We (especially Robin) love living right next to all of the vineyards and wineries in Livermore. There are a few very popular wineries, like Wente, and plenty of cute smaller ones. A personal favorite is Fenestra winery. It is the perfect place to take a picnic and try some amazing wine. We are not only members here, but plan to have some of their wine at the wedding, so we highly recommend a visit here! The winemaker's studio at Wente is also a lot of fun, and Retzlaff is a rustic family owned spot where you can learn a lot about wine.
There are plenty of amazing hikes nearby where we love to spend days out with Laika. The Pleasanton Ridge is right in town and has a great view of the Tri-Valley area. Mission Peak a bit south is quite fun and the top has a surprise photo area that people love, just be ready for a butt workout. Mount Diablo has a lot of hiking for those looking for a climb. If flat areas or the beach are more your style, try out a walk on the Iron Horse trail or head up to Stinson Beach for a hike.
We LOVE the aquarium! It is a bit of a drive, but definitely worth it. Monterey is an amazing town and the aquarium does a great job of showcasing the local sea life. If you go make sure to step outside to see wild otters playing in the bay.
In addition to wine tasting, the area has some great breweries. Altamont Brewery is a fun local spot we like to hang out with Laika and friends at. If you like sours, The Rare Barrel in Berkeley is amazing. Other local breweries we like to stop by include Fieldworks, Drakes, Cali Craft, and Golden State Brewery.
Ever seen an albino gator before? Well now's your chance! This is an awesome science museum that we love to go to especially when they have NightLife, a late night museum experience where you can nerd out on all the cool things in the museum with Adult Beverages.