Pleasanton, California, United States, is a prosperous suburb in the San Francisco Bay Area. Its location is approximately 25 miles (40 kilometers) east of Oakland.
In both 2005 and 2007, Pleasanton was declared the wealthiest middle-sized city in the United States by the Census Bureau. In 2014, Pleasanton was ranked fourth by USA Today in its list of America’s 50 best cities to live in. It also achieved number 63 in Money’s list of “The Best Places to Live” in 2010. It was named one of “Americans’ Top Hometown Spots” in the United States in 2009 by Forbes Magazine. And last, but not least, in 2013, Pleasanton was named the third wealthiest city in terms of earnings in the United States by NerdWallet.
It is a small town that has a lot of culture and is a place that draws you in with its charm and beauty. So, head over to Pleasanton and check these places out. Here’s a list of the best things to do in Pleasanton, California.
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1. Shop at Stoneridge Shopping Center
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Wishing you all a new year filled with fortune! We will be open today from 10:00 a.m- 6:00 p.m. and back to our regular hours tomorrow, 10:00 a.m-9:00 p.m. For our full list of hours: https://bddy.me/2srV7Iv
Posted by Stoneridge Shopping Center on Tuesday, December 31, 2019
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
These flower bowls are fun to paint! Create your own unique flower bowl at Créatif! We have many other cool ceramic...
Posted by Créatif on Tuesday, September 11, 2018
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
Join us for a Mediterranean Affair On down town Pleasanton . #since2012 #pleasanton #dublin #livermore #trivalley #instafood #instadrink #mediterraneanfood
Posted by Lokanta Grill & Bar on Tuesday, June 23, 2020
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
Have you seen the colorful, alive, and all together different en plein air paintings by Nancy Roberts at the Firehouse...
Posted by Firehouse Arts Center - City of Pleasanton on Wednesday, May 8, 2019
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
Our Brightening Facial is designed to brighten the skin through gentle exfoliation and corrective lightening products....
Posted by Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa - Pleasanton, CA on Tuesday, January 21, 2020
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
Posted by Mavericks Country Lounge on Monday, March 4, 2019
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
מטיילים בעיר התחתית של פלזנטון
Posted by Eyal Levy on Friday, 7 August 2015
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
Posted by Museum on Main Street on Friday, 9 October 2009
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
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
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
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
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.
History
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