The town of Danville is found in the Eastern San Francisco Bay Area, within Contra Costa County. Although it began as a modest town of farms, ranches and orchards, Danville now boasts some of the most expensive real estate and exclusive country clubs in the country. It’s emphasis on community, has helped to earn Danville the nickname: “The heart of the San Ramon Valley”
Danville residents enjoy an abundant selection of specialty retail and fine dining establishments, many of which are conveniently located in one of its four downtown centers. Spanning approximately one mile by one half mile, with San Ramon Valley Boulevard and Hartz Avenue serving as its main thoroughfare, downtown Danville hosts more than 230 shops, and 85 restaurants.
Tapestry, a Lifestyle Boutique showcases exquisitely curated gifts, jewelry, personal accessories, wines and culinary foods, and home décor. If vintage, antique and one-of-a-kind artisan wares strike your fancy, then “Best Boutique in the East Bay” award winning Cottage Jewel is a must-see. Danville’s independently owned Rakestraw Books features a full calendar of author’s visits, book clubs – with and without wine, in addition to thoughtfully selected books for all interests and ages. Whimsey Kidz is a full-service clothing boutique focusing on apparel with a European flair. Whimsey caters to children from infancy through the tween years and takes pride in its commitment to providing clothing appropriate for children with heightened sensory needs. Toys, books, and specialty gifts round out their inventory.
More than 85 restaurants make Danville a popular destination for both casual and fine dining. Enjoy an exquisitely prepared entrée such as lamb shanks, rustic flatbread pizzas, pastas, prawns, or a house made pastry at award-winning The Peasant & The Pear in Danville’s historic downtown. Or sample a craft beer or cocktail in the upscale yet casual Revel Kitchen and Bar, while savoring the sustainable ingredients featured on the menu. Or grab the kids and settle in at Sideboard Neighborhood Kitchen, where rustic comfort food is prepared from scratch and served in an unpretentious atmosphere.
The Town of Danville provides numerous community events throughout the year. SummerFest and FallFest each bring more than 150 artisans from the western united states to the streets of Historic Danville for juried fine art shows. Food, live music, dance, a car show, and kid-friendly activities enhance the family-friendly atmosphere of these weekend long events. Many of Danville’s retail establishments and restaurants join in the fun by staying open to welcome residents and visitors alike. The annual Lighting of the Old Oak Tree occurs the day after Thanksgiving and culminates with Father Christmas and the Snow Angel sprinkling magic dust to light the oak tree.
Shops stay open and welcome visitors with special treats, while the San Ramon Valley High School Choir fills the air with festive music.
Each Saturday from 9am -1pm visitors can select from the freshest in seasonal fruits, vegetables, flowers, breads, and other specialty food items at Danville’s Farmers’ Market.
The Farmers’ market is conveniently located adjacent to the Museum of the San Ramon Valley. Situated within a historic Southern Pacific Railroad Train Depot, the Museum of San Ramon features rotating exhibits that highlight the history and culture of Danville.
Danville Recreation, Arts & Community Services oversees parks, open space, arts, theater, and community services for Danville citizens. Enjoy plays, comedy, and musical performances, or view one of the rotating art exhibits on display at The Village Theater and Art Gallery. With six community parks, and more than 30 baseball/softball and soccer/lacrosse fields, recreational opportunities are always close at hand. (*Private Clubs, so unsure if you would like them included? “Danville also plays host to three golf courses: Diablo Country Club, Blackhawk Country Club, Crow Canyon Country Club.”)
Or strike out and experience some of the natural creeks and trails amidst Danville’s 167 acres of parkland. Many open space preserves are accessible to those who care to step off the beaten path. Las Trampas Regional Wilderness and Sycamore Valley Open Space Regional Preserve border Danville, and offer miles of trails along with picturesque views of the San Ramon Valley. Or summit nearby Mount Diablo State Park’s 3,849 foot peak and take in the native wildflowers, distinctive rock formations and wildlife along the way.
Danville schools are overseen by the San Ramon Valley Unified School District. In 2019, US News and World Report ranked both of Danville’s high schools – Monte Vista High and San Ramon Valley High – as among California’s best.
