Fairfield, CA Area Guide

The area around Fairfield was first inhabited by Native Americans, but was later colonized by the Spanish. During the Mexican-American War, General Vallejo surrendered the mission and allied with the Americans, and even helped build the present-day city of Vallejo, CA.

In 1856, Captain Robert Waterman bought the land grant and established Fairfield, named after his hometown in Connecticut. The town underwent major changes with the installation of Travis Air Force Base in 1942, which caused a population boom, giving a boost to the local economy. The base was one of the major sites where planes departed for combat missions during the Vietnam War. Today, jobs associated with the base contribute largely to the economy and many retired military personnel choose Fairfield as a place to live.

The Jimmy Doolittle Air and Space Museum is located on Travis Air Force Base. It features a number of exhibits honoring the World War II flying ace as well as aviation displays featuring planes from over the years.

The Fairfield Visual Arts Association promotes art and artists in the Fairfield community. The annual Art on the Vine event runs the first weekend in June and features local artists, vendors, food and local wines. A juried art show is held in the fall each year.

Locals enjoy picking up a quick meal from the Mediterranean Food Center, where the shawarma with cucumber salad and hummus continues as to be a favorite dish. Visitors first notice the shelves of grocery items that lead the way to the restaurant in the back of the store. A bag of fresh pita bread and some locally raised meat are good items to grab on the way out.

Alejandro's Taqueria's burritos mojados are a popular signature dish. With large servings at low prices, Alejandro's Taqueria offers the best Mexican food in Solano County without breaking the bank.

Cloud 9 Cocktail Lounge has everything one expects in a dive bar, including a plain exterior, a solid group of regulars, and cheap drinks. It has the feeling of a billiard hall merged with a country bar. Regulars enjoy a game of pool or shuffleboard while listening to the tunes from an old jukebox. With a full service bar and plenty of space, Cloud 9 Cocktail Lounge makes the perfect spot to hang out and grab a drink with friends.

Like many cities in California, the extensive public transportation allows riders to navigate Fairfield with ease. Buses run regularly throughout the city and with many trips to nearby cities, including San Francisco and Sacramento. Walking or biking are also viable options because of the many pedestrian walkways and bike lanes throughout the city.

Downtown has ample parking along the street, as well as a free parking garage. Multiple lots throughout the city provide free two-hour parking. Interstate 80 runs through Fairfield, giving drivers easy access to surrounding areas.

Fairfield provides several parks and natural areas that offer recreational activities. Many people visit Alan Witt Community Park to use the extensive aquatics complex, which features several indoor and outdoor pools. Instructors lead swimming lessons and many swim clubs compete here.

The annual bobbing for pumpkins in the pools always attracts a large crowd. In addition to the aquatics, there are other recreational opportunities with the tennis courts, skate park, and baseball fields. Children enjoy the water slides and playgrounds and many kids have birthday parties in the park. Admission costs $10.

Dog lovers head over to Cordelia Community Park. The park has separate areas for small and large dogs, allowing a pet to play and socialize with dogs of a similar size. Those without pets still enjoy the playgrounds and picnic areas of Cordelia Park for family events. This park has no admission or parking.

Shopping opportunities consist of both specialty stores and large retailers. The Solano Town Center is a popular destination that features many large retailers and restaurants. Locals shop for groceries at Raley's and Safeway, the two major food stores in the area. Many farmers markets and produce stands sell local fruits and vegetables. At Larry's Produce, people fill up wheel barrows with produce for cheap prices.

Women shopping for a special occasion choose Napadashery for its wide selection of clothes. Shoppers find a variety of dresses that suit any occasion along with jewelry to accessorize, all at affordable prices. The owner and an attentive staff are happy to assist shoppers looking for the perfect dress. The staff also takes care of all alterations on site.

Shoppers need look no further than Pieces of Time for everything needed to decorate a home with unique furnishings. The owner finds vintage furniture and then refurbishes it for another life. Pieces of Time also has a large selection of antiques for that perfect accessory piece. The shop also holds classes on how to paint and refinish furniture. Refinishing supplies are also available there.