The Eugene O’Neill National Historic Site – A Top Bay Area California Hike
By Carrie Green Zinn
What is the Eugene O’Neill National
Historic Site?
Visit the Eugene O’Neill National Historic Site in Northern California, just 30 miles from San Francisco.
Eugene O’Neill was America’s only Nobel Prize winning playwright. He lived on a beautiful property in the Danville, California hills from 1937 to 1944.
O’Neill and his wife Carlotta used the Nobel Prize money to design and build their home, the Tao House, in the Chinese Taoist style.
While living there, O’Neill wrote his most revered plays; The Iceman Cometh, Long Day’s Journey Into Night, and A Moon For The Misbegotten.
The O’Neills later relocated to Boston when he became too ill to live isolated in Danville.
O’Neill died in Boston in 1953 and in 1980 their home, and the 13 acres surrounding, became a National Historic Site.
The O’Neill cottage is part of the National Park Service in the Las Trampas Regional Wilderness and is great for hiking, mountain biking, views, and bird watching.
Bring your dog, walk with the local cows, and enjoy this historic site. This is one of my favorite hidden gem hikes of the Bay Area.
How to hike to the Eugene O’Neill National Historic Site?
There are options for a loop, or out and back hike, to the O’Neill homestead.
The trail markers aren’t great, but if you get a little lost, it is easy enough to find your way.
- Park your car at the end of Camille Avenue in Alamo.
- Take the trail entrance on your left.
- Continue through the eucalyptus grove.
- Start on an incline and follow markers to the Madrone Trail.
- Hike through a large cattle gate that opens up to a pasture and a pond.
- Hike up the hill on the right to the house and surrounding property.
- On the return, you can go back the way you came, or hike down on the other side of the pond and loop back down to Camille Avenue.
When is the Best Time to Hike to the Eugene O’Neill’s home?
I recommend the winter and spring months for this top Bay Area California hike if you want to avoid the heat.
The Danville and Alamo area can get pretty hot at times, so wear your sunscreen!
How long is the hike to the Eugene O’Neill National Historic Site?
The hike to the Eugene O’Neill National Historic Site is a 3.5 mile loop hike.
It’s not very strenuous and can be shortened if you prefer to make it an out and back hike.
Where should I park for the Eugene O’Neill National Historic Site?
Park at the end of Camille Avenue in Danville. Don’t worry too much about finding parking spots on the street. It’s usually pretty easy to find space.
Tips for hiking to the Eugene O’Neill National Historic Site
~ Be aware that there is not a toilet facility on the trail.
~ Pay attention to trail signs, it is easy to get a little lost in this area!
~ Be prepared to see cows on the trail. Pass quietly.
~ Always carry water when hiking.
~ Wear hiking boots or sneakers with some tread.
~ Be prepared for some mud.
~ Wear layers.
~ Don’t forget the sunscreen!
~ Cell service is pretty good in this area.
Please be respectful and follow all the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace!© Plan Ahead and Prepare, Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces, Dispose of Waste Properly, Leave What You Find, Minimize Campfire Impacts, Respect Wildlife, Be Considerate of Other Visitors.
Can I tour the Eugene O’Neill National Historic Site?
You can tour the home by taking the complimentary National Park Service Shuttle from the Museum of the San Ramon Valley at 205 Railroad Avenue, Danville, California 94526 ((925) 228-8860 x6422).
You need advanced reservations for the 2 hour tours held between 10Am – 2PM Wednesdays thru Sundays.
Some Eugene O’Neill Fun Facts
~ The Tao House is guarded by a black “Guardian Gate” to block negative energy from entering the home.
~ O’Neill called his Danville property “The Old Ranch” and he took care of the chickens.
~ In 1940 the O’Neill’s dog of 13 years died and was buried on the ranch. O’Neill wrote a “Last Will And Testament” posted at the gravesite.
~ The rehabilitated barn is now a theater where O’Neill plays are performed several times during the year.
~ Don’t miss the grave of Blemie, O’Neill’s beloved Dalmatian.
Quick & Easy Links
Flights & Hotels: I recommend Expedia
Vacation rentals: I recommend VRBO
Car Rental: I recommend Hertz
Tours: I recommend Viator
Gear: Check out my Travel Stuff
Create Your Travel Memory Books with MILK
Some of my other favorite Bay Area Hikes that you might enjoy:
Now you’re ready to hike to the
Eugene O’Neill National Historic Site!
In a nutshell…
Hiking to the Eugene O’Neill National Historic site is not only a beautiful way to spend a day, but it’s an opportunity to learn more about one of America’s most celebrated playwrights and people.
Enjoy the hike, get lost a little, and see a little hidden part of the Bay Area!
Carrie
Carrie Green Zinn is the owner and author of Carrie Green Zinn – A Travel Blog, which helps travelers become inspired to explore and step out of their comfort zones. Carrie focuses on family vacations, empty nest travel, and girlfriend getaways. Her work is informed by her life as a former dancer, therapist, and school psychologist. She brings her passion for writing, photography, and making the world a smaller place to her ever growing blogging audience.
