Located on the eastern edge of the greater San Francisco metropolitan area, Livermore is a city of approximately 85,000 residents known for its large national laboratory.
The city sits along the I-580 corridor, connecting San Francisco and Oakland, west and north to the state’s Central Valley and inland cities like Stockton and Modesto.
For those who don’t want to travel too far, there’s plenty to do within the city limits, but day trips to San Francisco and the nearby wine region are also popular.
Here are 15 things to do in and around Livermore, California.
1. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Discovery Center
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is one of the largest employers in the region. While much of the facility is off-limits to nosy visitors, it features a Discovery Center crammed with unique educational exhibits designed to appeal to curious minds.
The Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Discovery Center is a great place to while away a few hours when the weather isn’t conducive to the outdoors. It is generally well-received by young and old tourists alike.
Due to the sensitive nature of most of the research conducted on site, you will need to sign up for a guided tour in advance.
2. Del Valle Regional Park
Although San Francisco has a high percentage of cloudy and rainy days each year, Livermore’s weather is generally more sunny and more conducive to outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and water sports.
Del Valley Regional Park is just a 20-minute drive from the city center. This is a great option for activity-minded nature lovers interested in enjoying the outdoors without having to travel to the larger state and national parks in the area.
For those who prefer to spend a night or two under the stars, the park features more than 100 individual campsites, many of which have water and electrical hookups.
3. Ravenswood
When it was built more than 125 years ago, Ravenswood was the summer home of a famous local citizen who was fascinated by the natural beauty of the area.
Although it has undergone several renovations and upgrades over the years, most of the homes are now in near pristine condition. This is a popular venue for special events such as weddings and professional photography.
The grounds include impressive gardens and orchards, as well as outbuildings such as a carriage house and cottage.
Guided tours are conducted several times a month by docents dressed in authentic period clothing. Check their website or give them a call to reserve your spot.
4. Shiva Temple
Shiva-Vishnu Temple, located in an unassuming corner of the Livermore suburbs, is one of the most unique cultural attractions in the area.
For those who stumble upon it, it is often surprising to encounter such a gorgeous and impressive example of Indian architecture in such a traditional California neighborhood.
The pyramid structure of the temple is adorned with various Hindu deities. Inside, there is a spacious hall and large kitchen for making delicious vegetarian meals.
The temple is located on Arrow Avenue in Livermore, not far from the city center.
5. Bankhead Theatre
One of three distinct components that make up the larger Livermore Center for the Performing Arts, the Bankhead Theatre is a popular live entertainment venue that has been open for over a decade.
The theater was created to provide performing arts to members of the community.
Since its opening, the theatre has offered a variety of productions throughout the year, from children’s performances, contemporary music, stand-up comedy to drama and chamber ensembles.
Many shows include local talent, and there are often many free shows throughout the year.
The theater is located on First Street in Livermore.
6. Centennial Bulb
After visiting one of Livermore’s fastest and most peculiar attractions, many tourists utter a cliché: “They’re definitely not going to do it like they used to.”
According to little-known local legend, Livermore’s Centennial Bulb has been burning continuously since it was first installed in 1901.
It is estimated that this means it has been glowing continuously for over a million hours, making it a true miracle.
The light bulbs can be found inside the city’s historic East Street Fire Station. Although it’s been a trusted beacon for over a century, it’s sure to go out one day, so stop and take a look when you can.
7. Sycamore Grove Regional Park
Covering nearly 900 acres, Livermore Grove Regional Park is one of the largest recreational spaces in the city.
Located on Wetmore Road, the park offers outdoor visitors a range of recreational options including biking, walking, running and horseback riding.
One of the park’s cores is a 2 ½ mile paved trail that winds through several natural environments. There is also a shorter loop which is a great option for those travelling with small children.
A wide variety of wildlife species can be seen from the park’s trails. There is also a picnic area with covered seating and restrooms just a stone’s throw from the parking lot.
8. Winter Vineyards
The Livermore Valley in north central California is home to many award-winning wineries, and Winter Vineyard is one of the oldest.
The vineyard was established nearly 150 years ago and is still owned and operated by the 5th generation of the original family.
A winery tour is a great option for those who want a behind-the-scenes look at how grapes turn into delicious and intoxicating beverages.
Tours come in a variety of lengths and may include farm sections during harvest, as well as production and bottling facilities. Of course, there will also be tastings paired with bread and cheese.
9. Hops and Sessions
Founded in Livermore in 2018, Hops & Sessions is one of the most popular bars in the area with pleasant outdoor seating and a cosy bar.
Hops & Sessions is the first pour-it-yourself pub in the valley; guests can enjoy a variety of delicious beers without waiting for a waiter to help.
Whatever your taste, you’ll love reading about each beer’s ingredients, flavor profile, and alcohol content before deciding which beer to choose. For those who would rather drink a small amount of beer, flights are an option.
Hops & Sessions is located on 1st Street in Livermore.
10. Story Coffee
Located on Maple Street in Livermore, Story Coffee is one of the coziest cafes in the city.
It’s smaller than some of the other coffee shops in the area, but with comfy seating, good lighting, and an all-around pleasant ambience, it’s a must for those looking to grab a delicious coffee with old friends good choice.
Story Coffee’s simple menu is printed directly on the wall. It includes simple favorites like straight hot coffee as well as modern additions like cold brew, lattes, and smoothies.
Their coffee tends to have more caffeine than some of their competitors, so drink accordingly.
11. Brushy Peak Regional Reserve
Municipal parks and other green spaces of all sizes in and around Livermore are in short supply.
The Brush Peak Regional Reserve is part park and part nature reserve, but unlike other places where adventurous visitors are allowed to venture off the trails, at Brush Peak you need to stay on a well-marked trail as it is home to some protected plant species home.
The reserve has several family-friendly trails, but previous visitors have noticed that shade and seating areas are few and far between. If you will be visiting in summer, you will need to bring a good hat, sunscreen and plenty of water.
The entrance to the Brushy Peak Regional Reserve is on Laughlin Road, a short drive from the city centre.
12. Livermore Wine Cart
Truth be told, winery tours and tastings are more fun when you don’t have to worry about driving home.
Thankfully, for those who don’t want to waste an unforgettable experience because they’ve been chosen as their designated driver, here’s the Livermore Wine Cart.
Wine Trolley offers many guided day tour options for wine lovers. Vendors on this tour have partnered with dozens of area wineries to provide guests with year-round access.
Begin the tour late morning in downtown Livermore, including multiple tours, lunch, wine tasting, and round-trip transportation.
Occasionally, sunset dinner tours are also offered.
13. Lizzie Fountain Park
Located on the corner of First Street and South Livermore Avenue in downtown Livermore, Lizzie Fountain Park is the most accessible municipal park in the city.
This is a popular meeting place for locals in the evenings and weekends. During the summer months, the park’s fountain features a popular splash pad that is popular with the little ones.
For parents who don’t want to get wet, there are nearby seating areas that allow them to see all the action while staying dry.
The park is close to many popular nighttime attractions such as bars, restaurants and theatres.
14. Livermore Arts Society
Located in one of the most historic buildings on Third Street in downtown, the Livermore Art Society is dedicated to preserving and exhibiting the work of local artists.
The Society’s galleries include paintings, ceramics, photographs and sculptures. They are regularly open to the public during part of the week and on weekends.
The facility’s hours of operation vary, but are usually significantly extended during the season when the local farmers market is held on K Street.
This is a great stop for those interested in viewing the stunning works without paying the hefty admission fees typically found in private museums and galleries.
15. Livermore Valley
While Livermore is more rural than its big-city neighbors across the western bay, for those interested in getting away from the area’s notorious hustle and bustle, a trip to the stunning Livermore Valley is a fun day out Tour selection.
Just a short drive from the city center, the valley is characterized by rolling hills, expansive vineyards and excellent restaurants.
While the region’s 50-plus breweries are the biggest draw, there are also many well-known craft breweries along the valley’s “brewing road.”
Many tourists looking to make the most of their time combine outdoor activities like morning hikes with afternoon or evening winery tours and wine tastings.
Where to Stay: Best Hotels in Livermore, CA (CA)
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