The Intel Museum
FreeFree museum at Intel's Santa Clara headquarters tracing the history of the microchip and Silicon Valley.
· Pleasanton, CA
The Tri-Valley region east of San Francisco covers Pleasanton, Livermore, Dublin, and San Ramon, built around one of California's oldest wine regions with about 50 wineries in the Livermore Valley. Thousands of acres of preserved open space feed an extensive network of hiking and biking trails, including Lake Del Valle Regional Park. The area also draws shoppers to Northern California's largest luxury outlet mall and a growing craft beer and dining scene.
General sightseeing guidance
Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.
The forecast is part of the ticket
Haze, low cloud, and rain flatten a view. Clear-day visits are worth rearranging your plans for.
Golden hour sells out first
Sunset slots at observation decks and cruises are the first to go, so book those further ahead.
Dress a layer warmer
It is always breezier up high and out on the water than it feels at street level.
Timed entry is common
Plenty of landmarks release tickets in windows rather than at the door, so check before you walk over.
The closest stops to Tri-Valley, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.
Free museum at Intel's Santa Clara headquarters tracing the history of the microchip and Silicon Valley.
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A sprawling, architecturally bizarre Victorian mansion built by firearm heiress Sarah Winchester, open for guided tours.
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The East Bay's food-forward, art-filled city on the shores of Lake Merritt.
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