We’re obviously big fans of our hometown, Livermore (check out our Livermore Vacation Guide for proof!), but nearby Dublin is pretty great too. Our whole region is chock-full of places to relax and explore. These are our top three recommendations for things to do in Dublin CA.
Don\’t Miss These Things to Do in Dublin, CA
Ride the Iron Horse Bike Trail
We can’t mention things to do in Dublin, CA without mentioning the epic Iron Horse Bike Trail. People who love cycling and are looking for an adventure in the Livermore region won\’t be disappointed with the Iron Horse Bike Trail.
The Iron Horse is a multi-use, whole-access trail between the cities of Concord and Pleasanton. Fun fact: the trail follows the Southern Pacific Railroad right-of-way established in 1891 and abandoned in 1977. Completed in 2014, the Iron Horse Bike Trail spans 32 miles of California landscape and history.
Not only does the Iron Horse Bike Trail serve cyclists, it also serves recreationists of all types—and even commuters. The 20-foot-wide paved trail will send you whizzing through residential and commercial areas, business parks, schools, public transportation centers, open spaces, parks, and more. You\’ll be getting great exercise with an inside look at the region, all at the same time.
If you hop on the trail at the Dublin/Pleasanton BART, it’ll take you further on to Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area, or you can head the other direction toward Concord.
For a full review of the Iron Horse Bike trail, check out our blog post dedicated to it.
Go Golfing at Dublin Ranch Golf Course
Dublin Ranch Golf Course is the first and only golf course in its namesake city, so it’s definitely high on the list of things to do in Dublin CA. This Robert Trent Jones Jr., par-63 course boasts eleven unique par 3\’s, five solid par 4\’s and two demanding par 5\’s.
On this course, you can expect to experience rolling hills and valleys, panoramic views of the Livermore Valley and Mt. Diablo.
You can count on finishing a full round in less than four hours.
Explore Dublin Hills Regional Park
As is the case for most towns in the Livermore Valley, one of the most spectacular things to do in Dublin CA is to explore the great outdoors. Dublin Hills Regional Park spans approximately 654 acres within an undeveloped open space corridor. Within you\’ll find a main ridge connecting Donlon Point on the Park\’s southern boundary to Wiedemann Hill, located on the adjacent private property to the north. The whole park is rife with magnificent steep-sloped canyons.
The Park\’s trails include a segment of the Calaveras Ridge Regional Trail and are perfect for hikers, bicyclists, and equestrians. The park’s grassland areas have remained largely untouched since the 1800s. (California annual grassland is the dominant plant community in Dublin Hills and covers approximately 300 acres of the park.)
In addition to the open grasslands, you’ll see incredible stands of coast live oak, which is home to various hawks, owls, and even the golden eagle.
Relax at the Purple Orchid
Whatever way you choose to enjoy Dublin, you’re pretty much guaranteed beautiful views and encounters with native Californian landscapes and wildlife. For more on our favorite things to see and do in the region, download our free Livermore Area Vacation Guide. Our conveniently located spa and resort is the perfect place to begin your adventure!