15 Things To Do In Pleasanton, California

1. Shop at Stoneridge Shopping Center

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Stoneridge Shopping Center is the ultimate venue for shopaholics in Pleasanton. This shopping mall opened its doors in 1980 and showcases no less than 165 high-quality stores that range from upscale to modest. Browse the latest fashion at Nordstrom and H&M and grab a sweet treat at Mrs Fields Cookies. A spacious two-tiered indoor space, Stoneridge Shopping Center is awash with inviting places for die-hard shoppers. Expect posh department stores, popular brand-name merchandise, and nice dining options when you enter Stoneridge Shopping Center.

Stoneridge Shopping Center

Address: 1 Stoneridge Mall Rd, Pleasanton, CA 94588

Website: Stoneridge Shopping Center

Opening hours: Sun: 12pm - 6pm; Mon - Thu: 11am - 7pm; Fri - Sat: 10am - 8pm

2. Unleash your inner artist at Créatif Art Studio Pleasanton

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

If you’re craving to do something out of the ordinary check out Créatif Art Studio Pleasanton. This delightful contemporary art studio focuses on painting and offers canvas, ceramic, pottery, and rock-painting parties. Painting festivities from birthday parties to graduation celebrations are available. Workshops for kids as young as two years old are also on hand. This creative venue is a fun time for children and adults and is a brilliant way to spend a rainy afternoon.

Créatif Art Studio Pleasanton

Address: 5480 Sunol Blvd #2, Pleasanton, CA 94566

Website: Créatif Art Studio Pleasanton

Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 12pm - 6pm (closed from Mon - Fri)

Price: 15 USD

3. Hike in Augustin Bernal Park

A rustic and attractive 237-acre (96-hectare) park, Augustin Bernal Park affords a glimpse at so much of Pleasanton’s natural beauty. A wide range of outdoor recreation can be enjoyed on a temperate day: fun biking, scenic hiking, and even equestrian trails if you want to hop on the saddle and do some horseback riding. A wonderful network of nature trails allows for in-depth and intimate exploration and you can drink in marvellous and expansive views of the surrounding’s appealing sloping landscape.

Augustin Bernal Park

Address: 8200 Golden Eagle Way, Pleasanton, CA 94566

Website: Augustin Bernal Park

Opening hours: 8am - 5:30pm (daily)

Price: Free

4. Go biking on the Castleridge Trailhead

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Castleridge Trailhead is the ultimate destination in Pleasanton if you want to mountain bike, hike, or simply relish nature’s serenity. Offering additional access to the north section of Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park, Castleridge Trailhead is a multi-use pathway on the city’s edge. A popular trail since its opening in 2018, Castleridge Trailhead has become a welcome addition to Pleasanton’s collection of parks. Don’t be surprised if you stumble upon exciting wildlife during your visit. If you want to get nice views of Northern California terrain then this trail is one of the top-notch spots.

Castleridge Trailhead

Address: 3464 Old Foothill Rd, Pleasanton, CA 94588

Website: Castleridge Trailhead

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

5. While away your day at Val Vista Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Open spaces such as Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park and Augustin Bernal Park may be high-profile areas that get a lot of foot traffic but Val Vista Park also offers a nice place to visit on a sunny afternoon. Comprised of 15 acres (6 hectares) of professional manicure grounds, Val Vista Park offers something for everyone. Teens can head to the captivating skatepark and youngsters can enjoy a well-appointed playground. For sports activities, there are nicely maintained soccer fields and even a fabulous in-line hockey rink for some fast-action skating. If you want to enjoy a leisurely picnic, there is a splendid selection of picnic tables.

Val Vista Park

Address: 7350 Johnson Dr, Pleasanton, CA 94566

Opening hours: 9am - 8pm (daily)

Price: Free

6. Taste Mediterranean fare at Lokanta Grill & Bar

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Lokanta Grill & Bar is a unique eatery on Pleasanton’s culinary landscape. Oozing with a sophisticated ambience inside and outside, Lokanta Grill & Bar offers tasty Greek and Turkish fusion-style cuisine that makes your mouth water. House specialities include a variety of kebab choices, scrumptious paella, and juicy braised short ribs. Save room for dessert and order classic baklava or the divine stuffed Turkish apricots filled with luscious mascarpone cheese, fresh cream, and nutty pistachios! Breezy patio dining is available where you can casually sip your favourite handcrafted cocktail while people-watching.

Lokanta Grill & Bar

Address: 443 Main St, Pleasanton, CA 94566

Website: Lokanta Grill & Bar

Opening hours: Sun: 10am - 9pm; Mon - Thu: 11am - 9pm; Fri: 11am - 10pm; Sat: 10am - 10pm

7. Revel in the arts at Firehouse Arts Center

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Fans of the arts won’t want to miss a visit to Firehouse Arts Center. This dazzling and intimate 220-seat venue boasts an eye-catching minimalist architectural style and it is the go-to place for compelling art exhibits, entertaining live music, thought-provoking films, dramatic theatre productions, and hilarious comedy performances. Owned and operated by the city of Pleasanton, Firehouse Arts Center is dedicated to bringing the finer things to the residents of this splendid Northern California town.

Firehouse Arts Center

Address: 4444 Railroad Ave, Pleasanton, CA 94566

Website: Firehouse Arts Center

8. Rejuvenate at Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Feel the tension in your body melt away at Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa. This premier day spa strives to afford top-grade beauty, health, and relaxation services at a reasonable cost. Pamper yourself with a wide variety of facial-treatment options from refreshing detox facials to beauty-enhancing anti-ageing collagen facials. Indulge in a classic Swedish massage or go for a tantalizing Himalayan salt stone massage. Services are provided for men as well as teenagers, and walk-ins are always welcome.

Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa

Address: 6786 Bernal Ave Suite 830, Pleasanton, CA 94566

Website: Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa

Opening hours: 10am - 8pm (daily)

9. Experience late-night action at Mavericks Country Lounge

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Want to hang out and listen to great country music? Pleasanton’s Mavericks Country Lounge is the only destination to satisfy. This high-energy lounge is replete with a full-service bar manned by friendly mixologists, wonderful live country music, and boisterous line-dancing instruction. There’s even a fun-inducing mechanical bull if you want to hone your bull-riding skills! Crisp big-screen TVs are also on hand for sports-watching events.

Mavericks Country Lounge

Address: 4825 Hopyard Rd, Pleasanton, CA 94588

Website: Mavericks Country Lounge

Opening hours: Wed: 6pm - 1:30am; Thu: 7:30pm - 12:30am; Fri - Sat: 6pm - 1:30am (closed from Sun - Tue)

10. Wander around Downtown Pleasanton

Main Street in Pleasanton is one of my favorite places to eat, stroll and shop, even if it is just window shopping. It has a quiet and characteristic downtown with plenty of places to shop and eat, alone or with friends and family. Since there are homes as well as businesses here, those that live here enjoy a short walk to the many shops and restaurants. This is especially true when there is an event like the July 4th Fireworks.

There is also a nice creek in downtown Pleasanton. I used to love to walk by it since it was so soothing and peaceful. Many years ago I worked in Pleasanton. I was so close to downtown that I would love to drive around downtown and grab a bite to eat during my lunch break.

11. Visit Museum on Main

This historic museum, which is located downtown, was built in 1914 and has many artifacts that are proudly displayed to show the history of this cute town. The building where the museum currently resides used to be the Old Town Hall, the Police Department and, best of all, the first free library in Pleasanton.

Museum on Main

Address: 603 Main St., Pleasanton, CA

Opening Hours: Tuesday - Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Sunday: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Closed Monday and major holidays

Access: Located on Main St in Downtown Pleasanton

Contact: +1 (925) 462-2766

12. Have a picnic in Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park

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Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park is a park that overlooks the city of Pleasanton. I love hiking here with my family. It is a bit steep, but it is worth the effort since the views all around will take your breath away. It is hard to resist stopping to see all the beautiful sites and it is also great exercise. Go hike and see the scenic views.

Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park

Address: Foothill Road, Pleasanton, CA

Opening Hours Park/Gate Hours: Jan 1 - Feb 13: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm. Feb 14 - March 12: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm. March 13 - Nov. 5: 8:00 am - 7:00 pm. Nov 6 - Dec 3: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm.

Contact: +1 (510) 544-3030

13. Spend a day in Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreational Area

Got up early this morning to enjoy the calm waters at Shadow Cliffs with Vince today. #fishing #shadowcliffs

A post shared by Kevin (@kevinmlee) on Mar 19, 2016 at 12:31pm PDT

This is a regional park that has a lake that was once a gravel pit. The lake is now a sandy beach, where people enjoy swimming, water slides, fishing, recreational boating and picnics with friends and family. A piece of bad news is that recently the famous water slides have been removed since they are to be replaced by an Interpretive Center that will be coming soon. It is great for kids and education, though.

Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreational Area

Address 2500 Stanley Boulevard, Pleasanton, CA 94566

Price Parking Fee: 6 USD per vehicle. 5 USD per trailered vehicle. Buses: 25 USD per bus. Dog Fee: 2 USD per dog.

Opening Hours: Park/Gate Hours: Nov - Feb: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm March - April: 6:00 am - 7:00 pm. May - Labor Day (Sept) 6:00am - 9:00 pm. After Labor Day (Sept) - Oct: 6:00 am - 7:00 pm. Park Curfew: 10:00 pm - 5:00 am

Access: Park Entrances: Shadow Cliffs Main Entrance and Vineyard Staging Area

Contact: +1 (510) 544-3230

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14. Sample local wines at Ruby Hill Winery

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California is famous for its many vineyards. This one is in the Ruby Hill area, which is a gated community up a hill. I do not drink, but I know that wine tasting is fun and something to be done when you see a vineyard. All the vineyards I have seen are beautiful to look at and this winery is no different. The vineyard has an exciting two-hour wine tasting tour called the Mello Cielo Vineyard Experience. Not only do you get to see the vineyard, but also the winery production facilities as well as sample wine on a unique bus that was made exclusively for this tour.

Ruby Hill Winery

Address: 400 Vineyard Avenue, Pleasanton, CA

Opening Hours: Open Daily from 11:00 am - 5:30 pm

Duration: 2 hours + if you take the Mello Cielo Vineyard Experience Tour.

Contact: +1 (925) 931-9463

15. Go shopping at Pleasanton Farmers Market

My happy place ????☘?

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Pleasanton hosts a Farmers Market downtown, all year long. The locals shop here for their fruits and vegetables, honey, nuts, plants, eggs, jams and baked goods. Organic food, meat, poultry and seafood are also offered at reasonable prices. Concerts are held here as well.

Pleasanton Farmers Market

Address: Main & W. Angela Street Pleasanton, CA  94566

Opening Hours: Year round Sat: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm

Visit Pleasanton

Pleasanton is a small but up and coming place. I especially love downtown Pleasanton since I feel safe and welcome here. You will feel the same anywhere you go in Pleasanton.