This Friendly California City Is A Picturesque Getaway With A Charming Downtown, Wine, Brews, And Food

California's stereotypical scenery typically includes sandy beaches, snow-capped mountains, and redwood forests. However, this coastal state offers so much more. Though not as iconic as its beaches or mountains, California's farmland, vineyards, and small towns are quintessential to its landscape. For those interested in a sip of wine history in a picturesque little town, visit Livermore, one of California's oldest wine regions.

Livermore is in the Tri-Valley area, which includes the Livermore, Amador, and San Ramon Valleys. The town sits between Fremont, the least-stressed city in America, and Stockton, an affordable riverside hub with murals, markets, and trails. However, Livermore is also a short drive from San Jose and San Francisco and less expensive, making it an attractive city for workers in these larger cities. That said, Livermore is so much more than a commuter suburb. Close to major metropolitan areas, and its fantastic downtown and wine country, make it a great for a weekend or quick afternoon getaway.

As traveling to most places in California, a car is always necessary when exploring. To get there by car, you can take either I-580 E from San Francisco or I-680 N from San Jose. However, if you're flying into San Jose Mineta International Airport and can travel on a weekday, the commuter train, the Altamont Corridor Express, runs from San Jose to Stockton. The train is as fast as driving, taking just over an hour to ride from San Jose Diridon Station to Livermore.

In the past decade, Livermore has upgraded its downtown with more parking, pedestrian-friendly sidewalks, biking paths, and parks. To explore Livermore's walkable downtown, use the parking garage at the corner of Veteran's Way and South L Street if you arrived by car. Shops and restaurants are just next door along First Street between South L and Maple Street. As you walk, you can find protection from the summer sun under the many large leafy trees, shop canopies, and plant-covered trellises lining the sidewalks.

Shops include gourmet grocery stores, independent jewelers, clothing boutiques, restaurants, wine bars, and ice cream shops. Many restaurants also have patio seating along the sidewalks so you can enjoy the great weather as you dine, including L Campo, a top-rated Spanish eatery serving delicious paella. As you approach the intersection with South Livermore Ave, you'll find a triangular piazza packed with tables for diners at nearby restaurants.

Across the street, people can cool off in the fountain park on hot summer days. It is surrounded by stone benches shaded by a white pagoda covered in purple wisteria for anyone to enjoy. Most charming of all is the historic L. Schenone Building,a former facade for the Bell Theatre built behind it. Built in the early 1900s, the building has yellow stucco walls, dark blue accents, and striped canopies over its street-level windows, adding to Livermore's charming downtown vibes. Grab a table at Demitri's Taverna and try the gyro plates, lamb pops, or the mouth-watering baklava.

Before heading to California's secret coastal mountain wine region, stop at First Street Wine Company. The friendly staff can guide you to great family-owned local winemakers for tasting or to purchase full bottles. For a lively tasting experience, head to the historic Blacksmith Square. Here you'll find a wine bar, Swirl on the Square, and a pub, Tap 25, both serving local wines and American brews. At night, you can dance with a glass of wine to live music from bands playing classic rock, blues, soul, and R&B.

Outside Livermore, you'll see undulating hills blanketed by green grass and pops of orange Golden California Poppies. With Livermore's claim to fame as one of California's oldest wine regions, you shouldn't be surprised to see rows upon rows of vineyards, too. For a taste of history, visit Wente Family Vineyards, the longest-running family-owned and operated winery. Here you can taste award-winning wines and tour the caves with a seated wine-tasting and food pairing. For a fun twist, hop on the Livermore Wine Trolley tour to visit three wineries with lunch included.

Though wine might be why people visit Livermore, don't miss out on the breweries around town. Located just six minutes from downtown, Homegrown Hops Brewing grows its own hops on the property and brews craft beers like Hopalong Hazy. The brewery also has a great, kid-friendly outdoor area with live music, picnic tables, food trucks, and games like corn hole and bocce ball. For more wine and brews, check out Livermore's industrial area around Research Drive. You can find top-rated breweries like Altamont Brew Works and Rivers End Brewing Company, and a kitschy and cute tasting room at Longevity Wines.