Livermore, a city of about 85,000 people, is situated on the eastern outskirts of the greater San Francisco metropolitan region and is well-known for its sizable national laboratory.
The community is situated along the I-580 corridor, which runs north to the state’s Central Valley and inland communities like Stockton and Modesto and west to San Francisco and Oakland.
There is much to do in the city boundaries for those who prefer to stay put, but day trips to San Francisco and the adjacent wine-producing regions are also well-liked.
Let’s explore the best things to do in Livermore, California.
Things to Do in Livermore, CA
1. Murrieta’s Well Estate Winery
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When you visit Murrieta’s Well Estate Winery, you may admire vines planted in the Livermore Valley in the 1800s using cuttings from the renowned French wineries Château Margaux and Château d’Yquem.
The estate’s Tasting Room is located in the original historic gravity flow winery, which you can visit today.
A seated food and wine tasting in the barrel room follow a tour of the vineyard, which you can book as part of an immersive food and wine experience. Alternatively, you can book a tasting experience (either in the tasting room or outside on a patio where guests under the age of 21 may join you).
Location: 3005 Mines Rd, Livermore, CA 94550
2. Retzlaff Vineyards
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The award-winning wines produced by Retzlaff Vineyards in their certified organic vineyards are made exclusively from organic ingredients.
Expansive lawns and well-maintained gardens surround the vineyards, making them the ideal setting for a tranquil picnic with friends and family.
The daily Full Flight of five estate wines is available at the Tasting Room, or you may choose the Deluxe Full Flight, which also includes one of their reserved wines.
On a barrel tasting, the estate also allows visitors to sample young “wines in the making.”
You may schedule a Saturday guided tour of the historic property, the vineyard, and the straw-bale garden if you’re interested in learning more about the manufacture of organic wine.
Location: 1356 South Livermore Ave, Livermore, CA 94550
3. Bent Creek Winery
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The Livermore Valley’s gentle hills and vineyards surround the Bent Creek Winery in a breathtaking setting.
In 1997, there was only a single syrah vineyard at the winery, but by 2002, the proprietors made their small-batch wines exclusively from grapes grown in Livermore Valley vineyards.
By going to their tasting room, you can sample some of their most recent wine releases, which include many red and white single cultivar wines, a few blends, and three dark and delicious ports.
Joining their wine club, which frequently hosts free tastings and other special events, makes sense.
Location: 5455 Greenville Rd, Livermore, CA 94550
4. The Centennial Light Bulb
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Visit Fire Station #6 to witness the longest-burning light bulb in the world if you want to experience something truly unique while you are in the Livermore Valley.
Since it has been used since 1901, this fantastic light bulb has produced light for more than a million hours.
Shelby Electric Company in Ohio produced the ubiquitous carbon-filament bulb, Centennial Light.
When you go, you’ll see that the bulb is now more equivalent to a little nightlight and no longer has much of its 30- or 60-watt power. While you still have the opportunity, could you stop by and check it out?
Location: Centennial Light Bulb, Fire Station #6, 4550 East Ave, Livermore, CA 94550
5. Posada Restaurant
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The Posada Restaurant in Livermore is the place to go if you’re seeking mouthwatering fresh, and delectable Southwestern cuisine.
The family-run restaurant has increased the size of its dining room and added a thriving wine bar where patrons can sample a wide range of Livermore Valley wines.
Either sit outside on the covered patio or in the cozy dining room decorated in the style of Santé Fe.
The house specialties include Mahi Mahi tacos with watermelon salad and Chef Eduardo’s famous short ribs with blackberry mole poblano. From Wednesday through Sunday at 11.30, the posada is open.
Location: 988 Murrieta Blvd, Livermore, CA 94550
6. The Restaurant at Wente Vineyards
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Every dish on The Restaurant at Wente Vineyards’ constantly-changing menu is made with the best and freshest organic ingredients that can be found in the area.
Since the restaurant’s opening in 1986, it has concentrated on providing delicious, sustainably produced dishes that do complete honor to the ingredients, many of which come from the Wente Estate Garden and the Estate Beef program.
You can anticipate delicious California cuisine with a light French and Italian touch.
Booking a Vineyard Table lunch, a memorable three-course meal and wine pairing experience available Friday through Sunday, is one of the most significant ways to appreciate the cuisine.
From Tuesday through Saturday, dinner is also served at The Restaurant.
Location: 5050 Arroyo Rd, Livermore, CA 94550, Phone: 925-456-2450
7. The 3 Steves Winery
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The 3 Steves Winery was established when three friends named Steve decided to expand their small-scale wine-making hobby into a legitimate company.
The winery now utilizes the Livermore Valley’s nearly ideal wine-growing conditions to create its ever-expanding variety of premium Californian wines.
The three friends import other delicate fruit from regions where each particular varietal grows best and some of the grapes they grow on the property.
From Thursday through Sunday, you are invited to the vineyard for a leisurely tasting and a picnic on their pet- and family-friendly grounds.
Location: 5700 Greenville Rd, Livermore, CA 94550
8. Brushy Peak Regional Preserve
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Brushy Peak Regional Preserve provides easy access to a sizable green space where outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers can go walking, hiking, biking, or horseback riding.
You are asked to keep on the trails and ensure your dog is always on a leash because the park preserves a range of delicate plants.
Everyone can choose a trek that suits them, from short, easy family strolls to longer, more challenging circuits.
All the trails are on open terrain, and there isn’t much shade. Hikers are advised to bring plenty of water and wear sunscreen.
You must reserve a guided trek if you want to hike to Brushy Peak’s summit.
Location: Laughlin Rd, Livermore, CA 94551
9. Altamont Beer Works
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Altamont Beer Works provides a beautiful and refreshing alternative beverage for you to enjoy right in the middle of the Livermore Valley wine region.
From Tuesday through Sunday, you are welcome to stop by their hand-crafted taproom to try a few of their artisanal handmade beers, all created on the premises and served fresh and flavorful.
Ten regularly rotating beers will be offered on draft, and light snacks can be purchased.
Several India Pale Ales, the Rich Mahogany Red Ale, and their Berry White, enriched with fresh berry flavors, are a few of the most well-liked beers you can try.
Location: 2401 Research Drive, Livermore, CA 94550
10. Steven Kent Winery
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The mission of the Steven Kent Winery, founded in 1996, was to use the nearly ideal Livermore Valley “Terror” to create exceptional cabernets and Bordeaux varieties.
The winery presently produces a few white wines, including the Merrillie chardonnay, the Lola white Bordeaux blend, and several highly sought-after limited-edition reds.
You can sample some of their fine wines in The Barrel Room every day from noon to 4.30 p.m. Serious connoisseurs can reserve a guided wine tasting of their most exceptional small-batch wines in the Reserve Room, which is available every weekend.
For frequent updates on all of their wine events, join their Wine Club.
Location: 5443 Tesla Road, Livermore, CA 94450
11. McGrail Vineyards and Winery
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The McGrail Vineyards and Winery is an expert at using the Livermore Valley’s favorable “Terroir” to create a variety of fantastic cabernets and a few alluring full-bodied chardonnays.
The McGrail family doesn’t believe in wine snobbery, and anybody is welcome to visit and enjoy their products, whether they are connoisseurs or have no knowledge of wine.
You may take in stunning views from their hilltop tasting room, tour the vineyards, or even pack a picnic. The winery regularly sponsors events, including Saturday Yoga in the Vineyards and Friday Night Live (wine, music, and dance).
Location: 5600 Greenville Rd, Livermore, CA 94550
12. Lizzie Fountain Park
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The Lizzie Fountain Park, in the center of Livermore’s downtown, is a well-liked gathering spot for locals.
The Lizzie Fountain, located in the middle of the park, is a popular summertime destination for little kids.
You can take a book with you and unwind on one of the shady chairs while taking in the kids’ antics.
When the scorching California heat raises the temperature, the splash pad with numerous smaller jets surrounding the main water jet is ideal for young visitors to enjoy.
Before going to a performance or dinner at one of the surrounding restaurants or theaters in the evenings, you’ll see folks unwinding by the fountain.
Location: Corner of First St and S. Livermore Ave, Livermore, CA 94550
13. Concannon Family
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One of the first American family-run vineyards, the Concannon family has been cultivating grapes and crafting premium California wines in the Livermore Valley for four generations.
Visitors are welcome to the winery’s vineyards, barrel room, and tasting room, where they can enjoy a flight of their award-winning wines while expertly guided by a wine host.
You may reserve a Library Tasting, which includes a guided meal and wine pairing if you’d like a more in-depth experience.
Both red and white varieties of expertly created artisan wines are waiting for you.
Location: Concannon Vineyard, 4590 Tesla Rd, Livermore, CA 94550
14. Livermore Valley Wines
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Take advantage of the freedom to sample as many delicious Livermore Valley wines as possible without worrying about a ride home.
The Livermore Wine Trolley offers fully guided day trips to three exquisite Livermore Valley wineries on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays throughout the year.
You may enjoy a day of entertainment, sampling, and wine education as you partake in some of the most representative wines of the Livermore Valley, thanks to Wine Trolley tours’ collaboration with 25 wineries in the area.
Your day tour includes lunch and tasting fees and begins with a pick-up at 11 am in downtown Livermore.
A special meal with wine pairing is occasionally offered along with unique Sunset Vineyard Tours.
Location: The Livermore Wine Trolley, Livermore, CA 94551
15. Livermore Food Tours
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A group of passionate foodies who love nothing more than taking locals and guests to some of Livermore’s top restaurants runs Livermore Food Tours.
Depending on your tour, you can expect to visit five or six restaurants during one of their tours. You’ll see how things are done behind the scenes at these restaurants and sample some of their artisanal specialties.
The walking tour moves at a leisurely speed manageable for most people and covers roughly a mile of ground downtown.
You’ll learn about Livermore’s history along the route from your guide and get to sample a variety of foods, teas, and wines.
Location: Livermore Food Tours
16. Livermore Valley
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The stunning Livermore Valley in California is a beautiful place to spend a weekend or a more extended vacation and is only 35 minutes east of San Francisco.
With over 50 wineries vying for your business, Livermore is especially well-suited for foodies.
Beer fans haven’t been forgotten either; they may discover a fascinating Brew Trail that will take them to some of the top craft brewers in the region.
Along with a wide range of outdoor pursuits, including hiking and mountain biking, the valley enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine each year. There is a large assortment of dining options, retail stores, and entertainment in downtown Livermore.
17. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
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While you are in the Livermore Valley, the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Discovery Center is worth a visit.
The Discovery Center’s goal is to spark children’s curiosity and interest in science by providing them with meaningful hands-on activities. At the same time, parents can learn more about the vital job the National Laboratory does for national security.
The Discovery Center is open to the public from 1 pm to 4 pm from Tuesdays through Fridays and conducts science field trips for fifth graders on weekday mornings during the academic year.
Due to security concerns, you must reserve a guided tour of the Laboratory well before your visit.
Location: LLNL Discovery Center, Eastgate Drive, Livermore, CA 94550
18. Del Valle Regional Park
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Del Valle Regional Park invites outdoor enthusiasts to come and enjoy the more than 300 sunny days it receives each year. It also offers camping, hiking, and water sports year-round.
The park is the ideal destination for a day trip or extended camping excursion because of its handy location, approximately 10 miles south of Livermore.
A gorgeous five-mile lake with swimming beaches, sailing, windsurfing, and boating can be found in the park’s center.
The Visitor’s Center offers a range of family programs and is open from June to September.
The Little Chaparral Horse Camp has four small paddocks for equestrian campers, and there are 150 campsites available for reservations, 21 of which have water and electrical hookups.
Location: Del Valle Regional Park, 7000 Del Valle Rd, Livermore, CA 94550
19. Livermore- Shiva-Vishnu Temple
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The beautiful Shiva-Vishnu Temple is a bit of a surprise considering where it is located, right in the middle of a sleepy suburban area of Livermore.
The temple has an outstanding Gopura and is built in the style of Hindu temples in Southern India (an ornately decorated pyramidal tower over the main entrance).
It features statues of every Hindu god. You will find yourself in a large hall where religious rituals are performed once you enter the temple.
Two enormous commercial-sized kitchens inside the temple are utilized to produce delectable vegetarian meals for devotees and serve as a cultural center.
Location: 1232 Arrowhead Ave, Livermore, CA 94551
20. Sycamore Grove Regional Park
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You can join the residents at Sycamore Grove Regional Park’s over 840 acres of outdoor recreation space to partake in various outdoor sports.
The park features a well-liked 2.5-mile paved trail connecting the two park gates and is perfect for hikers and cyclists.
However, there are several additional routes that you may explore on foot, by bicycle, or even on horseback; at the Wetmore Rd entry, there is a designated parking place for horse trailers.
You can get a terrific workout by choosing the more challenging 4-mile Valley View Loop or taking a stroll along the easy, 0.6-mile Magpie Loop.
Both entrances provide parking and facilities and a nice picnic area.
Location: 1051 Wetmore Rd or 5049 Arroyo Rd, Livermore, CA 94550
21. Ravenswood Historic Site
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The Ravenswood Historic Site is a well-liked location for weddings and other celebrations. It was constructed in 1891 to serve as Sir Christopher Buckley’s summer residence.
Beautifully renovated, a carriage house joins the historic main house, a cottage encircled by expansive lawns, orchards, vineyards, and gardens.
Every second and fourth Sunday of the month, you can visit the historic estate and take a free guided tour led by docents in costumes.
The 1885 Cottage, the 1891 Main House, and the exquisite grounds are all included in the visits, which last about an hour. Groups can reserve private guided tours for just $5 per person.
Location: 2647 Arroyo Rd, Livermore, CA 94550
22. The Bankhead Theater
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The Livermore Performing Arts Center’s three venues, including the Bankhead Theater, debuted in 2007. (LVPAC).
The LVPAC is committed to ensuring everyone in the community has access to the performing arts and provides valid tickets, family-friendly performances, concessions, and occasionally free performances.
The Bankhead Theater’s primary focus is on music of all kinds, but you may also go and enjoy dance, comedy, theater, and even acrobatics.
Some resident companies are the Livermore Valley Opera, the Pacific Chamber Orchestra, the Tri-Valley Repertory Theater, and the Cantabella Children’s Chorus. Additionally, the Bankhead Theater frequently features touring performances and regional artists.
Location: 2400 First Street, Livermore, CA 94550
23. Wente Vineyards
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One of the oldest vineyards in the Livermore Valley is Wente Vineyards, which C.H. Wente founded back in 1883.
Fourth and fifth-generation family members are still in charge of the vineyard today, carrying on the tradition of making high-quality wines.
By selecting from a menu of available tastings, excursions, and workshops, you can tailor your trip to the vineyards.
A Harvest Tour, which includes viewing the new harvest being harvested and processed, is at the top of the list of things to do.
You can still take a vineyard tour, have a Sunday Cheese and Wine pairing in the Cellar, or attend a fantastic Food and Wine Pairing Dinner in The Restaurant if you visit outside harvest season.
Location: 5565 Tesla Rd, Livermore, CA 94550
24. Darcie Kent
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One of the many benefits of visiting the Darcie Kent Vineyards in the Livermore Valley is the opportunity to appreciate excellent wine and fantastic art.
In addition to producing superb wine, Darcie Kent, a fifth-generation vintner and artist, also designs all her exceptional wine labels.
The light-filled tasting area, which doubles as a gallery to display the artist’s original paintings, is where you may sample a number of the vineyards’ great wines when you visit.
You can join their mailing list to receive frequent newsletters or visit their website for more information on the vineyard’s regular wine and culinary events held in the lovely vineyards.
Location: 7000 Tesla Rd, Livermore, CA 94550
Conclusion
There is much to do in the city boundaries for those who prefer to stay put, but day trips to San Francisco and the adjacent wine-producing regions are also well-liked.
If you’re planning a trip to this awesome location, do well to follow through with the things listed in this article for an exciting time.