What to Do in Dublin, CA
Dublin, California has been known as the crossroads of the San Francisco Bay Area for centuries, well before it was named after Ireland’s capital. While still continuing to honor its long-standing Irish ancestry, Dublin has taken on the role of a cultural melting pot, featuring a broad variety of cuisines from around the world. Use our guide below to plan your next visit to Dublin and the surrounding area.
Things to Do
Don’t miss out on all the fun things Dublin has to offer. Here are a few options for how to spend your day while visiting:
- Cool Down at The Wave
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. - Stroll through the Rose Garden at Emerald Glen Park
Emerald Glen Park is home to two playgrounds, an expansive splash pad, a skate park, picnic areas, bocce ball courts, basketball courts, sports fields, and more. Nature lovers will also delight in the park’s community rose garden where a colorful assortment of these gorgeous flowers grow. - Shop at Hacienda Crossings Shopping Mall
Hacienda Crossings is a large outdoor shopping center featuring a variety of restaurants, several major retailers, and one of only 19 IMAX theaters in the United States equipped to show 70mm film. - Dublin Heritage Park & Museums
The city of Dublin maintains this 10-acre park featuring historic buildings, sprawling lawns, a pioneer cemetery, and picnic areas as a way to honor its rich heritage. Buildings on the site were built anywhere between the mid 1800’s and early 1900’s, and help tell the story of Dublin’s early development. - Dublin’s St. Patrick’s Day Celebration
Every year, thousands of people flock to the Tri-Valley to celebrate its rich Irish heritage by participating in Dublin’s St. Patrick’s Day Festival. This weekend-long occasion includes a 5K Fun Run, authentic Irish fare and beverages, live performances, fine arts vendors, carnival rides, and more.
Where to Eat
The city of Dublin has an incredible selection of restaurants and eateries, offering visitors access to cuisines from around the world. From Burmese delicacies to high-end sushi, Dublin is home to a wide variety of dining options.
Breakfast & Lunch
- Denica’s Real Food Kitchen
Cheery cafe with from-scratch breakfast fare, sandwiches, salads & Mexican basics, plus baked goods. - Johnny’s Donuts
Long-running family-owned eatery for old-fashioned donuts, fritters, croissants & coffee.
Lunch & Dinner
- Amakara
House sushi rolls join noodles, tempura & other Japanese dishes in this spacious, modern restaurant. - Burma! Burma!
Traditional Burmese fare served with imported wines in relaxed, airy surrounds with a small patio. - Casa Orozco
Casual, family-owned restaurant offering fajitas, enchiladas, margaritas & other Mexican staples. - Koi Palace
Lavish, upscale institution draws crowds for dim sum & elaborate, Cantonese-style banquet dinners.
DESSERT
- Mimi’s Chocolates
Black and female-owned and operated chocolate shop serving up ice cream, caramel apples, and a variety of chocolates. - SOMISOMI
Local ice creamery specializing in up Korean-inspired soft serve ice cream served in a fish-shaped waffle cone with your choice of filling and unlimited toppings.
Outdoor Activities
Dublin is named after Ireland’s capital city and its rolling green hills are reminiscent of its namesake. Visit one of the following parks and outdoor recreation spaces to enjoy Dublin’s gorgeous scenery.
- Emerald Glen Park
Emerald Glen Park is one of Dublin’s largest recreation areas, featuring The Wave waterpark, a skatepark, two playgrounds, bocce ball and tennis courts, picnic areas, and large lawn areas. Several community events are located at this central space including Thursday Night Farmers Markets, Summer Movie Nights, and live concerts. - Dublin Hills Regional Open Space
This 654-acre undeveloped parkland is located nearby Interstate 580. Each spring this park features a variety of colorful wildflower blooms. - Fallon Sports Park
Dublin’s premier sports park is home to picnic areas complete with barbecue pits, lighted baseball diamonds, basketball courts, soccer fields, tennis courts, bocce ball courts, as well as softball diamonds, a BMX Course, an adventure playground and restrooms.