The community of Vacaville rolls out the red carpet for pups and their people. For starters, you’ll find pleasant weather, pretty parks, a bustling shopping scene and plenty of dog-friendly hotels. Plus, easy access to Napa, Sonoma and Suisun Valley wineries makes Vacaville an ideal harvest-season home base. Outline your trip to this affordable wine country gateway today.
Vacaville is set in Solano County, along Interstates 80 and 505. It’s home to the Vacaville Premium Outlets and the Nut Tree, a classic California road trip stop. Andrews Park, an 18-acre playground, anchors the historic downtown retail and restaurant district. Across town, Lagoon Valley Park boasts a 30,000-square-foot fenced, off-leash dog park.
Vacaville also offers an authentic wine country experience without the premium lodging prices. Hotels here are typically more budget-friendly than those in Napa, about 30 miles away, or downtown Sonoma, about 35 miles away. Guests can easily plan day trips to Napa Valley, Sonoma or Carneros wineries, and then return to Vacaville for dinner and an overnight stay.
To meet the region’s rising wine stars, head to Suisun Valley. Tucked 15 miles southwest of Vacaville, it’s been an established grape-growing region for more than a century. The industry has expanded over the past 20 years, and these days, about a dozen operators welcome visitors.
Wooden Valley Winery has a comfortable courtyard terrace that’s ideal for families with dogs. Mangels Vineyards, Backroad Vines and Vezer Family Vineyard are among other pet-friendly options. Swing by Suisun Valley Filling Station for more wines and craft beer flights featuring local breweries.
