6 Great Museums Around Fairfield, CA

If you’re trying to learn as much as possible about your area, Fairfield is a great place to live. The city has plenty of history and more culture than you might realize. Fairfield is so much more than a city outside San Francisco. For many, it’s a destination all on its own. Check out these museums if you’re looking for a unique way to learn about the area and everything it offers.

Western Railway Museum

Dedicated primarily to transportation, the Western Railway Museum has a particular focus on trains. At the museum, you can browse dozens of historic cars on display. Or, take a 50-minute scenic train ride that lets you explore the countryside of Solano County. The museum encompasses 22 acres of land, making it a perfect locale for a large group. Museum grounds also boast a cafe, museum store, and picnic ground.

The museum is open on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the year, but it’s also open Wednesdays and Thursdays during the summer. You can book tickets in advance online or by phone. We recommend this option if you want to ride one of the trains. Admission is $16 for adults, $15 for seniors over 65, and $13 for children 14 and under.

Location: 5848 State Highway 12, Suisun City.

Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum

The Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum is a local favorite, especially for history buffs. If you’re excited to learn more about the region, this museum offers a fantastic glimpse into the past. Inside, you’ll find five galleries with historical information. This includes facts about the U.S. Naval Shipyard at Mare island. Plus, you’ll get a glimpse of history when you realize you’re inside the city’s old hall building. Otherwise, the museum contains 25,000 square feet for private collections, traveling exhibits, borrowed items, and more.

Admission to this museum is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and students, and free for children 12 and under.

Location: 734 Marin St., Vallejo.

Hours: Noon to 4 p.m. on Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.

Lawler House Gallery

The Lawler House Gallery is a non-profit organization that exhibits local art. The gallery is also a great destination for local events, art education, and more. This Suisun City gem is a great destination for collaborative art. It really offers a community atmosphere you won’t find at many other art galleries. The Lawler House epitomizes an organization that believes in art as an engaging and inspiring practice. After you explore the art on display, you can sign up for a workshop or class.

Location: 777 Main St., Suite 777, Suisan City.

American Armory Museum

The American Armory Museum displays over 100 years of American military history. The museum features over 60 vehicles, some in the yard outside and some in a big showroom. These vehicles were in active use during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. History buffs will be glad to learn that one of them, a 1943 Command Jeep, belonged to General Patton. Visitors even have the option to get inside some of these vehicles for photos and a closer look.

This museum is a great discovery for anybody interested in military history or even U.S. history. Admission is $7 for adults and $3 for children 11 and under. Military members get in free.

Location: 4144 Abernathy Road, Fairfield.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday through Saturday.

Jelly Belly Factory

Whether you’ve got a sweet tooth or you have little ones to impress, a tour of the Jelly Belly factory is always exciting. Self-guided tours of the factory allow you to watch the creation of these delicious treats up close and personal. On tour, you’ll have the opportunity to see the factory in action and videos explaining everything you see. Interactive exhibits are also available to keep little ones entertained.

The tour is about one-quarter of a mile long and involves an elevated tour lane. One ticket includes access to the Jelly Belly Express Train Ride. There’s also a cafe onsite if you or your companions get famished. Adults can also enjoy a chocolate and wine experience, complete with samples.

You don’t need a reservation for a self-guided tour. Admission is $7 for adults and $3 for children. Children under two get in free. Visiting during the week when the factory operates in full swing is highly recommended.

Location: 1 Jelly Belly Lane, Fairfield.

Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.

Napa Valley Museum Yountville

The Napa Valley Museum is a short drive away from Fairfield, but it’s worth a visit. The museum features paintings, sculptures, photography, and interactive art pieces. Many of the artists featured in the museum are locals from Napa Valley. Established and new artists both have work on display here.

This museum is not all about visual art. It also hosts inspirational speakers to talk about politics, science, education, art, and more. Exhibits focus on film, media, Napa Valley history, California veterans, tiki art, and more. They’re also spread out among three galleries: Main Gallery, Spotlight Gallery, and History Gallery.

Napa Valley Museum has free activities for families on the second Saturday of each month. Children who participate get free admission to the museum. Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for seniors, and $5 for children. Kids under five get in at no cost, as do active-duty military members.

Location: 55 Presidents Circle, Yountville.

Hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday through Sunday.