Danville: Culture and History

Danville brings together cultural and historical attractions, literary heritage, and activities on the Iron Horse Regional Trail. When looking for a hotel, you can first decide whether history, a visit to Tao House, outdoor exercise, or the Saturday farmers' market should shape your stay. Each place offers a distinct focus and gives you concrete points of reference for planning your trip.

Culture, Literature, and Local History

The Museum of the San Ramon Valley is housed in the restored 1891 Southern Pacific Depot. The museum's Train Depot serves as Danville's official visitor information center. This means that the historic railway station building is both a museum and an official resource for visitor information.

The Village Theatre was built in 1873, recognized as a historic site by the Heritage Resource Commission, and now serves as a performing arts theater. Its lobby contains a 1,000-square-foot art gallery. It was expanded in 2009 and opened on November 14, 2009. The gallery hosts art exhibitions and receptions; its exhibition program may change.

The Historic Walking Tour Guide focuses on historic buildings in Old Town Danville. It explains the origins of buildings and street names, as well as the history of the people who lived there. The walking tour therefore focuses not only on the buildings themselves, but also on the development of place names and the life stories associated with the historic district.

A distinct literary highlight is the Eugene O'Neill National Historic Site, home to Tao House. Eugene O'Neill wrote The Iceman Cometh, Long Day's Journey Into Night, and A Moon for the Misbegotten in this house. The site is on Danville's western edge in the Las Trampas Hills, at an elevation of about 700 feet. Wooded areas and open fields surround it to the north, south, and west; the site itself contains several small orchards and ornamental plants.

The Eugene O'Neill National Historic Site can only be reached by a National Park Service shuttle; private vehicles are not permitted at the site. Ranger-led tours include time afterward to explore the grounds around Tao House. Reservations are required for the tours. Check availability before your trip.

Outdoor Activities and Local Information

The Iron Horse Regional Trail passes through downtown Danville. It is recommended for cyclists, hikers, joggers, and runners, offering a different focus for your visit than the historic cultural sites. Whether you prefer cycling, hiking, or running, you can plan to include the trail accordingly. Temporary closures for maintenance are possible; check the trail before setting out.

The Danville Farmers' Market takes place year-round on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the municipal parking lot on Railroad Avenue, at the corner of Prospect Avenue. Check the time and location before your visit. The market is also associated with a publication by local chefs featuring recipes made with regional ingredients and seasonal produce from Northern California farmers. Thus, along with its historic and literary themes, the market is also connected with regional ingredients and seasonal produce.

This makes it easier to identify the attractions that matter to you before comparing hotel deals for your travel dates.

Explore more destinations: Rodeo, Antioch, Pittsburg, Brentwood, Discovery Bay, Pacheco, Walnut Creek, Orinda

For the broader travel overview: Contra Costa.