Skip Napa and try this hidden gem instead: why Tri-Valley California is the perfect Bay Area weekend getaway

Discover why Tri-Valley California is the perfect Bay Area weekend getaway, with scenic hikes, award-winning wineries, charming downtowns. In this blog we share the best things to do in Livermore, Pleasanton, Dublin, and Danville.

If you’re looking for the perfect Bay Area weekend getaway, Tri-Valley California might just be the coolest California getaway that you’ve never heard of. Located just 35 miles east of San Francisco, Tri-Valley California is home to one of the state’s oldest wine regions, spectacular hikes (including the challenging Mount Diablo!), and charming downtowns filled with cute shops and good food.

In this blog post we share the best things to do in California’s Tri-Valley, along with the perfect two-day Tri-Valley itinerary for visitors! Below, we also share how to get to Tri-Valley, the best time of year to visit the East Bay, and what to see, eat, and do in the region. We also share a full two day itinerary for Tri-Valley.

This blog was written in partnership with Visit Tri-Valley. All thoughts and opinions are our own, and we would never recommend experiences we didn’t genuinely love ourselves!

Travel tips for visiting Tri-Valley California

Where Is Tri-Valley California located?

Located just 35 miles east of San Francisco, Tri-Valley California sits on the eastern edge of the Bay Area, and is the gateway to the Central Valley. This region consists of four distinct cities, all with their own unique charm: Pleasanton, Livermore, Dublin, and Danville. No matter which location(s) you visit, you can expect charming main street vibes, cute shops and restaurants, good wine, and abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. 

The landscape here consists of rolling grassy hills, the beautiful mountains of the Diablo Range, and peaceful native oak forests. Expect warm days and cool evenings, as the delta breeze comes in and drops the temperature (often by 10-15 degrees). Pack accordingly!

How to get to Tri-Valley California (transportation)

Visitors to Tri-Valley have a few options for getting to the region. Below, we provide guidance for both regional and non-regional visitors looking to plan a weekend getaway to Tri-Valley.

How to Get to Tri-Valley from San Francisco or the Bay Area

If you’re located in the Bay Area you have a few options for getting to Tri-Valley. The region is positioned alongside the Interstate 580 and Interstate 680 junction, making it easy to access with a car. There are also two BART stations in Tri-Valley (Dublin/Pleasanton and West Dublin/Pleasanton), making it convenient for regional visitors looking to use public transportation.

Note: If you arrive via BART, you can use the Wheels Bus (LAVTA) for regional transit. The region also has phenomenal bike infrastructure, making Tri-Valley an ideal car-free getaway. However, if you plan to do a lot of hiking you may want to consider a car rental for your visit.

Looking for a car rental? I generally find that booking.com has very competitive car rental options. 

What airport should I fly into when visiting Tri-Valley, California? 

Non-regional visitors looking for a relaxing wine-country escape, flying into Tri-Valley probably makes the most sense. If you plan to fly to Tri-Valley, there are a few airports to choose from. Below are the three airports I would recommend, along with their driving distances to/from Tri-Valley. 

• Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport (OAK): 30-45 minute drive
• San Francisco International Airport (SFO): 1 hour drive
• Sacramento International Airport (SMF): 1.5-2 hour drive

We flew from Spokane, Washington into Sacramento, California. That airport has the longest driving distance to Tr-Valley, but you’ll usually encounter less traffic! It’s also a slightly smaller airport than Oakland or San Francisco.

If you’re flying in, I highly recommend renting a car.

Looking for a car rental? I find that booking.com has very competitive car rental options. 

Best time of year to visit Tri-Valley California

Like the rest of the Bay Area and surrounding Central Valley, Tri-Valley is a great year-round destination. Below are some reasons to consider visiting during different seasons here:

• Spring is a great time of year to visit for lush grasses and the occasional wildflower superbloom.
• Summer can be quite warm (avoid hiking around mid-day!), but it is a great time of year to enjoy time on the region’s lakes, as well as in-town adventures. 
• In fall you can enjoy wine harvest season, as well as beautiful fall colors.
• Winters here are mild, but can be cool and foggy, making Tri-Valley a great place to escape more snowy climates!

Things to do in Tri-Valley, California: where to eat, drink, hike, and stay in Livermore, Pleasanton, Dublin, and Danville

Where to eat in Tri-Valley: the best restaurants in Livermore, Pleasanton, Dublin, and Danville

Tri-Valley California is packed with amazing food options, and you can find just about any type of cuisine here! Below are our top recommendations for the best restaurants in Livermore, Pleasanton, Dublin, and Danville.. I recommend getting reservations in advance for dinners, as tables can fill up quickly on the weekends.

No matter what you do, don’t miss the ice cream at Meadowlark Dairy. This iconic regional institution serves phenomenal soft serve (aka “frosties”) at pretty unbeatable prices. They have both walk-up and drive-through options, with locations in Livermore and Pleasanton. When I make it back to the region this will be my first stop!  

Breakfast and lunch recommendations in Tri-Valley

• Brunch: Crumbs in Danville. Tucked away on a corner in downtown Danville, Crumbs serves breakfast and lunch, and has a full bar. Reservations are recommended, as this is a popular spot! They’re known for their whimsical atmosphere, amazing mimosas, and massive menu. We loved their lemon ricotta pancakes (not too sweet!) and chilaquiles, both of which were generously sized and perfectly prepared.
• Coffee: Inklings in Pleasanton and The Press in Livermore. Inklings offers plenty of space to work or mingle, and a cute vibey bookstore-esque feel. The coffee was delicious (with both got lattes), and their pastries were a standout. The Press has excellent drip coffee. We also had an excellent kumquat cake, but were underwhelmed by the mochi donuts (the frosting was bit too sweet!).
• Farm to table lunch: Danville Harvest in Danville. Danville Harvest serves up elevated seasonally inspired and locally sourced cuisine, with a focus on fresh ingredients. Their roasted cauliflower was a standout, and we also enjoyed the spring ravioli with filled with asparagus, ricotta, Meyer lemon, tomatoes, zucchini, goat cheese, abd pea shoots.

Dinner recommendations in Tri-Valley

• Pizza made from scratch: Wingen Bakery & Restaurant in Livermore. Wingen is a brainchild of husband-and-wife duo Aimee and Bryan, and their passion for service and food really shine through. This upscale (but not fussy) pizza joint has a rotating menu that reflects the seasons. We loved the classic marinara and seasonal salad, as well as their pickled green beans. They also participate in the Livermore Cork and Fork program, which offers guests $15 off local bottles of wine during the month of May. 
• Guyananese cuisine: Oyo in Pleasanton. Oyo was an absolute delight, and our first time trying Guyananese cuisine! Guyanese is a unique and diverse fusion of different cultures, including indigenous, African, Indian, Portuguese, Chinese, and European. With abundant vegan and vegetarian options (as well as lots of meat!), this food was vibrant and flavorful.
• Burmese food: Burma! Burma! in Dublin. Burmese is one of my favorite cuisines for its rich curries and vibrant dishes. With food to satisfy every palate and dietary need, Burma! Burma! Is sure to be a hit!

The best wineries in Livermore (perfect to wine and dine!)

Livermore actually has one of the oldest wine regions in the state of California, and this area is well known for their Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon vines. The abundant wineries of Livermore are a great day trip from San Jose and the Bay Area, and they offer more approachable venues and price points than their cousins to the north. 

Below are two winery recommendations, both of which also serve fantastic food. Both stand out because food isn’t just an afterthought at these wineries. Rather, it’s a thoughtful accompaniment to the wine tasting experience. 

• Las Positas Vineyards in Livermore. This charming boutique family-owned winery offers stunning views of the surrounding hills. It is just down the road from Del Valle Regional Park (more on that below). They provide a wide range of wines, including some of our favorite varietals: Verdelho and Tempranillo. They have an elegant tasting room with both indoor and outdoor seating, as well as a delicious tapas menu prepared by their on-site chef. Their squash blossoms were a real standout!
• Del Valle Winery in Livermore. Del Valle winery is also a family-owned boutique winery that really stood out to me for their approachable tasting menu, delicious food, and generous portions. I recommend planning a lunchtime visit so you can peruse their full menu while enjoying a tasting. Their spicy grilled edamame and beautifully arranged hummus and vegetable board were true highlights. We also really enjoyed their Grenache Rosé.

Where to hike in Tri-Valley: the best hikes in the East Bay

Tri-Valley has an abundance of beautiful hikes, and we have several recommendations below! In this area you can expect hard packed dirt, rolling hills, and woodlands filled with valley oaks and live oaks.

I think the best seasons for hitting the trails in Tri-Valley are winter and spring, when the rolling hills are lush and green and the wildflowers are blooming. In summer the hills are beautiful, but the grasses dry out and hikers must hit the trails early to avoid the heat. No matter when you go be sure to watch for poison oak, which is abundant in the drier regions of the west coast.

East Shore Trail to Lake Del Valle in Del Valle Regional Park, Livermore

This hike starts on a wide flat road and passes through a small oak forest before ascending rolling, opening hills. You’ll be rewarded after your climb with sweeping views of the reservoir below, as well as more rolling hills and grassland dotted with oak forest. You can take in the views from a bench overlooking the reservoir, or continue your hike down towards the lake’s edge. There are many trail options, but with wide open sightlines it’s nearly impossible to get lost! The route we did can be found here on AllTrails. 

There is free parking at the trailhead, as well as a bathroom and drinking fountain. Leashed dogs are allowed, as are mountain bikes. There are no spots to fill up water along this trail, so plan accordingly. Watch for poison oak, and bring sun protection because this hike is quite exposed. 

Little Yosemite, Canyon View Trail, McCorkle Trail in Sunol Regional Wilderness, Sunol

The Little Yosemite waterfall is about 1.1 miles from the trailhead. You will start on a wide and mostly flat road that follows Little Alameda Creek, a calm stream. The trail is lined with valley oak and live oak trees, and you may spot wildlife like woodpeckers, scrub jays, and phoebes. While the trees provide some shade, most of the trail is exposed and can feel hot midday, so bring plenty of water. The highlight of this trail is the Little Yosemite area, where a cascading waterfall flows through smooth rock, creating one of the most unique and beautiful spots in the park. You can relax near the falls or take in the scenery from above.Swimming or wading in the creek is not allowed, as it is home to the federally endangered California red-legged frog and entering the water can harm them. The route we did can be found here on AllTrails. 

Condor, Volvon, Stone Corral, and Coyote Loop Trail in Morgan Territory Regional Preserve, Livermore

The Condor, Volvon, Stone Corral, and Coyote Loop is about a 4.5 mile hike that takes you through wide open hills and classic East Bay grassland scenery. You will start on a gradual climb with rolling golden hills and scattered oak trees lining the trail. Keep an eye out for wildlife like hawks and grazing cattle along the way. The highlight of this loop is the ridgeline views, where you can see for miles across Morgan Territory and the surrounding valleys. While there are a few shaded sections under oak trees, most of the trail is exposed and can feel hot midday, so bring plenty of water. The trails are well marked, but there are several junctions, so having a map or following a set route is helpful. The route we did can be found here on AllTrails.

Eagles Peak via Corduroy Hills Trail in Las Trampas Wilderness Regional Preserve, San Ramon

The Eagle Peak via Corduroy Hills hike starts right from a neighborhood street and quickly transitions onto a wide dirt trail shaded by eucalyptus, bay, and oak trees. From the beginning, the climb is steadily uphill with a fairly steep incline and few breaks, making it feel moderate to hard depending on your fitness level. As you gain elevation, the views begin to open up with sweeping looks at the valley and oak covered hills, and in spring you may see vetch, clover, and California poppies along the trail. Near the top, the trail levels into a small plateau with shade and expansive views that stretch to Mount Diablo and even the bay on a clear day. The highlight is the summit at Eagle Peak, where you can sit on a shaded bench and take in the scenery, and even spot fossilized shells in the sandstone underfoot. There are no bathrooms or water at the trailhead, so plan ahead, and be careful of poison oak along the trail.

Martin Canyon Creek Trail in Dublin Hills Regional Open Space Preserve / Martin Canyon, Dublin

The Martin Canyon Creek Trail is a 3.1 mile out and back hike that follows a creek through rolling hills in Dublin Hills Regional Park. The trail starts on a wide dirt path with a gradual climb and passes through scattered oak trees. The trail is mostly shaded, making this a great option for a very sunny day, so bring water and be prepared for sun. At the top of the canyon the forest will suddenly stop and you’ll be near the top of the grassy rolling hills with expansive views of the valley. 

Where to stay for a Bay Area weekend getaway to Tri-Valley California 

Tri-Valley has an abundance of hotels to choose from, mostly from major flagship brands. We stayed at the Pleasanton Marriott, which is conveniently located less than 15 minutes from most of the food, hikes, and activities in this guide. 

We would highly recommend this property! The hotel has been fully renovated, and offers modern (but not sterile) decor and accommodations. There is free coffee in the lobby, as well as free parking and a fitness center, as well as an outdoor pool and hot tub (which are amazingly well used!). We enjoyed the quiet rooms, comfortable beds, and spacious rooms overlooking the pool.

There is a breakfast buffet on site, which is convenient and fulfilling. However, the buffet is generally not complimentary for standard bookings. Instead, it is included if you have qualifying M Club Lounge access, or if you book a “Stay for Breakfast” rate.

The perfect weekend in Tri-Valley, California: Bay Area weekend getaway itinerary

Looking to plan the perfect two day adventure to Tri-Valley? Below we share the perfect Bay Area weekend getaway itinerary for Tri-Valley.

Tri-Valley itinerary day one:

• Breakfast and coffee at Inklings
• Hike at East Shore Trail to Lake Del Valle in Del Valle Regional Park, Livermore
• Lunch at Las Positas Vineyards in Livermore
• Hike at Little Yosemite, Canyon View Trail, McCorkle Trail in Sunol Regional Wilderness
• Dinner at Oyo or Burma! Burma!
• Dessert at Meadowlark Dairy

Tri-Valley itinerary day two:

• Breakfast and coffee at The Press
• Hike at Martin Canyon Creek Trail in Dublin Hills Regional Open Space Preserve
• Lunch at Crumbs (stop by the farmers market too, if visiting on a Saturday!) or Del Valle Winery
• Hike at Eagles Peak via Corduroy Hills Trail in Las Trampas Wilderness Regional Preserve
• Post-Hike Beer at Danville Brewing Co.
• Dinner at Wingen

Looking for more California travel guides? Head here for comprehensive itineraries for some of the state’s most iconic destinations!