Things To Do

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  Eugene O'Neills Plays and Masterpieces

  At Tao House, O'Neill wrote the plays he had been germinating for years, tapping painful memories.

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  O'Neill Collection

  History and Culture

  Learn more about the life of Eugene O'Neill at the Tao House in Danville, California.

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  Books to Explore

  Literary Recommendations

  Explore an extensive collection of essential readings for deeper insights into Eugene O'Neill's life and works.

 

 

Park Grounds and Tao House

Park Grounds:

Nestled in the scenic hills of Danville, California, the Eugene O'Neill National Historic Site offers visitors a tranquil escape into nature and history. The park grounds feature beautiful landscapes with winding trails, lush gardens, and picturesque views of the San Ramon Valley. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks, bird watching, and photography amidst the serene environment. The park also includes informative exhibits and markers that provide insights into the life and works of Eugene O'Neill, America's only Nobel Prize-winning playwright.

Tao House:

Tao House, the centerpiece of the historic site, is where Eugene O'Neill wrote some of his most famous plays, including "The Iceman Cometh," "Long Day's Journey Into Night," and "A Moon for the Misbegotten." Designed by O'Neill and his wife, Carlotta, Tao House reflects their appreciation for Asian aesthetics, with a blend of Western and Eastern architectural elements. The house's interior features unique furnishings and decorations that offer a glimpse into O'Neill's creative world and personal life.

Guided tours of Tao House allow visitors to explore the rooms where O'Neill lived and worked, providing a deeper understanding of his writing process and the themes that permeate his plays. The site also hosts special events, educational programs, and theatrical performances that celebrate O'Neill's enduring legacy.

Outdoor Activities

In addition to Tao House, the site preserves numerous features from Eugene O'Neill's time:

• Courtyard Area: Adjacent to the home with planted gardens and historic pathways.
• Historic Walking Paths: Leading to the swimming pool and other site features.
• Black Walnut and Almond Orchards: Historic orchards on site.
• 19th Century Barn: The only structure predating the O'Neill era, now rehabilitated as a performance venue in collaboration with the Eugene O'Neill Foundation. Information about performances is available at www.eugeneoneill.org.
• Grave Marker for Blemie: The O'Neill family's beloved Dalmatian.

 

Visitor Information and Reservations

The Eugene O'Neill National Historic Site is free to the public and accessible only by our complimentary National Park Service Shuttle, which picks up visitors at The Museum of the San Ramon Valley, located at 205 Railroad Avenue, Danville, California 94526. Due to its location in a private, gated community, visitors are not permitted to drive their vehicles to the main park site.

Advance Reservations Are Required:

• Reservations are required for all visits.
• Tours are available from Wednesday through Sunday, departing at 10 AM and 2 PM.
• Allow approximately 2 hours for your visit or tour.
• It is recommended to schedule your tour at least two weeks in advance, though shorter notice reservations may be available.

Regular Park Days and Hours:

• Monday: Closed
• Tuesday: Closed
• Wednesday: Open for reserved tours at 10 AM and 2 PM
• Thursday: Open for reserved tours at 10 AM and 2 PM
• Friday: Open for reserved tours at 10 AM and 2 PM
• Saturday: Open for reserved tours at 10 AM and 2 PM
• Sunday: Open for reserved tours at 10 AM and 2 PM
• Holidays: Closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day

How to Reserve Your Tour:

• Email: Preferred method. Include your desired dates and times, phone number, and number of guests.
• Phone: Call the Reservation Line at [phone] x6422 (John Muir National Historic Site). Dial x6422 to request your reservation.
• Note: Confirmation from park staff is required for your reservation. If you do not hear back within a few days, please check your Spam folder.

Getting to the Park:

• Directions to the pick-up site
• Guests will meet at The Museum of the San Ramon Valley, 205 Railroad Avenue, Danville, California 94526, at the listed pick-up times.

Accessibility

• If you or any of your party have accessibility needs, please include this information in your reservation request to ensure park rangers can prepare for your visit. You may also visit our "Accessibility" to find out more.