Beat the Heat in the Tri-Valley
Just 35 miles east of San Francisco, the Tri-Valley is a sun-soaked destination that welcomes visitors year-round. But when the summer heat kicks in, there’s no shortage of ways to cool off. From lakeside adventures and splash pads to frozen treats and indoor escapes, here are some of the best ways to beat the heat in the Tri-Valley.
Lake Del Valle
Visit a Local Lake
The Tri-Valley is home to two gorgeous watering holes perfect for fun water activities like boating, fishing, kayaking, swimming and stand-up paddle boarding.
- Lake Del Valle is a 5-mile long secluded body of water, nestled within Del Valle Regional Park. Surrounded by large valleys of beautiful oak trees, visitors can usually swim in a designated beach area, launch their own water vessels at the marina, or rent a boat or pontoon. Make sure to check the Del Valle Regional Park website for dock closures or swimming limitations.
- Shadow Cliffs Lake is another close-by recreational area, perfect for swimming, fishing and boating. Just a few minutes from the freeway, Shadow Cliffs is easily accessible with plenty of parking, shaded areas and picnic tables. Swimming is permitted year-round, but life guards are only provided during the summer season.
Dublin Wave
Water Parks & Pools
What better way to beat the heat during summer months than by cannon balling into an olympic sized pool?
- The Dublin Wave Waterpark is an aquatic recreational center is full of fun water activities like six water slides, swimming and sport pools, and an interactive splash pad playground. During especially hot summer days, take a dip in one the Dublin Wave‘s indoor or outdoor pools or reserve a shaded lounger or cabana. Stay tuned in on their website for opening dates and hours of operation.
- Robert Livermore Community Park is also a wonderful place to take a dip; its complete with swimming pools, a water slide, and an interactive aqua playground for kids.
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Sycamore Valley Park
Parks & Splash Pads
Bring your swimsuits, a blanket to sit on, and some snacks. The following parks are perfect for a day of playground and splash pad fun.
- Sycamore Valley Park in Danville features shady lawns perfect for picnicking, a full-sized playground, and sports fields.
- Hap McGee Ranch Park in Danville is home to a shaded splash pad, playground, sprawling lawns, and a dog park.
- Emerald Glen Park in Dublin is a large community park adjacent to the Dublin Wave, and features a spacious splash pad and playground.
Lottie’s Creamery, Danville
Ice Cream Trail
Beat the heat with a sweet treat! Sign up for our free Tri-Valley Ice Cream Trail mobile pass to taste your way through the region’s yummiest ice creameries. Check-in to 5 participating creameries and earn a Tri-Valley ice cream scooper to use at home!
Blackhawk Museum
Visit a Museum
Visiting a museum opens doors to new experiences and worlds outside of your own, all while keeping cool.
- Blackhawk Museum in Danville has an extensive automotive gallery but it also features several cultural exhibits, like The Spirit of the Old West, Into China, Art of Africa, and The World of Nature Experience. Located in the beautiful Blackhawk Plaza, you can even shop and grab lunch or dinner after exploring exhibits.
- Downtown Danville’s Museum of San Ramon Valley is located in a historic 1891 train depot and offers a glimpse into the rich history of the San Ramon Valley. Through rotating exhibits, artifacts, and engaging programs, the museum highlights the region’s railroad heritage, agricultural roots, and local stories—from Native American life to modern development.
- Pleasanton’s Museum on Main features rotating exhibits while also preserving the Amador-Livermore Valley’s past. This unique glance into the history of the Tri-Valley tells a story of Ohlone Indians, the introduction of cattle and agricultural industries, and how this growth made today’s Pleasanton possible. Conveniently located in the heart of downtown Pleasanton, there’s plenty of shopping and great restaurants to visit afterwards.
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San Franciso Premium Outlets
Go Shopping
Escape the heat while shopping your day away at one of Tri-Valley’s various indoor and outdoor shopping centers.
- The San Francisco Premium Outlets is not only an international shopping destination, but it is also covered by shaded palm trees and large awnings. Take a stroll through this sprawling outdoor mall which features several shady seating areas and over 180+ luxury brand outlet stores.
- Make a day of boutique shopping in our cute downtowns! From trendy outfits to gifts and souvenirs, take home unique items you can’t find online. Check out our Boutique Shopping Guide to explore some of our charming, locally-owned shops.
- Pleasanton’s Stoneridge Shopping Mall is also a fun shopping center for visitors and locals alike. This indoor mall has plenty of big-name brands, popular restaurant chains, and is an air-conditioned haven on warm days.
Vine Cinema & Alehouse
See a Movie
Cold air conditioning, comfy seats, and matinee pricing are all reasons to escape to a movie theater on hot days. Check out some of the Tri-Valley’s best movie theaters to kick back in.
- The Vine Cinema & Alehouse in Livermore is located in the heart of downtown, has comfortable seating including some couches and side tables, and provides scrumptious small bites as well as local beer and wine options at their concessions stand.
- Regal Hacienda Crossing Stadium in Dublin is not only surrounded by a variety of delicious restaurants and shops, but it’s also one of only nineteen theaters in the entire United States that screens 70MM IMAX films.
Lost World Adventures
Indoor Play Spaces
Beat the heat in the Tri-Valley with fun indoor play areas—from hands-on paint classes to air-conditioned playgrounds where kids can burn off energy while staying cool.
- Lost World Adventures in Livermore is a play place paradise featuring a dinosaur-themed mini golf course, arcade games, laser tag, and a multi-level soft play structure—perfect for keeping kids entertained and out of the heat.
- Hawaii Fluid Art, with locations in both Danville and Pleasanton, offers a vibrant, hands-on experience where guests of all ages can create mesmerizing acrylic pour paintings. With expert guidance and a laid-back island vibe, it’s the perfect indoor activity for beating the heat and unleashing your creativity—no experience needed!
- Cool off year-round at the Tri-Valley’s indoor ice skating rinks, where you can glide across the ice in air-conditioned comfort. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned skater, places Tri-Valley Ice in Livermore and Dublin offer public skate sessions, lessons, and family-friendly fun—making it a perfect escape from the summer heat.
Firehouse Arts Center
Visit an Art Gallery
The Tri-Valley is home to a thriving arts & culture scene, with plenty of opportunities to view art from around the world and crafted by local artists.
- The Firehouse Arts Center in Pleasanton features several rotating art exhibits but also hosts performances in music, poetry, theater, comedy, film and more. This spacious 20,000 sq. ft. art venue has a 2,000 sq. ft. fine arts gallery, a 221-seat theater, and an expansive classroom space.
- Danville’s Village Theater & Art Gallery is as much of an art-venue as it is a historical monument. Built in 1913, the Village Theater has previously served as a meeting hall, basketball court, autopsy room, and even a skating rink before it was converted for its current purpose in 1987.
- The Bankhead Theater in Livermore is often called the heart of Livermore’s vibrant cultural arts community, equipped with a 507-seat theater fit with a large stage used for live music, dance and theater performances as well as lectures, civic events and conferences. It’s large lobby is home to a gallery featuring rotating artists.
