Looking for a family-friendly city with suburban charm and Bay Area access? Head to Dublin, California! Located in the Tri-Valley region of the East Bay, Dublin offers a mix of parks, shopping, cultural events, and quick connections to San Francisco, Livermore wine country, and Silicon Valley. It’s a great base for both exploration and relaxation.

Dublin, CA Highlights:

  • For Families: Visit the Dublin Heritage Park & Museums – Learn about the area’s pioneer roots, walk historical buildings, and enjoy green space.
  • For Shoppers: Browse at Persimmon Place and Hacienda Crossings – Find major retailers, restaurants, and a movie theater all in one spot.
  • For Nature Lovers: Hike in Dublin Hills Regional Park – Trek scenic ridge trails with panoramic views of the Tri-Valley region.
  • For Active Travelers: Enjoy The Wave Waterpark – This aquatic complex offers waterslides, a pool, and a fitness center for all ages.
  • For Event Goers: Celebrate at Dublin St. Patrick’s Day Festival – One of California’s largest Irish festivals, featuring music, food, and a fun run.

Best Time to Visit Dublin, CA

The best time to visit Dublin is from April to October, when the weather is warm and sunny, ideal for outdoor events, hiking, and local festivals. Summers are hot and dry, while spring and fall offer milder temperatures and fewer crowds.

How to Get to Dublin, CA

  • By Car: Dublin is located at the junction of I-580 and I-680, about 35 miles east of San Francisco and 25 miles north of San Jose.
  • By BART: The Dublin/Pleasanton BART Station connects Dublin to Oakland, Berkeley, and San Francisco without needing a car.
  • By Plane: The nearest airports are Oakland International (OAK, 25–30 min) and San Francisco International (SFO, 40–45 min).

Where to Stay in Dublin, CA

  • Recommended for Families: Aloft Dublin-Pleasanton – Modern, pet-friendly hotel with a pool and easy access to shopping and BART.
  • For Business Travelers: Hyatt Place Dublin/Pleasanton – Comfortable rooms with workspace, complimentary breakfast, and great freeway access.
  • For Extended Stays: Extended Stay America Dublin – Affordable, apartment-style lodging with kitchenettes near dining and retail.

Best Things to Do in Dublin, CA

Iron Horse Trail

Bike or walk scenic paths and enjoy an easy outdoor trip.

Iron Horse Trail

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The Iron Horse Trail is a disused railway track that has been converted to a rail trail through California’s East Bay Area. It mostly follows what was once the route of the Southern Pacific Railway and will give you the chance to see some stunning views of Contra Costa counties and inland central Alameda. Walking, biking, and horse riding is allowed on the trail, making it a great multi-use space that the entire family can enjoy. Be on the lookout for some historic aspects along the way such as the converted railroad bridge which crosses over Walnut Creek.

Earl Anthony's Dublin Bowl

Bowl with friends and enjoy affordable fun for all ages.

Earl Anthony's Dublin Bowl

© Earl Anthony's Dublin Bowl

Earl Anthony's Dublin Bowl is where you want to be for a fun night out with the family. The recreational center has forty championship lanes and state-of-the-art scoring system, making it just right for serious bowlers as well as those just there for a good time.

Snack while you play with their full-service snack bar and full-service bar. Afterwards, head to their designated Lotto area or their spacious lounge, which has a big screen television making it a perfect place to watch sporting events. If you’re in Dublin for a while, you may want to consider joining their bowling league - they have several leagues for people of all ages.

6750 Regional Street, Dublin, CA 94568, Phone: 925-828-7550

Attractions for Couples

Dublin Heritage Park & Museums

Explore historic buildings and discover sights from Dublin’s past.

Dublin Heritage Park & Museums

© Dublin Heritage Park & Museums

A visit to the Dublin Heritage Park & Museums will be a fun and educational experience for the entire family. You’ll be able to go back in time at the ten-acre park which comprises lawns and picnic areas, the Dublin Pioneer Cemetery, and several historic buildings.

Some of the buildings you’ll come across during your adventure there are the historic house museum, Kolb House, and an 1856 Murray Schoolhouse which houses a permanent exhibit of Dublin’s history.

Other aspects also include the Kolb Sunday School Bar and an 1859 St. Raymond Church. There’s tons of events and hands-on activities you can participate in while you’re there such as milking their model cow, doing laundry on a washboard like they did then, and hand churning butter.

6600 Donlon Way, Dublin, CA 94568, Phone: 925-452-2100

Dublin Ranch Golf Course

Tee off with rolling views and enjoy a relaxing weekend round.

Dublin Ranch Golf Course

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The first and only golf course in Dublin, the Dublin Ranch Golf Course has a Robert Trent Jones Jr. par 63 layout.

Boasting of eleven unique par 3’s, five solid par 4’s, and two demanding par 5’s, golfers of all age and skill level are sure to have a good time. As you play, you’ll come across gorgeous rolling hills and valleys that are sure to take your breath away on the smooth and fast greens.

The exclusive private club also includes a shaded patio, the Hilltop Cafe, the Hilltop Restaurant and Bar, and an expansive foyer which leads into the grand adjoining ballroom.

5900 Signal Hill Drive, Dublin, CA 94568, Phone: 925-556-7040

Dublin Hills Regional Park

Hike ridge trails and admire peaceful spring views over the valley.

Dublin Hills Regional Park

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Spanning around 654 acres, Dublin Hills Regional Park is an undeveloped space that give you an authentic outdoor experience while in Dublin, California.

The park’s trails have clear access while also including a segment of the Calaveras Ridge Regional Trail. You can go hiking, biking, or horseback riding at the park, each of which will provide you with the opportunity to see amazing panoramic views of the surroundings. You will go across large expanses of open grasslands, dense coastal areas, woodlands, minor valleys, creeks and other bodies of water.

There’s an interesting array of flora and fauna which you may come across including California horned lark, northern harrier, coyotes, Pacific tree frogs, and much more.

Intersection of Dublin Boulevard and Marshall Canyon Drive, Phone: 510-544-3030

Dublin Iceland

Skate year-round and enjoy exciting winter fun with the kids.

Dublin Iceland

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Dublin Iceland was established in 1975 when the people of the community were looking for more family-oriented activities.

It was started by the East Bay Iceland Corporation and offers several public sessions and skating classes to its patrons to this day. It’s a great activity for visitors of all ages and abilities; younger ones love participating in the skating school. You can build your skills with their array of figure skating classes, broomball games, or competitive ice hockey games.

Dublin Iceland’s Camp Freeze and Junior Camp Freeze is a recreational camp that is available every summer for kids between the ages of five and eleven; during their time at the camp they will learn fundamentals, simple choreography, play games, and even learn about the workings of a Zamboni Ice Resurfacing machine.

7212 San Ramon Road, Dublin, CA 94568, Phone: 925-829-4444

Where to Eat

Denica's Real Food Kitchen

Savor hearty breakfasts and relax during a casual family meal.

Denica's Real Food Kitchen

© Denica's Real Food Kitchen

Owned and operated by husband and wife team, James and Denica Freitas, Denica's Real Food Kitchen was established from her dream to have a place where friends, family, and foodies can come together and enjoy delicious homemade cooking.

The restaurant has a warm, casual atmosphere that will make you feel welcome from the minute you walk in. You’ll love dining at Denica’s knowing that their dishes use natural, local, and organic products whenever possible. Feast on items from the menu such as the chorizo and egg burrito, Bella’s berry waffles topped with fresh strawberries and real whipped cream, and lucky boy crepes filled with bananas, strawberries, and Nutella.

6058 Dougherty Road, Dublin, CA 94568, Phone: 925-829-6200

Amakara

Enjoy fresh sushi and savor a romantic dinner in a sleek setting.

Amakara

© Amakara

Amakara is a wonderful restaurant in Dublin which is renowned for their contemporary Japanese cuisine.

They opened in 2008 with an aim to serve local and visiting customers with common favorites made tremendously better with a unique flair. Start your meal with salad, tempura, or raw & carpaccio appetizers, and move on to your choice of sushi rolls, sashimi, nigiri, hosomaki, or an entree of noodles or rice.

Some of the dishes that have proven to be popular with their diners include the beef teriyaki and rice, salmon shioyaki, chasu ramen in pork broth, tempura asparagus rolls, and the red dragon roll which is filled with spicy tuna and tempura shrimp.

7568 Dublin Blvd, Dublin, CA 94568, Phone: 925-803-8485

Pacific Catch

Taste coastal flavors and enjoy an affordable, flavorful seafood lunch.

Pacific Catch

© Pacific Catch

Pacific Catch is a casual eatery and sports bar that known for their delicious dishes with flavors inspired by the Pacific Rim.

The modern and comfortable Westcoast Fish House creates a dining experience which combines the laid-back lifestyle California is known for with immaculate fine dining.

The menu explores several ingredients and preparation styles which can be found throughout the Pacific; their lunch and dinner menu highlights several seasonal offerings such as salmon chowder, smoked salmon wasabi dip, firecracker shrimp sushi rolls, Korean BBQ bowls, west coast lobster roll with tarragon dill, and poke chirashi with salmon avocado, original ahi, and soy-wasabi sauce.

5251 Martinelli Way, Dublin, CA 94568, Phone: 925-999-8053

If you are interested in local events:

  • For Irish Culture: Dublin St. Patrick’s Day Festival (March) – Two days of live music, crafts, food, and a fun run celebrating the city’s heritage.
  • For Families: Splatter Festival (September) – Free multicultural art, music, food, and wine event held at Emerald Glen Park.
  • For Community Spirit: Summer Concert Series (June–August) – Weekly outdoor music at the Dublin Amphitheater or local parks.

Day Trip Itineraries Within 30–90 Minutes of Dublin, CA:

  • For Wine Lovers: Livermore Valley Wine Country (15–20 min) – Tour scenic vineyards and sample wine at Wente, Concannon, and more.
  • For History & Fun: Pleasanton (10–15 min) – Explore a historic Main Street, Saturday farmers market, and the Alameda County Fairgrounds.
  • For City Adventures: San Francisco (40–60 min via BART or car) – Visit iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Chinatown.
  • For Nature: Mount Diablo State Park (30–45 min) – Drive or hike to the summit for panoramic Bay Area views.
  • For Kids: Oakland Zoo (30–40 min) – A fun, educational spot with a gondola, African savanna, and playgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • Q: How far is Dublin from major cities like Oakland and San Francisco?
  • A: Dublin is located less than an hour away from downtown Oakland and downtown San Francisco, making it a convenient destination.
  • Q: What is Dublin known for?
  • A: Dublin is renowned for its annual Saint Patrick’s Day Festival, which spans multiple days and features a fun run, pancake breakfast, and a parade.
  • Q: Where can visitors learn about Dublin's history?
  • A: Visitors can explore the area's rich history at Dublin Heritage Park & Museums, which showcases the city's cultural heritage.
  • Q: Where can people enjoy nature in Dublin?
  • A: Nature enthusiasts can take in Dublin’s natural beauty at Dublin Hills Regional Park, which offers scenic views and outdoor activities.
  • Q: What family-friendly activities are available in Dublin?
  • A: Families can have fun at places like Earl Anthony’s Dublin Bowl or Dublin Iceland, which offer entertainment for all ages.

Plan Your Trip