South Vallejo - Vallejo, CA

Sandy Beach, located here, was the first part of Vallejo to be settled. In the 1800s, fishing shacks lined the shore along the Napa River. The Winslow House, also located here, was built by merchant marine George Greenwood from Maine in 1860 and remains in the condition it was in the beginning, though the property was once 700 acres and has been reduced to less than an acre.

You’ll also find the impressive Victorian architecture of the Starr Mansion here, operating these days as a bed and breakfast lodge. Named after Abraham Dubois Starr, you can see the entire city of Vallejo from inside this historic building, from the Napa River Waterways to Mare Island.

You can’t know Vallejo history entirely without visiting the Vallejo Naval Historical Museum. Many pieces of art displayed in local coffee shops and galleries augment the neighborhood's rich art scene.

You can easily find many cuisines within the South Vallejo neighborhood -- including Island-style, Cajun, Vietnamese, Mexican, American, Barbeque and Indian.

For fresh baked Mexican pan, or sweet bread, in flavors including Oreo and strawberry, visit Paleteria & Pasteleria La Michoacana. Pistachio and arroz con leche are just a few of the many decadent popsicles you can choose from at this hole-in-the-wall Mexican bakery.

On Saturdays, head to Moschetti for free tastings of the artisan coffee the shop roasts in-house. Local artists converge here to sell handcrafted goods and play live music. Order a fresh biscotti to snack on as you sample all of the coffee blends at one of the most happening destinations in Vallejo on the weekends, where you never know what you will find.

If you’ve never head of Chammoro food, head to Keepin’ It Island for specialties hailing from Guam. Beef lumpia, chicken kelaguen -- made from lemon, lime, chicken and hot peppers -- and beef tri-tip are just a few of the many options you will find at this exotic hole-in-the-wall.

For night time entertainment, Empress Theatre hosts live performances and music. Bring your dog to the Town House Cocktail Lounge for additional live entertainment, ranging from comedians to a karaoke and an open mic night. Look for the $3 pint specials.

Many people use the ferry daily to comute to San Francisco. With parking available at the waterfront; a car ride connects you quickly with the entry to the ferry.

Purchase a reloadable electronic Clipper smart card without a contract in order to travel all over the San Francisco Bay Area, using SolTrans to connect with the Bay Area Rapid Transit System, or BART, which travels from Richmond to Pleasanton. The SolTrans Local Taxi Scrip Program sells discounted taxi fares to seniors.

Biking is a popular pastime here -- mostly for outdoor sport. Mountain bike enthusiasts find many outdoor trails available in Vallejo, and you can map existing city bike lanes easily using online sites such as Map My Ride. Paved sidewalks throughout the neighborhood make walking around the neighborhood by foot an option for residents, but most locals drive instead, using Interstates 780 and 80 to get around the area.

Whether you’re seeking outdoor fitness, a playground or a place to let your dog roam free, choose from many free parks in Vallejo.

For a modern playground area with an extensive section dedicated to climbing, visit Lake Dalwigk Park. Enjoy free access to basketball courts, and many trails available for walking your dog, biking or hiking. Make Wilson Park your prime destination for baseball games, with viewing stands, a concession stand, a covered area behind home base and tons of free parking. Enjoy Hanns Park, where your furry canine friend can enjoy lots of walking paths shaded by tall eucalyptus trees. Gaze at a panoramic view of the Carquinez Straits, with additional views of old railroad tracks no longer in use and a graveyard walk, at the Mare Island Shoreline.

The Annual Flyaway Festival takes place in Vallejo. A three-day event, this festival includes bird watching, guides teaching about the history of Mare Island and boat tours for a fee. You’ll also find the free NorCal Pirate Fest here in June.

A single trip to the city center using SolTrans costs you $1.75. Living in South Vallejo comes in as all around less expensive than living in other areas of the Bay Area, with a one-bedroom averaging $1,135, but higher than other parts of Vallejo, due to the popularity of this specific neighborhood. Gas prices run 22 percent more than the national average. You can find pints for $3 at some local bars.

For shopping, head over to Plaza Drive for major chain stores such as Target, Costco, and Bed Bath & Beyond. Find the best boutiques in the downtown area of Vallejo on Georgia Street. Known for beaded purses and jewelry, Class Act Boutique also sells body oils and incense. Risk Sneaker Boutique specializes in skate fashion, selling brand name shoes and T-shirts, including Native Life and Asics. For women’s tights, denim jeans and tops in every color of the rainbow, from muted beige to turquoise, check out the Butterfly Boutique.

High-end grocery stores in the area include Raley’s. Here, you’ll find all the normal groceries and condiments on your list, as well as a large variety of fresh produce from local farms, gluten-free foods and organic goods. Additionally, visit Safeway for everyday household goods.

The vendors at the Vallejo farmers market, held every Saturday, sell produce from local farms as well as handcrafted artisan items, baked goods and fresh coffee.