Some of life’s best conversations happen in a car with no particular hurry to get anywhere. A short drive with a parent, grandparent or lifelong friend doesn’t need a set itinerary to feel meaningful, just a destination worth the trip and enough time to enjoy getting there.
Whether you’re searching for things to do in Dublin, CA, or ready to venture a little further into the Tri-Valley and beyond, the Bay Area has plenty of both within an hour of home. Here are four places to visit near Dublin, plus a few driving tips for keeping the ride comfortable, safe and fun.
Don’t Overlook What’s Close to Home
Before you even start the car, check what’s happening right in town. Events in Dublin, CA, pop up throughout the year, from farmers markets to community festivals. They’re an easy way to spend an afternoon without venturing far from home. Dublin also sits right in the heart of the Tri-Valley, California, alongside Pleasanton, Livermore, San Ramon and Danville, so many of the destinations below are practically neighbors.
For Fresh Air: Sunol Regional Wilderness
For a dose of nature and open sky, head south to Sunol Wilderness Regional Preserve, about a 25-minute drive from Dublin. The 6,859-acre park is known locally as “Little Yosemite” for its rock formations and creek views. Its recently renovated visitor center is fully accessible, with flat, easy paths near the parking area for anyone who’d rather stroll than hike. Pack a picnic and a pair of binoculars. Wildlife sightings, from hawks to the occasional grazing cattle, are common.
For the View: Mount Diablo State Park
If a sweeping view is more your speed, the scenic drive up Mount Diablo State Park offers one of the best in Northern California, about 35 minutes from Dublin. On a clear day, the summit’s observation deck looks out across the Golden Gate Bridge, the Central Valley and, on rare occasions, the Sierra Nevada. The road does the climbing for you, so this destination works just as well as a scenic drive as it does a hike. It’s ideal for anyone who’d rather take in the view from a car window or a bench.
For a Bit of History: Niles Canyon Railway
History lovers will enjoy the Niles Canyon Railway, a restored heritage train that still runs along the original transcontinental railroad route between Sunol and Fremont. The round-trip ride takes about 90 minutes, operating March through October, typically on the second and third weekends of the month, with open-air cars for catching the breeze along the way. It’s about a 25-minute drive from Dublin, and the historic Sunol Depot makes for a pleasant stop even outside of ride days.
For Sipping and Staying Awhile: Livermore Valley
For an afternoon built around good food and slower conversation, Livermore Valley Wine Country is one of the closest wine regions in the Tri Valley, about 20 minutes from Dublin. Longtime favorites like Wente Family Vineyards and Concannon Vineyard offer relaxed outdoor tastings, and many tasting rooms welcome walk-ins on weekdays.
Settle in for an afternoon of lingering: a glass of wine, shady patio and plenty of time to talk. And for more things to do in Tri Valley towns like Pleasanton and Livermore, downtown farmers markets and seasonal festivals are always worth checking before you head out.
Willing To Go a Little Further: San Francisco
If you don’t mind stretching the drive closer to an hour, San Francisco opens up a long list of options. Fun things to do in SF range from a slow walk through Golden Gate Park to a cable car ride down toward Fisherman’s Wharf. On a clear day, the views from the bridge alone are worth the trip. For anyone searching for things to do in San Francisco with a companion who prefers an easier pace, the Presidio’s flat, scenic trails and the de Young Museum’s accessible galleries are worth adding to the list.
Driving Tips To Make the Trips Comfortable and Safe
A few simple driving tips go a long way toward keeping the trip enjoyable:
- Plan a stop every 45 minutes or so to stretch, use the restroom or just take in the scenery.
- Aim for a late-morning departure to avoid peak sun and traffic in both directions.
- Pack water, sunscreen and a light jacket. Bay Area weather can shift quickly between valleys and hills.
- Call ahead to confirm accessible parking, restrooms or trails if mobility is a factor. Several of these spots, including Sunol’s visitor center, are wheelchair accessible.
- Keep a phone charger in the car and share your route with a friend or loved one before you head out.
Keeping It Light Along the Way
The drive itself can be half the fun, and car games are some of the classic things to do on a road trip when conversation needs a boost. A few easy favorites:
- License Plate Game: Spot as many different states as you can before you reach your destination.
- I Spy: A classic for a reason, and easy to play from any seat. Sightings will likely include windmills, grazing livestock, grapevines, hot-air balloons and Irish-themed signage.
- Name That Tune: Take turns humming a few bars and guessing the song. Tips: An easy default for classic hits is 103.7 (KOSF). SiriusXM has decade and classic vinyl stations. Or, search “name that tune” or “guess the song” on Spotify or Apple Music.
- Finish the Story: One person starts a sentence, the next person adds a line, and see where it goes.
The Best Starting Point in the Tri-Valley
At The Whitford, the parklike setting on our six landscaped acres is just the beginning. Dublin, the Tri-Valley and the East Bay unfold in every direction, ready for an afternoon drive, family visit or spontaneous day trip. Residents don’t have to choose between a peaceful home base and an engaged, connected life. Here, they get both. Wherever the road takes you next, The Whitford is a perfect location to start the day, and an even better place to come home to.
Featured Image: Sundry Photography / Shutterstock