Top 25 Things to Do in the Tri-Valley
Located in Northern California, just 35 miles east of San Francisco, the Tri-Valley features a Mediterranean climate, welcoming communities and stunning outdoor recreation spaces. Escape the crowds along the coast and explore some of California’s most historic places at this unique corner of the San Francisco Bay Area.
Connections from San Franscico’s BART transit system make getting to the Tri-Valley quick and easy. Plus, an extensive network of bike trails means you can traverse the region car-free while enjoying our 300-plus days of sunshine. From sampling deliciously diverse cuisines to experiencing world-class art, here are 25 ways to experience the fun and wonder of the Tri-Valley.
1. Blackhawk Museum
Danville’s Blackhawk Museum invites visitors to explore five incredible galleries under one roof. Visitors will find intriguing art pieces from sub-Saharan Africa and China, an incredible exhibit celebrating the spirit of the American West, and an expansive natural history museum featuring over 600 species of animals and insects from around the world. Most notably, the Blackhawk Museum is home to the Don Williams Automobile Gallery, a renowned collection amongst car enthusiasts dedicated to America’s long romance with the automobile, including 40 historically significant, rare, and classic vehicles.
2. Bankhead Theater
The intimate, thoroughly modern Bankhead Theater located in the heart of Downtown Livermore welcomes artists across all genres of music, dance, comedy, drama, and more – from world-class performers to rising stars. Just outside Bankhead, you’ll find yourself surrounded by public art installations, including the Livermore murals, located throughout downtown.
3. Livermore Valley Wine Country
Explore one of California’s oldest wine regions, where over 50 wineries thrive in this unique east-to-west oriented American Viticultural Area. This historic wine country is home to many of California’s viticultural firsts. In fact, 80% of California’s Chardonnay vines can be traced back to the first planting of the varietal in the 1880s at Charles Wetmore’s Livermore Valley vineyards. In the early 1900s, Livermore Valley wine makers were the first to officially bottle the Chardonnay, Petit Sirah and Sauvignon Blanc varietals.
Before you head to the Livermore Valley Wine Country, download our free Livermore Wine Country Map and check out our Wine-Lover’s Guide for our favorite dog-friendly wineries, places to picnic, indoor tasting rooms, where to find the best views, and more.
4. Mount Diablo State Park
It’s no surprise the breathtaking Mount Diablo has inspired generations of artists, including famed photographer Ansel Adams. Acting as the backdrop to the entire San Francisco Bay Area, this California State Park is full of surprising hidden gems, from fossils to tarantula sightings.
The Summit Visitor Center offers one of the largest panoramic viewsheds in the world, spanning as far as Yosemite, the Sierra Nevada mountains, and the entirety of San Francisco Bay. Mount Diablo State Park also offers more than 20,000 acres of open space containing unique geology, and a plethora of animal and plant life–including wildflowers that bloom all year long. Make sure to view our Mount Diablo State Park Guide before planning your visit.
5. Tri-Valley Beer Trail
Raise a glass to the Tri-Valley’s best brewers when you sign up for our free mobile-friendly beer trail pass. Visit 10 participating breweries, taprooms and alehouses on the trail to rack up points that can be redeemed for sweet prizes – like a 32oz growler. Whether you favor traditional Irish pubs, cutting-edge craft creations or something in between, you’ll find it along the Tri-Valley Beer Trail.
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6. Firehouse Arts Center
Pleasanton’s signature arts space brings together comedy, film, music, poetry, and theatre under one roof. Along with a variety of performances and classes, Firehouse Arts Center houses group exhibitions within The Harrington Gallery. This historic building blends the original 1880s-era fire station with modern design, including an hourglass-shaped grand lobby that unites the center with Lions Wayside Park.
7. International Dining
Travel the world without leaving the Tri-Valley when you sample our impressive selection of ethnic restaurants. The restaurant roster features cuisines from Guyana (Oyo in Pleasanton) Burma (Burma Burma in Dublin), Italy (Locanda Ravello in Danville), Asia (Uncle Yu’s at the Vineyard in Livermore) and more!
8. Olivina Ranch Tour
Benefitting from the Tri-Valley’s Mediterranean climate, the Crohare family continues its tradition of pressing extra virgin oil from trees that were planted when the ranch was established in 1881. Olivina Ranch opens on the third Sunday of each month for tasting room visits and tours of the Livermore property.
9. Club Moto
If you’re searching for a high-octane outdoor experience, stop by Club Moto Motocross. Nestled in Livermore, this premier motocross facility caters to both beginners seeking a fun introduction to the sport and seasoned riders looking for a challenge.
10. Tri-Valley Ice Cream Trail
Let your sweet tooth be your guide to cool, artisanal treats on the Tri-Valley Ice Cream Trail. Options range from century-old, family-run Meadowlark Dairy to classic gelato spots to delicious paletas at Paleteria y Neveria Mi Lindo Michoacán. Sign up for our free mobile pass to track your progress and earn a souvenir ice cream scooper after making five visits to participating ice creameries.
11. Lawrence Livermore Laboratory's Discovery Center
Touch the cutting edge of science when you visit this hands-on showcase for one of the country’s top research institutions. The Discovery Center features a variety of tangible, interactive exhibits highlighting the lab’s state-of-the-art research including high-performance computing, bioscience and bioengineering, and manufacturing.
12. Eugene O'Neill Historic Site
Step behind the curtain to uncover the creative process of Nobel Prize-winning playwright Eugene O’Neill who wrote five of his most famous works, including Long Day’s Journey Into Night and The Iceman Cometh, at this 13-acre Danville property. Reserve a 2-hour National Park Service tour of the Eugene O’Neill Historic Site well ahead of your planned visit. Shuttles depart from the Museum of the San Ramon Valley.
13. Grazino Tile Murals
World-famous artist Guillermo Walker Grazino completed this outstanding work of public art in 1994 to mark Pleasanton’s 100th anniversary. The Grazino Tile Murals consist of three pillars encompassing the community’s Native American and pioneer history, its role as a cultural and farming hub, and its brief star turn in silent movies.
14. Ravenswood Historic Site
This stunning Victorian estate provides an unparalleled experience for history and nature lovers. Ravenswood Historic Site was once the summer home for a prominent San Francisco politician and later a retreat for the Redemptorist Fathers, but was eventually donated to the city of Livermore’s park system. Guided tours explore the spacious grounds, working vineyards, and rose garden.
15. Las Trampas Regional Wilderness
The nearly 6,000-acre Las Trampas Wilderness Regional Park in Danville offers breathtaking views of the Amador Valley and Mount Diablo. An extensive trail system lets visitors find solitude and serenity whether they’re hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding. Plan your visit in spring to enjoy rolling hillsides blanketed in wildflowers.
16. Boutique Shopping
For one-of-a-kind items with personalized service and unique style, you can choose from a number of curated boutiques in the Tri-Valley. Find the perfect gift you won’t find anywhere else, whether it’s clothing, skincare, accessories, vintage items, or home goods. Browse some of our favorite boutiques in the Tri-Valley.
17. Golfing
The Tri-Valley challenges golfers of all skill levels with courses such as historic Las Positas Golf Club (designed by the legendary Robert Muir Graves), Robert Trent Jones Jr.’s Dublin Ranch Golf Course, and The Course at Wente Vineyards designed by Greg Norman. The Club at Ruby Hill and Crow Canyon Country Club round off the offerings. Browse a full listing of golf courses in the Tri-Valley.
18. Del Valle Regional Park
Only 10 miles south of Livermore, Del Valle Regional Park offers a remote escape into the best nature has to offer. The park surrounds Lake Del Valle, a 5-mile long lake featuring 16 miles of shoreline and two sandy beaches. Launch your own vessel or rent a kayak, boat, paddleboard or pontoon from the Marina.
Outside of its multiple water activities, there’s plenty to enjoy on land. Explore miles of interconnected trails (with access to Ohlone Wilderness Trail for more challenging trail adventures), and even a ringside seat to one of the area’s most unique spectacles each fall: tarantula mating season. Check our our full guide featuring our Top Activities at Del Valle Regional Park.
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19. Brunch
The Tri-Valley is bursting with brunch spots to tempt your tastebuds and power you through the day’s adventures. The offerings range from traditional pancakes and eggs at Denica’s Real Food Kitchen (with locations in Dublin, Pleasanton and Livermore) to classic European fare at Nonni’s Bistro in Pleasanton and a fresh-baked meal at Crumbs bakery and cafe in Danville. At The Press Cafe in Pleasanton & Livermore, you’ll find artisanal breakfast foods–like the Harvest Pear Panini and Orange Creamsicle Oatmeal. Monica’s Livermore in Livermore offers a wide selection of classic breakfast selections and house favorites, along with a full bar.
20. Tri-Valley Caffeine Trail
Coffee and tea lovers are buzzing over this unique trail that connects the region’s collection of nearly 20 cafes, coffee houses and tea rooms. Taste your way through the Tri-Valley Caffeine Trail by enjoying hand-crafted coffee drinks and sweet boba teas for a morning eye-opener or afternoon pick-me-up.
21. Livermore Wine Trolley
This fleet of unique, vintage trolleys provides a safe, reliable, and fun way to explore local wineries and celebrate your next event. Whether the trip is for a family gathering, a girls getaway or another special occasion, the Livermore Wine Trolley is an iconic ride you won’t want to miss.
22. Pedego Electric Bike Tours
Explore Livermore Valley Wine Country on two wheels with a guided tour by Pedego Electric Bikes. Each tour includes bike rental and a tour guide for a journey through one of California’s oldest wine-making regions. An alternative tour covers the region’s breweries. Rather do the exploring on your own? Rent a bike in increments of 2 hours, 3 hours, or a full day. Guests must be 21 or older and should know how to ride a bicycle.
23. San Francisco Premium Outlets
Find high-end brands such as Prada and Tory Burch for bargain prices at the San Francisco Premium Outlets, Northern California’s largest outdoor outlet center. Located in Livermore, the mall’s 180+ stores include brands rarely found elsewhere. The selection of high end brands and year-round beautiful weather make this mall a shopper’s paradise.
24. Community Parks
The Tri-Valley area features a number of community parks that are perfect for your family’s visit. Imagine Playground in Dublin is the region’s first all-abilities playground and all-inclusive picnic area. Cool down in the splash pad play areas at Emerald Glen Park in Dublin or Sycamore Valley Park in Danville. If you’re looking for great walking trails and nature views, check out Bernal Community Park in Pleasanton, Oak Hill Park in Danville and Iron Horse Trail Loop. Sycamore Grove Park in Livermore is not to be missed, due to its great wildlife–while Robertson Park in Livermore features other great animal options: an equestrian center and dog park.
25. The Wave Waterpark
Every summer between Memorial Day and Labor Day, Dublin’s premier aquatic center and water park opens to the public so visitors and residents can beat the heat. The Wave features a six-waterslide tower, a toddler-friendly splash zone, an outdoor sports pool, and a large indoor aquatic facility.