Danville, California, United States, is fondly known as the “Heart of the San Ramon Valley.” It is located 30 miles (48.2 kilometers) east of San Francisco. I love to travel the short distance to this town and get my errands done, since this city has the charm of a small town. The historic downtown district is so serene that my family and I usually take a stroll when we are finished eating dinner or shopping, and I’m sure you will love it here too. There are plenty of wonderful attractions, shops, restaurants, and bars. in Danville. For your information, here are some of the best things to do in Danville, California.
1. StemChef
If you’re looking for an educational yet fun activity for your child, then look no further than StemChef. This Danville, CA, attraction uses the fun and thrilling style of an escape room game with learning science and cooking.
As with any escape room experience, participants will be locked inside a room for some time and they must look for clues and solve puzzles to find a way out. The twist for StemChef is that the puzzles and clues around the room are meant to teach the child some concepts and facts about science and cooking. StemChef also holds several special events, depending on the holiday or occasion, to offer more fun and creative activities not only for the kids but their parents as well.
StemChef
Address: 3457 Blackhawk Plaza Cir, Danville, CA 94506, United States
Website: StemChef
2. Danville Bowl
For those of you looking for a bowling place in Danville, Danville Bowl has you covered. This bowling alley features 24 championship lanes with projector screens covering all of them. Enjoy a fun family bonding or team-building experience as you and your group compete to see who can score the highest.
If you’re feeling parched, Danville Bowl has a sports bar where you can buy some drinks and snacks. This bar even has two HDTVs that broadcast sports games. There is also a billiard table by the lounge if you’re in the mood for some pool.
Danville Bowl
Address: 200 Boone Ct, Danville, CA 94526, United States
Website: Danville Bowl
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 3pm - 11pm; Fri: 3pm - 1am; Sat: 11am - 1am; Sun: 11am - 9pm
3. Iron Horse Regional Trail
Iron Horse Regional Trail is a 44.74-kilometer (27.8-mile) rail trail that is a popular road biking, jogging, and walking spot. This trail starts from Pleasanton, goes through Danville, and ends in Concord. The trail is open year-round and is rated as an easy route which makes it a great place to have a long relaxing walk. Being an easy route, the trail also allows dogs to accompany their owners albeit with the condition that they are leashed at all times.
Iron Horse Regional Trail
Address: Iron Horse Trail, Pleasanton, CA 94566, USA
4. Museum of the San Ramon Valley
This history museum is located in the heart of Downtown Danville. The place where it is now is actually the restored 1891 Southern Pacific Depot. This museum showcases the history of the San Ramon Valley, so it is very educational and fun for the whole family.
Museum of the San Ramon Valley
Address: 205 Railroad Ave, Danville, CA
Website: Museum of the San Ramon Valley
5. Eugene O'Neill National Historic Site Tao House
Eugene O'Neill was America’s only Nobel Prize winning playwright and he lived here at the peak of his writing career. It is at this historical house that he wrote his final and most memorable plays, which include: The Iceman Cometh, Long Day’s Journey Into Night, and A Moon for the Misbegotten. This is also a national park, and reservations are needed to tour this historical place.
Eugene O'Neill National Historic Site Tao House
Address: 1000 Kuss Rd, Danville, CA
6. Blackhawk Museum
This is a 2 story history museum located in the upscale Blackhawk district of Danville. The beautiful museum showcases approximately 50 classic, vintage and rare automobiles on the first floor. Visitors are allowed to pose and take pictures next to the well preserved cars, but are prohibited from touching them. On the second floor will find exhibits highlighting the western frontier settlement and Plains Indians.
Blackhawk Museum
Address: 3700 Blackhawk Plaza Circle, Danville, CA
Website: Blackhawk Museum
7. Mount Diablo
Mount Diablo is a mountain range and a popular hiking trail located near Danville. There are breathtaking views from here of the Bay area. The locals and tourists alike enjoy hiking and taking in the scenic views. On clear days, the peak of Mount Diablo is visible from nearby cities such as San Ramon, California.
Mount Diablo
Address: 2100 Mt Diablo Scenic Blvd, Danville, CA
Website: Mount Diablo
8. Blackhawk Plaza
This is an upscale shopping complex in Danville. There is a cinema here, a duck pond, many shops and restaurants with outdoor seating, a playground, a gym and an entertainment venue. The Blackhawk Museum is here as well. It is beautiful to stroll and window shop in the area, and outdoor concerts and different events are held at the entertainment venue year round. What I enjoy most is walking around and taking in the beauty of the place whenever I can. With so many things to do, Blackhawk Plaza answers the question of “what is there to do in Danville, CA?”
Blackhawk Plaza
Address: 3380 Blackhawk Plaza Circle, Danville, CA
Website: Blackhawk Plaza
9. Hap Magee Ranch Park
This is a cute little park that has a water feature and playground for kids as well as two areas for dogs. One is for large dogs and the other is for smaller dogs. This is a great park for picnics and barbeques. Also here you will find sand volleyball areas and lots of green grass. It is a great park for some family time.
Hap Magee Ranch Park
Address: 1025 La Gonda Way, Danville, CA
Website: Hap Magee Ranch Park
10. The Peasant & The Pear
This is a popular American restaurant in Danville. This restaurant, located in the heart of downtown Danville, offers California wine country cuisine mixed with Mediterranean influenced dishes, such as lamb shank, polenta, bread pudding and mussels. Patrons appreciate the great customer service, ambiance and yummy food here.
The Peasant & The Pear
Address: 267 Hartz Ave, Danville, CA
Website: The Peasant & The Pear
11. Sycamore Valley Park
This is a fun and family friendly park that offers athletic fields, playgrounds, bocce courts and picnic areas. A great place for people of all ages. This park also has a water feature, so the kids can cool off during the hot summer months.
Sycamore Valley Park
Address: 2101 Holbrook Drive, Danville, CA
Website: Sycamore Valley Park
12. The Village Theatre and Art Gallery
This is a live theatre and art gallery venue in Danville. This community based non-profit cultural arts center hosts children’s theatre, broadway shows as well as programs such as Art Chats and Young @ Art, which are wonderful educational opportunities for art lovers of all ages. The gallery features six to seven rotating exhibitions per year, that highlight local Bay Area artists.
The Village Theatre and Art Gallery
Address: 233 Front Street, Danville, CA
Website: The Village Theatre and Art Gallery
13. The Danville Farmers' Market
This is an outdoor marketplace that is open on Saturdays from 9 am-1 pm Pacific Central Time and is located next to the San Ramon Valley Museum. The locals love shopping here since the produce is always fresh and seasonal. Come and support the local farmers and ranchers if you are in Danville on a Saturday, and purchase some wonderful local products.
The Danville Farmers' Market
Address: 205 Railroad Ave, Danville, CA
Website: The Danville Farmers’ Market
I love Danville
Danville is a cute little town in San Ramon Valley. It’s a great place to explore and learn about the history of the San Ramon Valley, while enjoying the beautiful surroundings with family and friends. I am certain that after a visit, you will love this Californian gem just as much as I do.