How to Visit the Eugene O' Neill National Historic Park
- 1). Research the life of Eugene O’Neill. “Long Day's Journey into Night” is very much autobiographical, allowing him to address his early demons. O’Neill’s daughter Oona caused these demons to resurface after marrying Charlie Chaplin, 36 years her senior.
- 2). Make reservations in advance to visit the park. There is only shuttle access to the park with only two departures daily.
- 3). Make hotel reservations early as well. Though the greater Bay Area has countless rooms, greater numbers of people visit during the summer when there is fairer weather.
- 4). Opt to plan a visit in either the spring or fall. Twice a year, the Eugene O’Neill Festival produces original O’Neill plays in the Old Barn. Special reservations will apply. Check on the official website.
- 5). Travel east from San Francisco across the Bay Bridge and access Interstate 680, which leads south toward Danville. A shuttle picks the visitor up at a Park and Ride parking lot off Interstate 680 at Exit 39.
- 6). Ride through quiet neighborhoods as the shuttle ascends up the ridge. Soon, a white, Spanish-style home will become visible.
- 7). Plan to spend the first hour or tour with the tour guide. The guides are an encyclopedia of information about the life and works of Eugene O’Neill. They are very protective of the estate and expect the visitor to show the same respect.
- 8). Watch the short film about his life. This film is scheduled as an introduction of the tour. Listen to the guide’s lecture afterward.
- 9). Walk upstairs and visit the bedroom area. Note the screened porch surrounding much of the second story of the house and also the great view.
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Visit the library area and appreciate how extensive the collection is and how thoroughly read O’Neill was. It is also a great experience to see the actual room where a great writer composed. - 11
Visit the grounds when the official tour is over. The park service allows for plenty of time to see the area. Specifically, take the steps down to the swimming pool, which offers great views of the house.
