September is California Wine Month, and while Napa Valley often steals the spotlight, the Livermore …
What to do in Livermore, CA
What to do in Livermore, CA
Livermore is a melting pot of viticulture, art, technology, and history, being home to California’s oldest wine regions and one the largest meccas for scientific advancement in the United States. Whether you want to hang out lakeside, sip on small batch wines between the vines, or hunt down colorful murals throughout Downtown, use our guide below to plan your next visit to Livermore and the surrounding area.
Things to Do
Don’t miss out on all the fun things Livermore has to offer. Here are a few options for how to spend your day while visiting:
- Wine Tasting
Livermore Valley Wine Country is one of the oldest wine regions in California and its wine growing and wine making roots still run deep in the city. Today, there are over 50 wineries spread throughout the Livermore Valley AVA, see a full list of wineries or download a free wine map before your visit. - Strike a Pose with Downtown Livermore Murals
There are over 15 larger-than-life murals painted by regional artists scattered throughout Downtown Livermore. Use our Livermore Murals Guide to find, view, and strike a pose with these gorgeous pieces of public art. - Shop ‘Til You Drop at the San Francisco Premium Outlets
With over 180 stores, the San Francisco Premium Outlets is Northern California’s largest luxury outlet mall. Shop your favorite brands like Gucci, Tory Burch, Burberry, Coach, Prada, and more. - Get Competitive at Da Boccery
Whether you’re into axe throwing, bocce ball, shuffleboard, footpool, or cornhole, Da Boccery has it all. Bring your friends down to challenge them to a game or two and enjoy its delicious food offerings or full bar. - Visit the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
The Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is known around the world for its premier research and development of cutting edge science and technology. Thanks to the intelligent scientists and engineers who work there, Livermore is known as the smartest one-square mile on Earth. Visit their Discovery Center or check out their Virtual Discovery Center where their various accomplishments are showcased.
Exploring History & Art
Livermore is steeped in its Rancho Era history, its longstanding wine growing roots, and a deep appreciation of the arts. It’s also home to some surprisingly quirky points of interest. Check out a few places to take in Livermore’s history and art scene below.
- Bankhead Theater Located in Downtown Livermore, and known as the heart of Livermore’s vibrant cultural arts community, the Bankhead Theater features a wide variety of performances, exhibits, events and classes.
- Ravenswood Historic Site Originally established in 1885 as the summer home of San Francisco politician, Christopher A. Buckley Sr., Ravenswood Historic Site is also one of the first larger vineyards to be planted in Livermore. Free public tours are given by costumed docents on the second and fourth Sundays of each month.
- Centennial Light Bulb When’s the last time one of your light bulbs lasted for over 100 years? Livermore’s Centennial Light Bulb has been recognized by Guinness Book of World Records for being the world’s longest lasting light bulb, staying consistently lit since 1901. See the bulb with your own eyes by visiting the Livermore Fire Station No. 6 near Robert Livermore Park.
Downtown Shopping
Downtown Livermore is full of small, specialty shops selling everything from cowboy boots and comic books to knick knacks and local wines. Read below for some of our favorite spots to shop:
- Therapy Stores
This local San Francisco Bay Area chain sells unique jewelry, accessories, housewares, books, games, kids & baby clothes, as well as bath & beauty products. - Baughman’s Western Outfitters
Staying true to Livermore’s Rancho and rodeo history, Baughman’s Western Outfitters features cowboy-themed apparel for all ages, including boots, hats & equestrian supplies. - Vault California
Come to Vault California to find one-of-a-kind products and gifts made by local artists and crafters and a collection of chic, casual styles true to California fashion. - First Street Wine Company
Located on Downtown Livermore’s most popular strip of shops and restaurants, First Street Wine Company Wine specializes in local, family-owned vintners & carefully curated international bottles. - Fantasy Books & Games
Tune into your inner nerd at this small comic book store featuring everything fantasy and sci-fi, hard to find figurines & collectible card games.
Looking for more cute shops? Check out our Boutique Shopping in the Tri-Valley blog.
Outdoor Activities
Livermore is the largest city in the Tri-Valley, encompassing several open space recreational areas. Check out the following spaces in Livermore to get out and stretch your legs.
- Del Valle Regional Park
Located just outside of Livermore Valley Wine Country, Del Valle Regional Park features a 5-mile long lake and rolling hills perfect for a variety of activities like swimming, boating, hiking, fishing, and more. Check out our What to Do at Lake Del Valle blog before planning your visit. - Sycamore Grove Park
This 847 acre park might be smaller than Livermore’s other outdoor offerings, but it’s packed full of sweeping vineyard views, surrounding valleys, a creek, and abundant wildlife. - Morgan Territory Regional Preserve
This remote, 4,708 acre park features expansive ridge top views that reveal Mount Diablo to the west, Mount St. Helena to the north and the snow-covered Sierra to the east. In the spring, it’s home to over 90 species of wildflowers. - Brushy Peak Regional Preserve
Just 1.5 miles from Downtown Pleasanton, the Pleasanton BMX park features 2.75 acres of tracks, jumps & hills for beginnings & experts.
Where to Eat
- Monica’s
breakfast, brunch & lunch
Casual eatery located in Downtown Livermore with regular live music serving up favorites like Eggs Benedict, Big A$ French Toast and their Big A$ Taco Salad. - First Street Alehouse
breakfast, brunch, lunch & dinner
A huge collection of beer cans deck the walls at this convivial haunt for American grub & brews. Sign up for our free Tri-Valley Beer Trail passport before you visit & check-in while you’re there to earn awesome prizes. - Posada
weekend brunch, lunch & dinner
Inviting Southwestern eatery with an impressive wine selection serving up Mexican-inspired fare. Recipient of Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence in 2021. - Range Life
dinner
Rustic-chic destination for creative, seasonal modern fare & craft cocktails. Included on the Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand list in 2021. - Donut Wheel
dessert
A local hotspot, this 24-hour, cash-only eatery, serves up deliciously unique donuts, fritters, bagels & ice cream.
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