The playground-like Jelly Belly Factory in Fairfield, about an hour’s drive from San Francisco along I-80, is a veritable candy mecca. Visitors can sample an ever-rotating selection of Jelly Belly flavors, watch candy artists at work, take in the interactive exhibits and quirky jelly bean art, and more. There's something for everyone at this welcoming, family-friendly destination.
What to Expect at the Jelly Belly Factory
Walk through the doors of this sprawling, brightly colored facility and the main attraction is immediately clear: a quarter-mile-long, elevated viewing platform that lets you see the candy making in action. You also get to play with interactive exhibits and nosh on free traditional and funky-flavored samples, from fruity sour apple and birthday cake, and also flavors from such “flavor collections” as Harry Potter Bertie Bott’s (candy floss, earthworm), BeanBoozled (dirty dishwater, stinky socks) Krispy Kreme (original glazed, chocolate with sprinkles), and Cocktail Classics (mojito, pomegranate cosmo). And don’t miss the Jelly Belly Jelly Bean Art Gallery, which features portraits and recreations of famous works of art such as the Mona Lisa to Van Gogh’s Starry Night using just jelly beans. Afterward, head to the Jelly Belly Café for bean-shape pizzas, bean-shape burgers, garlic fries, and more.
Self-Guided Tours of the Jelly Belly Factory
Jelly Belly offers a Self-Guided Factory Lane Tour and Museum Experience from 9:15 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, 7 days a week. No reservations or advanced tickets required for the self-guided tours; The Jelly Belly Express Train ride is included (staffing/weather permitted). Tickets available only at the Jelly Belly Visitor Center.
Guided Factory Tour and Museum Experience
Take things up several notches by booking a Guided Factory Lane Tour and Guided Museum Experience. This immersive 90-minute tour offers your group of up to six people a behind-the-scenes look at the magic of Jelly Belly candy making—without stepping onto the factory floor.
A personal tour guide will lead your group through the Factory Lane and Museum Experience, sharing fun facts, history, and insights along the way. Weather and staffing permitting, the Jelly Belly Express Train ride is included. Tours are offered daily at 9:15 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 1:30 p.m., with only one group per time slot, ensuring a private experience. It’s recommended to book at least 24 hours in advance, as factory operations may vary daily.
Chocolate and Wine at the Jelly Belly Factory
If chocolate is more your speed when it comes to sugary indulgences, you’re in for a treat: Chocolate & Wine Experiences are offered daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering six local vintner wines and chocolate confections from the Jelly Belly Chocolate Shoppe. (Non-alcoholic versions of the tastings are also available.)