Until recently, we had yet to venture outside of San Francisco to see what else the Bay Area has to offer. We were pleasantly surprised to find that renting a car, and driving just beyond the big city, there were plenty of opportunities to explore and discover more California personality than we could have imagined. We spent a couple of days in the Livermore Tri-Valley area, then ventured to Berkeley for an immersive experience of wine tasting throughout their active industrial district, and ended the trip treating ourselves to a couple of nights in Tiburon. The trip was surprisingly charming, elegant, and full of great food and wine.

If you’re planning a trip to California, here’s everything you need to know about traveling in the Bay Area.

First Time Visitor’s Guide to Livermore, Pleasanton, Dublin, and the Tri-Valley Area

1. Stay at Aloft Dublin-Pleasanton in Tri-Valley

Aloft Dublin-Pleasanton is a uniquely modern hotel where technology and taste collide. Enjoy their heated pool and Jacuzzi area complete with corn hole, a fire pit, and a bocce ball court. Don’t forget to meet their delivery bot, Boltr! Aloft Dublin-Pleasanton is perfectly central and accessible from each of the Tri-Valley cities. It’s a great and affordable location to discover all that the Tri-Valley has to offer.

Where to Eat in the Tri-Valley Area

2. Eat at Sabio on Main

Sabio is a unique dining experience with specialized and traditional dishes made for sharing. The elegant, yet vibrant atmosphere only lends to the experience. Sabio on Main has an incredible full bar with an award-winning wine menu and signature cocktails.

3. Brunch at Beer Baron Whisky Bar & Kitchen

Beer Baron is a funky brick-lined gathering spot offering a high-end twist on classic plates. This is not your average bar food! We recommend trying their Belgian Style Duck Fat Fries. The first thing you’ll notice about Pleasonton is its knack to have great brunch spots with lots of outdoor dining available. For a sunny day, catching a table and eating al-fresco is a great way to start a relaxing day. The Chile Quiles is seriously good, and their cocktails are everything we ever could ask for, and more!

4. Dinner at Burma! Burma!

Burma! Burma! Is Burmese food at its best and has some of the best traditional Burmese food in the Bay Area. Dublin is known for its global food scene and this restaurant is one of the top picks for global cuisine. 

5. Visit Inklings Coffee & Tea for Great Coffee

Put a pep in your step with the cornerstone of Pleasanton coffee, Inkling’s Coffee & Tea. Brewing Stumptown Coffee, Inkling’s has a cozy and spacious area to enjoy, as well as a library-like study area to savor some quiet moments.

Inkling’s Coffee & Tea is also a member of the Tri-Valley Caffeine Trail, which you can follow throughout the valley to hit all the best coffee spots!

6. Ice cream at Meadowlark Dairy

Satisfy your sweet tooth at Meadowlark Dairy for delicious soft-serve ice cream. Additional to the Tri-Valley Caffeine Trail, there is an ice cream trail for those who need something a little sweeter. Check out the Tri-Valley Ice Cream Trail to see all the best ice cream shops in the area.

7. Brunch at Danville Harvest

Located in the heart of Downtown Danville and right next to Mrs. Doubtfire’s Bridges Restaurant (“Help is on the way, dearie!”), Danville Harvest is a chic farm-to-table bistro featuring New American fare. The restaurant features an extraordinarily cute and large outdoor dining space that’s perfect for a warm, sunny morning.

Top Things to Do in California’s Tri-Valley Area

8. Head to the Downtown Pleasanton Farmers’ Market

Take a stroll down Main Street to explore the classic California downtown of Pleasanton and admire the boutique shopping and restaurants. The Pleasanton Farmers’ Market is held every Saturday morning from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Amongst the large array of fresh-cut flowers and a multitude of delicious California produce, there is also a great selection of fresh-caught California Coast fish, and artisan crafts available for purchase.

Make sure to stop by Dan Good Cookies to grab something sweet, including fresh-made ice-cream sandwiches. Take a piece of California back home with you by picking up a locally crafted bottle at Olivina Olive Oil in the market as well!

9. Hop on your E-Bikes from Pedego Livermore for a Wine Tour You Won’t Forget

What better way to tour the wineries of the Tri-Valley area than by bike? Pedego Livermore features e-bike rentals near popular Livermore wineries and breweries. Visitors have the option of renting e-bikes for a self-guided adventure or joining a wine or beer tasting tour that includes three local stops and lunch! After a quick lesson on using the Pedego bikes’ throttles, head to your first winery!

10. First winery stop: Tasting and Tour at Darcie Kent Vineyards

7000 Tesla Rd, Livermore, CA 94550 (7-10 minutes via e-bike from Pedego)

Few wineries can rival the flavor and style of Darcie Kent Vineyards. It’s so unexpected outside of quintessential Napa Valley but were blown away by this small and locally owned winery. You’ll know when you’ve arrived at Darcie Kent Vineyards when you see their iconic purple barn. Interestingly enough, the winery used to be the home of Bing Crosby! Enjoy a tasting and familiarize yourself with the beautiful property before setting off to your next destination.

11. Second winery stop: Charcuterie Lunch at Murrieta’s Well

3005 Mines Rd, Livermore, CA 94550 (5-6 minutes via e-bike from Darcie Kent Vineyards)

Murrieta’s Well is located in a scenic corner of Mines Road, and dates back to the 19th century. The rustic vineyard features a historic barrel room, an upstairs tasting bar, gorgeous tiled steps, and a scenic patio. Sit down for a tasting and enjoy a charcuterie lunch before your next stop. Reservations are highly encouraged as this winery can get very busy.

On your way to the next winery stop, make sure to ride through Holdener Park to take in some of the beautiful scenery. Enjoy the 10-15 minute e-bike ride from Murrieta’s Well through gorgeous wine country before arriving at Las Positas Vineyards.

Click on this link from your phone for directions: https://goo.gl/maps/erbwGnjLCS2dh8jk9  

12. Third winery stop: Las Positas Vineyards

1828 Wetmore Rd, Livermore, CA 94550

Kick back and enjoy the vineyard views surrounding Las Positas Vineyards. This winery is known for its amazing red varietals. Las Positas was awarded the 2019 San Francisco Chronicle Competition’s Best Red Wine Sweepstakes. For a small winery, Las Positas has an incredible array of varietals in its wine collection. Sitt back and try as many as you can!

13. Drive up to the summit of Mount Diablo State Park

Mount Diablo State Park serves as a gorgeous backdrop to the entire Bay Area. Featuring one of the largest viewsheds on the West Coast, on sunny days visitors are rewarded with panoramic views of the entire Bay Area. The park’s gate opens at 8 a.m. and the drive to the summit takes around 45 minutes – 1 hour. As you drive up the mountainside, you may even get lucky enough to see the profession of driving through the infamous Bay Area marinelayer. You’ll be amazed as you rise above the clouds in such a short time while seeing the expansive views beyond.

Fun fact: the Mt. Diablo State Park Visitor Center was built with stones sourced from the park’s fossil-rich foothills, and if you look closely, you can actually spot some on the sides of the building's walls!

First Time Visitor’s Guide to Berkeley and the Bay Area

For a central location close to Berekele’s famous Wine Block, check in at the Aiden By Best Western. The Aiden is Berkeley’s newest hotel, and the first new hotel property to open in Berkeley in a quarter-century! Aiden is Best Western’s new collection of modern, boutique hotels with an authentic and laid-back personality (in other words, perfect for Berkeley!).  The collection is designed for creative travelers and mobile workers; each property has a multi-functional public area to bring together the best of work and play. 

Where to Eat & Drink in Berkeley

14. Passione on Fifth, a taste of Northern Italy in Berkeley

Grab an Aperol Spritz and enjoy some classic Italian staples. We had a great time consuming as much charcuterie as we could possibly take in, in addition to the incredible seafood we ordered. Famous for their char-grilled pizzas, Passione on Fifth boasts an impressive menu and equally impressive cocktails.

15. Enjoy an afternoon of tasting on the Berkeley Wine Block!

The most unexpected and the best thing we did in Berkeley was visit its up-and-coming wine block. Old warehouses and industrialized buildings have been turned into wine cellars and urban bars with open seating pouring out of them. We had an incredible time lounging outside of Vinca Minor, Hammerling Wines, and Maitre de Chai, tasting some of the best wines we’ve had the privilege to try in California.

16. Hearty French Breakfast at La Note

A visit to Berkeley is not complete without a visit to La Note for breakfast. This popular restaurant and cafe is a quintessential staple to Berkeley culture. It’s cozy, chic, laid back, and everything that Berkeley citizens consider “home”. From French classics like Croque Monsieur to delectable and cheese-y omelets, this cafe will fill your hearts and your stomachs!

17. Dinner at Fish & Bird

Treat yourself to an exquisite Japanese culinary experience that made even us blush. Fish & Bird is a unique Izakaya style restaurant and bar, specializing in modern Japanese cuisine. Chef Asuka Uchida is classically trained in Japanese and French cooking technique. Her modern, sophisticated interpretation of traditional dishes are a reflection of the current trends in Japan. Your tastebuds will thank you.

18. Tequila Tasting at El Patio

One of the things that we had the most fun doing in Berkeley was tasting as much tequila as possible at El Patio. This restaurant and bar boasts some incredible Mexican-fusion dishes alongside the largest assortment of Tequila that Berkeley has to offer. The staff is incredibly friendly, and Berkeley locals know it! We could tell that this place is at the heart of that laid-back Berkeley spirit, and we enjoyed every moment we had there. Definitely try the Mexican street Elote, it was one of our favorite dishes we had on the entire trip!

19. Grab Coffee at Cafenated in North Berkeley

A modern and brightly lit space provides a great cup of brew alongside plenty of tables to spread out and relax. We loved the creaminess of the lattes here, and the atmosphere was perfect to rest our feet and enjoy the quiet ambiance.

Top Things to Do in Berkeley California

Drive to The Lawrence Hall of Science for a good morning photo op!

The Lawrence Hall of Science is a public science center in Berkeley, California that offers hands-on science exhibits, designs curriculum, aids professional development, and offers after-school science resources to students of all ages. While it’s a center for Berkeley’s community, it also architecturally is a beautiful building. This popular photo spot is frequented by many tourists that marvel at the gorgeous design as well as the stunning view.

Visit Berkeley Rose Garden and Codornices Park 

Drive up into the Berkeley Hills to visit the Berkeley Rose Garden and Codornices Park just across the street, where the East Bay’s largest slide is free and fun!

UC Botanical Garden at Berkeley

Take a stroll through the UC Botanical Garden to see one of North America’s greatest collections of rare and genetically pure plant varietals. Herbologists from all over come to the UC Botanical Garden to study and conduct research on plants. To us, it felt like visiting a zoo of purely beautiful plants. The cacti and jungle exhibits blew our minds. There are also sweeping views of San Francisco across the water from the hill’s top.

Take a stroll along student-centric Telegraph Avenue

The hip and trendy Telegraph Avenue is the city-center to UC Berkeley. Lined with cute shops and great restaurants, you’ll have plenty to do exploring this neighborhood. Make sure to stop by Telegraph Ave’s famous cupcake shop, Cupcakin Bake Shop, where the range of creative flavors and toppings are nearly endless. Make your way to the north end of Telegraph Avenue to explore the UC Berkeley campus, Berkeley’s “central park”.

Spend the Weekend in Tiburon California

Just north of San Francisco, across the bay, is the quaint and lovely community of Tiburon. The small fishing town sits on the edge of a peninsula that juts out into the San Francisco Bay. From nearly every angle, you are superimposed with the backdrop of San Francisco’s skyline. Tiburon is the epitome of living the good life. With great food, great wine, and a clean harbor-like atmosphere, you’ll definitely want to make the trek over the Golden Gate Bridge to visit this stunning California gem. Book a room at The Water’s Edge Hotel to be in the heart of Tiburon’s tiny downtown area, and quite literally at the water’s edge. With rustic and elegant suites providing views of the city, and close proximity to the best restaurants in the area, you’ll fall in love with the calm waters.

Where to Eat in Tiburon

Brunch at Salt & Pepper Cafe

Right off of Tiburon’s main street downtown is the Salt & Pepper Cafe, offering tasty American fare with seafood options. It’s a warm and easygoing spot to sit in the sun and enjoy a great bite to eat.

Dinner at Sam’s Anchor Cafe

Our favorite restaurant in Tiburon, and arguably the most famous in the area is Sam’s Anchor Cafe. Renowned for it’s seafood and views of San Francisco from the docks that jut off of its back patio dining space, Sam’s Anchor Cafe is a must-visit for anyone venturing to Tiburon. This lively waterfront spot also boasts views of Angel Island.

Breakfast at Tiburon Tavern

For another great breakfast option, head to Tiburon Tavern. Located on the first floor of the Lodge at Tiburon, this cozy tavern offers Northern Californian coastal cuisine with a gastropub vibe. The space has plenty of outdoor firepits & even offers a happy hour regularly.

Things to Do in Tiburon California

Tandem kayaking with SeaTrek Kayaking 

SeaTrek Kayaking is located at the Bay Model Visitor Center at 2100 Bridgeway, Sausalito, CA 94965. The office is nestled just beyond the small parking area near the waterfront. When staying in Tiburon, spending the day out on the water is one of the best ways to enjoy the area. Kayak the breakers between Sausalito and Tiburon, enjoy the views, and observe the wildlife from pelicans and seals to whales breaching!

Wine tasting at Squalo Vino

The newest addition to Tiburon’s downtown wine scene, Squalo Vino is located in the heart of Tiburon and offers rare and exquisite wine selections alongside light fare. Stop by and enjoy a glass or two on their streetside patio area.

Explore historic Ark Row

Just beyond downtown Tiburon is a row of historic buildings called Ark Row. The shopping area is on Main Street at the base of Corinthian Island. The shops are mostly former ark boats. The scenic "Ark Row" shops are actually housed in turn of the century boat houses that were converted into homes and shops when the lagoon between the Tiburon peninsula and the neighboring island of Belvedere was filled in.

 Enjoy Golden Hour at Hippie Tree

The best view and classically California viewpoint in the area. The view from Hippie Tree is visited locally by many from San Francisco and is perfect for photos. To get to the viewpoint, follow these directions:

1. Turn off Tiburon Boulevard onto Gilmartin Drive.

2. Park near 100 Gilmartin Drive (there are parking spaces across from the fire road entrance.)

3. Walk up the hill on the fire road to reach the Hippie Tree.

4. Entrance to the fire road is across from 100 Gilmartin Drive.

There are two swings free to use that hang off the tree. This is a great location for a light picnic, or simply to enjoy the sunset. The walk from the parking area is short not too steep. Visiting Hippie Tree is a great cap to a very memorable trip.

Bike ride around Tiburon and Paradise Drive

If you’re staying at The Water’s Edge Hotel, you can rent bikes there for free to bike around Tiburon and Paradise Loop. Enjoy the waterfront and explore away as you zoom by views of Angel Island and Historic Ark Row.

More to Explore