Halfway between San Francisco and Sacramento you’ll find rolling hills, award-winning wineries, family-owned farms and a historical waterfront marina. Suisun Valley and Suisun City in Solano County are full of rustic charm and unique attractions (like guided kayaking to a hidden beach, railway museums and more!) Want to know where the locals go? Check out a few of our favorite places!

What to Do!

Nicole Findlay

Suisun City’s Waterfront District
This quaint marina isn’t just for fishing, strolling, or watching the boats bob up and down. Suisun City’s Waterfront District hosts a number of events throughout the year. Pre-pandemic celebrations included an Art & Wine Festival, Mother's Day Artisan Fair, Restaurant Week and Summer Jazz Concerts. Watch this space for upcoming events!

Western Railway Museum
Fifty historic cars, 22 miles of track and 22 acres to explore—the Western Railway Museum is an adventurous way to spend the afternoon. Hop aboard, explore library archives, historic railway exhibits and vintage streetcars. Grab lunch from the Depot Café or bring your own and find the large shaded picnic area. Souvenir's are available in the museum store!
Location: 5848 State Highway 12, Suisun 
Website: Western Railway Museum

Amanda Findlay

Rockville Park:
Just a quick drive from Suisun Valley, Rockville Park is the perfect place for a family hike, run, bike ride or picnic. Open from sunrise to sundown, the park offers 30 miles of trails. Whether your family prefers an easy stroll or a serious adventure, this place ticks the box. Check out the map at the Rockville Road entrance and plan your route. Picnic tables are available at the lake so don’t forget to bring lunch.
Location: 2149 Rockville Rd, Fairfield
Website: Rockville Park

Photo by Imani on Unsplash

Grizzly Waters Kayaking
Whether you like kayaks or paddle boards—you and your crew can explore local wildlife, go fishing or just soak up the beautiful bay views. The Suisun Marina is a protected area, so the water is usually calm—perfect for beginners. And if you'd like a guide, you have plenty of options. Grizzly Waters Kayaking offers themed tours. Take your pick from nature, sunset, full moon, rare events (like meteors and eclipses) or even a 4-hour tour to an isolated sandy beach.
Location: Suisun Boat Ramp, Suisun 
Website: Grizzly Waters Kayaking

Grizzly Island
Sitting in the Suisun Marsh (the largest contiguous estuarine marsh in the country), Grizzly Island is home to 200 species of birds, including hawks, harriers and bald eagles. You can also find elk, river otters, pheasants and more meandering in their natural habitat. Visitors are welcome to hike from February to June. But, if you'd rather sightsee via car, just drive alongside the length of Grizzly Island Road. Whatever you decide, bring binoculars!
Location: 2548 Grizzly Island Road, Suisun
Website: Grizzly Island

Where to Eat

Nicole Findlay

Babs Delta Diner
This traditional diner caters to locals. Regulars even have their own coffee cups! The menu is extensive, offering a variety of breakfast options, soup, salads and sandwiches. Try the fried rice—you won’t be disappointed. This place is super busy and they don’t take reservations, so arrive early and enjoy the marina views while you wait to be seated.
Location: 770 Kellogg Street, Suisun

Cast Iron
This place is best for brunch, and not only because of the bottomless mimosas. Dining is available inside or outside under a covered patio.  And with a variety of benedicts, omelets and breakfast classics (like pancakes and French toast), there is something for everyone. Kid's menu: all items $9.99.
Location: 700 Main Street, Suisun 
Website: Cast Iron

via iStock

La Cabana
Voted the best Mexican restaurant in Solano County (Reader’s Choice 2022), this family restaurant offers flavorful home style cooking in a colorful environment. Bring your appetites, and don’t miss the pirate statue at the front door and the giant fish hanging above the bar.
Location: 325 Main Street, Suisun 
Website: La Cabana

Athenian Grill
After a recent fire, the Athenian Grill is now open and better than ever. Check out their bright new interior, Greek and American classic dishes and a kid's menu for littles 12 and under. We like to eat our gyro and souvlaki plates on the patio while soaking in the marina views.
Location: 750 Kellogg Street, Suisun
Website: Athenian Grill

Where to Drink

Nicole Findlay

If your family loves Napa and Sonoma, why not try Suisun Valley? The scenery is equally picturesque, but the wineries are less crowded and less money. Soak up the sunshine, taste award-winning wines while the kiddos play, and enjoy the small-town hospitality.

Wooden Valley
Family-owned and operated for 85 years, Wooden Valley is a perfect destination for a casual wine tasting with friends and family. Picnic tables are first-come, first-serve, but sign in with a team member first. Over the years, they’ve done a ton of super fun events: Friday night food trucks, Easter egg hunts, and Mother’s Day complimentary champagne and sweet treats. Check here to see what’s coming up!
Location: 4756 Suisun Valley Rd, Fairfield
Website: Wooden Valley

Pioneer Tap Room
Live music, great food (try the tamales!), 18 beers on tap, wine and other libations—this local gem has creative and quirky art, fun décor and a friendly atmosphere. Fun fact: formerly a fruit market, this repurposed bar/restaurant now serves local fruit and vegetables. And all their meats are smoked or barbecued in house! Board games are available and pets are welcome (outside only).
Location: 4491 Suisun Valley Rd, Fairfield
Website: Pioneer

Nicole Findlay

Vezar Family Vineyard
Best known for their Petite Sirah and Zinfandel, Vezar Family Vineyard has three locations: the Blue Victorian (quaint), Mankas Corner Gardens (looks like a little castle) and the family ranch estate (for private tours and events).
Locations:
Blue Victorian: 5071 Suisun Valley Rd, Fairfield
Mankas Gardens: 2522 Mankas Corner Rd, Fairfield
Estate Ranch: Email pam@vezer.com for more info.
Website: Vezar Family Vineyards

Back Road Vines at Village 360
This winery is located at a unique Suisun Valley venue: Village 360. Here, visitors can also find coffee and breakfast from Buzz Coffee, dining at The Landing, fitness and crafting classes and a market with local vendors. Come early and stay for day!
Location: 4949 Suisun Valley Rd, Fairfield
Website: Back Road Vines

Where to Shop

Tiza Art
At this waterfront store, you’ll find hand-painted vintage furniture, home décor, candles and gifts. Tiza Art also offers workshops, like 2-hour painting sessions at sunset. ($35 per person)
Location: 710 Kellog Street, Suite A, Suisun 
Website: Tiza Art

Suisun Valley Antiques and Collectibles
With more than one acre of inventory in the heart of Suisun Valley’s wine country, this place is perfect for shopping collectibles, antiques, architectural remnants and more. Dive in and hunt for one-of-a-kind jewelry while the kiddos search for vintage toys. Who knows? Maybe you'll find some treasures!
Location: 2525 Mankas Corner Rd, Fairfield
Website: Suisun Valley Antiques and Collectibles

Where to Stay

Photo by cottonbro from Pexels

The Suisun Valley Inn
This colonial home with modern amenities is the ideal location to stay while enjoying Suisun Valley. The Inn accommodates sixteen guests in eight suites. Invite your extended family and enjoy the sunset over the vineyards!
Location: 4400 Suisun Valley Road, Fairfield
Website: The Suisun Valley Inn

Hampton Inn and Suites Suisun City Waterfront
Located on the waterfront, this hotel offers cool amenities, including pet-friendly rooms and a fitness center. It’s within walking distance to all the historic waterfront has to offer—restaurants, shops, kayaking and more! Your kids will love the free hot breakfast and the outdoor pool.
Location: 2 Harbor Center, Suisun City
Website: Hampton Inn and Suites

 

—Nicole Findlay

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