Your Sweet Guide to California’s Jelly Belly Factory 2024

Are you a curious, grown-up kid looking for something fun and memorable to do in Northern California? Then get ready for a visit to the Jelly Belly Factory in Fairfield!

Whether you’re a candy lover, a history buff, or a solo adventurer searching for a unique day out, this iconic destination offers something for almost everyone.

This sweet guide to California’s Jelly Belly Factory is perfect for planning your visit. Let’s go!

Your Sweet Guide to California’s Jelly Belly Factory 2024

I’ve lived in Sacramento off and on for over a decade, but only recently visited the Jelly Belly Factory for the first time on my birthday. Maybe it was a combination of FOMO and another trip around the sun that prompted the excursion but, upon arriving, I was thrilled.

Hands down, the entire experience was tons of fun, from talking with the friendly workers to meeting Mr. Jelly Belly, a visit to the factory proved to be a perfect way to spend a day.

A Brief History of the Jelly Belly Factory

The Jelly Belly Factory in Fairfield has delighted visitors since it opened in 1986. As one of the most popular attractions in Northern California, the factory has welcomed millions of guests of all ages.

The California-based factory began in Oakland, in a building purchased in 1922 by candy company founder Herman Goelitz from Illinois. Located at 947 61st Street, the factory made candy for many years, even pausing in 1964 during an East Bay candy workers union strike over wages.

Eventually, Goelitz’s company outgrew the Oakland location and, in 1985, after being renamed Jelly Belly to honor its best-selling candy, the factory relocated to its current home in Fairfield.

Getting There

Address, Parking and Tickets

The Jelly Belly Factory, at 1 Jelly Belly Lane in Fairfield, CA, is located just off I-80, making it a convenient stop wherever you’re driving from in California. If you’re coming from larger cities like Sacramento or San Francisco, the drive is about an hour from either. Both cities have major airports if you’re flying in for a visit!

✈️ Check out these great flight deals to San Francisco

Parking at the Jelly Belly Factory is free and plentiful, with designated spots for larger vehicles and accessibility options. The factory appears to be a popular stop for RV-ers and school trips arriving in buses, but there’s space for everyone.

For current prices, it’s best to check the official website, where they offer discounts for seniors and groups, or during special promotions.

The factory is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Sunday, operating during weekdays and shut down on weekends and holidays. Again, check the website for a full, up-to-date calendar.

Closed Dates and Factory Operating Times

The factory closes on major holidays like Christmas and New Year’s Day, so plan your visit accordingly. If you’re eager to see the candy-making process, visit on a weekday when the factory is operating and staffed by workers wearing white lab coats, hard hats, and gloves. Weekends can be busier due to local events or school vacations, so consider these when planning your trip.

The Factory Experience

Like a Kid in a Candy Store

Visitors arriving at the Jelly Belly Factory are greeted just inside the main doors by large graphics of the colorful jelly beans that made the brand what it is today.

Huge replicas of Jelly Belly candies hang from the ceiling and the walls are covered in Jelly Belly and candy corn wallpaper. I walked in, looked up, and suddenly felt the candy-loving kid inside me happy to be here!

The ticket area is well-organized and ticketed visitors are recognized by the paper hats everyone wears to identify them. After paying admission, I started to head upstairs for a self-guided tour when a celebrity announcement was made: Mr. Jelly Belly was making an appearance! I quickly headed to the main lobby to meet him.

Mr. Jelly Belly

One of the highlights of visiting the Jelly Belly Factory is meeting Mr. Jelly Belly, the factory’s beloved mascot. This cheerful, costumed character is always up for a photo op, and kids of all ages – even those in their 40s and 50s – love interacting with him. Plan your factory visit for Mr. Jelly Belly’s appearance and nerd out when you meet him in person!

The Self Guided Tour

While the guided tour option sounded interesting, much like traveling solo, I preferred to go at my own pace. After meeting Mr. Jelly Belly, I headed upstairs on jelly bean-printed, carpeted stairs to begin the self-guided tour, walking high above the factory, and looking down through glass panels.

The self-guided tour began with a photo session, where visitors held large fiberglass beans and a staff member snapped quick pics. From here, there were numbered stops along the route, offering interactive fun like the trivia tubes visitors can smell to guess the flavor, and a timeline showing Jelly Belly candies’ ascent into worldwide fame.

Watching the factory workers was like being on the set of the famous film, Willie Wonka, based on the beloved book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl.

In their iconic white lab coats, hard hats, and gloves, the workers performed calculated tasks, like meticulously measuring portions of Jelly Belly candies into large containers and hand-stirring giant tumblers, evenly distributing flavored coatings. It was a thrill to watch, knowing the result would be tasty jelly beans.

I spoke with a few workers on the tour – all polite, very friendly, and clearly in love with their jobs. One woman, Dennise, was going on her 14th year at the factory and expressed her gratitude for staying employed even during the COVID-19 pandemic when workers were given special assignments.

Another enthusiastic worker shared that she was in her third week at the factory. After being a stay-at-home mom for 20 years, she admitted having few computer skills but wanted to re-enter the workforce near her home.

The Jelly Belly factory was excited to have her on board in a non-computer-based position, and her people skills working with kids and families fit perfectly with their needs. A “sweet” win-win story if there ever was one!

Sweet Stops after the tour

Blow Your Allowance at the Gift Shop

The Jelly Belly Gift Shop is a candy lover’s paradise. From classic Jelly Belly flavors in huge wall dispensers to seasonal and limited-edition varieties, visitors will find all their favorites. The shop also offers branded merchandise, such as clothing, kitchenware, and toys, perfect for Jelly Belly enthusiasts.

Within the gift shop is the Fudge Bakery, where you can indulge in freshly made fudge in many flavors like minted chocolate and praline pecan. Sample a piece before you buy and decide which confection you want to take home. The fudge is rich, creamy, and the perfect sweet treat to complete your visit.

For anyone wanting to leisurely shop for Jelly Belly candies, there is an official retail Jelly Belly Shop nearby at 1663 East Monte Vista in Vacaville, home of the Nut Tree, California’s legendary road stop.

Cafeteria

When it’s time for a break, head to the Jelly Belly Café and Snack Bar, where most dishes are creatively shaped like jelly beans. From jelly bean-shaped pizzas to colorful salads and sandwiches, the menu offers a fun and tasty dining experience. If you’re game, try the Jelly Belly-shaped hamburgers— a favorite among visitors.

Adjacent Museum & Outlet Center

The Jelly Belly Museum, located across the parking lot from the factory in a large, concrete building, offers a fascinating look into the brand’s history and processes.

The exhibits feature vintage candy-making equipment, historical photos, and interactive displays. After touring the museum, a walk through the outlet center, reveals discounted candy, seasonal specials, and factory seconds. These items taste just as good as the firsts for a fraction of the price. I stocked up and spent under $20.00 US for a giant bag of treats!

Special Attractions

Ronald Reagan and Jelly Belly Candies

Did you know? Former U.S. President Ronald Reagan was such a huge fan of Jelly Belly candies he kept a jar on his desk in the Oval Office. The factory pays homage to The Gipper with special displays and memorabilia, making it a must-see for history buffs.

Reagan’s fondness for Jelly Belly candies led to the creation of the Blueberry flavor, specifically for his red, white, and blue presidential inauguration in 1981.

Jelly Belly Artwork

The Jelly Belly Factory is home to unique art, including large-scale mosaics and portraits made entirely of Jelly Belly candies. These intricate works of art feature famous faces, including Amelia Earhart, Princess Diana, and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

There are also small statues of farm animals, where the candies mimic precious stones. Jelly Belly artists have included Kristen Cummings, Peter Rocha, and Malcolm West, talented creators who spent countless hours creating these tasty masterpieces as on-site artists honing their craft.

Exploring Fairfield

After you visit the Jelly Belly Factory, why not explore Fairfield? The town is just a short drive from picturesque Napa Valley and has a lovely, thriving area worth visiting. Here are a few recommendations if you’re planning to stay overnight or a bit longer:

Fairfield: Where to Stay

Hilton Garden Inn Fairfield

Located at 2200 Gateway Boulevard, the Hilton Garden Inn Fairfield is just a six-minute drive from the Jelly Belly Factory. Featuring stunning modern decor, spacious luxury rooms, and a sparkling, sizable pool, it’s the perfect place to relax after exploring and discovering the nearby area.

Staybridge Suites Fairfield Napa Valley Area

An impressive IHG hotel at 4775 Business Center Drive, the Staybridge Suites Fairfield Napa Valley Area offers comfortable, pet-friendly accommodations just minutes from the Jelly Belly Factory and a short drive to nearby Napa Valley Wine Country.

With a helpful, bilingual Spanish reception staff and a beautiful, indoor pool, Staybridge Suites Fairfield is a great choice for discerning yet modest travelers.

Fairfield: Where to Eat and Drink

Mankas Grill

Located at 2522 Mankas Corner Road in Fairfield, Mankas Grill, named after one of the original owners, Christley Manka, serves small plates all day and features delicious brunch and lunch options. Recommended dishes include the Heirloom Tomato Bruschetta made with locally-sourced produce and Pasta Puttanesca with artichoke and kalamata olives.

Favela’s Fusion

Housed in an upscale Mexican Tequileria with plenty of rustic charm, Favela’s Fusion, 1500 Oliver Road in Fairfield, combines traditional and modern cuisine in a unique atmosphere featuring original artwork on terra cotta walls. Try the baked mussels with a brandy chipotle mayonnaise, or the indulgent Mexican Poutines, fries with a rich twist on a traditional Canadian snack.

A visit to the Jelly Belly Factory in Fairfield, CA, is more than just a tour—it’s a delightful journey into the world of one of America’s favorite candies. From the minute you arrive to the time you leave, you’ll experience nostalgia and joy. It’s the perfect destination for adults looking to relive their childhood or enjoy a fun and informative day out.

The factory offers an array of experiences, from watching the candy-making process to exploring fascinating exhibits in the museum. The expansive gift shop, mouthwatering fudge bakery, and whimsical cafeteria ensure there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Whether you’re a fan of Ronald Reagan, interested in unique art, or want to take a selfie with Mr. Jelly Belly, this visit will be memorable.

Wrap Up

Travel Resources and Exploring California

Fairfield is conveniently located between San Francisco and Sacramento, making it an easy day trip or a stop on a longer journey through Northern California.

The area offers a variety of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hotels to more upscale stays, ensuring comfort for every traveler.

California is full of surprises, and the Jelly Belly Factory is just one of the many waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re a local looking for a quick getaway or a visitor exploring the Golden State for the first time, start planning your sweet adventure in Fairfield!