Man and woman walking in a vineyard holding wine glasses

A Weekend of R&R in Vacaville, California

Forget about your job, your to-do list, and even your kids (we won’t judge) with a pamper-perfect weekend that kicks off with a stroll through historic downtown and ends with an Insta-worthy sunset cresting over the hills of Lagoon Valley.

DAY 1

MORNING

“Me-time” officially begins at Heritage House on Main Street with fresh coffee and breakfast (can you say bacon, egg, and avocado English muffin?), then head west until you’re greeted by the shade-dappled homes of Buck Avenue. As you stroll the mile-long street, you’ll see the historic Buck Mansion at 225 Buck Avenue, enclosed by gazebos, trellises, and an original croquet court.

Pro tip: Bring a copy of the Visit Vacaville Inspiration Guide from your hotel or the Visitor’s Center and follow the Vacaville Museum’s Historic Homes tour to get the full history on many of the Buck Avenue homes.

AFTERNOON

Indulge in an afternoon among the oaks with a relaxation package at 36 Oaks Day Spa. This hidden gem is set on 2.5 acres of Vacaville countryside and offers the ultimate retreat from stress and worry. Although they have an amazing à la carte menu, we love the Signature Renewal Massage or Total Serenity packages. Don’t forget to spend some time exploring the stunning grounds around the cottage, where you might spot deer, foxes, and other wildlife.

IMPORTANT: hammock naps are not just allowed, they’re encouraged!

EVENING

The quest for laid-back luxury brings you back to downtown, with a quiet dinner at one of the many downtown restaurants, such as Fuso Italian Ristorante. This charming eatery is full of old-world Italian flair but is comfortable and relaxing with generous portions of classic Italian fare. If you happen to be there on Friday evening you’ll be treated to a live show from one of our local musicians.

DAY 2

MORNING

Combine two meals into one for the perfect lazy morning indulgence at Backdoor Bistro. This local favorite serves up everything from huckleberry-lemongrass mimosas to croque monsieurs and Meyer lemon ricotta pancakes. Brunch hard, my friends.

Pro tip: reservations are recommended and can be made on their website: backdoorbistro.com

AFTERNOON

Take a carefree drive through winding roads nestled in the rolling hills and farmlands outside of town on the Suisun Valley wine loop. You’ll find wines from the 12th oldest Viticultural area in California, including Vezér’s Blue Victorian, Mangels Vineyards, GV Cellars, and more. The most common grape grown in the area is Zinfandel, so this loop is a delight for anyone who loves bold notes of berry, black pepper, and vanilla. You’ll also find plenty of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Verdelho, Tempranillo, and Sauvignon Blanc to tempt your taste buds.

Next, pamper your palate with an olive oil tasting at Il Fiorello. Sample a seasonal mix of olive oils and flavored co-milled oils that can include anything from jalapeño to lemon or diavolo oils. The gorgeous views of the surrounding hillsides and local products like Buddha’s Hand citrus curd and spicy lavender mustard are just an extra bonus!

Pro tip: The full winery loop can be found in the Visit Vacaville Inspiration Guide or on VisitVacaville.com

EVENING

Let’s end on unforgettable. Set halfway between Vacaville and Fairfield, Lagoon Valley Park is a haven of breathtaking views. The flat two-mile loop around the lake makes for an easy evening stroll and ample opportunities to enjoy the wealth of birds and native plants found around the lagoon. A picture-perfect finale to this weekend getaway is a dazzling view of the setting sun from one of the picnic tables or benches.

Pro tip: Parking is $5 and is payable at the kiosk in the parking lot.