This northern Solano County city has as its neighbors Vacaville, Winters and Davis. Dixon is the first semi-permanent European settlement developed during the California Gold Rush of the mid-19th century. Originally, the city was named "Dicksonville" after Thomas Dickson who at the time donated 10 acres of his land for the construction of a railroad depot. When the first rail shipment of merchandise arrived from San Francisco in 1872, it was mistakenly addressed to "Dixon," a name which stuck ever since. To see what life was like when the railroad stopped in Dixon, your first stop should be the California State Railroad Museum, a museum in the state park that follows the "iron horse" connection in relation to California and the rest of the country. The museum features 21 restored locomotives and railroad cars, some dating back to 1862. The Museum has an extensive educational program for elementary students from across the region to help them learn about railroad history using re-enactments, costumed docents and including train and handcar rides.
Also worth investigation is Old Sacramento, 28 acres on the Sacramento’s historic waterfront that witnessed the founding of the Transcontinental Railroad, the end of the Pony Express and the rise of California’s first thriving business district, fueled by gold, agriculture and the river. Activities on offer in Old Sacramento include Classic Coach Carriage Rides, Historic Walking Tours and Ghost Tours presented by the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation and Hornblower Cruises & Events offer historic river tours and special events. You have close access to the UC Davis Arboretum which boasts 100 acres of beautiful gardens for active recreation or peaceful contemplation. Dixon is home to the Jepson Prairie Reserve, an island of remnant natural prairie in a wide alluvial floodplain. The reserve protects one of the best few remaining vernal-pool habitats, which are found only in the western United States. When you decide what you will be doing every day of your vacation, rest easy knowing you’ve established the best home base that can build on your best expectations when you stay at one of our Choice Hotels in Dixon, CA. Book a room online now!