Calling All Californians

The "What If You Could" campaign is part of Calling All Californians, a larger effort by SF Travel and Visit California to encourage safe, in-state travel over the coming months. So, tell your family and friends to come and discover all the adventure that awaits, right here in our own backyard. A 5-Day Itinerary spotlighting the must-dos all around the Mt. Diablo Region, can be found on SF Travel’s website.  

How to Travel Safely

As we begin to reopen and welcome back all visitors, join us and show your resolve to travel safely and responsibly in the Mt. Diablo Region. Let’s stand together to prevent the spread of disease throughout the entire Mt. Diablo Region including the Contra Costa County cities of Concord, Danville, Pleasant Hill and Walnut Creek and Alameda County cities of Dublin, Pleasanton and Livermore. Thank you!

Mt. Diablo Region Travel Safely Pledge:

• Follow all current local health orders: Alameda County and Contra Costa County
• Wear a mask or face covering in public areas
• Maintain physical distance of 6 feet from others in public areas
• Wash hands and/or use hand sanitizer frequently
• Patronize local businesses safely
• Respect posted occupancy limitations and waiting protocols
• Use contactless payment methods when possible
• Respect frontline workers as they learn and implement changing protocols

Looking forward to seeing you soon in the Mt. Diablo Region!

A Day in Concord

From Concord’s famous Taco Trail, multicultural food scene and historic downtown, to our legendary live music events, local breweries, and wide, open spaces, adventure awaits at every turn. A quick getaway is always fun, easy, and full of unexpected discoveries.  Here’s how to make the most out of your time here:

Morning

Head out early and start the day with delicious, hearty breakfast at Big Country Kitchen where they are passionate about authentic homecooked southern comfort food. Choosing from specialties such as their chicken & waffles, biscuits & gravy or deep-fried French toast might pose your toughest challenge of the day, but you really can’t go wrong with any dish there. The restaurant was featured on Bay Area Check Please to rave reviews and is a favorite spot with locals. 

After that unforgettable meal, you’ll likely want to venture out and explore the area’s spectacular scenic hills, trails and panoramic views. First stop on the agenda: Lime Ridge Open Space. This 1,226-acre park of quintessentially Californian grasslands and rolling hills is just the spot for a hike or bike ride. 

To take in some spectacular views, head over to Mount Diablo State Park, less than 20 miles from downtown Concord. The 3,850-foot Mount Diablo dominates the skyline as one of the tallest peaks in the Bay Area, and you’ll find excellent hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, horseback riding and road biking (entrance fees apply

Mid-Day

After your outdoor adventure, head to the downtown area and get artsy at Concord’s famous aRt Cottage. Join Fro and friends for a fun class in watercolor painting or mini succulent garden design.

From there, take a short stroll over to nearby historic Todos Santos Plaza  to check out the iconic clock tower and cool, life-size statue of Don Salvio Pacheco, the city’s founder.  And, if a beer sounds good about now, make as stop at The Hop Grenade to sample some tasty craft beer varieties on tap.   

If you’ve always wanted to sample the wares at the legendary Epidemic Ales brewery, make the drive across town - you will be glad you did. And be sure to try their award-winning Lager at World’s End on tap while you’re enjoying the casual, social atmosphere inside or on their patio. 

And if all that beer makes you crave tacos, you’re in luck: now is the time to get acquainted with Concord’s famous Taco Trail. Head over to the Monument Blvd neighborhood to check out some of the authentic stops at the heart of the Trail. We suggest Tortellaria El Molino, Mercado Del Sol, or El Faro Mexican Food.

With nearly 40 restaurants and taquerias, you won’t be able to do them all in one day, so plan to come back often and try them all.

Evening

Enjoy the rest afternoon strolling around The Veranda shopping center where you’ll find shops, restaurants and entertainment in a beautiful, outdoor setting. For a fun challenge try one of the experiences at the Red Door Escape Room.

There’s also the plush & cushy Veranda Luxe theater if you’re in the mood for a good movie, or if you’d rather go old school, make your way over to West Wind Drive Inn for a double feature and some snack bar treats. 

After that, head on over to Pleasant Hill for your next part of the adventure!

Stay in Pleasant Hill - "at the centre of everything"

We’re all for adventure here. Located at the center of everything, with easy access from the north or south via train, car or plane, escape the city life and visit Pleasant Hill which is surrounded by some of the Bay area’s best attractions.

Offering a variety of lodgings, you can choose to stay at one of our upper scale accommodations such as Courtyard by Marriot, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Hyatt House or Residence Inn by Marriott, and, for the midscale hotels, to suit every budget, try Pleasant Hill Inn, Extended Stay America or Sun Valley Inn.

Wake up to an array of outdoor activities; from enjoying the off the beaten paths walking trails, or hiking or biking up Mt Diablo for a panoramic view of the East Bay.

Take delight in an alfresco breakfast with favorite local cafés and followed by a a short drive to neighbouring first-class vineyards or stop by our very own local Dream Vintage, the international cult wine specialist.

Staying in Pleasant Hill, explore our luxury fashion consignment outlets and locally owned unique boutiques, from the distinguished and unique Estate Consignment store for upscale decor and jewelry, to the more traditional national chains.

Try locally owned favorites Wise Girl and Wences that offer traditional American exquisite dining with live weekend music or the wide variation of Asian, European and Mediterranean cuisine that offer both outdoor and indoor dining.

End the day, slow down, sit back, clear your thoughts and unwind with Spavia, enjoying a deep tissue message or full body luxury treatment.

You deserve a break. Discover again what it means to be at ease. Stay Pleasant Hill.

Explore Walnut Creek

A Hotel Stay, a Beautiful Hike, and Wine-Tasting in Style

Take a drive to beautiful Walnut Creek and check in to one of the hotels in our collection. Three of your choices include the Renaissance Hotel, Embassy Suites by Hilton, and Walnut Creek Marriott

Once you’re all checked in, throw on your hiking boots or cross-fit sneakers for a glorious hike of Mt. Diablo. You’ll take in the fresh air and magnificent views while getting much-needed exercise. After the hike, the quick drive to Shadowbrook Winery is a pleasant one. Enjoy a wine tasting to relax your muscles in an elegant indoor/outdoor setting stylishly laid out for optimum relaxation.

For the Outdoorsy Foodie Types

One of the unique attractions in Walnut Creek is the Ruth Bancroft Garden. It’s a world-renowned 3.5-acre garden, housing a collection of succulents, and drought-tolerant plants from around the world. Take a tour of the garden and work up a thirst, then head over to CaliCraft to sample a wide array of brews in their beer garden and taproom. 

Kick off the evening at Rooftop for cocktails and appetizers, then head over to Bounty Hunter for your main course. Skip on over to Lottie’s Creamery to sample delicious flavors like Bourbon White Chocolate Crisp, Strawberry Lemonade Sorbet, and Vanilla Salted Almond Toffee. Our downtown is totally walkable with delights for your palate along the way. Bon appetit!

Engage in dining from a wide array of culinary cultures in Walnut Creek. Your dining experience will be memorable as you “restaurant-hop” for appetizers, to main courses, to dessert, and end with a night cap. Map out your dining adventure with a complete list of downtown Walnut Creek restaurants!

Then continue down the road to Danville for the start of your Tri-Valley adventure!

Two Days in Tri-Valley

From the top of Mount Diablo, you can see the three valleys that give us our name. Nestled within the Tri-Valley are four cities, each with its own unique history and charm: Pleasanton, Livermore, Dublin, and the town of Danville. Here you’ll find California’s oldest wine country with 55 tasting rooms, a craft beer trail with 16 stops, California’s largest Premium Outlets, a delightfully diverse restaurant scene, an award-winning Ice Cream Trail, adorable downtowns, plenty of music and theater, unspoiled hiking trails with views for days, and sunshine you can count on.

With an original blend of scientists, wine makers and techies who call it home, the Tri-Valley is accessible from anywhere in the Bay Area, just 30 miles east of San Francisco, less than an hour away from three international airports, and serviced by Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) and the ACE train. Experience local California, minutes from the city but worlds away.

Day One (Coming From the North)

Start your day off right with breakfast at Sideboard Neighborhood Kitchen and Coffee Bar (a stop on the Tri-Valley Caffeine Trail) in Danville. They locally source all their ingredients and even have a trendy coffee bar where folks sip artisan coffee and talk about “how to save the world.”

After fueling up, head over to beautiful Mt. Diablo State Park accessible via Mt. Diablo Scenic Blvd. in Danville. Enjoy a nice morning hike, or for a different perspective of the mountain, visit Tao House, home of Pulitzer-winning playwright, Eugene O’Neill, and now a National Historic Site. The view of Mt. Diablo is amazing through the writer’s window, and the old barn still hosts his plays today.

For shopping and lunch, head to downtown Danville.  Hartz Avenue and East Prospect Avenue  are perfect streets to spend the afternoon window shopping at Whim House or finding a scrumptious nibble at Danville Chocolates. Danville Harvest  is a great option for lunch nearby. All their food is sourced with fresh, organic ingredients.

After lunch, don’t miss the world-class Blackhawk Museum in Danville where you’ll discover interesting exhibitions from—Spirit of the Old West, Art of Africa, Into China or the world-renowned Automotive Gallery. One ticket gets you in to all exhibits.

Take the back road via Camino Tassajara for an unforgettable country drive to Dublin. If you come in the winter, you’ll know exactly how this city got its name. The emerald green hills are a jaw-dropper. And what better spot to hop on the Tri-Valley Beer Trail. Thirsty Bay, Inc 82 and Caps N’ Taps have exactly what you’re looking for when it comes to beer or cider, as well as a relaxing vibe in which to enjoy your company.

For dinner, continue on the Beer Trail for some of the Tri-Valley’s best food. Bottle Taps in Pleasanton has mouthwatering food pairings that go with both beer and wine. Hard to choose, but you don’t have to! If you’re a lover of spice and heat, ask for their ghost pepper jack cheese. Live music usually starts at 7:00 pm.

It’s been a long day! To get ready for Day 2 in the Tri-Valley, you’re going to need a good night’s sleep. The Tri-Valley has 40 lodging options from boutique to 4-star, including your favorite top hotel brands, most of which are Clean and Safe Certified by the California Hotel & Lodging Association (CHLA).

Day Two

Wake up to our Caffeine Trail with a fresh brewed coffee and scrumptious meal at artisan cafe The Press,  with two locations, in Pleasanton and Livermore.

Once awake, you’re going to want to head down to Lake Del Valle in Livermore with its gorgeous views and plenty of trails to get the heart pumping. You could even rent a boat or kayak, but be sure to keep an eye out for golden eagles, as Del Valle Regional Park is home to one of the country’s largest golden eagle habitats.

After enjoying the great outdoors, reward yourself with some retail therapy at the San Francisco Premium Outlets in Livermore. Shopping makes everyone hungry so pop across the street and make way for dumplings at a number of authentic restaurants at Pacific Pearl.

“Wine” down with some wine tasting at Ruby Hill Winery in Pleasanton. Their history goes way back to the 1800’s, before Prohibition! With 55 tasting rooms on Livermore Valley’s Wine Trail, including the popular wine blending experience at Wente Vineyards, you’ll want to check out as many as you can in California’s original wine country!

Finish off your weekend with an exquisite dining experience at Sabio on Main. This spectacular farm to fork tapas restaurant is located in historic Downtown Pleasanton. Afterwards, how about a little something for the road from the famous Meadowlark Dairy Drive-Thru, one of the Tri-Valley Ice Cream Trail’s most popular stops. Treat yourself to a soft serve cone without even getting out of the car! 

Wave goodbye to the beautiful Tri-Valley! We look forward to seeing you again soon!