How to Vacation Like an Influencer in the Tri-Valley
If you go on vacation and don’t have pictures to prove it, did it really happen? Good thing you chose the Tri-Valley in Northern California, where it’s easy to show your friends (and followers) how much fun you had—and how jealous they should be. The following locations will put you in your best light, both literally and figuratively.
Depth of Field
The urge to photograph nature is… well, only natural. And the Tri-Valley is your go-to getaway no matter the season. From our wildflower guide to our fall foliage checklist, we’re the ultimate destination for leaf peepers and sun seekers alike. Did we mention the tarantula mating season every fall? We know, it’s not for everyone, but it’s pretty remarkable.
Immerse yourself in 360-degree views of the entire San Francisco Bay Area at this park’s visitor center, located nearly 4,000 feet above sea level. You even can spot the Golden Gate Bridge and Yosemite on a clear day. Name the adventure and this place can provide it:
- Hiking
- Horseback riding (BYOH – bring your own horse!)
- Road cycling
- Mountain biking
- Hang gliding
- Rock climbing
- Birding
- Camping
- Rock City
Looking for unique spots to explore? Check out our blog, 5 Hidden Gems at Mount Diablo, and uncover secret treasures within this iconic state park!
An access point for the Ohlone Wilderness Trail, this sprawling Livermore park is ideal for serious hikers and backpackers, and water-lovers alike. Here’s what its five-mile-long lake with two beaches and sixteen miles of shoreline offers:
- Swimming
- Fishing
- Boating
- Camping
- Picnicking
- Hiking
- Biking
- Horseback riding (BYOH – bring your own horse!)
- Cabin rentals
- Lake tours
- Located 10 minutes from Livermore Valley Wine Country
From kayaking to scenic hikes, this spot has it all. Check out our blog, What to Do at Lake Del Valle, for the ultimate guide to making the most of your visit!
With a ridge boasting views of Mt. Diablo, the San Ramon Valley, local wildlife, and panoramic views of rolling foothills, this 5,778-acre wilderness park is guaranteed to fill up your camera roll. While you’re here, you might as well enjoy these amenities:
- Hiking
- Biking
- Picnic areas
- Scenic overlooks
- Walking distance to Eugene O’Neill National Historic Site
Satiate the Algorithms
Smells good, looks good, tastes good, is good. What’s not to love about food photography? There’s a reason they call it a social media feed. Show off your superior ordering skills and then reap the rewards in more ways than one at these renowned locales.
A Downtown Pleasanton icon, Meadowlark Dairy is the ultimate retro drive-thru experience with a sweet twist. Famous for its creamy soft-serve cones and nostalgic charm, it’s the perfect pit stop for a treat that’s as photogenic as it is delicious. Pro tip: Grab a swirl, and don’t forget to snap a shot of the vintage-style signage—it’s a memory (and an Instagram moment) in the making.
An upscale brew pub in Pleasanton serving highbrow bites, find 30 beers on tap and around 170 in bottles. The only difficult part will be waiting to snap a few pics before cleaning your plate (and pint glass). Oh, it’s also a participating location on the Tri-Valley Beer Trail, which is an Instagram story unto itself.
With just the right ambiance and a convenient location in the heart of downtown, Danville Harvest offers an assortment of sustainably sourced, nutrient-dense dishes. And these trained chefs certainly know how to plate them.
Featuring elevated Southwestern fare in a warm atmosphere, this Livermore staple will have you saying “cheese” like you really mean it. Feel free to pair it with some actual cheese—you gotta try their burrata—and world-class wine.
The superior natural light of a Pleasanton morning lends itself to creating expert-level photos of giant cinnamon rolls and stacks of Ube pancakes. That’s why this popular from-scratch breakfast spot is essential for your influencer shot list. With additional Livermore and Dublin locations, the most important meal of the day is always convenient.
Tours de Force
The Tri-Valley region is home to a variety of guided tours chock-full of instant photo ops. We’re talking about stunts worthy of displaying on your holiday card just to say you’ve been there and done that. Because you will most definitely look the part when you’re sipping wine in an underground sandstone cave.
Hop on this adorable yet chic trolley to three essential area wineries, where tastings, lunch, discounts—and unforgettable photo backdrops—are included.
“Spelunk” your way to social media fame at Wente Vineyards’ historic sandstone caves. Come for the special underground wine tasting; stay for a selfie in front of their Prohibition-era smuggling tunnels.
Smile for the camera on an e-bike to get that action shot you’ve always wanted. Receive a front-row seat to vineyards, valleys, and views. You can capture so much more on a bicycle.
Snap a few pics in the newly opened courtyard, then snag your seat on the WWII-era duck boat for wine tastings, light appetizers, and a picturesque excursion around the estate.
Frame up unrivaled vistas at one of the oldest estates in Livermore while receiving a free tour from costumed docents. History has never looked so photogenic.
Established in 1881, this 70-acre ranch produces six different types of California extra virgin olive oil, but also an incalculable number of scenic backdrops.
Portraits with Portraits
You’re already a work of art with your own special backstory. Fortunately, you have that in common with the art installations placed throughout the Tri-Valley area. So when your powers combine, it’s almost too glorious for one social media channel to handle.
Guillermo Wagner Grazino’s ornate ceramic tile murals are known the world over. To celebrate its centennial in 1994, Pleasanton commissioned Grazino to create a mural that depicted the city’s rich history. Now you can be a part of it.
You can say you’ve posed with America’s only Nobel Prize-winning playwright once you visit the Eugene O’Neill Tribute. O’Neill made a home in Danville between 1937 and 1944, and it’s now a protected national historic site.
Around 20 definitive murals painted by local artists contribute to the already-colorful downtown Livermore. Check out our mural map to ensure you’ve caught ‘em all.
Step back in time at Dublin Heritage Park & Museums, a 10-acre site that tells the story of Dublin’s beginnings. Explore two historic cemeteries, a charming church from the 1850s, and the Kolb House, a fully furnished farmhouse that gives a glimpse into life a century ago. The park is also home to a museum chronicling Dublin’s transformation from a crossroads town to a thriving city. Wander the grounds, snap photos, and let history come alive.
Here’s a TLDR for your DSLR: the Tri-Valley region is your hub for self-care and selfie-care. When it comes to getaways, you need a place that contains all the natural healing of the great outdoors and all the indulgent amenities of big-city living. And maybe at least two or three valleys, while we’re at it. Let your viewfinder be as literal as possible when you’re here.