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What to Do in Danville, CA
What to do in Danville, CA
The town of Danville is a blend of trendy restaurants, boutique specialty shops, and a thriving art scene. All the while, the town pays homage to its rich history and heritage. What was once a Gold Rush settlement is now a bustling borough with a variety of things to do and places to eat, shop, and enjoy your day. Use our guide below to plan your next trip to Danville.
Things to Do
Don’t miss out on all the fun things Danville has to offer. Here are a few options for how to spend your day while visiting:
- Visit Blackhawk Plaza
Located just minutes from Downtown Danville, Blackhawk Plaza is an outdoor shopping mall featuring shops, restaurants, a world-renowned museum, a playground, and landscaped grounds and ponds. - Grab a drink at Elliott’s
Established in 1907, Elliott’s is one of the oldest San Francisco Bay Area dive bars and it’s still going strong. This small, hole-in-the-wall bar is packed with personality and definitely worth a visit. - View Danville’s Landmark Oak Tree
Known as the centerpiece of Downtown Danville, this over 350-year-old tree is not only a historic landmark of the town but a central point for community events. Each year in November, residents and visitors gather at the base of the tree to witness the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony.
Where to Eat
- Sideboard Neighborhood Kitchen
breakfast, brunch, lunch & dinner
Cozy eatery with espresso & pastries, plus a full lunch/dinner menu of updated New American fare. This homey stop is fitted with quirky decor and mismatched crockery making it feel like you’re visiting a family member or friend’s house. - Cocina Hermanas
brunch, lunch and dinner
This local restaurant named after the owner’s three daughters marries well-known Mexican street food and family dishes with their dedication to fresh, sustainable and locally-sourced ingredients. - Danville Brewing Company
lunch & dinner
Sprawling, industrial brewpub with a dog-friendly patio serving house brews, guest beers & modern American eats. Sign up for our Tri-Valley Beer Trail passport and don’t forget to check-in during your visit! - Locanda Ravello
lunch & dinner
Polished pizzeria serving up Neapolitan pies, authentic pasta dishes, sides & a full bar in a contemporary, airy interior. Don’t miss out on their amazing happy hour. - Bridges Restaurant
brunch, lunch & dinner
You might recognize this popular restaurant for its Hollywood debut in the movie “Mrs. Doubtfire” and its famous Heimlich scene. Outside of its hilarious claim to fame, this upscale eatery features Asian-influenced Californian fare. - Danville Chocolates
dessert
Satisfy your sweet tooth at this locally beloved shop. Danville Chocolates boasts a variety of house-made gourmet chocolates, truffles & other sweets.
Downtown Shopping
Downtown Danville’s streets lined with small, locally-owned specialty shops selling everything from home goods and personalized gifts to antiques and premium cigars. Check out a few of our favorite local shops below.
- Whim House
This bright and airy shop offers an extensive selection of categories including rugs, pillows, serving and barware, fine table and bath linens, paint, outdoor furniture, candles, and personal care items. - Lemon Gift Shop
Located just off of Danville’s Hartz Street, Lemon Gift Shop features an eclectic variety of home decor, organic baby and spa items, and high-quality gifts for any occasion. - Cottage Jewel
Looking for something truly unique to bring home from your visit to the Tri-Valley? Cottage Jewel is a treasure trove of one-of-a-kind vintage, antique and artisan wares. Find jewelry, accessories, home goods & novelty items from various eras. - Danville Cigars, Fine Wine & Gifts
Whether its a simple indulgence or for a special occasion, Danville Cigars, Fine Wine & Gifts is stocked with premium cigars and a rare selection of fine wines and port vintages. Enjoy your purchases from their cozy back patio.
Looking for more cute shops? Check out our Boutique Shopping in the Tri-Valley blog.
Outdoor Activities
Danville is not only the Tri-Valley’s gateway to Mount Diablo State Park, it’s home to several outdoor recreation areas. Check out the following outdoor activities open to the public in Danville below.
- Mount Diablo State Park
No matter where you are in the Bay Area, you’re bound to see this beautiful mountain range backdrop located in the Tri-Valley. Visitors are able to access this sprawling park in Danville via its South Gate. - Las Trampas Wilderness Regional Preserve
Located just a few miles from Downtown Danville, this park features 5,778 acre of wilderness and an expanded trail system that allows hikers and horseback riders to enjoy its remote and rugged areas. Las Trampas Ridge offers amazing views of Mount Diablo and sweeping sights of the surrounding valleys. - Iron Horse Trail
This fully-paved, mostly shaded trail is a great way to stretch your legs and get around town. The Iron Horse Trail is a popular route for pedestrians, bicyclists and equestrians that connects two counties and 8 towns between Concord and Pleasanton. - Sycamore Valley Park
This family-friendly park features a variety of activities including a playground, splash pad, sports fields, and a scenic pond. A great place for a peaceful stroll, picnics and outdoor outings. If you’re looking for more of a hike, easy access to Sycamore Valley Open Space Regional Preserve is located onsite.
Exploring History & Art
The town of Danville venerates its rich history and appreciation for the arts in a variety of ways to be enjoyed by residents and visitors. Check out a few ways to experience Danville’s art scene and learn about its incredible past.
- Blackhawk Museum
This world-renowned museum features five galleries, including its automotive collection which displays rare and historically significant automobiles, its award-winning Spirt of the Old West gallery, and its World of Nature gallery which features over 600 animal species in a fully immersive experience. View other Must-See Museums in the Tri-Valley. - Eugene O’Neill Historic Site
The only American playwright to win Noble prize, Eugene O’Neill, moved to Danville at the height of his career and wrote some of his most famous pieces at this present-day National Historic Site. Visitors are welcome to explore this sprawling estate, known as the Tao House via self-guided and guided tours. - Museum of San Ramon Valley
The Museum of San Ramon Valley commemorates Danville’s history as a railway depot and features a life-size train car that visitors are welcome to board and pose with. The Museum is also home to a variety of rotating exhibits which highlight various aspects of the region’s history. - Village Theatre & Art Gallery
Built in 1873 as a farmer’s lodge, the Village Theatre & Art Gallery has since worn several hats including a skating rink, movie theatre, and church. Today, it’s protected as a historic site and hosts a 245 seat theatre and 1,000 square foot art gallery that displays rotating exhibits.
Self-Guided Walking Tour:
Use the Discover Danville web-based app as an interactive walking tour to view historic sites, restaurants, shops, and more.
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