Outdoor Activities in Northern California’s Tri-Valley

Happy Trails

Trekkers can explore a variety of scenic hikes, including those at Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park. Pleasanton Ridge has beautiful trails with a variety of elevation gains, and lengths ranging from under two miles to nearly 18 miles. This park is vast and peaceful, with more than 9,000 acres of land, and more than 25 miles of trails to explore.

The park’s trails also offer opportunities for mountain biking. For riders interested in motocross, Pleasanton’s BMX Park is the place to put your skills to the test. This bike park features more than three-and-a-half acres of track for racing.

As Par as the Eye Can See

For golfers, the Callippe Preserve Golf Course presents 18 holes of scenic views of the surrounding area. The course is truly integrated with nature, with the final hole presenting a particular challenge as Happy Valley Creek cuts across in three spots, requiring careful precision with every swing.

Nearby Livermore’s The Course at Wente Vineyards is an 18-hole course designed by Greg Norman, an Australian golf legend who spent more than six years as a world champion. Located at Wente Vineyards, the scenery includes the natural hills and woodlands juxtaposed with breathtaking wine country. After finishing a round, a visit to The Grill and a wine tasting offer great rewards without even leaving the vineyard property.

Lake it Easy

Pleasanton visitors who love water sports will find what they’re looking for at the Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area. With a convenient location just a mile from downtown Pleasanton, Shadow Cliffs’ centerpiece is an 80-acre lake. The lake accommodates boating, kayaking, sailing, and swimming. The park also makes an excellent picnic destination with its captivating scenery, which includes several smaller lakes and ponds.

Shadow Cliffs is also a desirable location for birdwatchers. The bodies of water in the area draw an array of waterbirds, offering rare sightings for those not living close to the coast.

Livermore’s Del Valle Regional Park is natural paradise with something for everyone. Kayakers, boaters, swimmers, and sailors can set out on a lake measuring five miles with stunning tree-lined hills. The park also offers 25 miles of trails, as well as campsites.

Food, Music, and Mimosas

For Tri-Valley visitors looking to explore local community beyond our outdoor activities, the region has some exciting events taking place in August. Here are some highlights we’d recommend checking out while you’re here.

Pleasanton’s Weekends on Main is with Porsches on Main on Saturday, Aug. 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the Pleasanton Palooza on Sunday, Aug. 3 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Porsches on Main will feature more than 200 of the iconic luxury and sports cars for attendees admire. Two DJs and a live band will provide a soundtrack for the free, family-friendly event. Pleasanton Palooza, also free to attend, promises a street fair with family-friendly entertainment and activities, live music, vendors and more.

Opera aficionados will enjoy Opera in the Vineyard on Sunday, Aug. 17 at 5 p.m. at Garré Vineyard & Winery in Livermore. Performers from the Livermore Valley Opera will sing a variety of opera songs and Broadway showtunes. Feel free to bring food and a blanket, then pick up some wine and a charcuterie box from Garré to enjoy the performance. Tickets are available online for $80 each, while charcuterie boxes are $30 each.

If you’re in the Tri-Valley to embrace the wine country culture but want to add some healthy activity to your agenda, Rise and Wine Morning Pilates & Mimosas is happening Sunday, Aug. 24 at McGrail Vineyards in Livermore from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Begin the event with an hour-long instructor-led pilates session, then enjoy a mimosa as a reward afterward.

The event will also feature local vendors for goods and food to explore after the pilates session, along with McGrail’s selection of wines for sale. Tickets are $35 per person for wine club members or $40 for non-members and are available on Tock.

Fun and Games

Those aiming to see a longtime area cultural tradition will enjoy the 159th Scottish Highland Gathering & Games on Saturday, Aug. 30 and Sunday, Aug. 31, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. This event has been a Northern California staple since 1866 and is a celebration of Scottish culture.

The event features traditional Scottish athletics, live performances from musicians specializing in Scottish folk and Celtic rock music, country dancing, historic performances, and live animals, including birds of prey. Tickets are available on the Alameda County Fairgrounds website between $5.60 and $67.20.

Stay with Us at The Rose

Whether you’re set on exploring the great outdoors, or just looking to enjoy the exciting events happening in the Tri-Valley, the Rose Hotel in Pleasanton is proud to offer the best accommodation in the area. We provide travelers a boutique hotel experience inspired by those found in Europe, right down to an exterior that looks like it belongs in Victorian Britain.

Our intimate, cozy atmosphere means that space is limited, so we recommend you book as soon as possible to ensure you receive your desired dates. We wish you a safe trip to Pleasanton, and we look forward to making your stay a trip to remember.

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.