11 Awesome Things To Do In Livermore California | Best Livermore Tours & Activities

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Livermore, also known as “The City of Happiness, “ is a charming and lively city in the East Bay region. San Francisco Bay Area visitors can enjoy many popular outdoor activities nearby. 

These activities include hiking trails at Las Trampas Regional Wilderness Area, the Mt. Diablo State Park, and the Delta de Anza Regional Park System.

If you’re searching for adventurous things to do in Livermore, then you will be pleased to find that rock climbing, ziplining, and whitewater rafting is available within an hour’s drive. I enjoyed the whitewater rafting! To save you time and effort, and help you with your agenda, here you can find my top picks of things to do in Livermore and not feel bored for even a second. Let’s begin!

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11 Awesome Things to do in Livermore California

Visit Del Valle Regional Park

7000 Del Valle Rd, Livermore // +15105443143

In contrast to the many days of rain and clouds in San Francisco, Livermore has a warmer climate and is more conducive to outdoor sports, such as hiking and bicycling.

Those who love nature look no further than the smaller state and national parks in the region for a way to enjoy the great outdoors without traveling to more extensive gardens.

If you would like to spend a night or two in the great outdoors, I suggest camping at one of more than 100 individual campsites, many of which have water and electrical hookups.

Visit The Shiva-Vishnu Temple

1232 Arrowhead Ave, Livermore // +19254496254

I was surprised when I visited the Shiva-Vishnu Temple since it is situated in the heart of a quiet suburb of Livermore. This temple has a particularly striking Gopura (an ornately decorated pyramidal tower above the main entrance), which is typical of Hindu temples in Southern India. 

There are no Hindu temples larger than this one (of its kind) in North America, with an imposing Sundareshvara Shiva-Parvati sculpture.

There is a pyramid-shaped temple in the center of the gardens that is home to various Hindu deities. Inside, a large hall and a large kitchen prepare delicious vegan meals for visitors and neighbors for free. I was offered some bites that I absolutely enjoyed.

Visit The Sycamore Grove Regional Park

1051 Wetmore Rd, Livermore // +19259602400

Visiting Sycamore Grove Regional Park is the next great choice from all the things to do in Livermore. A lot of locals, including myself, enjoy taking hiking trails around the area. The land is surrounded by many levels of hills, which provides great trails and scenery. There is a magnificent view for miles around from the top.

Park entrances are located at two easy-to-access places. Located along the east side of Livermore Ave., the park’s main entrance is on the east side, while the south entrance is off Arroyo Road from Santa Rita Road. Upon entering Sycamore Grove, you can either take the Magpie Loop (a stroll with some uphill terrain) or the Valley View Loop (which offers excellent views and some uphill terrain).

Tour The Ravenswood Historic Site

2647 Arroyo Rd, Livermore // +19254430238

If you’re planning a California road trip or simply want to take a quick day trip to the Livermore Valley, my suggestion is to stop by this beautiful historical site.

Public tours of the site began in 1983 by the Livermore Heritage Guild. It boasts antique furniture and accessories that have been restored to the main house. Approximately four times a year, Guild volunteers provide guided tours. In addition, a collection of antique sewing machines and other items from Victorian rural life is displayed in the Carriage House. 

Usually, every second and fourth Sunday of the month, you can join a free guided tour (led by costumed docents) of the historic estate. It is an hour-long tour and includes the cottage built in 1885, the main house built in 1891, and the wonderfully landscaped grounds. It costs $5 per person to book a private guided tour, and it’s totally worth it.

Watch A Show At Bankhead Theater

2400 First St, Livermore // +19253736800

I enjoy the intimacy of The Bankhead Theater, especially on cool summer evenings when they open the huge garage doors on two sides. As you sink in your seat, you will instantly feel relaxed and indulged in the play. The Bankhead Theater’s restrooms are located down a short hallway. They are kept immaculately clean. 

A variety of drinks and snacks are available at the vendor stand. Recently, they added small areas where you can sit after dancing in the isles or while waiting for someone. 

A friendly atmosphere lends itself well to making friends with people sitting around you before or after the performance. Despite never seeing them before, it happened to me twice already.

Drink Wine At Wente Vineyards

5040 Arroyo Rd, Livermore // +19254562481

If you are a wine connoisseur. or feel excited to explore the wine world, consider visiting Wente Winery. Several types of wine (white, red, sparkling) were offered for tasting and purchasing in the tasting room and the staff members were very friendly and accommodating. 

The tasting room was not the only place to enjoy the great weather and sample the large variety of wine. Several outdoor areas were also available for enjoyment. 

Among other memorable things to do in Livermore is the Harvest Tour, which includes watching the new harvest being picked and processed. Visit outside of harvest time, and you can still take a vineyard tour, enjoy a Wine and Cheese Pairing in The Cellar, or enjoy an outstanding, paired dinner in the restaurant.

Visit Darcie Kent Vineyards

7000 Tesla Rd, Livermore // +19252439040

I was lucky to find myself during Livermore Valley Wine Country’s annual harvest festival and decided to visit the Darcie Kent Vineyards. It was a privilege to be a part of the crowds of people who flock to this yearly event that draws more than 50,000 visitors over three days.

Located inside an unassuming stone barn, you will find the exhibitions of Darcie’s artwork, a gift shop, and the tasting room. The second-generation Darcie Kent Winery was established in 1985 by her parents, Robert and Marilyn Kent. They cultivated the first vines on the Livermore Valley floor over 30 years ago. 

Hike The Brushy Peak Regional Preserve

2234 Laughlin Rd, Livermore // +18883272757

As an outdoor enthusiast and nature lover, I absolutely love visiting Brushy Peak Regional Preserve from all the things to do in Livermore. This place offers easy access to a large green space filled with trails for walking, hiking, biking, and horseback riding. But be aware that you are requested to stay on the path and keep your dog on a leash at all times since the park protects a variety of delicate plants.

Brushy Peak Regional Preserve has three trailheads. The North Ridge Trailhead is located off of Wente Road in the campground, near the north entrance to the park. The South Ridge Trailhead leads to a group picnic area off from Tesla Road, while the Green Valley Trailhead is accessed by driving further down Tesla Road, past the group picnic area, and parking at Mulholland Drive. Prepare your eyes for heavenly scenes.

Visit Altamont Beer Works

2402 Research Dr, Livermore // +19254432337

Altamont Beer Works was recommended to me by a friend, so I didn’t hesitate to try it. My goal was to enjoy a few hand-crafted ales in a rustic atmosphere that gave me the feeling that they brew their beer in the countryside and then drive it into town, where it is served straight from the back of their truck. 

The Altamont Beer Works microbrewery is family-owned and operated. With this company, drinkers and their families can enjoy a fresh beer in a natural setting. 

Craft beers are handcrafted, made with the finest ingredients, and without additives or preservatives. I had the “West Coast” IPA, which is hop-forward without the extreme hop bitterness, and I loved it. Every sip was bursting with big citrus and tropical aromas. The list of beers they have is extensive, feel free to seek advice on which beer to order, as I did.

The company has strong ties to Altamont, Livermore’s first incorporated city, and adopted its name as well as following the West Coast’s freshness traditions. This means uncompromising quality and taste.

Visit Lizzie Fountain Park

First Street and S Livermore Ave // +19259604000

Visiting Lizzie Fountain Park landed on my list of memorable things to do in Livermore, CA. You can run, walk and exercise at the fitness stations placed around the park. Ideal outdoor activity to keep yourself energized during your stay.

Parking here is very inexpensive compared to other places, and if you plan on staying for several hours, you can pack a picnic lunch.

While there are no public drinking fountains in the park, there is plenty of street parking within a reasonable distance, and paying a fair amount for parking your car for a few hours close to the park.

When the hot California sunsets, the splash pad with several smaller water jets is the perfect place for kids to cool off. There are several nearby restaurants for theaters and shows, and people often relax at the fountain before attending these events.

Ride The Livermore Wine Trolley

The Livermore Wine Trolley // 925-989-0421

Have you ever been on a Wine Trolley before? Livermore has it! Consider taking a tour of the Livermore Wine Trolley when you are in the Bay Area or going to Livermore, California. 

The Wine Trolley tours every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday all year long that takes tourists to three vineyards in the Livermore Valley.

For me, the Livermore Wine Trolley made it easy to get around the Livermore Wine Country. It is so much fun to ride through the valley, visit three great wineries, and then enjoy a delicious lunch and wine tasting all in one day.

The average wine tasting lasts between 30 and 45 minutes. While there is no time limit for spending at each winery, you can stay as long as you wish. In addition to wine tasting, some of the facilities offer light snacks and gourmet meals (included in the price of your Wine Trolley tour). 

You can also enjoy a relaxing break from the workweek with friends or co-workers on Thursday afternoons since the Livermore Wine Trolley is closed on Mondays.

Wrapping It All Up 

It surely is a bit hard to narrow down all the interesting, fun, and relaxing things to do in Livermore CA. With plenty of choices and plenty of places to go, it made me think before I gathered my impressions. 

You can do so much in Livermore, whether you’re a resident or just visiting. Grocery stores often offer free wine tastings, the city is not short of wineries, and visiting those farther away doesn’t cost much. Follow these tips and I assure you’ll leave Livermore with beautiful lifelong memories.

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