Background

Eugene O'Neill National Historic Site: Tao House

Explore the Tao House, the Danville home where America's only Nobel Prize-winning playwright, Eugene O'Neill, penned his final masterpieces.

4.7

Visit Tao House, the Danville, California home of America's only Nobel Prize-winning playwright, Eugene O'Neill. This National Park Service site preserves the house and grounds where O'Neill lived from 1937 to 1944 and wrote his final masterpieces in a secluded and serene environment.

A brief summary to Eugene O'Neill National Historic Site

  • Wednesday 10 am-4:30 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-4:30 pm
  • Friday 10 am-4:30 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-4:30 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-4:30 pm

Local tips

  • Reservations are required to visit the site and can be made by calling (925) 228-8860 x6422 or sending an email request.
  • The site is only accessible via a free shuttle that departs from the Museum of the San Ramon Valley in Danville.
  • Allow at least two hours for your visit to fully experience the house and grounds.
  • The site is closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Years Day.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Public Transport

    To reach the Eugene O'Neill National Historic Site using public transportation, take BART to the Walnut Creek station. From there, transfer to the County Connection bus Route 21, which stops at several locations in Danville, including the Museum of the San Ramon Valley. The National Park Service shuttle departs from the museum at 205 Railroad Avenue. Check 511.org for detailed local transit information. A one-way bus fare is approximately $2.25.

  • Walking

    From downtown Danville, the Museum of the San Ramon Valley (the shuttle pick-up point) is easily accessible on foot. From the intersection of Diablo Road and Hartz Avenue, walk north on Hartz Avenue, then turn left onto E Prospect Avenue, followed by a left onto Railroad Avenue. The museum will be on your right. The walk is approximately 0.3 miles and should take about 5-10 minutes.

  • Driving

    If driving from San Francisco, take the Bay Bridge (I-80 East) to 580 East toward CA-24/Hayward/Stockton. Merge onto CA-24 East for about 12 miles, then take exit 15A to merge onto I-680 South for about 7 miles. Take exit 39 toward Danville, merge onto Diablo Road, then turn left onto Front Street. Take the first right onto E. Prospect Avenue, then turn left onto Railroad Avenue. The Museum of the San Ramon Valley, where the shuttle departs, will be on the right. Parking is available next to the museum. Parking is free.

Unlock the Best of Eugene O'Neill National Historic Site

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Eugene O'Neill National Historic Site

The Eugene O'Neill National Historic Site in Danville, California, preserves Tao House, the hillside home of Eugene O'Neill, America's only Nobel Prize-winning playwright. O'Neill lived here from 1937 to 1944 and penned some of his most memorable plays, including *The Iceman Cometh*, *Long Day's Journey Into Night*, and *A Moon for the Misbegotten*. O'Neill, a restless soul, finally found peace and a sense of home at Tao House. The estate's name reflects a desire for serenity, drawing inspiration from Chinese Taoism and its emphasis on harmony. The house itself is a blend of styles, with a Spanish Colonial exterior and a Chinese-inspired interior featuring red and black decor. Visitors can explore the thoughtfully preserved rooms, gardens, and grounds, gaining insights into O'Neill's life and creative process. A visit to the Eugene O'Neill National Historic Site offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and immerse yourself in the world of a literary giant. The site is open Wednesday through Sunday, and reservations are required for all visits. Access to the site is via a free shuttle that departs from the Museum of the San Ramon Valley in Danville.

Popular Experiences near Eugene O'Neill National Historic Site

Popular Hotels near Eugene O'Neill National Historic Site

Select Currency