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Vacaville, California

Situated halfway between San Francisco and Sacramento along I-80, Vacaville was founded as an agricultural community and became famous for its fruit orchards and the Nut Tree restaurant, a beloved roadside attraction for decades. Today it's a growing suburban city that blends small-town character with proximity to two major metros.

Founded 1851 | Population 107,500 | Peak 107,500 (2024) | County Solano County

Top 10 Most Important Events for Vacaville, California

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1851Founded: William McDaniel settled the area, naming it for Juan Manuel Vaca who held the original Mexican land grant.

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1892Fruit Industry: Vacaville became a major fruit-shipping center, with orchards producing peaches, cherries, and almonds.

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1921Nut Tree: The Nut Tree fruit stand opened, eventually becoming one of California's most famous roadside attractions.

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1942Travis AFB Nearby: Travis Air Force Base was established nearby, becoming one of the largest military airlift bases in the country.

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2006Suburban Growth: Vacaville experienced rapid residential growth as Bay Area commuters sought affordable housing along the I-80 corridor.

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Complete Historical Timeline

1851 Culture

Founded

1892 Business

Fruit Industry

1921 Culture

Nut Tree

1942 Government

Travis AFB Nearby

2006 Culture

Suburban Growth

Did You Know?

Vacaville means 'Cow Town.'.

Nut Tree was one of CA's most famous roadside stops.

Between Sacramento and Bay Area on I-80.

Vacaville is located in Solano County, California.

Vacaville was founded in 1851.

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