How to revisit California’s past through historic landmarks in the Tri-Valley
Our historic sites in the Tri-Valley make great places to visit for tourists coming from the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond. Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway or longer stay, the Tri-Valley’s farms, ranches, and museums offer a glimpse into what life was like for prior generations of Californians.
Historical estate in Livermore
Visitors to the area can take in the sights at fascinating places, such as the Ravenswood Historic Site in Livermore. Ravenswood is a historic estate with a fountain, gift shop and numerous Victorian-style buildings dating back to 1893, including the primary residence, guest house, and carriage house, among others.
The original owner was Christopher A. Buckley, a businessman with sizable political influence in 19th-century San Francisco. Free tours of the site are offered every second and fourth Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Reservations are not required for the tours. Event rentals are also available at this scenic spot for weddings, celebrations, and other gatherings.
Pleasanton’s historical adobe
In Pleasanton, you’ll find Alviso Adobe Community Park centered around former ranch buildings. The adobe house on a site that dates to 1854. It was built by the Alviso family, who were early ranchers and landowners in the area.
Alviso Adobe Community Park offers ways to learn about Californian history from ancient Native American civilizations to Spanish cattle ranchers and the state’s first certified dairy in the 20th century. The park is free to explore, with no tickets required.
Irish historical influence
To explore another park in the area, visitors can make the trip to the Dublin Heritage Park & Museums in Dublin. The 10-acre park features numerous historic buildings, a pioneer cemetery, and picnic spaces. The two museums on the property, the Murray Schoolhouse and the Kolb House, date to 1856 and 1911, respectively.
The Murray Schoolhouse details the history of Dublin and the lives of its founders, Irish immigrants who landed in America in 1834. The Kolb House contains early 20th-century artifacts highlighting what life was like in the past for the Kolb family, who lived in the house. The museums offer free entry and are open from 4 to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, while the park remains open from sunrise to sunset.
Pioneer history in Danville
Those interested in California’s early pioneer history can visit the Alamo Cemetery in Danville, whose burials date back to 1856. Take a stroll for free to discover the names of the region’s early settlers.
Wine history in the region
The Tri-Valley also has a long history as a wine-producing region, with historic vineyards such as Wente Vineyards and Concannon Vineyard both dating to 1883. Explore and tour these historic estates to learn more about these stunning wine producers, who have existed for more than 140 years each. Then enjoy some of the best wine the Tri-Valley has to offer with one of the various tasting packages at Concannon or Wente.
Heritage of art in the Tri-Valley
Tri-Valley visitors with a love of theater can explore the former home of the only American playwright to win a Nobel Prize at the Eugene O'Neill National Historic Site. Explore the grounds, which include a 19th-century barn now used to host performances, and the Tao House, O’Neill’s home that he and his wife, Carlotta, constructed between 1937 and 1944.
The house is the site where O’Neill wrote some of his most famous plays, including "The Iceman Cometh" and "Long Day's Journey Into Night.” Visits are free but require reservations for the two-hour tour options for 10 a.m. or 2 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday.
Super Sunday is a future reason to visit
In addition to serving as your home base to explore the many historic sites in the Tri-Valley area, the Rose Hotel in Pleasanton also offers accommodations for those going to the Big Game on Feb. 8 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. The Rose Hotel is about a half hour from the stadium by car, making a great spot to see the most spectacular football game of the year during the day, then retreat to Pleasanton for a quiet getaway in the evening.
The Rose Hotel is owened by Mike Madden, son of John Madden, commentator in the NFL, means that football will always be a strong part of our hotel’s heritage. Know more of the history of The Rose Hotel here.
VIP treatment for our guests
We attend to every detail to ensure guests enjoy their relaxing getaways to Pleasanton, whether here for business, events, or to explore the local region. Because our focus is quality over quantity, reservations fill up quickly, so we recommend booking your desired dates as soon as possible, especially if you’re going to be in town for the Big Game.
We wish you safe travels to Pleasanton, and we look forward to helping you explore one of the best places to learn about history in Northern California.
Reach us by emailing info@RoseHotel.net, calling (925) 846-8802, or stopping by to visit at 807 Main St., Pleasanton, CA 94566. Click here to book your next visit to the Rose Hotel.