The Tri-Valley is known for its consistent sunshine and wonderful weather, boasting California’s famous sunshine while drawing in a costal breeze from the westward San Francisco Bay Area. But, we’ll admit that sunshine we know and love can sometimes get the best of us. Luckily, there are plenty of fun things to do to beat the heat. Read below for our favorite ways to beat the heat in the Tri-Valley.
Lake Del Valle
Visit a Local Lake
The Tri-Valley is home to two gorgeous watering holes perfect for fun water activities like boating, fishing, kayaking, swimming and stand-up paddle boarding.
- Lake Del Valle is a 5-mile long secluded body of water, nestled within Del Valle Regional Park. Surrounded by large valleys of beautiful oak trees, visitors can usually swim in a designated beach area, launch their own water vessels at the marina, or rent a boat or pontoon for a few hours or the whole day. Make sure to check the Del Valle Regional Park website for dock closures or swimming limitations.
- Shadow Cliffs Lake is another close-by recreational area, perfect for swimming, fishing and boating. Just a few minutes from the freeway, Shadow Cliffs is easily accessible with plenty of parking, shaded areas and picnic tables. Swimming is permitted year-round, but life guards are only provided during the summer season.
Dublin Wave
Water Parks & Pools
What better way to beat the heat during summer months than by cannon balling into an olympic sized pool?
- The Dublin Wave is an aquatic recreational center is full of fun water activities like a water slide tower, swimming and sport pools, and a kid-friendly water playground. During especially hot summer days, find asylum from the heat in the Dublin Wave‘s indoor pool or at one their shady pool-side picnic tables. Stay tuned in on their website for opening dates and hours of operation.
- Robert Livermore Community Park in Livermore is also a wonderful place to take a dip; its complete with swimming pools, a water slide, and an interactive aqua playground for kids.
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Diablo Vista Park
Parks & Splash Pads
Bring your swimsuits, a blanket to sit on, and some snacks. The following parks are perfect for a day of playground and splash pad fun.
- Sycamore Valley Park in Danville features shady lawns perfect for picnicking, a full-sized playground, and sports fields.
- Diablo Vista Park in Danville, affectionately called “Snake Park” by locals due to it’s large, stone mosaic snake that serves both the centerpiece of the park and a water fountain for kids.
- Emerald Glen Park in Dublin is a large community park adjacent to the Dublin Wave, and features a spacious splash pad and playground.
Lottie’s Creamery, Danville
Ice Cream Trail
Beat the heat with a sweet treat! Hop on the Tri-Valley Ice Cream Trail to taste your way through the region’s yummiest ice creameries. Visit 5 stops and earn a Tri-Valley ice cream scooper to use at home!
Blackhawk Museum
Visit a Museum
Visiting a museum opens doors to new experiences and worlds outside of your own, all while keeping cool.
- Blackhawk Museum in Danville has an extensive automotive gallery but it also features several cultural exhibits, like The Spirit of the Old West, Into China, Art of Africa, and The World of Nature Experience. Located in the beautiful Blackhawk Plaza, you can even shop and grab lunch or dinner after exploring exhibits.
- Pleasanton’s Museum on Main features rotating exhibits while also preserving the Amador-Livermore Valley’s past. This unique glance into the history of the Tri-Valley tells a story of Ohlone Indians, the introduction of cattle and agricultural industries, and how this growth made today’s Pleasanton possible. Conveniently located in the heart of downtown Pleasanton, there’s plenty of shopping and great restaurants to visit afterwards.
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San Franciso Premium Outlets
Go Shopping
Escape the heat while shopping your day away at one of Tri-Valley’s various indoor and outdoor shopping centers.
- The San Francisco Premium Outlets is not only an international shopping destination, but it is also covered by shaded palm trees and large awnings. Take a stroll through this sprawling outdoor mall which features several shady seating areas and over 180+ luxury brand outlet stores. Stop into stores for the occasional A/C break, grab a cold boba beverage from Tea Heart, or visit Rita’s Ice kisosk for an authentic Italian shaved ice.
- Pleasanton’s Stoneridge Shopping Mall is also a fun shopping center for visitors and locals alike. This indoor mall has plenty of big-name brands, popular restaurant chains, and is an air-conditioned haven on warm days.
Vine Cinema & Alehouse
See a Movie
Cold air conditioning, comfy seats, and matinee pricing are all reasons to escape to a movie theater on hot days. Check out some of the Tri-Valley’s best movie theaters to kick back in.
- The Vine Cinema & Alehouse in Livermore is located in the heart of downtown, has comfortable seating including some couches and side tables, and provides scrumptious small bites as well as local beer and wine options at their concessions stand.
- Regal Hacienda Crossing Stadium in Dublin is not only surrounded by a variety of delicious restaurants and shops, but it’s also one of only nineteen theaters in the entire United States that screens 70MM IMAX films.
Firehouse Arts Center
Visit an Art Gallery
The Tri-Valley is home to a thriving arts & culture scene, with plenty of opportunities to view art from around the world and crafted by local artists.
- The Firehouse Arts Center in Pleasanton features several rotating art exhibits but also hosts performances in music, poetry, theater, comedy, film and more. This spacious 20,000 sq. ft. art venue has a 2,000 sq. ft. fine arts gallery, a 221-seat theater, and an expansive classroom space.
- Danville’s Village Theater & Art Gallery is as much of an art-venue as it is a historical monument. Built in 1913, the Village Theater has previously served as a meeting hall, basketball court, autopsy room, and even a skating rink before it was converted for its current purpose in 1987.
- The Bankhead Theater in Livermore is often called the heart of Livermore’s vibrant cultural arts community, equipped with a 507-seat theater fit with a large stage used for live music, dance and theater performances as well as lectures, civic events and conferences. It’s large lobby is home to a gallery featuring rotating artists.