Livermore Valley might not be showered in superlatives like its Wine Country neighbors to the north, but that’s what makes it so enchanting. For those looking for a more off-the-beaten-path vineyard experience with a charming downtown and truly unique things to do and see, Livermore is just what the doctor ordered.

Only 45 minutes east of San Francisco, yet surrounded by lush vineyards and farmland, you couldn’t be further away from the urban hustle and bustle. When you’re ready to sip, relax, and explore, here are the top 10 things to do in Livermore Valley.

Go Wine Tasting

Kick off your visit to Livermore the best way—with a wine tasting, of course! Although you might have only heard of the Livermore AVA in passing, vineyards have been cultivated here since the 1700s. In fact, this is one of the oldest wine regions in California. With around 50 wineries scattered throughout Livermore, it can be difficult to choose where to taste, but we’ve done the legwork for you!

If it’s historic wineries you’re after, there’s no better place to taste than at Concannon Vineyards, who have been producing wine since 1883. Founded by Irish immigrant James Concannon, Concannon Vineyards was one of California’s premier wineries at the turn of the century, and continues its legacy today. Pay a visit to this historic estate, crowned by its original Spanish mission bell, to taste their award-winning Petite Syrah, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon. 

Next, head to another of Livermore’s three original wineries, Wente Vineyards. The oldest continually-operating, family-owned winery in the country, Wente has been perfecting their craft for hundreds of years. White wine lovers will particularly fall head over heels for this women-led vineyard, known for their acclaimed Morning Fog Chardonnay. Keep uncovering history on their Cave Tour & Barrel Tasting experience, or simply walk in to see their sustainable wine-making practices and grab a glass.

Of course, it’s not all big-name wineries in Livermore. For those who crave a boutique experience, check out 3 Steves. Created by—you guessed it—three friends named Steve, this humble yet award-winning winery is the perfect spot for a more laid-back approach to wine tasting. Head to their Barrel Room or sunny patio, perched on Greenville Hill, to sample their small lot wines. If you’re already headed for Greenville Hill, you might as well tack on a visit to McGrail Vineyards. Known for their Cabernet Sauvignon, McGrail offers several fun outdoor tasting options, including front lawn cabana rentals with views of their sprawling grapevines. Need more ideas? We’ve pin-pointed 18 must-visit wineries in Livermore to visit.

Explore Downtown

Colorful murals, boutique shops, and vibrant farmers’ markets all await you in downtown Livermore. Start your discovery of the center of town by seeking out the murals and art installations that are scattered around. You can use one of several maps that detail where to find these public artworks, including iridescent frescoes that speak to Livermore’s heritage, a metal sundial, and a Japanese lantern, just to name a few.

The Livermore Farmers Market takes place every Sunday, year-round, on S J Street and makes for a lively way to start the day. Sift through local products like gourmet mushrooms, olive oil, local seafood, and fresh fruit, or grab a bite to eat at one of the gourmet food trucks. You can continue hunting for treasure in the eclectic small businesses that line First Street and Railroad Avenue, like Towne Center Books, Good Chance Boutique, or The Little and Brave for bespoke children’s clothing.

Get Outside

Sandwiched between the Diablo Range and San Francisco Bay, Livermore is surrounded by beautiful landscapes that offer the perfect excuse for getting out in nature. It’s easy to do just that with several parks and preserves right on the outskirts of town.

About 15 minutes from downtown, the Del Valle Regional Park is centered around the serene Lake Del Valle. Surrounding this five-mile oasis, which is perfect for swimming, sailboating, and paddleboarding in the warmer months, are thousands of acres of oak forest and miles of backcountry trails. There are also several campsites sprinkled throughout the park if you really want to be immersed in nature.

Another worthy outdoor destination is Brushy Peak Regional Preserve, ideal for hiking and spotting local wildlife. Brushy Peak is a pretty mix of oak woodlands, grasslands, and wildflower meadows, all of which can be explored on the hiking and biking trails that crisscross the preserve. The rocky bluffs here have been used as a gathering place for hundreds of years, including dances and picnics held by San Francisco socialites in the early 1900s.

If you happen to be visiting in spring, make a beeline for the Morgan Territory Regional Preserve. Just 20 minutes from Livermore, the preserve’s thousands of acres come alive in a sea of wildflowers, including the rare Diablo sunflower, which only grows at the base of the Diablo range.

Ride the Livermore Wine Trolley

Looking for a unique way to imbibe in Livermore? Look no further than the Livermore Wine Trolley. Set off from downtown Livermore, chug through the vineyards in an antique wine trolley as you groove to their state-of-the-art music system and pop into wineries along the way.

Choose from different experiences like the Sip & Paint Tour, which includes a deli-style lunch, painting class, and visiting two of Livermore’s wineries, or go for the Sip & Savor Wine Pairing Tour, which stops at a local winery for a food pairing before continuing on to two more vineyards later in the day. This exciting vino adventure sells out weeks (and even months) in advance, so be sure to book ahead of time.

Cruise Between Vineyards on an Electric Bike

Cruise between Livermore’s vineyards while also feeling the breeze in your hair on an electric bike. Crisscrossed with biking and walking trails, two wheels are one of the best ways to get around. Pop into Pedego, located in downtown Livermore, to rent an electric bike for the day (or just a few hours).

Most of Livermore’s wineries are consolidated on Tesla Road, a part of the South Livermore Valley Trail, which is great for riding a standard or electric bike. You can visit one (or a few) of these vineyards, like Concannon, or take a detour down Greenville Road, which dead-ends into seven different wineries, including McGrail and 3 Steves.

Plan your route using the Livermore Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Trails Map.

Grab a Beer + Bite

Beer tasting in Wine Country isn’t sacrilege in a town like Livermore, where craft beer is just as important as fine wine. Situated along the Tri-Valley Beer Trail, four breweries and taprooms call Livermore home, including First Street Alehouse, Sons of Liberty Alehouse, Homegrown Hops Brewing, and Tap 25. If you’re really on the hunt for hops, you can continue following your tastebuds to some of the other 20 nearby breweries in the Tri-Valley area.

Another unique way to enjoy a brew in Livermore is at the Vine Cinema & Alehouse. The vintage atmosphere is what really sets this movie theater apart, that and the fact that you can enjoy delicious food and over a dozen taps of local craft beer while you watch Indie films and blockbusters from the comfort of your table or sofa. Wine lovers, don’t fret—you’ll also find plenty of local wine on offer. 

Embrace Your Scientific Side

Whether the kids are tagging along on your Wine Country getaway or you’re simply a kid at heart, stop by the Discovery Center at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. With exhibits that were created to inspire a love of STEM subjects, visitors will find interactive experiences like energy bikes that power lightbulbs and a replica of the National Ignition Facility (NIF) target chamber, alongside fun events like scavenger hunts.

Visit the Ravenswood Historic Site

Uncover more of Livermore’s past at the enchanting Ravenswood Historic Site. Built in 1885 by San Francisco politician Christopher A. Buckley, this residence served as his summer home. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, explore the property and its striking Queen Anne architecture on a docent-led tour. You’ll have the chance to see inside the carriage house, main house, and other buildings on the property, all while walking the beautiful grounds, surrounded by palm trees and vineyards. Although the Ravenswood Vineyards once produced over 150,000 gallons of wine a year, they were lost to phylloxera. The vineyards you see today were planted in 2006.

Catch a Play at the Bankhead Theater

Livermore continues to surprise with a state-of-the-art stage in the heart of downtown. The Bankhead Theater has been a community spotlight since its opening in 2007, hosting everything from plays to concerts and comedians. Shows take place both in the plaza and the intimate 500-person theater itself. Be sure to check their event list while you’re in town to see if you can snag tickets to their next show.

Visit the Centennial Bulb

The world’s longest-burning light bulb is still shining right in the heart of Livermore. Known as the Centennial Bulb, this incandescent light was first installed at the local fire station in 1901. The lightbulb was produced by the Shelby Electric Company in Shelby, Ohio, and is considered a hand-blown, carbon-filament bulb—for all you lightbulb nerds out there. Stop by Fire Station #6 to witness the lightbulb for yourself, now glowing for well over a hundred years.