Casual Dublin Plein Air

Alamo Creek Park is off Dougherty Road at the Dublin/San Ramon border, however, most folks just park on Amador Valley Road just after the pedestrian crosswalk. Beautiful burbling stream (usually wet yearround), oaks, conifers, ducks, and more. Ample shade for warmer days and public restrooms at the park. 

Steep climbs on trails or a winding utility road (paved) will take you to the water tower overlooking West Dublin. Head north through open hills to a spectacular lookout (and the location of Dublin High School Seniors marking their year) or south to the Dog Park, passing the Lone Cherry Tree. A climb but worth it!

Perfect in any weather, including HOT. Park along the street on Silvergate and stroll up the trail as it winds along a canyon nestled between homes and then fields. Gorgeous dappled shade cast from Bay Laurel and Oak trees. 

Park behind the Dublin Library and take the path west towards the Canal. Turn left. Two spots I primarily paint at: right at the corner on the outside curve (so cyclists can see me!) and south on the other side of the overpass; just across from the Bay Club.

Warning it is very noisy here (traffic).

Link to map of 580/680 Interchange spot.

At the edge of Suburbia, nestled behind the horse stables, is a small trail and bridge that offers views of the San Ramon foothills, the satellite dish, and more. You can park at the Tassajara Creek Park or on the street at the end of Hillbrook Place.

Link to map of Tassajara Creek Trail

In the unlikeliest of places: behind the San Francisco Outlets, park by Sees Candies and find a path leading behind the building and to a paved pathway along a canal. The canal is filled with cliff swallows darting among the reeds, egrets, ducks, and more. Or head south over the bridge to open fields, a eucalyptus grove encompassing a farm, and the golden hills of del Valle in the distance. 

Geographically this park would be part of Pleasanton but Livermore manages the space (and everything else around the tri-valley). A well-known park to stroll through Sycamores, burbling creeks, wildlife, vineyards, and more. Paved and unpaved paths but my favorite place is the ruins on the southwest side of the park, near the orchard. 

Drive up to the college and turn right at the Deer Cut outs, the Maintainence and Operations drive! Keep driving to the end, now known as the "J Lot". Feast your eyes on unobstructed views of North Livermore! The only homes in view is the quaint Murray Ranch. Somehow the rolling foothills leading down to Vasco are completely blocked out! Excellent view of Brushy Peak in the back. 

The Arroyo Bike Trail starts at Jack London and Isabel Roads, follows the back of neighborhoods into downtown Livermore, along Isabel, Stanley, and Murrieta. Wind between Eucalyptus groves, along an arroyo that becomes a swift river in the winter. Summertree Lane is an excellent spot near Stanley and Murietta. Parkland Park is an old orchard tucked in behind College Avenue just east of Holmes Road. All beautiful and easy to set up. 

A small strip of park nestled in a housing complex. The spot along the Arroyo Mocho trail is perfect for catching small waterfalls, reeds, herons & egrets, and more. 

I have always biked here, looks like driving in from Santa Rita Road is best: here it is on Google.

Close to the Alameda County Fairgrounds and downtown, seen (just barely) from 680, is a wonderful spot where two waterways join, surrounded by live oaks (and freeways). Turns out there is a path from the neighborhood homes for those coming by car.

Not sure of parking options, but the path is close to the trail!

Hardest part is finding one of the 2 parking lots. Excellent views and easy access. There is a path winding between the golden fields and the housing development winding up from Bollinger Canyon road directly to this Park!

It is off Windemere Road in San Ramon, over looking Dublin.

A small grassy field with public restrooms, easy parking, playgrounds, and shaded picnic tables with breath taking views of San Ramon and the golden hills to the West. Easy to bike to; the Alamo Creek Bike Trail practically leads to this spot!