What Locals Know: 7 Hidden Gems in the Tri-Valley You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner

by Liz Venema

The Tri-Valley is more than just great schools, gorgeous homes, and thriving downtowns, it’s packed with off-the-beaten-path spots that even longtime locals may not know about. From tucked-away trails to cozy tasting rooms, here are 7 hidden gems worth exploring in Pleasanton, Livermore, Dublin, and beyond. Just don’t be surprised when you become the friend that everyone turns to for insider tips.

🌳 1. Kottinger Creek Nature Trail

📍 Pleasanton | Off Kottinger Drive near Harvest Park Middle School
Tucked quietly behind residential streets, Kottinger Creek Nature Trail is a shaded, peaceful walk that feels like you’ve left the city behind. With a seasonal creek, wooden footbridges, and wildflowers in the spring, it’s a favorite for families, dog walkers, and anyone looking for a little mental reset.

💡 Local Tip: Head out after a light rain for the full creekside experience—mud boots optional, but encouraged.

🍩 2. The Livermore Donut Trail

📍 Livermore | Donut Wheel, Café Donut, Lucky Donuts
Sure, we have all the big-name coffee shops, but locals know that the real morning magic is in the mom-and-pop donut shops scattered across Livermore. Try an old-fashioned from Donut Wheel (est. 1962), or a melt-in-your-mouth glaze from Lucky Donuts on First Street.

💡 Local Tip: Donut Wheel hasn’t changed its retro neon sign in over 50 years! t’s the ultimate Instagram backdrop for your donut haul.

🍔 3. SideTrack Bar + Grill’s Underground Vibe

📍 Pleasanton | 30 W Angela Street (next to the train tracks)
Part bar, part upscale grill, this tucked-away spot in Downtown Pleasanton has cozy lighting, a great cocktail menu, and one of the best burgers in town. It’s easy to miss if you’re walking by, but step inside and you’ll feel like you’ve entered a locals-only hideaway.

💡 Local Tip: Ask about the off-menu whiskey pairings, bartenders love sharing their favorites.

💦 4. Emerald Glen Park Splash Pad

📍 Dublin | 4201 Central Parkway
Most Tri-Valley families know about Emerald Glen Park, but many don’t realize it’s home to one of the largest splash pads and water play areas in the area. With playgrounds, sports fields, and even a skate park, it’s a kid paradise hiding in plain sight.

💡 Local Tip: Go early during summer weekends—it fills up fast by 11am.

🍷 5. Big White House Winery

📍 Livermore | 6800 Greenville Road
While Wente and Concannon get a lot of love (for good reason), Big White House Winery is a charming, low-key tasting room filled with art, conversation, and award-winning small-batch wines. It feels like sipping wine in someone’s living room, with better stories.

💡 Local Tip: Ask about the label artwork. Every bottle features a painting by a local artist (sometimes the winemaker’s own family!).

🎶 6. Downtown Pleasanton’s “Live Music Loop”

📍 Pleasanton | Thursday evenings, various venues
Not a formal event, but if you know where to walk on a Thursday evening, you’ll catch live music spilling out of patios and courtyards all along Main Street. From jazz duos to solo acoustic sets, it’s an unofficial soundtrack to your dinner or evening stroll.

💡 Local Tip: Start at McKay's Taphouse, then make your way past Cellar Door and Oasis for a casual progressive evening out.

🏛 7. Alviso Adobe Community Park

📍 Pleasanton | 3465 Old Foothill Road
This one’s hiding in plain sight. With historic buildings, a working blacksmith area, hands-on exhibits, and wide-open trails, this under-the-radar park offers a fascinating peek into Pleasanton’s past.

💡 Local Tip: Monthly docent-led tours are free and family-friendly. Check the city’s website for upcoming dates.

👋 Final Thoughts:

The Tri-Valley isn’t just a great place to live, it’s a place full of surprises. Whether you’ve lived here your whole life or just moved in, there’s always something new to discover. So next weekend, skip the routine and go explore one of these local gems.

Got a favorite hidden spot?
Drop it in the comments or DM us on Instagram—we might feature it next!