Danville California Hotels & Motels

What time of year is best to visit Danville, CA?

There's no bad season in which to visit the San Francisco metro area. Although warm weather makes summer the high season for this destination, you'll also pay peak hotel prices from June through August. You can save on accommodations during the shoulder season of September to November, which has the benefits of warm weather and thinner crowds. And because this part of California never gets too cold, winter is even a great time to travel to Danville. The spring shoulder season provides an additional opportunity for tourists to find budget Danville accommodations.

What are the best hotels in Danville, CA that offer discounts?

The Diablo Mountain Inn offers special rates for members of the military; guests can access these prices by inquiring when they book a room. The Best Western offers a 10 percent discount for guests who are older than age 55 and special rates for CAA, AAA, and AARP members. Government and military employees receive a minimum 10 percent discount. The Renaissance ClubSport, a Marriott property, offers a 15 percent discount for travelers ages 62 and older, as well as special rates for AAA members and government and military employees.

Where are the best budget hotels around Danville, CA?

The Best Western Danville Sycamore Inn, the only hotel located directly in Danville, is one of the best values in the area, combining an affordable price with sought-after amenities. This pet-friendly property features an outdoor pool, free continental breakfast with hot items included, satellite TV in each guest room, high-speed internet access, in-room coffee and tea, and an on-site business center.

Another great option to get the best bang for your buck is the Hyatt House San Ramon, which offers both traditional guest rooms and extended stay suites, each with a full kitchen. All guest rooms feature free wireless internet. With your stay, you can take advantage of the complimentary breakfast with organic items such as cage-free eggs and steel-cut oats, an outdoor pool with hot tub, and a 24-hour fitness center.

What are the best attractions in Danville, CA?

Danville is situated along the Iron Horse Regional Rail Trail, a 40-mile pedestrian, bike, and horseback trail along an abandoned rail line. This trail, maintained by the East Bay Regional Park District, connects central Alameda County with northern Contra Costa County. Those who want to explore the area can access the trail at the intersection of Danville Boulevard and Rudgear Road. Along the trail, you'll find the historic Danville Southern Pacific Railroad Depot, built in 1891 and providing passenger service until 1934. Today, it is home to the Museum of the San Ramon Valley, which is dedicated to preserving the area's heritage with exhibits and events that celebrate its rich history.

Nobel-Prize-winning playwright Eugene O'Neill once lived in Danville, and theater and history buffs can explore his life and work at the Eugene O'Neill National Historic Site. The Tao House, where O'Neill lived with his wife from 1937 to 1944, features Asian-inspired art and decor. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976 and maintains an archive of playbills, manuscripts, posters, and records from O'Neill's personal collection. The adjacent barn occasionally hosts productions of the playwright's iconic works. To explore other historic sites in Danville, download the map of the historic walking tour from the town's official website.

Car enthusiasts need to visit Danville's Blackhawk Museum, a display of 90 classic cars along with exhibits detailing the area's transportation and industrial history. You can also find an exhibit on the history of jukeboxes and a collection of Native American artifacts. This museum is part of the Smithsonian Institute and is located in Blackhawk Plaza. This expansive shopping center boasts high-end retailers like Anthropologie, high-quality home furniture and accessories from California Living and Draeger's, a host of health and beauty services, several restaurants, a movie theater, and an outdoor fire pit.

Enjoy Danville's natural beauty at the nearby Las Trampas Regional Wilderness Area, spanning more than 5,000 acres with two mountain ridges surrounding a tranquil valley along Bollinger Creek. The park, which is surrounded by the O'Neill Historic Site on three sides, has more than 150 miles of trails, all accessible for hikers and horseback riders and half of which allow cyclists. Las Trampas also provides nature lovers direct access to Mount Diablo State Park, with more than 90,000 acres of preserved mountain land, 100 access points, and 520 miles of trails. This is a great chance to catch a glimpse of local wildlife, including bobcats, coyotes, foxes, deer, and bald eagles. The wheelchair-accessible Mary Bowman trail encircles the base of Mount Diablo.

At the Village Theater and Art Gallery, enjoy an eclectic selection of performances including comedies, musicals, children's theater, movies, traditional theater, and live music. Stop by the box office to see what's showing and visit the Village Art Gallery, a community-based cultural arts center that spotlights exhibits by East Bay artists.

Head to downtown Danville to enjoy a tasting at the Auburn James Winery, founded in 2005 to create small batches of Bordeaux-style Napa Valley wines. The on-site St. Helens Tasting Cottage offers five-wine flights along with tours of the picturesque property. Check the calendar for events at Auburn James, too.

With so much to explore, it's clear that Danville is an untapped destination in the storied East Bay. Whether you're looking for affordable lodging outside San Francisco or want to explore this gem of a small city, book your accommodations today.