Eugene O'Neill National Historic Site

Eugene O'Neill National Historic Site is a national historic site run by the National Park Service in California.

In the park service’s words

America's only Nobel Prize-winning playwright, Eugene O'Neill, chose Northern California as his sanctuary at the pinnacle of his writing career. Secluded from the outside world within the serene walls of his Tao House, O'Neill crafted his final and most memorable masterpieces: The Iceman Cometh, Long Day's Journey Into Night, and A Moon for the Misbegotten.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Things to do

• Earn Your Junior Ranger Badge at Eugene O'Neill NHS (1 to 1 Hours): Opportunities for kids to earn their Junior Ranger badge.
• Guided Tour of Tao House (2 to 2 Hours): *Please note: The Eugene O'Neill National Historic Site must be accessed through a private, gated road owned by a community of neighboring residents. In order to experience the Eugene O'Neill National Historic Site, therefore, visitors need to make reservations at least 24 hours in advance and will be driven by a park

Fees and hours

Entrance fee: No entrance fee.

Hours: Mon Closed; Tue Closed; Wed 10:00AM - 4:30PM; Thu 10:00AM - 4:30PM; Fri 10:00AM - 4:30PM; Sat 10:00AM - 4:30PM; Sun 10:00AM - 4:30PM. Eugene O'Neill National Historic Site must be accessed through a private, gated road owned by a community of neighboring residents. In order to experience Eugene O'Neill National Historic Site, visitors need to make reservations and will be driven by a park shuttle from the Town of Danville, California. You'll receive a tour of Eugene O'Neill's "Tao House" and have time to explore the grounds before returning to Danville on the shuttle.

Getting there

Reservations are required to visit the site. We offer a free shuttle that will pick up visitors in downtown Danville, CA. The shuttle meets at 205 Railroad Avenue outside the Museum of the San Ramon Valley. Parking is available next to the museum. Reservations can be made by calling (925) 228-8860 x6422 or send your reservation request by e-mail.

Drive times run from the airport to Zion Canyon Visitor Center, estimated with OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap roads at normal speeds; allow extra for traffic, stops and construction.

Miles are straight-line distances.

Visitor centers

• Eugene O'Neill National Historic Site: Mon Closed; Tue Closed; Wed 10:00AM - 5:00PM; Thu 10:00AM - 5:00PM; Fri 10:00AM - 5:00PM; Sat 10:00AM - 5:00PM; Sun 10:00AM - 5:00PM. Eugene O'Neill National Historic Site is only accessible by National Park Service Shuttle. Visitors are not permitted to drive their personal/private vehicles to the site. Advance reservations are required for tours. Tours are offered Wednesday-Sunday at either 10:00 am or 2:00 pm. Allow 2 hours for your visit. Reservations can be made by calling (925)-228-8860 X6422 . Office hours are Wednesday - Sunday from 9am to 5pm.

Weather

The Mediterranean climate of Danville features hot, dry summers with lower temperatures near 60º F and upper temperatures near 100º F. The heat gives way to cool, rainy winters with lows near 45º F and highs near 75º F. Fall and spring can bring rain and temperatures from 55-80º F.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Know before you go

Drones are banned at almost every park site, and you may not take rocks, plants or artifacts. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet where they are allowed. Bring no firewood from home.

Nearby

The nearest national park is Pinnacles, about 105 miles away in a straight line.

Sources

• National Park Service Data API: Eugene O'Neill National Historic Site (public domain)
• Official website

Last checked 1 November 2026.