Top 15 Things to Do in Pleasanton California

Top 15 Things to Do in Pleasanton California

Pleasanton, California, United States, is an affluent San Francisco Bay Area suburb. Its location is approximately 25 miles (40 km) east of Oakland.

In 2005 and 2007, the Census Bureau named Pleasanton the wealthiest mid-sized city in the United States.

In 2014, Pleasanton was ranked fourth among America’s 50 best cities by USA Today. It ranked 63rd on Money’s “The Best Places to Live” list in 2010.

It was named one of “The Top of The Americans.” 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 with many cultures and is a place that charms you with its charm and beauty. So, head over to Pleasanton and check out these places. Here is a list of the best things to do in Pleasanton, California.

• Shop at Stoneridge Shopping Center

Stoneridge Shopping Center is the ultimate destination for shopping enthusiasts in Pleasanton. This shopping mall opened its doors in 1980 and featured at least 165 high-quality stores, ranging from upscale to modest.

Browse the latest fashions at Nordstrom and H&M, and grab a sweet treat at Mrs. Fields Cookies. A sprawling two-level indoor space, Stoneridge Shopping Center is littered with inviting spots for die-hard shoppers.

Expect posh department stores, popular brand-name merchandise, and great dining options when you enter Stoneridge Shopping Center.

• Stoneridge Shopping Center
• Address: 1 Stoneridge Mall Road, Pleasanton, CA 94588
• Opening hours: Sun: 12 noon – 6 pm; Mon-Thu: 11 am to 7 pm; Fri-Sat: 10 am to 8 pm

2. Unleash your inner artist at Créatif Art Studio Pleasanton

If you’re craving something unusual, check out Créatif Art Studio Pleasanton. This delightful contemporary art studio focuses on painting and offers canvas, ceramic, pottery, and rock-painting parties.

Painting festivals are available, from birthday parties to graduation ceremonies. There are also workshops for children as young as two years old.

This creative venue is a fun time for kids and adults and a great way to spend a rainy afternoon.

• Creative Art Studio Pleasanton
• Address: 5480 Sunol Blvd #2, Pleasanton, CA 94566
• Opening hours: Sat-Sun: 12 noon – 6 pm (Mon – Fri closed)
• Price: USD 15

• Hike in Augustin Bernal Park

A rustic and charming 237-acre (96-hectare) park, Augustin Bernal Park offers a glimpse into Pleasanton’s natural beauty.

A wide range of outdoor recreation can be enjoyed on a temperate day: fun biking, scenic hiking, and even horseback riding trails if you want to jump on the saddle and ride some horseback.

A wonderful network of nature trails allows for in-depth and intimate exploration, and you can drink in wonderful and expansive views of the surrounding alluring sloping landscape.

• Augustin Bernal Park
• Address: 8200 Golden Eagle Way, Pleasanton, CA 94566
• Opening hours: 8 am – 5:30 pm (daily)
• Price: Free

4. Go Biking the Castleridge Trailhead

If you want to mountain bike, hike, or enjoy the tranquility of nature, the Castleridge Trailhead is the ultimate destination in Pleasanton.

Offering additional access to the north section of Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park, the Castleridge Trailhead is a multi-use trail on the edge of town.

A popular trail since its opening in 2018, the Castleridge Trailhead has become a welcome addition to Pleasanton’s collection of parks.

It’s okay if you come across exciting wildlife during your travels. This trail is one of the top spots to visit if you want a nice view of the Northern California terrain.

• Castleridge Trailhead
• Address: 3464 Old Foothill Rd, Pleasanton, CA 94588
• Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
• Price: Free

5. Spend Your Day Away at Val Vista Park

Open spaces like 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 provides a nice place to walk in the afternoon sun.

Composed of 15 acres (6 ha) of professionally manicured grounds, Val Vista Park offers something for everyone. Teens can visit the captivating skatepark, and youngsters can enjoy a well-appointed playground.

For sporting activities, there are well-maintained soccer fields and even a great in-line hockey rink for some fast-action skating. If you want to enjoy a leisurely picnic, there is a great selection of picnic tables.

• Val Vista Park
• Address: 7350 Johnson Dr, Pleasanton, CA 94566
• Opening hours: 9 am – 8 pm (daily)
• Price: Free

• Savor Mediterranean Cuisine at Locanta Grill & Bar

Locanta Grill & Bar is a unique eatery on the culinary scene of Pleasanton. With a sophisticated ambiance inside and out, Lokanta Grill & Bar serves delicious Greek and Turkish fusion-style cuisine that will make your mouth water.

House specialties include various kebab options, delicious paella, and juicy braised short ribs. Save room for dessert and order the classic Baklava or the divine Stuffed Turkish Apricots filled with delicious mascarpone cheese, fresh cream, and nutty pistachios!

Breezy patio dining allows you to casually sip your favorite handcrafted cocktail while people watch.

• Lokanta Grill & Bar
• Address: 443 Main St, Pleasanton, CA 94566
• Opening hours: Sun: 10 am – 9 pm; Mon-Thu: 11 am to 9 pm; Fri: 11 am to 10 pm; Sat: 10 am – 10 pm

7. Enjoy the Arts at the Firehouse Art Center

Art fans will want to attend a visit to the Firehouse Arts Center. This stunning and intimate 220-seat venue boasts an eye-catching minimalist architectural style.

It is the go-to venue for compelling art exhibits, engaging live music, thought-provoking films, dramatic theater productions, and hilarious comedy acts.

Owned and operated by the City of Pleasanton, the Firehouse Arts Center is dedicated to bringing better things to the residents of this wonderful Northern California city.

• Firehouse Arts Center
• Address: 4444 Railroad Ave, Pleasanton, CA 94566

8. Rejuvenate at the Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa

Feel the tension melt away from your body at the Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa. This premier day spa strives to offer top-class beauty, health, and relaxation services at reasonable prices.

Pamper yourself with various facial-treatment options, from refreshing detox facials to beauty-enhancing anti-aging collagen facials.

Indulge in a classic Swedish massage or a tantric Himalayan salt stone massage. Services are provided for men and teens, and walk-ins are always welcome.

• Hand & Stone Massage & Facial Spa
• Address: 6786 Bernal Ave Suite 830, Pleasanton, CA 94566
• Opening hours: 10 am – 8 pm (daily)

9. Experience late-night action at Mavericks Country Lounge

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 filled with a full-service bar staffed by friendly mixologists, amazing live country music, and boisterous line-dancing instruction.

There’s even a fun mechanical bull if you want to hone your bull-riding skills! Crisp, large-screen TVs are also available for watching sports programs.

• Mavericks Country Lounge
• Address: 4825 Hopyard Road, Pleasanton, CA 94588
• Opening hours: Wed: 6 pm – 1:30 am; Thu: 7:30 pm – 12:30 am; Fri – Sat: 6 pm – 1:30 am (Closed from Sun-Tue)

10. Walk Around Downtown Pleasanton

Main Street in Pleasanton is one of my favorite places to eat, stroll, and shop, even if it’s just window shopping.

It’s a quiet and distinctive downtown with many places to shop and eat, alone or with friends and family.

Since there are homes and businesses here, those who live here enjoy being a short walk to the many shops and restaurants. This is especially true when there is an event such as the 4th of July fireworks.

There is also a nice creek in downtown Pleasanton. I loved to walk near it as it was very soothing and peaceful. Many years ago, I worked in Pleasanton.

I was so close to downtown that I would love to drive around town and grab a bite to eat during my lunch break.

11. Visit the Museum on the Main

This historical museum, located in the city, was built in 1914 and housed several proudly displayed artifacts to showcase this lovely city’s history.

The building that currently houses the museum used to house the Old Town Hall, the Police Department, and the first free library in Pleasanton.

• Museum on Main
• Address: 603 Main St, Pleasanton, CA
• Opening hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. Sunday: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm. Monday and major holidays
• Access: Located on Main St. in Downtown Pleasanton
• Contact: +1 (925) 462-2766

12. Have a picnic at 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 as the views will take your breath away. It’s hard to stop to see all the beautiful sights and also great exercise. Go on a hike and see the beautiful views.

• Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park
• Address: Foothills Road, Pleasanton, CA
• Opening hours Park/Gate: January 1 – February 13: 8:00 am – 4:30 pm. February 14 – March 12: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 pm March 13 – November 5: 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 pm November 6 – December 3: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 pm.
• Contact: +1 (510) 544-3030

13. Spend a Day at Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreational Area

This regional park contains 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 picnicking with friends and family.

One bad news is that the famous water slides have recently been removed as they are to be replaced by an interpretive center coming soon. However, it is great for kids and education.

• Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreational Area
• View Map Address 2500 Stanley Blvd, Pleasanton, CA 94566
• Price Parking fee: 6 USD per vehicle. USD 5 per trailer vehicle. Buses: 25 USD per bus. Dog Fee: 2 USD per dog.
• Opening hours: Park/Gate hours: November – February: 7:00 am – 5:00 pm. March – April: 6:00 am – 7:00 pm. May – Labor Day (September) 6:00 am – 9:00 pm. After Labor Day (September) – October: 6:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Park Curfew: 10:00 PM to 5:00 AM
• Entrance: Park Entrance: Shadow Cliffs Main Entrance and Vineyard Staging Area
• Contact: +1 (510) 544-3230

14. Sample local wines at Ruby Hill Winery

California is famous for its many vineyards. It is in a Ruby Hill area, a gated community atop a hill. I don’t drink, but I do know that wine tasting is fun and something to do when you visit a vineyard.

Every vineyard I’ve visited is beautiful, and this winery is no different. The vineyard has an exciting two-hour wine-tasting tour called the Mello Cielo Vineyard Experience.

You get to see the vineyard, the winery production facilities, and sample wines on a unique bus specially built for this tour.

• Ruby Hill Winery
• Address: 400 Vineyard Ave, Pleasanton, CA
• Opening hours: Open daily from 11:00 am to 5:30 pm
• Duration: 2 hours + if you take the Mello Cielo Vineyard Experience Tour.
• Contact: +1 (925) 931-9463

15. Go Shopping at the Pleasanton Farmers Market

The city of Pleasanton hosts a farmers market throughout the year. Locals shop here for fruits, vegetables, honey, nuts, plants, eggs, jams, and baked goods.

Organic food, meat, poultry, and seafood are also reasonably priced. Music concerts are also organized here.

• Pleasant Farmers Market
• Address: Main & W Angela Street Pleasanton, CA 94566
• Opening hours: Year-round Sat: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
• Visit Pleasanton

Things to Do in Pleasanton, California

Pleasanton is a small but up-and-coming place. I especially love the city of Pleasanton because I feel safe and welcome. Wherever you go in Pleasanton, you’ll feel the same way.

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