Planning a trip to Pleasanton? Here’s a list of the best things to do in this California city.
There are a lot of reasons to love Pleasanton, CA. It’s not like San Jose or San Francisco, but this city offers benefits in its own right. Here are 5 reasons you should visit Pleasanton, and what you can expect when you get there.
On top of the great weather and plenty of outdoor activities it has to offer, Pleasanton is a very calm and peaceful city to visit. It’s located in the East Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area. Tourists will never run out of amazing things to do, whether they stop by for two days or plan a full itinerary.
As a visitor to Pleasanton, CA, you’ll never be bored. There are so many different things to do and see no matter what your interests are. Whether you’re exploring the culture and history of Pleasanton at the Museum on Main or enjoying nature at one of the area’s many parks, you’ll find that life in Pleasanton is always an adventure. You can also take in live entertainment and other special events when they happen at the Alameda County Fairgrounds.
We have some of the best places to go in Pleasanton, CA.
1. Experience History and Culture at the Museum on Main
Address: 603 Main Street, Pleasanton, CA 94566
Pleasanton, California is a historically rich city with a celebrated millennia-old heritage. You’ll have no problem staying entertained at the Museum on Main, which showcases centuries of history and culture.
One of the best museums in the country, the Museum on Main is a must-visit for history buffs. Located in downtown Pleasanton and featuring an expansive collection of artifacts, this museum will have you spending all day browsing the displays.
The start of the museum is that its location was built in 1914. The museum itself contains objects from different time periods. One of their collections is over 10,000 objects, including more than 3,500 photographs and nearly 2,500 documents. It’s certainly worth checking out for those who live in Pleasanton, California; it should be on anyone’s places-to-visit list.
2. Hiking through Augustin Bernal Park
Address: 8200 Golden Eagle Way, Pleasanton, CA 94588
Do you love to hike and explore? Augustin Bernal Park in Pleasanton, California is the perfect place for you. It features a variety of hiking trails that are perfect for people who like to exercise. Plus, there are biking and horseback riding trails that offer a great way to explore this beautiful park.
If you’re looking for a true escape, then Roselawn Park is the perfect place to get away from it all. Just the crisp air and beautiful nature will have you feeling refreshed and renewed. With 237 acres of beautiful scenery, this park is not just a bike ride – it’s a bucket-list trip waiting to happen.
To access Augustin Bernal Park, enter from the Golden Eagle Staging Area and Parking Lot. Visitors must have a permit card to enter during regular business hours from the Pleasanton Community Services office.
Pedestrian access (no permit required) is located from the north side of the parking lot near Longview Drive. Parking is limited, but there are side-street access points on Longview Drive. Pedestrian access is also possible from both the northern and southern gates of East Bay Regional Park District’s Ridgeline Trail.
The park is open during daylight hours.
3. Shop at Stoneridge Shopping Center
Address: 1 Stoneridge Mall Rd, Pleasanton, CA 94588
If shopping’s your thing when you visit Pleasanton, CA, make sure to stop by Stoneridge Shopping Center. This mall boasts around 160 shops and restaurants, and it’s a place to go for locals and tourists alike.
The mall has a wide array of stores to meet the needs of a diverse group of customers. There is something for everyone, so you are bound to find something that appeals to your taste and meets your needs.
When you visit the mall, you’ll find many well-known brands like Macy’s, LEGO, Apple, H&M, and ZARA. There are also some great restaurants like Cheesecake Factory and P.F. Chang’s. And if you’re in the mood for quick treats, there’s also McDonald’s, Andersen Bakery, Go Fish Poke Bar, and Panda Express to choose from.
For a comfortable stay with all the amenities you need, head to the Pleasanton Marriott. It’s just across the street from the Stoneridge Shopping Center and has many great features, including an indoor pool, spa, and fitness center.
4. Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park
Address: Castleridge Trailhead, Foothill Road, Pleasanton, CA 94588
When you think about Pleasanton, California, this incredible park is one of the first things that come to many people’s minds. It’s located in a beautiful location with trails through the outdoors and views of lush landscapes. We not only love visiting parks in California but also when the whole country offers some amazing hiking spots. When you’re looking for a place to hike outside of Pleasanton, CA., we recommend adding it to your list of destinations.
With over 9000 acres, it is one of the largest urban parks in North America. The size is only growing as it keeps acquiring new land, which means you’ll never be bored when exploring or hiking through the different sections of the park.
The park sits in the East Bay Regional Park District, overlooking Pleasanton and Livermore. It offers 25 miles of trails, making it the perfect place for avid hikers and runners. Most of these are dirt roads, with a few exceptions like the Bay Leaf Trail and Woodland Trail.
If you’re looking to relax and enjoy the great outdoors, Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park is a great place to spend a few hours. There are plenty of picnic areas where you can have your lunch and take in the scenery. You’ll see good views of canyons, vistas on the ridges, and even access to deep-cascade streams. So if you want to have some fun with family or friends, head over to Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park.
5. Explore Downtown Pleasanton
Address: 333 Division St, Pleasanton, CA 94566
Visiting downtown Pleasanton is an excellent way to have a memorable experience in this city. The area is beautiful and peaceful, so it’s perfect for taking a stroll on the afternoon or evening. In addition, there are lots of shops and restaurants with great food choices, giving you plenty of options if you want to check out the local cuisine or browse the windows.
You’ll find some of the best food in the Bay Area at Lokanta Grill & Bar and Nonni’s Bistro. Or try Tri-Valley Bistro or Hap’s Original Steaks & Seafood. And those are just a few of our favorites.
If you’re looking for that perfect souvenir to take home, go downtown. There are lots of options like Inklings Coffee and Tea, Peet’s Coffee, and Starbucks. All offer something a bit different so you’ll be sure to find the one that suits your tastebuds best.
Take the time to explore downtown Pleasanton the next time you’re in town. Home to historic architecture, numerous shops and restaurants, and interesting events, there’s always something fun happening here. On the first Saturday of every month there is special events that take place including street closures with top-notch food locations, among other attractions.
6. Pleasanton Farmers’ Market
Address: 46 W Angela St, Pleasanton, CA 94566
The Pleasanton Farmers’ Market provides a fresh supply of fruits, vegetables, baked goods, and crafts so you can get everything you need in one place.
One of the great things about Pleasanton Farmers’ Market is that it emphasizes sustainability and community spirit. They aim to support small businesses while also having something unique to offer each visitor. Whether you’re looking for organic produce, locally made products such as jam or handcrafted cheese, or handmade soaps, you can find them at this farmers’ market.
If you’re looking to do a little shopping, Pleasanton Farmers’ Market is the perfect place. Every week they host live music performances, which are fun for adults and children alike. Plus, there are plenty of activities for kids who want to explore too!
For families looking for an afternoon in the park with parents, these nearby parks and picnic sites are just the thing. One of the best things about Pleasanton is that parking on residential streets near the parks is abundant. If you’re interested in getting a full experience of the town, don’t miss out on checking out Pleasanton Farmers’ Market. Check it out soon!
7. Experience the Firehouse Arts Center
Address: 4444 Railroad Ave, Pleasanton, CA 94566
The Firehouse Arts Center is one of the best places to experience Pleasanton’s culture. This 220-seat center has something for everyone, whether you are with a large group of friends or traveling solo.
Whenever you visit Pleasanton, be sure to check the theater’s schedule and see what they have planned. You’ll find plenty of great performances like elegant art, thought-provoking films, comedy shows, theater acts, and incredible music. It never fails to amaze me!
Arts enthusiasts will find Firehouse Arts Center to be a particularly interesting place, especially because of the venue’s architectural style. It employs a minimalist design and is stunning for anyone to admire. With this art center in this beautiful Northern California city, nothing has been overlooked.
8. Alameda County Fairgrounds
Address: 4501 Pleasanton Ave, Pleasanton, CA 94566
One of Pleasanton’s top attractions year-round is the Alameda County Fairgrounds. This two-hundred-sixty-seven-acre fairground has something to offer travelers of all kinds.
For example, it’s one of the best venues in town to host events or conferences. The state-of-the-art facilities here include a 3,000-seat amphitheater and a huge convention center. The place hosts more than 300 events annually including the annual Alameda County Fair.
The Alameda County Fair Grounds is one of the best places in Pleasanton where people can be entertained. Why? The place has more than enough attractions and activities for everyone, including young and old.
To start, the Pleasanton Equestrian Center is a key attraction for people to train and participate in incredible shows. There’s also Pleasanton OTB, where the main horse racing action takes place.
Curious about camping at the Alameda County Fairgrounds? They have an expansive RV park, with lots of spots available providing all the infrastructure you’ll need. Don’t want to spend a night or two on the road while in Pleasanton? This is your spot.
There are a ton of fun activities to take part in around here. You can golf at their 9-hole course and relax by watching a show next door at the amphitheater. You’ll never be bored when you give us a visit.
9. Tour the Ruby Hill Winery
Address: 400 Vineyard Ave, Pleasanton, CA 94566
Visit the Ruby Hill Winery and try the best wines in the region. It’s just a short distance from the city, so make a day trip out of it! You’ll be able to come back and relax in Pleasanton at night.
The Ruby Hill Winery is located in Ruby Hill’s gated community and is home to some of the best-grown wines. You have the chance to tour and taste wines directly from the vineyard, guided by knowledgeable staff. Exclusive wine-tasting sessions are held in their lavish tasting room that hosts up to 50 people.
At Mello Cielo Vineyards, you can take a 90-minute tour to find the whole experience of the place. Here, you’ll start at the tasting room, then board the winery’s Mello Cielo (wine bus) to get to the vines.
With a tour, you can try their delicious wines, aged and current, and enjoy some food while they’re at it. If you want to get educated on wineries and vineyards, or if you prefer beer over wine, Sonoma Valley has larger vineyards than Napa Valley. The best breweries in Northern California are just waiting for your visit!
10. Alviso Adobe Community Park
Address: 3465 Old Foothill Rd, Pleasanton, CA 94588
Alviso Adobe Community Park offers the perfect place for meditation and relaxation. As you take in nature’s beauty and serenity, you’ll feel completely at peace.
This beautiful and spacious park is one of the oldest in Pleasanton, with a rich history. In 1854, Francisco Alviso built an adobe house there that’s now a California Historical Landmark. The park’s rich local history means that it’s not just for admiring its beauty; it has information to teach us too.
Alviso Adobe Community Park is one of the most well-known parks in Pleasanton. With over 7 acres, it is a great place to go and relax or have an adventure if you’re feeling adventurous.
There are many attractions near the park that you’re sure to love. These include the Ohlone Veterans Memorial Park, a replica of an old dairy, displays of Ohlone culture, and an outdoor activity space. We have something for families and individuals who are looking to relax or learn some history–you’re well taken care of here!
11. Admire the Beauty of the Granizo Tile Art Mural
Address: Civic Park, 100 Main Street, Pleasanton, CA 94566
Earlier I wrote that downtown Pleasanton is full of charming things to see. One of these is the Granizo Tile Art Mural in Civic Park.
Guillermo Wagner Granizo, one of the most famous painters in Mexico, created this mural related to our region’s story. It depicts the colorful history from a new and different perspective through impeccable artwork that is both accessible and educational.
The Pleasanton Museum tells a lot about the area’s history, including agriculture, historical events, and commercial activities. It also highlights art and film productions that have occurred in recent years. That said, it would be worth a visit even if you just wanted to walk around downtown Pleasanton.
12. Pleasanton Nightlife
Address: 625 Main St, Pleasanton, CA 94566
After taking in all the sights and activities in Pleasanton, you might need a quiet place to relax for a day or two. Luckily, it’s right at your fingertips with the city’s vibrant nightlife all around.
Pleasanton’s wide variety of bars, lounges, pubs, and restaurants offer a plethora of options after you’ve had an exciting day. One of the most popular establishments is the Blue Agave Club, which offers a selection of margaritas made with the best tequila in their vast collection.
You’re looking for some laughs. We’ve got you covered with a great event at our comedy club. You’ll see Damon Wayans Jr., Anthony Mrocka, Cedric the Entertainer, and Michael Rappaport on stage. Not to mention all of the other special events we host!
This restaurant has a great selection of food and drinks, including burgers, fried prawns, salmon, chicken sandwiches, and appetizers such as wings and nachos. With this all-inclusive package, your night is well sorted.
