Pleasanton is frequently ranked as one of the best American cities to live in. With a population of about 80,000, it offers a small-town charm yet still has plenty of fun activities to enjoy year-round. Here are our favorite things to do in Pleasanton.
PLEASANTON FARMERS’ MARKET
The Pleasanton Farmers’ Market is held year-round every Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The market is part of the Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association, which ensures that each vendor is a verified local producer.
Located on Main Street and West Angela Street, the market offers about 100 different vendors on any given weekend. There’s a little bit of everything for everyone, from seasonal produce to flowers to meat. The Market also participates in the Open Heart nonprofit, which donates about 3,500 meals each week in Pleasanton and the surrounding areas.
ALAMEDA COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS
The Alameda County Fairgrounds operates as Pleasanton’s primary event center. The 270-acre facility is home to countless trade shows, concerts, and horse races. The racetrack is one of the oldest in America, originally constructed in 1858. Many racers use the facility for winter training, and it has been the home of some famous horses like Seabiscuit. The racetrack offers “watch and wager” viewing parties for the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes. Inside the track is a nine-hole golf course.
The fairgrounds also contain a 3,000-seat amphitheater that attracts popular shows from around the country. The amphitheater is a popular stop for touring tribute bands, up-and-coming artists, and older acts who continue to tour. At the end of each show, the fairgrounds conducts an awe-inspiring nightly drone show at 9:30 p.m.
While the fairgrounds are home to too many events to list, you can count on the annual Alameda County Fair every year. Held every summer for about three weeks, the Alameda County Fair offers three weeks of summertime fun. There is horse racing nearly every day, along with carnival rides and a nightly concert series. The fair is the place to be for the Fourth of July celebrations. Be sure to keep an eye out for the unique tradition of pig racing.
RUBY HILL WINERY
The Ruby Hill Winery is a family-owned operation that produces a variety of balanced wines. The winery has accumulated a long list of accolades over the years, including an Editor’s Choice award from Wine Enthusiast for their 2017 Reserve Collection Chardonnay.
Guests are welcomed into the winery’s spacious guest room to taste their latest offerings. A knowledgeable staff member will guide you through the wine tasting experience while you enjoy perfectly paired deli items.
True wine aficionados can tour the Mello Cielo Vineyard. Their comprehensive 90-minute tour demonstrates the entire winemaking process from grape to bottle. Along the way, you’ll learn the winery’s history while you sip some current vintages.
No matter how you plan to spend the day at Ruby Hill Winery, make plans in advance, as reservations are often required for both the tour and the tasting room.
MUSEUM ON MAIN STREET
The Museum on Main Street (MoMS) is Pleasanton’s historical museum. The museum serves as a collection for the town of Pleasanton and the entire Tri-Valley region. In association with the Smithsonian, the Museum on Main Street covers a broad historical range, starting from the Native American groups that once inhabited the area to the modern era.
The museum offers more than just exhibits — there is also live entertainment during the Ed Kinney Speaker Series. While this live series is held at the neighboring Firehouse Arts Center, all organization and ticketing are managed by the Museum on Main Street. The series features performers in character as historical figures who deliver monologues and a Q&A session as if they were the historical figure. Popular previous events have included an evening with Mark Twain and an evening with Babe Ruth.
Additionally, the museum organizes a variety of walking tours with different themes. One of the more popular options is the neighborhood walking tour, which will teach you all about the historic homes and buildings in the area. If you’re new to Pleasanton, the Museum’s walking tour is an excellent way to learn about the city.
AUGUSTIN BERNAL PARK
One of the best things about living in a small town like Pleasanton is the quick and easy access to outdoor adventures. While there are some fantastic day trips near Pleasanton, the Augustin Bernal Park is right in your backyard.
The park is 237 acres of open space that offers an outdoor escape for all ages. Within it, you’ll find several trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Numerous trails provide breathtaking views of the city of Pleasanton and neighboring areas. The park offers a unique look at California’s vestigial landscape that is hard to find in urban areas. Pleasanton residents can enter the park for free by showing their IDs at the control gate.
RUBINO ESTATES WINERY
The Rubino Estates Winery is a Cal-Ital winery that features classic varietals such as chardonnay and cabernet Sauvignon. Additionally, the winery features some lesser-known Italian varietals like Barbera, Nebbiolo, and Sangiovese. All wine at Rubino Estates derives from the estate vineyard in Livermore Valley. The winery has won countless awards, most notably the Editor’s Choice Award from Wine Enthusiast for their 2017 Petite Sirah Riserva.
The 8,000-square-foot tasting room provides some fantastic views of the area. The tasting room is available to the public from Monday to Friday, but weekend tastings require making a reservation. The winery offers a truly unique duck boat tour if you want to see the winemaking process. Guests are taken on a 90-minute adventure across the winery in a military boat converted into a bus. Duck boat tours require making a reservation in advance and cost $45 per guest.
PLEASANTON RIDGE REGIONAL PARK
Located directly southeast of Augustin Bernal Park, the Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park offers even more outdoor activities. The park covers an impressive 9,090 acres, providing excellent opportunities for dog walking, biking, hiking, and horseback riding.
The trails at Pleasanton can be more challenging, as some trail summits reach elevations of 1,600 feet. The steep climbs make it a popular spot for fitness enthusiasts. A favorite trail among locals is Castleridge. The trailhead is near the park entrance, making it easy to access. The trail has a very steep 2-mile ascent but provides some of the best views you can find in the area.
SHADOW CLIFFS REGIONAL RECREATION AREA
Shadow Cliffs is a popular outdoor recreation park that is more manicured than Pleasanton Ridge or Augustin Bernal Park. The park used to be a gravel quarry, but the U.S. Bureau of Outdoor Recreation converted it into a 266-acre recreation park.
Shadow Cliffs is best suited for those who want a fun day out on the water. There is an 80-acre lake that provides seasonal pedal boat rentals. The lake is also a great spot for fishing and year-round swimming. Be sure to check their website before planning your visit.
FIRST WEEKENDS ON MAIN
Downtown Pleasanton is already a fantastic place to visit. With over 550 businesses, many of which are boutiques, Downtown Pleasanton is an excellent place for window shopping and people-watching. Since 1984, the Pleasanton city council has focused on making the downtown a vibrant area for businesses and residents.
While the downtown area is already a charming part of Pleasanton, it comes to life every First Weekend. During this time, streets are closed to car traffic and filled with pedestrians and outdoor dining. First Weekends on Main provides a true community experience where it’s easy to mingle with friends while exploring all the boutique shops.
ALVISO ADOBE COMMUNITY PARK
This 7-acre park is a fully restored historical site that tells the long history of California. From Native Americans to Spanish Ranchos to the Gold Rush of 1849, visitors can see how California evolved into the state it is today. The park is officially recognized as a California Historical Landmark.
Visitors can view interpretive displays of the Ohlone people and the Francisco Alviso adobe house that was constructed in 1854. The historic displays pair nicely with heritage oak trees and fruit trees that provide ample shade.
PARTNER WITH A PLEASANTON REAL ESTATE AGENT TODAY
If you’re planning to move to this wonderful community, we’d love to get in touch. Whether you’re looking to upsize in Tri-Valley or are brand-new to Pleasanton real estate, Linda Traurig can find your next home. Linda has unparalleled expertise in the entire Tri-Calley area.
Having lived here for the past 36 years, Linda can pair you with the perfect community based on what you’re looking for. Whether you want a great school district or a quiet place to retire, our team can help you find exactly what you’re looking for. If you’re new to the area, check out our neighborhood guide.
