Discover Vallejo

Solano County’s largest city is classic Bay Area.

For one thing, Vallejo is located along the Mare Island Strait and San Pablo Bay, so water dominates its views. On days when such county cities as Dixon are broiling under 90-degree heat, Vallejo might have gray skies from the coastal overcast. Also, the older parts of Vallejo have more of an urban than suburban atmosphere found in many of the county’s cities.

One of the county’s biggest tourist attractions is located in Vallejo: Six Flags Discovery Kingdom. The amusement park features such theme rides as The Joker, Wonder Woman Lasso of Truth, Harley Quinn Crazy Coaster and Batman: The Ride. The Tsunami Soaker is a tea cup-type ride that allows riders to squirt each other using large water guns.

Animal shows and attractions at Discovery Kingdom feature giraffes, seals, sharks, butterflies and other creatures.

The 149-acre Solano County fairgrounds is located nearby. It is home to the county fair each summer, but also hosts events year-round and has a golf course.

Vallejo is home to a ferry that links it with San Francisco.

Mare Island gives people the chance to see a former naval shipyard that was founded prior to the Civil War and closed in 1996.

Mare Island also plays host to a portion of the San Francisco Pacific Flyway Festival each February, with hikes along the picturesque shoreline and viewing of the various migratory birds.

Visitors can hike in Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve.

Vallejo Convention & Visitors Bureau: 800-4-Vallejo, 642-3653, www.visitvallejo.com Vallejo Chamber of Commerce: 644-5551, www.vallejochamber.com

Spend the day, see some sights

SIX FLAGS DISCOVERY KINGDOM

Known years ago as Marine World/Africa USA for its ocean and continental wildlife, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom is now known more for its rides. Take a topsy, turvy spin on the thriller coaster, Superman, or one of the many other thrill, family or children’s rides – to include this year’s new attraction, Sidewinder Safari. See cougars and dolphins, walruses and penguins, among other animals. Take in a wildlife show, eat some food and take in an exhibit. The park also transforms during some holidays, adding special attractions for Halloween and Christmas and a Fourth of July celebration that includes fireworks. Season passes are available. LOCATION: 1001 Fairgrounds Drive, Vallejo (From Fairfield: Take Interstate 80 westbound. From Interstate 80, take the Discovery Kingdom exit) MORE INFORMATION: 707-643-6722 for recorded information; 707-644-4000 for administrative office, www.sixflags.com/discoverykingdom SIX FLAGS DISCOVERY KINGDOM

EMPRESS THEATRE

Vallejo’s Empress Theatre opened in February 1912, hosting a vaudeville act. It was re-opened in 2008 after nearly 20 years of non-use due to damage from the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. The one-room movie house has undergone complete renovation and seismic retrofit. Operated as a nonprofit, it now shows movies, hosts live performances and is rented for private events. Tours and sales of old movie posters also are offered. LOCATION: 330 Virginia St., Vallejo MORE INFORMATION: 707-552-2400, www.empresstheatre.org