Literary history, historic buildings, and a route through downtown reveal different sides of Danville. If you’re looking for a place to stay, you can plan your visit around your interests: Tao House offers a window into Eugene O’Neill’s work, the Historic Walking Tour Guide directs attention to Old Town, and the Iron Horse Regional Trail is used for a variety of activities. Visiting conditions vary: the Eugene O’Neill National Historic Site has specific requirements for getting there and for ranger-led tours.
Tao House and Eugene O’Neill
The Eugene O’Neill National Historic Site lies on Danville’s western edge in the Las Trampas Hills, at an elevation of about 700 feet. Wooded areas and open fields surround the site to the north, south, and west; within its grounds are several small orchards and ornamental plantings. Tao House is part of the site. It was there that Eugene O’Neill wrote The Iceman Cometh, Long Day’s Journey Into Night, and A Moon for the Misbegotten—a tangible point of connection for anyone interested in the site’s literary heritage.
The site can be reached only by a National Park Service shuttle; private vehicles are not allowed. Ranger-led tours of Tao House include time afterward to explore the grounds around the historic house. Reservations are required for these tours. Check the latest shuttle and reservation information before traveling so you can plan your visit accordingly.
The Depot, Old Town, and Theater
The Museum of the San Ramon Valley is housed in the restored 1891 Southern Pacific Depot. The museum’s Train Depot is home to Danville’s official visitor information center. For an exploration focused on local and architectural history, consider the Historic Walking Tour Guide: it takes you past historic buildings in Old Town Danville and explains the origins of buildings and street names, as well as the history of the people who lived there. The guide thus focuses on the town’s development and its residents.
The Village Theatre offers another way to connect with cultural history. Built in 1873, the building was recognized as a historic site by the Heritage Resource Commission and now serves as a performing arts theater. Its lobby houses a 1,000-square-foot art gallery. The gallery was expanded in 2009 and opened on November 14, 2009; it hosts art exhibitions and receptions. As the exhibition program may change, it’s worth checking the latest program information before visiting. Unlike the Old Town walking tour, the theater combines historic architecture with a cultural offering in the present day.
On Foot or on the Iron Horse Trail
The Iron Horse Regional Trail runs through downtown Danville. The route is recommended for cyclists, hikers, joggers, and runners. It offers a different way to spend your visit than the Historic Walking Tour Guide: the guide focuses on historic buildings, street names, and local history, while the trail is all about getting around on foot or by bike. Temporary closures for maintenance may occur; check the latest trail notices when planning your visit.
Saturday at the Farmers’ Market
The Danville Farmers’ Market is held year-round on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. It is located in the municipal parking lot on Railroad Avenue, at the corner of Prospect Avenue. Its regular hours make the market an easy landmark for a Saturday morning; plan it into your stay accordingly. Since it’s best to check the hours and location before visiting, be sure to look up the latest information.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: El Cerrito, Oakley, Richmond, Concord, Alamo, San Pablo, Martinez, Lafayette.
Go to the main travel overview: Contra Costa.
