Vallejo combines Mare Island’s naval history with a museum, arts offerings, and opportunities for recreation and enjoying nature. Each has a distinct focus: Mare Island highlights maritime history and historic sites; the museum and arts district offer other ways to experience the city. The zoo and amusement park add another distinct dimension. As you plan your trip, you can first consider which of these themes you want to shape your stay.

Naval history on Mare Island

The nation’s first naval base on the West Coast began operations on Mare Island in 1854. The Mare Island Historic Core is one of Vallejo’s three historic districts listed on the National Register. Its significant historic resources reflect the island’s maritime and industrial heritage. Dry Dock No. 1 was the first permanently built dry dock in the West.

One notable site within this history is St. Peter’s Chapel. Built in 1901, it is the nation’s oldest naval chapel. Its 25 stained-glass windows include works attributed to Tiffany Studios. The full historic tour begins at the chapel and continues as a guided walking tour of several historic sites on Mare Island. Reservations are required for public tours; you can reserve Mare Island Historic Park Foundation tours by phone. Check the details before your trip.

Visitors can also see historic objects in Alden Park: a German Marder suicide submarine and a torpedo dating from 1944. For ship visits on Mare Island in Vallejo, the National Park Service plans openings on Saturdays and Sundays from 12 to 4 p.m., subject to staff availability. This staff requirement is part of the offering; check the current notice before visiting.

Museums, art, and recreation

The Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum presents the history of Vallejo and the U.S. Navy on Mare Island. Its program also includes exhibitions and events that explore and celebrate the community’s diverse cultural traditions. The museum therefore covers both the city’s history and the community’s cultural themes.

The Vallejo Art Walk takes place on the second Friday of each month from 5 to 9 p.m. in the downtown arts district. The program features local and regional art, handmade goods, gallery openings, live music, and restaurants. If this evening fits your travel plans, check the dates for your trip.

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom offers a different focus: a 135-acre zoo and amusement park in Vallejo. Offerings include rides, shows, live entertainment, and animal experiences with up-close encounters with safari animals. Compared with the city’s historic and cultural themes, the focus here is on park attractions and encounters with animals. This lets you choose between cultural activities and an amusement park when planning, rather than giving equal weight to both.

Trails, ferry, and planning your stay

Mare Island includes a nature preserve and hiking trails. In town, waterfront trails are among the visitor experiences. These offerings have different focuses: nature and trails on Mare Island, and waterfront trails in Vallejo.

The San Francisco Bay Ferry runs daily between Mare Island, Vallejo, and downtown San Francisco. If you want to include this connection in your trip, check the schedule for your travel dates. When choosing a hotel in Vallejo, it helps to decide in advance what you want to focus on: naval history on Mare Island, museums and art, or the zoo and amusement park. This lets you plan your stay around the visits that matter most to you.

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