If you’ve recently relocated to Travis Air Force Base or if you are perhaps planning to, then expect to be fully welcomed! Travis Air Force Base near Fairfield, California is the largest employer in all of Solano County, with an estimated annual revenue of over $1 billion.
The base is home to more than 7,200 active United States Air Force military personnel, 4,200 Air Force reservists and 3,700 civilians.
If you’re new to the area, here are 10 things to do near Travis Air Force Base!
1. Western Railway Museum
Experience the state of California as it was over 100 years ago! You can learn about the ways of the railroad by viewing the over 50 historic cars, 22 miles of track, and 22 acres that is the Western Railway Museum. This museum is for families, group outings, and more, featuring fascinating railway exhibits, historic streetcar and train rides, shaded grounds perfect for picnics, library archives, a store, and cafe. You won’t want to miss it.
2. Scandia Family Center
The Scandia Family Center is a place for fun! Featuring mini golf, a full arcade, laser tag, batting cages, water bumper cars, Lil’ Indy Raceway, a clubhouse for kids, and a full cafe, it’s the perfect family afternoon. Save money by purchasing your tickets online with their website ticket specials that aren’t available at the window.
3. Glashoff Sculpture Ranch
Visits to Glashoff Sculpture Ranch are by appointment only when no event is scheduled, but if you can get an appointment booked, it’s well worth it!
This fun, quirky ranch is full of curious statues and metal sculptures you won’t want to miss. Try visiting during one of their scheduled events for live music and fun. Don’t forget to see the zebras!
4. Vezér Family Vineyard
Vezér Family Vineyard is a beautiful place to visit if you’re looking for some lovely scenery and delicious wine. Owned by Frank and Liz Vezér, they are best known for their Petite Sirah and Zinfandel, two wines that are rated among the best in the entire region.
5. Rockville Hills Regional Park
The Ridge Trails are a perfect place for hikers, trail runners, mountain bikers, and even equestrian riders looking for some outdoor time. Rockville Hills Regional Park with it’s Vintage Valley Trail is a beautiful moderate climb through volcanic rock hills, leading to a remote, grassy valley with, according to their website, “a splendid strand of blue oaks.”
This 4.2 mile one-way hike is perfect for intermediate hikers and mountain bikers. There is a 0.8 mile one-way trail available for equestrians and a car shuttle available to anyone who wants to enjoy the views without the trek.
6. Grizzly Waters Kayaking
Reservations are definitely recommended at the popular Grizzly Waters Kayaking. This company runs on the goal of getting more people outside and active. They offer a number of activities, including kayaking and stand up paddle boarding , basic lessons, tours, team building with kayaks, and SUP yoga. You might want to try all of them!
7. Nut Tree Plaza
Whether you’re looking to shop, play, dine, live, or work, Nut Tree Plaza has something for everyone. Once it is complete, Nut Tree will include 399,000 square feet of retail space, 140,000 square feet of office space, 216 apartments, a two-acre amusement park, and a 3.4-acre event center. Enjoy the carousel, chess games, restaurants, and shopping in this developing plaza.
8. American Armory Museum
The American Armory Museum has a simple goal: “to educate future generations about, and impress upon them, the sacrifice, bravery and enduring significance of the United States Military.”
If you or your family are interested in better understanding our American soldiers, then this museum is a must-see.
9. Vallejo Naval & Historical Museum
Located in Vallejo’s historic Old City Hall, approximately a 40-minute drive from Solano County, this five-gallery museum is devoted to the history of the U.S. Navy. Vallejo Naval & Historical Museum includes a working submarine periscope and countless other preservations and exhibits that show the history of the city and the former U.S. Naval Shipyard at Mare Island.
10. Travis AFB Heritage Center
The goal of this Heritage Center is to provide education for Airmen assigned to the Travis Air Force Base. It’s meant to aid in their development and understanding of their base, as well as the 60th Air Mobility Wing (AMW), in order to portray the significance of its worldwide strategic air mobility. With proper identification, U.S. citizens are allowed to visit for tours and special events. Check their visitation page for details.
Whether you’re looking for a fun afternoon out at a vineyard, to explore historical artifacts, or go on a hike, there is no shortage of great experiences near Travis Air Force Base.
Meet Our SpouseLink Ambassadors in California
Gisella and Andrea represent us in their local areas in California. Andrea spent 5 years at Twentynine Palms and both are now serving in areas around Camp Pendleton. Connect with them for insights about their areas.
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