.
From Vallejo, the
California
Wine Ship will take you on a journey up the Napa River aboard an
authentic paddle wheeler as you again enjoy great food and fine
wine. Free tours are also
available at the nearby Anheuser-Busch
brewery, one of only a handful of locations in the United States
where you can see how the "King of Beers" is made. While staying in Vallejo you will also want to make a short trip to visit the Herman Goelitz Candy Company, makers of the world famous Jelly Belly jelly beans. Free factory tours begin at their new visitor center, continue through the factory where you can see how Jelly Bellies are made, and finish at their on-site cafe and ice cream parlor. |
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3 Day Tour |
If You Have 3 Days, spend the first two days as suggested above. MORE COMING SOON! | |
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Six Flags Marine World
(707) 643-6722 or (707) 644-4000 2001 Marine World Parkway, Vallejo 94589 www.sixflags.com Vallejo is perhaps best known as the home of Six Flags Marine World, one of the world’s only combination theme park, oceanarium and wild animal parks. Truly a place for the entire family, a day at Six Flags includes getting enjoying the dolphin show, encountering an elephant, watching a walrus, and riding one of the parks many rides, ranging from mild to wild. The park features several world-class roller coasters, as well as other rides for the entire family, along with appearances by the well-known cast of Looney Tunes characters Open Friday through Sunday, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. in the spring and fall; and daily, 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. in the summer. Also open most holidays. Hours and days may vary, call for exact operating schedule |
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| The City of Vallejo’s own rich history can be viewed by a tour of the city’s Heritage and Historic Districts, featuring homes from the 1800’s. Located in the heart of the city’s historic district is the Vallejo Naval & Historical Museum, a great place to start to learn more about Vallejo’s unique history. The museum houses two floors of exhibits and information about Vallejo and Mare Island, and even includes a working WWII submarine periscope. | ||
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Jelly Belly Candy Company
(707) 428-2800 or (707) 428-2838 One Jelly Belly Lane, Fairfield 94533 www.jellybelly.com Guided tours illustrate the candy factory operations, including complimentary Jelly Belly samples. Gift shop and café on site. Free tours available Monday through Sunday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Candy store & gift shop open Monday to Sunday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
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Anheuser-Busch Brewery
(707) 429-7595 3101 Busch Drive, Fairfield 94533 www.budweisertours.com Brewery tours tell the story of the brewing of quality beer and include complimentary tastings of world-class, handcrafted lagers and ales. Free tours available 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday from September through May; and Monday through Saturday from June through August. Gift shop open daily year-round, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
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Napa Valley Wine Train
(707) 253-2111 or (800) 427-4124 1275 McKinstry Street, Napa 94559 www.winetrain.com Ride and dine aboard elegantly restored Pullman lounge cars. Three-hour excursions traverse the world famous Napa Valley. Year-round departures. Lunch and dinner excursions daily, brunch excursions Saturday and Sunday. Call for reservations. Because Vallejo is located at the southern end of the Napa Valley, no trip to the area would be complete without a visit to one of the most famous grape growing and wine making regions in the world. The Napa Valley Wine Train offers daily trips through the heart of the valley, serving gourmet food and renowned Napa Valley Wines. Other activities in the wine country include hot air ballooning and relaxing spa treatments. |
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California Wine Ship
(707) 643-7447 or (800) 750-7501 295 Mare Island Way, Vallejo 94590 www.wineshipcruises.com An authentic, riverboat paddlewheeler featuring champagne brunch, gourmet lunch or elegant dinner accompanied by live entertainment. Year-round departures, call for cruise dates and times. Reservations required. |
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Children’s Wonderland
(707) 648-4600 360 Glenn Street, Vallejo 94590 A supervised, whimsical playground for children and families. The lush, green setting is perfect for a picnic or small birthday celebration (reservations accepted for up to 25 people). Children under 7 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Open late June through late September, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. daily. |
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| Vallejo’s neighbors also have their own unique historical tales to tell. The Benicia Historical Museum, Napa Valley Museum, Travis Air Force Museum, Vacaville Museum, and the Western Railway Museum are all located nearby. | ||
| Vallejo ferries also service Angel Island State Park, where you can take a tram tour of an authentic Civil War camp and the old immigration station on the island that prompted people to refer to Angel Island as the "Ellis Island of the West." Bicycle and kayak rentals are also available on Angel Island for the more adventurous traveler. | ||
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Vallejo FAQs, Insider Tips and Links Great Travel Tips Our Favorite Travel Links |
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If
you have any questions, comments or if you have any full or half day
trips you would like to add, we would be very happy to share them with
the world! Send all the details to Karen, your Travel Guide, at info@destinationcoupons.com |
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