visit tri valley

Check out videos on hundreds of California adventures

Tri-Valley Things to Do: Exploring 22 Spots in Livermore, Danville, Dublin & Pleasanton

The Tri-Valley is a collection of cities located about 35 miles east of San Francisco that is home to renowned museums, fantastic hiking trails, historical points of interest, and many highly reviewed restaurants. I spent a weekend exploring the towns of Danville, Pleasanton, Dublin, and Livermore and was greeted by much more than I expected, thoroughly enjoying my time in this special part of the state. Did you know they even have the longest-running lightbulb in the world?? I collected many of my favorite spots in this list to make the most of your time in the Tri-Valley. Check it out, and let me know what I left off in the comments that you enjoy in the area.

Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Visit Tri-Valley, but all of my opinions are my own.

Livermore is the largest city in the Tri-Valley, and because of that, it has lots of restaurants, a great downtown to explore, and many hiking trails. Livermore is where I stayed while I was in the Tri-Valley area, so I got to know the city pretty well. Here are some of my favorite spots in Livermore.

Downtown Livermore

I spent many mornings and nights in the downtown area as it has shops, restaurants, a movie theater, and more. Parking is easy around downtown with street parking and many parking lots. Just grab a spot and explore Downtown Livermore.

Livermore Murals

Downtown Livermore has a large collection of murals covering many buildings. There are more than 15 of them today all around the downtown and surrounding areas. I love seeing murals when I visit new cities, and they had some great ones here. If you want to see them all, you can find each location on this site .

Centennial Lightbulb

The Centennial Lightbulb is the Guinness Book of World Record’s longest burning lightbulb. It has been burning for 120 years and is still going strong in the Livermore Fire Station. It is inside the fire station, so you can only visit when someone is there to show you the lightbulb. You can see the lightbulbs webcam here , if you want to make sure it is still burning from the comfort of your home. 

Sutherland Distillery

Sutherland Distillery has been in Livermore for almost a decade, and it sources many of its ingredients from local farmers. You can set up an appointment if you would like to try their many different spirits. My favorite was the rye.

Del Valle Regional Park

This park encompasses over 4,000 acres and features dozens of miles of hiking and biking trails and a large lake with fishing and boating opportunities. It is especially charming during the spring when the wildflowers are in bloom.

Livermore Restaurants  

Donut wheel.

I always try to find new donut shops when I visit a city, and Donut Wheel was my find in the Tri-Valley. It is a typical mom-and-pop donut shop with a continuous line and classic donuts. It you like donuts like me, then check it out.

The Press was the biggest surprise during my visit to Livermore. I had gotten coffee there before, which was great, but I got a chance to try the food on a recent trip. They have “toastinis” which are slices of toast with different toppings, and you can mix and match two flavors. I had the avocado toast and egg with the strawberry caprese, and both were magical.

Posada specializes in contemporary southwestern cuisine that includes influences from many different cultures. It is an excellent spot for lunch with friends or a nice dinner out. Get the sangrita, a mix of Sangria and Margarita, and you cannot go wrong with the mahi-mahi tacos and watermelon salad. It is the most ordered item here, and it is easy to see why.

Uncle Yu’s at the Vineyard

Uncle Yu’s at the Vineyard serves up “innovative Asian cuisine” and is a fantastic upscale restaurant in Downtown Livermore. It is an excellent place for a date, and I loved the “Aged Orange Peel Beef” dish. It was flash fried and had a sweet and spicy flavor. One of my favorite things I ate in the Tri-Valley.

Story Coffee

Story Coffee is your spot if you are looking for a traditional coffee shop with fantastic drinks. Plus, it is right next to the Livermore Mural, which is fun to see as well.

Pleasanton is a great spot to spend the night while in Tri-Valley. It is the closest town to the San Jose Airport (if you are flying in), and the downtown area is just as walkable as Livermore and Danville. Plus, it has the Meadowlark Dairy, one of my favorite places in the Tri-Valley area.

Downtown Pleasanton

Downtown Pleasanton comprises six blocks of shops, coffee, restaurants, and museums. It is centered around the Pleasanton arch, an often photographed spot in the city. Parking is easy with lots of street parking and a few lots, so it is another excellent downtown to explore.

Meadowlark Dairy

No trip to Pleasanton is complete without a visit, or two, to Meadowlark Dairy. They have been selling dairy products here for the better part of a century, and you can stop by to try one of their famous ice cream cones daily. It is always busy, but the line moves fast, and there are multiple flavors, with new ones being switched out often. It is awesome, and a great way to spend a warm day in the city!

Museum on Main

While in Downtown Pleasanton, be sure to stop by Museum on Main. It is free and pretty small, but it has a great exhibit on the city’s history worth checking out.

Pleasanton Restaurants

Sabio on main.

Sabio on Main is an upscale restaurant located right off the main street. It is an excellent spot for a date with al la carte options and multiple course meals. I tried a three-course meal, and everything was fantastic that I tried. I especially liked the mussel soup, which I would never usually order. It’s a great spot for a relaxing dinner in Pleasanton.

Danville is the furthest north of the Tri-Valley towns, making it the access point for Mt Diablo, one of California’s best state parks. Not to be overshadowed by the mountain, the town also has a great downtown you can explore, the Blackhawk Museum, and the Eugene O’Neill historic site, among other things.

Blackhawk Museum

The Blackhawk Museum is one of the best museums I have ever been to and easily one of the state’s best. The museum has only five exhibits, but the exhibits are immersive and stunning, with days worth of information to take in if you are interested. You should not leave the Tri-Valley area without visiting this museum, and it is worth the visit to the Tri-Valley by itself. Here is more information on my time at the Blackhawk Museum.

Eugene O’Neill Historic Site

Eugene O’Neill is one of the USA’s most prolific playwrights. He wrote some of the best plays of the 20th century and even won a Nobel Prize during his life. He lived for a period in Danville, and the NPS has preserved his house. You can still tour if you get a ticket in advance, and it is worth it to see this beautiful property and learn more about Eugene O’Neill himself.

Mt Diablo is the crown jewel of the Tri-Valley and can be seen from all over the Bay Area. The mountain is a commanding presence, and on a clear day, you can see hundreds of miles away from the summit. The state park that encompasses the mountain has hiking and biking trails and a scenic drive to the summit. Read more about my time there in this post .

Danville Restaurants

Danville harvest.

Danville Harvest is a delicious brunch spot in Downtown Danville. Here, the food is farm-to-table with traditional breakfast items and sandwiches. I especially enjoyed the burrata appetizer, and this is a place where you will see lots of tourists and locals congregate on a nice spring day.

Danville Brewing Company

Danville Brewing Company is my go-to spot after a day of hiking in Mt Diablo State Park. The restaurant has plenty of seating inside and out, great beers, and many fun food options. I am partial to the fuji apple melt with bacon added on. It is hard for me to order anything else since it is so good.

Lottie’s Creamery

Lottie’s Creamery is a hand-crafted ice cream parlor right in Downtown Danville. The flavors change often and include everything from key lime pie to brown sugar & apple.

Dublin is the town I spent the least amount of time in, so hopefully, I can go back and spend more time there in the future. I did visit one of the museums though, and really enjoyed it.

Dublin Heritage Park & Museums

This park preserves many buildings from the 1800s, allowing visitors to dive into the area’s history and see how people lived during that time. If you visit outside of regular hours, you can still walk the grounds, but I recommend visiting when it is open to go into a few of the buildings.

Tri-Vally Trails (Beer Trail – Ice Cream Trail – Caffeine Trail)

The Tri-Valley does something fun that I have not seen before to encourage stops at many of the area’s best breweries, ice cream parlors, and coffee shops. They have three distinct trails (beer, ice cream, and caffeine) where you can visit a set number of participating locations and then upload your photos to a website to win a prize. You can learn more about the trails here , and you can see the mug I got from the caffeine trail above.

Hotel recommendation

Courtyard by marriot livermore.

I have only stayed at one hotel in the area, the Courtyard by Marriott Livermore. It was a great spot that was centrally located, had a spacious room, and had a lovely bistro with breakfast and lunch options. I enjoyed having it as my jumping-off point for a weekend in Tri-Valley.

There you have it, my favorite spots in California’s Tri-Valley area. What did I leave off that you love exploring? Let me know in the comments. 

Similar Posts

Clouds Rest Trail: A Hiking Guide to One of Yosemite’s Best Viewpoints

Redwood Grove Trail in Big Basin State Park

Mt Whitney Historic Fish Hatchery on Highway 395

Off-roading to mines on Old Dale Road outside of Joshua Tree National Park

Victoria Inn: Fun Bed and Breakfast in Downtown Murphys

Sam’s Italian Deli & Market: Best Sandwiches in Fresno

Quiz: Which San Diego Adventure is Right for You? 

Better than Napa? A True Hidden Gem: Tri-Valley, California

This blog post is in partnership with Visit Tri-Valley ; however, all opinions are my own. 

The Tri-Valley area is actually nicknamed “the sunny side of the bay.” Located just 35 miles east of San Franciso, Tri-Valley boasts an attractive scene with lots of things to do including visiting the wine country, tasting globally inspired cuisines, and even road-tripping through the hillsides.  

Despite living in San Francisco for nearly 5 years, I didn’t know much about the Tri-Valley area. Regardless of hearing tales of the beautiful hillsides, this area has to offer I had yet to visit until this past spring. 

The Tri-Valley area remains a hidden gem in California as it straddles both Alameda and Contra Costa counties and includes the cities of Livermore, Pleasanton, Dublin, San Ramon, and the town of Danville. It is the perfect location for a weekend getaway or even just a day trip from San Francisco.  

Read more below to find out about the best things to do in Tri-Valley to help make your experience even more memorable! 

HOW TO VISIT

Getting to Tri-Valley, California is simple and easy! Hop on a flight to either San Francisco (SFO) or Oakland. 

If you are heading up from San Diego, it is just a quick 1-hour flight, so sit back, relax, and enjoy the views as you fly over the Golden Gate Bridge. 

Upon arrival, I highly recommend renting a car. Most of the places listed in this things to do in the Tri-Valley article will require you to drive to them. 

WHERE TO STAY

I personally stayed in a very central location at the AC Hotel in Pleasanton. It was conveniently located to everything I did which made for a quick drive to each location. The AC Hotel features large, updated contemporary rooms, a pool deck with cabanas, a fitness center, and a sleek lounge bar that also serves breakfast in the morning.

If you are looking for a lit more classy stay, then I recommend The Purple Orchid Wine Country Resort and Spa. This will not be as centrally located; however, it is higher end and will give you close access to the wine valley as it is in Livermore.

It is always wise to book your hotel in advance! Here are a few more great options that are conveniently and centrally located in Tri-Valley.

Residences Inn by Marriot Pleasanton : Blends stylish luxuries like granite countertops & 37 inch HD plasma TVs with the comfort you expect from the hotel

Four Points by Sheraton : From the patios and balconies, guests can enjoy the soothing sights and sounds of the lagoons, waterfalls, and fountains that grace the hotel’s 10.5-acre grounds. 

Hyatt House Pleasanton: HYATT house is the alternative to typical hotel accommodations. There are separate spaces that allow you to live as you might in your own home.  

Here you can find a full list of great hotels in the Tri-Valley area. 

THINGS TO DO IN TRI VALLEY 

Much of the Tri-Valley area actually captures the essence of California. 

From cute cafes to rolling hills to cultural experiences you will find a multitude of activities and things to do in Tri Valley. This is truly an adorable town.

You can also ride a wine trolley, rent an e-bike, or take in the spectacular panoramic views from the top of Mt. Diablo. 

There are lots of nature activities just as much as there are relaxing activities! If you visit in the spring you may be greeted by rolling green hills that make you feel like you are in Ireland. Visiting in the Fall? Plan to pack your cutest flannel as the trees lining downtown Livermore will have you awe-struck with the fall colors. 

HIKE IN THE TRI VALLEY AREA

Being an active person is my kind of thing as you all know! There is a multitude of state parks and hiking options all across the bay, but especially in the Tri-Valley area. Considering the Bay area can get a lot of rain it is always best to check trail closures prior to embarking on your adventure. 

I personally visited two parks during my visit: Brushy Peak Regional Preserve and Mt. Diablo State Park . Both were absolutely stunning!

Brushy Peak Regional Preserve is a bit of a hidden gem! To access this preserve you drive down a dirt road through the rolling hills of Livermore. Upon arrival, you will find a dirt parking lot as well as one bathroom stall. 

This preserve offers lots of opportunities for hiking and biking! Dogs are also allowed here on a leash! I personally did the west side loop trail and it was beautiful! 

The second park I visited was Mt. Diablo State Park . Driving up to the summit was INSANELY beautiful, but also quite terrifying haha. It is about an hour of driving on windy roads with tight curves and steep drop-offs. If you get car sick, this might not be for you. 

Unfortunately, I was unable to make it to the top of the summit; however, the pictures look beautiful! It began to hail on me and the fog was so intense that I was a wee bit too scared to keep going.

You will have to watch my full youtube video when it is posted on the mini anxiety attack I had driving up this road by myself IN HAIL!

Another great park that was unfortunately closed while I was visiting is Del Valle Regional Park. This park offers beautiful views, hiking, and a lake you can even swim in. If I ever go back I will most definitely be visiting this park. 

Don’t miss out on the entire list of parks and trails!

BEST RESTAURANTS TO EAT AT

When in Tri-Valley you MUST eat! When I was in the area, I definitely took advantage of enjoying the different cuisines these towns have to offer. There are a plethora of ethnic cuisines and even some Michelin Star restaurants! 

Let’s be honest-you all know I am not the biggest foodie, nor am I that “adventurous” with my dish choices, so to say all of these places listed below are spectacular is a big deal for me! 

Here are some of the best places to eat based on where I went when visiting Tri Valley. 

• Monica’s : This is set in the historic building of one of Livermore’s original wineries. Monica’s is a farm-to-table kind of restaurant! 
• Crumbs : A cute dine-in or take-out restaurant that offers your classic all-American breakfast options as well as vegan waffles! 
• The Press Cafe : A cute cafe in downtown Livermore to grab a quick coffee to go from or to sit at and enjoy a delicious Avocado toast! 
• First Street Ale House : They want to be known as your home away from home! Also known for having the largest display of beer cans on the wall, First Street Ale House has a relaxed atmosphere, great beer, and good food!
• Danville Harvest : MY PERSONAL FAVORITE RESTAURANT. They offer an upscale style and ambiance with sustainably sourced ingredients. I got the chicken salad sandwich AND the chicken cashew salad; both were AMAZING.
• Range Life : This is a Michelin Star neighborhood restaurant in downtown Livermore that sources locally and seasonally focused foods. The menu is constantly changing, but I got the lonely mountain butter lettuces and the pastured chicken. I HIGHLY recommend reservations for this dinner! 
• Oyo : Indulge in the essence of South American food at Oyo. I ordered the Trinidadian Channa and Paella Oyo
• Burma! Burma! : A true hidden gem and authentic Burmese cuisine that offers indoor and outdoor dining. I ordered the Samosas, Sesame Chicken, and of course rice! 

Make sure to check out the full list of restaurants in Tri Valley to make your choices! You can sort by type of cuisine, budget, and even if it is dog-friendly or not!

TRI VALLEY EXPERIENCES

Like I stated previously, there are a ton of things to do in Tri-Valley and truly something available for every budget and age. Below is a list of my top recommended things to do in Tri-Valley. 

E-bike around the Livermore Wine Valley

You can find tons and tons of different biking trails around Tri-Valley , but my personal favorite way to see the area was renting an e-bike from Pedego in downtown Livermore. 

I picked up a super cute e-bike from their downtown location and headed out for the day to enjoy two wineries. Pedego supplies you with a fully charged e-bike, a helmet, 2 water bottles, a bike bag, and a trail map. After a quick lesson, you are set to go!

Trails around the area are super safe-there are even specific biking trails that get you to the wineries to keep you off the main road. 

It is $20/hr or $75/day to rent with Pedego. You can also opt to take a tour so that you can just sit back and relax and enjoy the bike ride without worrying about directions! 

If you don’t think you have the stamina to bike around you could also hop on the Livermore Wine Trolley and do some wine tasting. 

Livermore Wine Valley

One of the biggest hidden gems in the Tri Valley area is the wine valley of Livermore. During my time in the east bay, I visited three different wineries and can highly recommend them all. There are tons of options though for wine tasting in Livermore. 

Wood Family Vineyard s: This is definitely the spot to be on a Friday night as they have live music, food trucks, and wine tasting! It was poppin’ when I visited and I truly felt like family when I was there. Everyone was so welcoming! 

The Wood Family Vineyard is a family-run urban winery in “the block” area of Livermore, plus Rhonda, the owner, is one of a growing number of female winemakers in the area. 

Concannon Vineyard : This was one of the first wineries in the area and was founded by James Concannon. James recognized that the terroir of California’s Livermore Valley was strikingly similar to the premier vineyards of Bordeaux, so he decided to create a vineyard in Livermore!

This winery was super cute, but again I highly recommend reservations as Concannon can become extremely crowded-especially on a nice sunny day. 

Las Positas Winery : The last winery I visited was Las Positas. They were the winner of the 2019 San Francisco Chronicle Competition’s Best Red Wine Sweepstakes! When at this winery you will feel like you are sitting in the rolling hills of Tuscany as you look out the windows!

You can also enjoy flatbreads and decadent chocolate treats to go along with your tasting! 

Caffeine trail, Ice Cream Trail, Mural Walk

Not only is there a wine trail there is also a caffeine trail, an Ice Cream Trail, AND a mural walk. You can find maps to all these different “trails” here . 

Visit 5 of the participating ice cream shops or coffee shops along these trails, post about it on your social media channels, and then collect a unique gift for completing this fun experience!

Map to all the murals in downtown Livermore. 

Blackhawk Museum

If you are looking for a bit more of a cultural experience or something to do on a rainy day, the Blackhawk museum is your spot. 

This museum was originally founded in 1988 by Ken Behring and started as just a collection of one-of-a-kind automobiles. It has now grown into something much much larger.

Immerse yourself in one of the five different galleries as you explore different cultures like Africa and China. My personal favorite gallery though was the newest one-World of Nature.

I hope you found this guide to Tri-Valley helpful and I hope that I have inspired you to visit this beautiful hidden gem!

Similar Posts

TIPS FOR CAR CAMPING: COMPLETE GUIDE TO SLEEPING IN YOUR CAR

The Ultimate Christmas in San Diego List for 2023

REVIEW OF BACKLAND GLAMPING RESORT

20+ Places to Eat and Things to Do in Downtown San Diego

COMPLETE GUIDE TO FINDING FREE CAMPING IN THE US

10+ EASY CAMPING MEALS TO MAKE ON YOUR NEXT RV ADVENTURE (+ A DOWNLOADABLE GROCERY LIST)

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Tri-Valley Parks & Hiking Trails

The Tri-Valley offers plenty of things to do outdoors from hiking along the rolling hills of Pleasanton Ridge with its spectacular views to swimming, boating, paddle boarding or fishing at beautiful Lake Del Valle, the jewel of Del Valle Regional Park .

With its miles of trails, dozens of parks, plenty of sunshine all year round, and clean, fresh air, the outdoor lifestyle awaits in the scenic beauty of the Tri-Valley. The views can be breathtaking and so peaceful.

Take a look at suggestions from people who live in the Tri-Valley. They are in the know and share their Tri-Tips.

Visit the Tri-Valley!

Livermore First-Time Visitor Guide

• by WINECOUNTRY COLLECTIVE
• on MARCH 27, 2024

Photo courtesy of Concannon Vineyard | Harrison Miller

Tucked away less than an hour east of the vibrant city of San Francisco, Livermore Valley Wine Country remains one of Northern California’s best-kept secrets. Here, wine tasting is a leisurely affair—a welcome change from the hustle and bustle of California’s more popular wine regions. Surrounded by picturesque canyons and just a stone’s throw from bustling Bay Area cities, Livermore Valley is the perfect retreat for wine enthusiasts seeking an intimate and friendly atmosphere.

Livermore’s Wine Heritage

What you may not realize is that Livermore Valley is one of California’s oldest wine regions! Its roots trace back to the 1700s when Spanish missionaries planted the first wine grapes in the area. The 1840s marked a significant turning point when Robert Livermore introduced the first commercial vineyard to the area. The founding of the first wineries by Carl H. Wente and James Concannon in 1883 cemented Livermore Valley’s place in California’s wine history.

Photos courtesy of Livermore Farmers’ Market

Step back in time at the Ravenswood Historic Site , a beautifully preserved estate that offers a glimpse into Livermore’s past. Explore the Victorian buildings and picturesque grounds for a peaceful and educational outing.

Del Valle Regional Park is a picturesque 4,314-acre park set around Lake Del Valle, just 10 miles south of Livermore. Pack a picnic lunch, hike the trails, or rent a canoe to enjoy a moment of solitude.

In the late afternoon or evening, check out a new movie or classic film at The Vine Cinema and Alehouse , where you can nosh on a burger or salad while enjoying a show. Afterwards, head to Almost Famous Wine Company , an incubator for new wines from The Livermore Valley. Discover wines from up-and-coming producers then stay for live music or a comedy performance.

Top 10 Wineries to Visit in Southern California

8 Great Oregon Wineries to Visit

Everything You Need to Know About Prosecco

Napa Valley

Most Beautiful Wineries in Napa Valley

Tri-Valley Wineries: A Hidden Gem Outside of San Francisco

The Tri-Valley is the coolest place you’ve never heard of… yet. Comprised of three valleys that come together (hence the name), this area features the cities of Pleasanton, Dublin, Livermore, and the sweet little town of Danville. There’s the historic wine region— Livermore Valley AVA, charming breweries and pubs along their beer trail, even an ice-cream trail. There’s something for everyone here! The best part is, it’s only 40 minutes or so from San Francisco, so close enough to be a day trip, but it feels like it’s a world away. It’s a wonderful escape!

During our weekend hosted by Visit Tri-Valley , we had the opportunity to stay at the brand new Aloft Hotel in Dublin-Pleasanton. I’m a huge fan of the W hotels and their subsidiaries, so this was such a treat. The pool here is amazing, and the vibe overall is younger/hipper than the W itself. Its location also makes it easy to get just about everywhere in the Tri-Valley that you’re interested in going.

Our first stop Friday evening was dinner and drinks at Bridges Restaurant , in the heart of downtown Danville. They’re off on a little side road with a huge ivy-covered patio. While we were there, they featured live music and a happy hour that lasted all night. Their menu for wine by the glass had a happy amount of selection, and their food was delicious and plated beautifully. Overall the ambiance was charming, relaxing, and overall amazing. Definitely a great spot to take a date or celebrate something special.

From there we continued our journey on foot and walked a few blocks through Dansville’s adorable downtown – there’s just enough happening to add a buzz to the air, but the overall tone is still relaxed and calming. I can’t emphasize enough how great of an “escape” this area feels. If you’re from the San Francisco/Bay Area, the Tri-Valley feels like an entirely different place.

We ended our evening at the Auburn Lounge , a Golden Age themed speakeasy that looks straight out of the roaring 20’s. Such cute vibes! Their wine list was wonderful again (especially considering they had cava on the sparkling menu… my fave!), and although we were too full from dinner at Bridges, I hear they have amazing desserts.

The next morning, we started our wine trek by visiting Lake Del Valle and drinking mimosas on the water front. Super cute spot to get away and just relax!

From there, we ventured to lunch at Bottle Taps , and while I’m not a huge fan of beer personally, I cannot rave about this place enough. They have a huge range of beer on tap and offer “paddles” that perfectly pair a flight of beers with a selection of small foods. They’re also home to the greatest cheese plate you’ve ever seen—with a giant soft pretzel, cheese dip, meat, bacon bits, almonds, and olives… I was in absolute heaven! Beyond that even, they have kombucha on tap (my fave), and do this really cool thing where they mix dry cider with flavored balsamic vinegars to create a unique mix drink. I loved the lavender and Boudreaux cherry versions of this, personally, but you should definitely give multiple of them a try! For you people out there who are exclusively wine-lovers, they even have a fair selection of wine by the glass to choose from. This is a perfect stop between wineries to re-fuel and consider trying something new.

And finally… onto the vineyards.

While there on the trip, we had an opportunity to visit three: Murietta’s Well, Concannon Vineyards, and Wente.

concannon vineyards

Concannon Vineyards is a true trailblazer in America’s wine history. It is estimated that 80% of California’s Cabernet Sauvignon is planted from their Concannon clones; originally brought over from Bordeaux and selected by studies at UC Davis, these clones are particularly dynamic and virus-resistant. Without them, California might not be the King of Cabernet like it is today.

Their entire estate is breath-taking, and as part of our tour, we had the opportunity to do a tasting in their vintage wine library, which houses over 3,000 bottles of their historic Concannon wines. We tasted some with food to see the difference salt, sugar, and bitter pairings play in bringing out and subduing flavors. My absolute favorite was the Zinfandel. Love a good zin!

muriettas well

Murietta’s Well is probably the hippest feeling winery I’ve ever visited. Their estate is gorgeous, with huge chandeliers and exposed beams, and beautiful vineyards surrounding the tasting room. Never have I ever been to a tasting with so many other young people on-premises! It was such a chill vibe and would make for a great girl’s weekend stop.

Wente was our last stop, and by far my favorite destination during the trip. They also played a huge rule in shaping California as the wine-growing state it is today. Founded in 1883, Ernest Wente is famous for his role in introducing Chardonnay to California. Wente travelled to Europe to collect cuttings, brought them back to Livermore, nurtured the vines through Prohibition, then, in 1933, produced the first varietally labelled Chardonnay. From there it grew – and now a majority of the state using clones from his vineyard.

In addition to the rich history, Wente continues to be a trailblazer today, with a sustainable garden on site that supplies their restaurant (Diane, the Master Gardener, is the sweetest woman ever! I could spend all day listening to her passionate tell about what she’s growing!) I’m definitely planning a trip back to check out their tasting menu ASAP.

Their wine was also the best wine I tried all weekend, and made me truly excited for what else I could find in Livermore AVA. Although Wente is a large estate today, you can still tell that they passionately put their all into crafting great wine that’s expressive of their terroir and is meant to get the drinker to slow down and appreciate the subtleties.  A true gem in the heart of a great area.

Overall, my experience in the Tri-Valley was amazing, and left me excited for future trips back. I’ve been telling anyone who will listen how great it is, and I can’t wait to continue discovering more that this unique and extremely charming area has to offer.

You may also enjoy:

The best north georgia wineries, wine country escapes: affordable hotels in livermore, …, amador county wineries: uncorking gold, delicious discoveries: your guide to livermore’s ….

• Privacy Policy

This is the Tri-Valley: 15 Exciting Things to Do in Livermore, Pleasanton, Dublin & Danville

Sharing is caring!

Are you looking for a weekend getaway in the Bay Area? Consider the Tri-Valley area where there are a ton of great things to do in Livermore, Pleasanton, Dublin and Danville.

I lived in San Francisco for almost a decade while my cousins and aunt lived in the Tri Valley area just across the bridge. I spent many a weekend and holiday exploring the area with my family, but now I’ve had the opportunity to revisit the area as a tourist. For someone who thought they knew the area, boy was I wrong!

Exploring one of California’s oldest wine regions (with more than 60 wineries!), finding wildlife in one of the many outdoor spaces while also filling your belly with delicious eats and treats is the perfect escape for couples, friends and families. The Tri-Valley provides everything you need and want in a weekend getaway excursion in the San Francisco Bay Area from wine festivals to acres of parks to explore.

Jump to a Heading Below

What is the Tri Valley?

The Tri-Valley is 35 east of San Francisco, but a world away. Urban landscapes melt away to sprawling neighborhoods with vineyards as the backyard, cows grazing on green rolling hillsides and hidden nature escapes teeming with wildlife.

The Tri-Valley area is comprised of Pleasanton , Livermore , Dublin and the town of Danville . These cities encompass a large swath of East Bay real estate that crosses from Alameda County to Contra Costa County and quickly leads out of the Bay Area. While for many, these are towns to drive through on the way to Los Angeles or the Central Valley, this area holds great appeal for a staycation or fun filled family weekend getaway.

15 Exciting Things to Do in Livermore, Pleasanton, Dublin & Danville

• Pleasanton offers an abundance of outdoor space, an adorable and vibrant downtown filled with delicious food. Don’t miss the weekend farmer’s market to stock up on produce for the week. 
• Livermore is California’s oldest wine region with dozens of family owned and operated wineries. There are so many great things to do in Livermore, but wine tasting wins. This is *the* place to go to support locally owned businesses, without giving up the world class taste California fine wines are known for. 
• Dublin is known for their festive St Patrick’s Day Festival (of course!) and a booming city teeming with family-friendly spots. From laser tag, bowling,traditional eateries and so much more, your family will surely find something fun for their weekend getaway. 
• Danville is home to upscale dining, the looming hills of Mt Diablo and one of the best museums around town – the Blackhawk Museum. 

Find the Fun with These Great Things to Do in Livermore

Livermore is the homegrown winery region of the East Bay. Considered one of the oldest wine areas of the state, this are is still surprisingly underrated. With dozens of wineries and options for wine tastings, that must be the top of any to do list in Livermore. But for those who want to shop or are with kids, don’t worry as there is something for them too! The San Francisco Premium Outlets are well known and worth the drive!

Visit Local Wineries

Go Wild with Dinosaurs 

Hit Up A Local Pub

Spot Bald Eagles at Del Valle

This local park is a great place to escape city life for a moment (there is no cell service out here!), learn about the wild animals that still call this area home at the local nature center or even spend the weekend camping out. If you want to hike, check out the Ohlone Wilderness Trail. Del Valle is just one of the many beautiful parks in the area to explore. 

Explore the Best Things to Do in Pleasanton

Downtown Pleasanton is where you can experience a classic Main Street and flourishing downtown area with a main street filled with locally owned shops. There are a ton of great things to do in Pleasanton including shopping, dining, famous soft serve ice cream and even a historic downtown tour. Apart from what we listed below, there are an abundance of adorable shops like American Harvest filled with holiday decor and a wide selection of great restaurants with plenty of outdoor seating. Read on to find read more about our top picks when exploring downtown Pleasanton. 

Towne Center Books

Gay Nineties Pizza

Meadowlark Dairy

Go ahead friends, live it up and go for the large! It is massive, but oh so yummy!

Note: Are you an ice cream aficionado? The Tri Valley has an Ice Cream Trail with local ice cream stops throughout the area. 

Pleasanton Farmers Market

Nonni’s Bistro

Stroll the Streets Listening to Live Music

One of the biggest surprises of downtown Pleasanton was the abundance of live music playing on a Friday night. With the move to outdoor seating, outdoor performances have popped up all over. From the local man who set up his own heaters and guitar station on the corner of Main to the singer songwriters brought in by the various restaurants, it’s nice to stroll the streets taking it all in. With the added value of live outdoor music, this is the spot to venture out on a weekend evening. 

Eat Your Way Through Dublin

Set in a nondescript shopping complex, Mayflower is a hidden gem. This traditional Cantonese restaurants offers delicious dim sum and dumplings during the day and a huge variety of other Chinese offerings for dinner. We sadly missed out on the pork buns for lunch, but loved our dinner with an assortment of pot stickers, fried rice and shrimp. If you are missing out on great ethnic food, this is the place to go! For other Asian varieties, try Amakara for Japanese food and sushi or Koi Palace for dim sum and northern China dumplings. 

Spend a Day in Danville 

Start your day off at the Blackhawk Museum before heading to lunch at Revel Kitchen and Bar and end the day with a great hike and explorations at Rock City on Mt Diablo. 

Blackhawk Museum

Revel Kitchen and Bar

11th Tiger Thai Street Cafe

Our favorite country for food is Thailand, so we were excited to run into the 11th Tiger Thai Street Cafe in downtown Danville. Unfortunately we had already eaten, but it is on our wishlist for our next visit to town. This restaurant serves up our favorite street food from Thailand with a menu of noodles and curries. 

Scramble on Rocks at Rock City on Mt Diablo

Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Where to Stay

There are a ton of different places to stay throughout the Tri-Valley region, you really can’t go wrong. During our visit we stayed at the AC Hotel by Marriott in Pleasanton. This hotel is a modern, chic establishment that is perfect for all travelers. Located across from the Stoneridge Mall area and a few minutes from the highway, it is convenient for exploring the entire area. We particularly loved that the rooms were revamped with wood floors making the rooms feel fresh and revitalized. 

Have you been to the Tri-Valley area? What are your favorites?

If You Enjoyed This Post, Sign Up To Receive Posts By Email or…

• Join us on  Facebook  for regular updates and related articles
• Check us out on  Instagram  to see what we are up to in photos
• Follow us on  Twitter  for links to great travel articles curated just for you
• Or share this post with others by pinning on Pinterest!

Thank you to Visit Tri-Valley for inviting us out. We had a wonderful time exploring our old stomping grounds.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Visit Tri-Valley Announces Second Annual Taste Tri-Valley

Festivities to Kick off with a Chef Collaboration Dinner with Chef Francis Hogan of Sabio on Main

  WHO :   Visit Tri-Valley , the region’s destination marketing organization, in partnership with the Cities  and Chambers of Commerce of Pleasanton, Livermore, Dublin and Town of Danville , are hosting the second annual Taste Tri-Valley Restaurant Week .

  WHAT : Taste Tri-Valley Restaurant Week is a 10-day restaurant promotion that includes indoor dining, outdoor dining and take-out for participating dining establishments. This year’s event takes place Friday, February 18 through Sunday, February 27, 2022 with a Chef Collaboration Kick-off Dinner on Thursday, February 17, with Chef Francis Hogan of Sabio on Main. Prix-fixe menus, available for indoor and outdoor dining and take-out, from diverse cuisines will be available at various set price points (for lunch and dinner) for every taste and budget.

Among the dozens of participating restaurants are Burma! Burma! (Dublin), Zephyr Grill (Livermore),

Bridges Restaurant & Bar (Danville), BottleTaps (Pleasanton), Sabio on Main (Pleasanton), Salt Craft Bakery and Catering (Pleasanton), Posada (Livermore) and Locanda Restaurants (Pleasanton,

Danville and Livermore), as well as local winery partners Las Positas Vineyards , Nottingham Cellars and

The Lineage Collection.

  The celebratory Chef Collaboration Dinner that will kick off the event is a ticketed four-course meal featuring Chef Francis Hogan of Sabio on Main, Chef Matt Greco of Salt Craft Bakery and Catering, Chef Eduardo Posada of Posada, and Chef Tullio Rosano of Locanda Restaurants, with each chef presenting a course. Tickets are available on Tock for $125 per person, including wine pairings. A raffle will benefit Open Heart Kitchen, the largest hot meal program of its kind in the Tri•Valley area.

Visit Tri-Valley is committed to supporting our local restaurant community in a safe and respectful manner. Taste Tri-Valley provides options for indoor dining, outdoor dining, take-out and delivery. Guests are asked to keep the Tri-Valley region safe by wearing a mask and maintaining social distance.

WHEN : Chef Collaboration Kick-off Dinner: Thursday, February 17, 2022 – Reserve through Tock Taste Tri-Valley Restaurant Week: Friday, February 18 – Sunday, February 27, 2022

WHERE :Chef Collaboration Kick-off Dinner: Sabio on Main, 501 Main St., Pleasanton, Calif.

Taste Tri-Valley Restaurant Week: Restaurants in Pleasanton, Livermore, Dublin and Danville, Calif.

For more information, updates and a complete list of Taste Tri-Valley participants, please visit visittrivalley.com/restaurantweek or follow @visittrivalley on Facebook and Instagram.

Share This Story!

Related posts.

Livermore Valley Chamber of Commerce Wine Country Event “State of the City” With Livermore Mayor John Marchand

Business After Hours Mixer Host Description for LVCC Website April 2024

Ribbon Cutting Celebration – Del Valle Winery

 Ribbon Cutting Celebration – FFB Bank

Ribbon Cutting Celebration – Purpose Built Trade Co.

Leave a comment cancel reply.

For security, use of Google's reCAPTCHA service is required which is subject to the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Use .

I agree to these terms (required).

OUR MINISTER

Dr. Joseph Lozovyy was born into a Christian family in Elektrostal, Moscow Region, and was raised in a pastor’s home. From the age of fifteen, he began actively participating in the music ministry of the Baptist Church in Mytishchi, where his father served as a pastor, and also played in the orchestra of the Central Moscow Baptist Church. From 1989, he participated in various evangelistic events in different cities of Moscow Region and beyond. From 1989 to 1992, as a member of the choir and orchestra “LOGOS,” he participated in evangelistic and charitable concerts, repeatedly performing on the stages of the Moscow State Conservatory, the Bolshoi Theatre, and other concert halls in Russia and abroad. In 1992, his family moved to the United States. In 2007, after completing a full course of spiritual and academic preparation, Joseph moved to Dallas, Texas, to engage in church ministry. In 2008, he founded the Russian Bible Church to preach to the Russian-speaking population living in Dallas, Texas.

– Bachelor of Arts in Music (viola) from the Third Moscow Music School named after Scriabin, Russia (1987-1991)

– Master of Theology (Th.M); Dallas Theological Seminary, Texas (1999-2003);

– Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) Hebrew Bible (Books of Samuel): University of Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (2007).

– Doctoral research (2004-2005) Tübingen, Germany.

– Author of a theological work published in English: Saul, Doeg, Nabal and the “Son of Jesse: Readings in 1 Samuel 16-25, LHBOTS 497 [T&T Clark/Continuum: Bloomsbury Publishing]).

https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/saul-doeg-nabal-and-the-son-of-jesse-9780567027535/

Joseph and his wife Violetta and their son Nathanael live in the northern part of Dallas.

Saul, Doeg, Nabal, and the “Son of Jesse”: Readings in 1 Samuel 16-25: The Library of Hebrew Bible/Old Testament Studies Joseph Lozovyy T&T Clark (bloomsbury.com)

Joseph, his wife Violetta and their son Nathaniel live in North Dallas, Texas where he continues ministering to Russian-speaking Christians and his independent accademic research.

Published Work

1. bloomsbury:, 2. buy at christian book distributors:, 3. buy on amazon:.

Moscow Metro Font

Moscow Metro is a multi-line display typeface inspired by the Moscow underground map. It comes in Regular and Color versions.

Moscow Metro is ideal for posters and headlines, neon signage and other artworks.

• Share by email

Designed by: Nadira Filatova Website

License: free for commercial use.