23 Best & Fun Things to Do in Pleasanton (CA)

Pleasanton is a city located in Amador Valley, Alameda County, California, United States.

After the 2020 United States census, Pleasanton had a population of 78,252. The city offers locals and visitors a suburban vibe with an eclectic mix of culture and tradition, making it stand out.

Pleasanton is filled with several restaurants, galleries, spas, shops, and other forms of businesses across the landscape.

There are several attractions to visit, such as Museum on Main, Augustin Bernal Park, Pleasanton Farmers’ Market, De LA Torre’s Trattoria, Alameda County Fairgrounds, Rubino Estates Winery, and more.

Are you planning to explore Pleasanton? Here are the best and fun things to do in Pleasanton, CA.

Things to Do in Pleasanton, CA

1. Patelco Sports Complex

One of the fun things to do in Pleasanton, CA, is to spend time with your loved ones at Patelco Sports Complex, a popular destination in the area.

Patelco Sports Complex features several necessary amenities and facilities to explore for both adults and children.

There are a good number of picnic tables with BBQ pits where families can hang out and enjoy a delicious meal together.

The complex features two playgrounds with huge trash bags and a water fountain where children can play their hearts out. You can also take your dog on a walk, go biking, or jog through the Park’s trail.

Address: 7001 Pleasanton Ave, Pleasanton, CA 94566, United States

2. Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area

Located on Pleasanton and Livermore border, Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area is a local public park forming a section of the East Bay Regional Parks System.

Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area was formerly the United States Bureau of outdoor recreation, transformed into an Old quarry and then into a recreational park of 80 acres.

This recreational park features picnic facilities, a stunning lake, and a vast parking garage. The lake consists of a sandy beach that allows for outdoor boating, fishing, and swimming, all year round.

There is an interpretive center offering information relating to the park, with a small concession stand available during the summer months.

Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area is one of the best places to visit in Pleasanton, CA, as it is where the whole family can spend quality time which they won’t forget in a hurry.

Address: 2500 Stanley Blvd, Pleasanton, CA 94566, United States

3. The Firehouse Arts Center

So you don’t miss out, always glance through the event calendar to know what will be happening next at the Firehouse Arts Center.

The Firehouse Arts Center is a place where those who have an interest in live theatre, film, comedy, or music have a good time.

The Center can accommodate up to two hundred and twenty persons, as it is housed in a 20,00 square feet facility.

The facility features a classroom space of 1,800 square feet with a beautiful majestic lobby linking the downtown region of Pleasanton to the patio.

The Firehouse Arts Center is beautifully and uniquely offering a mix of both the ancient and the contemporary, following the set-out guidelines of the National Park Service since of the reuse of old structures.

Address: 4444 Railroad Ave, Pleasanton, CA 94566, United States

4. Alameda County Fairgrounds

Of course, your list of fun things to do in Pleasanton, CA, wouldn’t be complete without exploring Alameda County Fairgrounds.

The Alameda County Fairgrounds is a whopping two hundred and seventy acres which have been the venue for Alameda County Fair right from 1912, including other community events and trade shows.

This site is for the famous Pleasanton Fairgrounds Racetrack, which was constructed in 1858, making it the United States’ oldest horse racing track.

The grounds feature a multi-purpose arena, the Pavilion, and a livestock event center with an amphitheater that can accommodate up to 3,000 persons.

Alameda County Fairgrounds features a nine-hole golf course within the one-mile horse-racing track. You will find the heritage house, “Heathcote-MacKenzie House,” erected around 1905.

Address: Gate 8 or Gate 12, Corner of Bernal and Valley Ave, Pleasanton, CA 94566, United States

5. Rubino Estates Winery

A Californian-Italian winery, Rubino Estates Winery is known for producing award-winning wines in a beautiful setting.

Rubino Estates Winery manufactures a wide variety of smooth and complex wines that are perfect for nearly every occasion.

They offer hand-selected Italian and California grape varietals such as Chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, a crisp Trebbiano, and a spicy Sangiovese.

The winery consists of a contemporary tasting room, a bocce court, a gourmet deli, and charming grounds excellent for picnics.

The company is open daily for tastings and tours where you get to learn about the winery and how the wines are produced.

Rubino Estates Winery is an excellent place to create memorable moments with your family and friends when you enjoy their wines and have a picnic.

Address: 1188 Vineyard Ave, Pleasanton, CA 94566, United States

6. Pleasanton Farmers’ Market

A general local market in Pleasanton, Pleasanton Farmers’ Market, is open throughout the year every Saturday.

Pleasanton Farmers’ Market features several vendors offering a diverse collection of freshly grown California farm produce.

The Farmers’ Market offers the finest eggs, vegetables, freshly caught ocean seafood, coated nuts, artisan cheese, chicken, eggs, fresh flowers, unroasted nuts, and more.

The Market participates in a non-profit meal program known as the Open Heart Program collecting donations of fresh farm produce for about 3,500 dishes in Livermore, Dublin, and Pleasanton for a week.

Pleasanton Farmers’ Market offers homemade jams, honey, meat, sweet treats, eggs, specialty cheeses, seafood, and more.

Here, you get to intensively sink into the culture and understand the unique way of life of the locals and how they interact.

Address: 46 W Angela St, Pleasanton, CA 94566, United States

7. Alviso Adobe Community Park

A completely revived interpretive park, Alviso Adobe Community Park is a seven-acre property in Pleasanton.

Alviso Adobe Community Park encompassed a Francisco Alviso-constructed adobe house in 1854, and it was functioning up until 1969.

The property is listed as a Historic Landmark of California as a unique remnant of an American adobe from the early days fully furnished as a 1920s structure.

The Park is nestled between Foothill Road and Old Foothill Road and is gorgeously landscaped with local fruit trees and plants, including a seasonal creek and ancient oak trees.

Alviso Adobe Community Park consists of a duplicate of an ancient Meadowlark Dairy, Ohlone culture interpretative displays, and an activity area.

You now have an opportunity to learn more about the region’s local history, and you get to enjoy some solitude.

Address: 3465 Old Foothill Rd, Pleasanton, CA 94588, United States

8. Salt Craft

A fantastic restaurant in Pleasanton, Salt Craft brings the home cooking of the chef to the restaurant’s kitchen.

Salt Craft is a farm-to-table restaurant where the atmosphere is lively and laid back for customers to enjoy a meal.

Due to its challenges, they also started a catering kitchen and bread bakery during the pandemic, offering personal packaged meals.

The bakery offer deliveries of multiple fresh branches within Berkeley, Livermore, and of course, Pleasanton

Salt Craft offers a food menu with great emphasis on bread, including sandwiches, quesadillas, baked goods, and more.

Their patio is used as a bakery stand, usually on Saturdays. The numerous baked food options are both seasonal and weekly.

Address: 377 St Mary St, Pleasanton, CA 94566, United States

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9. Museum on Main

Museum on Main is located in the historic downtown of Pleasanton below the arch. Among the top things to do in Pleasanton, CA, is to explore the Museum, especially if you want to learn more about the city.

As a Smithsonian outreach program, the Museum on Main Street focuses on the Tri-Valley region’s history beginning from the Native American up until date.

The Museum on Main is organized at a local museum, community center, or library, showcasing temporary and permanent exhibits.

These exhibits talk about the local heritage and history of the region, including national issues such as food traditions, work, sports, etc.

You will find exhibitions standing freely from sizes of about 500 to 800 square feet, including video and audio presentations, interactive objects, and many more.

Address: 603 Main St, Pleasanton, CA 94566, United States

10. Augustin Bernal Park

Are you in the mood to get outdoors to have great fun? Quickly include a day at Augustin Bernal Park in your list of what to do in Pleasanton, CA.

Augustin Bernal Park is an expansive 237-acre park located in Pleasanton, connecting to the Ridge Regional Park of Pleasanton.

The Park offers numerous outdoor educational and recreational opportunities for the entire public regardless of age and skill.

This Park was donated to the city of Pleasanton in 1971 by Walter S. Johnson. It was named in honor of Augustin Bernal, a Spanish settler to who the park site was originally donated.

 Augustin Bernal Park features equestrian trails ideal for biking and hiking and offers dramatic views, including a chance to explore the disappearing vestigial landscape in California.

 Address: 8200 Golden Eagle Way, Pleasanton, CA 94566, United States

11. The Granizo Tile Art Mural

A public art exhibit, the Granizo Tile Art Mural, was founded by Granizo, a popular artist, in 1994 in commemoration of the Pleasanton Centennial.

The Granizo Tile Art Mural showcases a visual history of the area consisting of three diagonally positioned columns in rectangular shapes which can be seen as single portions and seamed to create one mural.

These murals represent four various sections of the history of the area, such as culture, agriculture, history, and commerce, including movie production.

They are highly important, being one of the latest pieces made by Granizo before he died. It is considered a community art.

Address: 100 Main St, Civic Park, Pleasanton, CA, United States

12. Ruby Hill Winery

If you want to enjoy a delicious wine, especially on one of those beautiful calm days, one of the best things to do in Pleasanton, CA, is to visit Ruby Hill Winery.

A family-owned and operated Ruby Hill Winery that offers a wide range of delicious and healthy wines

Ruby Hill Winery offers handcrafted wines which depict different kinds of fruit tastes and aromas; the beautiful, comfortable tasting room is open to every guest.

The Winery features a friendly and tolerant staff who are ready to offer guidance to visitors as they have a fantastic wine-tasting experience.

The Winery offers tours through the production and vineyards labeled as the Mello Cielo Vineyard Experience.

Aside from its customized tours, Ruby Hill Winery offers wine accessories, gourmet deli items, apparel, and many more. 

Try out their cabernet sauvignon, Trebbiano, Chardonnay, and more with their gorgeous settings, ideal for a picnic.

Address; 400 Vineyard Ave, Pleasanton, CA 94566, United States

13. Hap’s Original Steaks & Seafood

Hap’s Original Steaks & Seafood is located in the center of the historic downtown of Pleasanton, a favorite restaurant in the city.

The restaurant provides an elegantly designed interior with comfortable seats and tables for visitors to relax.

They use only locally grown ingredients sourced from local farmers and producers, ensuring they serve healthy and delicious meals.

Hap’s Original Steaks & Seafood offers fresh seafood, chicken, lamb, and beef with fish sourced directly from the sea.

Some of the meals they offer include Hap’S Signature Prime Rib of Beef, lamp chops, Bone-In Filet Mignon, Half Dozen Oysters Rockefeller, spinach salad, Smoked Tomato Soup, and more.

The restaurant serves over three hundred wines, including California-centered wines such as French Champagnes.

Address: 122 Neal St, Pleasanton, CA 94566, United States

14. Callippe Preserve Golf Course

Take out time from your busy schedule to immerse in the beauty of nature when you swing your club at Callippe Preserve Golf Course.

Callippe Preserve Golf Course was officially opened on November 11, 2005. It is located not too far from San Francisco.

It is a one-of-a-kind golf course designed by Brian Costello, an architect of Jump Golf design group, to cater to the needs of all players.

The course’s unique layout makes players anxious and filled with lots of anticipation as they set to have fun.

Callippe Preserve Golf Course is a par 72 with five tee sets offering dramatic and breathtaking views of the area, including the surrounding mountains and the oak.

The facility features a range with more than thirty spaces, including off mats and grass, while the golf course features bunkers, chipping, and a putting green.

There is a golf shop where you can purchase everything that has to do with golf, including the equipment and attire.

Address: 8500 Clubhouse Dr, Pleasanton, Ca 94566, United States

15. Val Vista Park

Offering numerous activities for both adults and children, Val Vista Park is a perfect place for the entire family.

Val Vista Park features a little picnic region which is a premier choice for a family hang out and an intimate date.

There is a playground with several captivating play instruments for them to enjoy and have fun. Val Vista Park is a 100-acre property with numerous facilities.

The Park features picnic areas where families and friends can organize lovely get-togethers, reunions, or night-out.

Val Vista Park is home to several football fields, a fantastic sake park, and an-line hockey rink, which are open for all.

You should definitely visit the Park and have fun with your family and friends while you enjoy the gorgeous environment.

Address: 7350 Johnson Dr, Pleasanton, CA 94566, United States

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16. Gay 90’s Pizza Co.

If you’re a heavy pizza consumer who only wants the most delicious of them all, one of the best places to visit in Pleasanton, CA, is Gay 90’s Pizza Co.

Gay 90’s Pizza Co. is an exceptional pizza location that provides an old-fashioned environment that attracts several locals and tourists.

The restaurant is famous for preparing its pizzas from scratch using special sourdough and wood to make them unique and tasty.

It is housed in a historic structure that dates back to 1824, featuring a comfortable and classy indoor and outdoor patio.

Gay 90’s Pizza Co. offers perfectly prepared fresh salads, sauces, seafood, Homemade Bread Pudding, Veal Parmesan Sandwiches, Pepperoni and Mushroom Pizza, and many more.

The drink bar offers an extensive list of wines and beers, including beverages like espresso, latte, Pepsi, cappuccino, raspberry iced tea, and more. Gay 90’s Pizza Co. is open throughout the week for both lunch and dinner.

Address: 288 Main St, Pleasanton, CA 94566, United States

17. Downtown Pleasanton

Take a stroll through the eclectic downtown of Pleasanton; it is one of the top things to do in Pleasanton, CA.

The Downtown district of Pleasanton is beautifully landscaped, offering a relaxed and soothing place ideal for a walk, especially in the evenings.

If you want to go for an amazing shopping experience, explore Main Street and visit the several beautiful shops there where you can purchase a simple but unique gift to complement your home.

You can also stop by any of the cafeterias or restaurants for a cup of flavorful coffee and hearty lunch or dinner.

Visit the art galleries and browse through the gorgeous local art showcased, depicting the people’s talent.

You might be lucky to catch an exciting block fair featuring several live entertainment and food trucks during summer.

Address: Main St, Pleasanton, CA 94566, United States

18. Encore MedSpa

While having the best time of your life in Pleasanton, you have to take a break and cater to your body’s needs.

Encore MedSpa is an independently owned and operated establishment. It was established as Northern California’s first medical spa in 2004.

They have just one goal, which is to provide a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere to render essential services.

Certified medical experts render these services with caring and experienced staff who are focused on assisting clients and making them feel relaxed.

Encore MedSpa offers impressive services like CoolSculpting, HydraFacial, Laser Treatments, Micro-Needling, and more.

You will definitely love your time here and wish to come again for more; this is one of the most effective ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Address: 349 Main St #204, Pleasanton, CA 94566, United States

19. Stoneridge Shopping Center

Stoneridge Shopping Center is one of the best shopping malls in the area. Stoneridge Shopping Center houses more than one hundred and sixty-five, offering the public nearly everything they need.

The shopping mall features vendors offering children’s fashion, men’s and women’s apparel, electronics, and home furnishings.

It is a premier shopping center due to its breadth to ensure a blend of retail options and modern amenities.

Some of the stores and eateries include apple, Nordstrom, lego, h&m, the Cheesecake Factory, P.F. Chang’s, ZARA, LEGO, and many others.

The vendors are dedicated to offering only the best goods and services without stress and delay and for affordable prices.

Address: 1 Stoneridge Mall Rd, Pleasanton, CA 94588, United States

20. De LA Torre’s Trattoria

De LA Torre’s Trattoria is housed in Val Vista Shopping Center. It is known as a unique community Italian restaurant.

This local meeting point offers a seasonal menu of local Italian delicacies and wood-fired pizza. The menu was carefully crafted, featuring Italian cuisines, including a selection of classic trattoria and other delicious dishes.

The restaurant uses the finest, freshest, and highest quality locally sourced produce, including natural-fed meats, vegetables, and herbs.

 De LA Torre’s Trattoria offers a wine list featuring delicious and casual wines made by local producers and family-owned wineries in California and Italy.

They serve Lasagna Al Forno, Bolognese Pasta, Gnocchi Di Patate, Antipasto Misto, Linguine Al Pesto, Stuffed Pork Chop, Mahi Mahi Pasta, Tortellini Pasta, and so on.

The restaurant offers drinks like Espresso, Cappuccino, Caffe Latte, Cafe Mocha, Proudly Serving Lavazza Coffee, Decaffeinated Coffee, Assorted Hot Teas, Lemonade, Ice Tea, Arnold Palmer, and more.

Address: 6025 W Las Positas Boulevard, Pleasanton, CA 94588, United States

21. The Pleasanton Golf Center – Golf Course

The Pleasanton Golf Center is found in the Alameda County Fairgrounds.

The Pleasanton Golf Center is situated right in the center of the horse ride track with 3 Par 4 holes and stretching for 1,500 yards.

The golf course offers an unforgettable golf experience for every kind of player, both those with lesser rounds under their poles.

There is a warm-up driving range with grass tees providing a chance to explore nine homes after work or early hours of the day.

The Pleasanton Golf Center advises that you register to become a member so you can participate in various tournaments and enjoy special fees.

There is an open-air pavilion which is perfect for tournaments and celebrations, and parties of all kinds.

You will also find the shaded dining area, twelve picnic tables, an ice machine, a kitchenette, coolers, TVs, and a refrigerator.

Address: 4501 Pleasanton Ave, Pleasanton, CA 94566, United States

22. Lokanta Mediterranean Grill & Bar

One place in Pleasanton that you should definitely visit for some delicious meals is Lokanta Mediterranean Grill & Bar.

Lokanta Mediterranean Grill & Bar is an upgraded restaurant that offers a lively and energetic feel for guests to relax.

They serve perfected Turkish and Greek dishes, which you cannot get elsewhere for reasonable costs and quality.

The restaurant offers delicious delights like roasted branzino, shrimp made with feta and ouzo, signature entree-grilled chicken, coconut curry pastry, and tomato coulis.

Lokanta Mediterranean Grill & Bar also offers warm dolmas, fried halloumi & grilled pears, jumbo spanakopita, creamy white beans, and many more.

Address: 443 Main St, Pleasanton, CA 94566, United States

23. LumiNight Lantern Festival

You can’t be looking for what to do in Pleasanton, CA when you haven’t attended the LumiNight Lantern Festival.

LumiNight Lantern Festival welcomes you into the magnificent realm of LumiNight, a walk-through setting from the exceptional planet discovered by life-sized lantern sculptures made by Chinese artisans.

It is an unusual appreciation of the most cherished wildlife, wonders, and nature of the planet, including dinosaurs, the mighty barrier reef, Chinese zodiac animals, and more.

These are numerous large creatures lited internally, which behave as guides along the lights that shine and awaken the imagination.

LumiNight Lantern Festival is not just a festival; it is a reconnection to the grandeur of wildlife using illumination and art.

Address: 4501 Pleasanton Ave. Pleasanton, CA 94566 United States

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Plan Your Trip to Pleasanton

Pleasanton is a gorgeous city where every kind of tourist can have a fantastic experience ranging from history, outdoor adventures, dining, cultures, and more.

There is always something exciting to do, places to visit, stores to shop, restaurants to dine at, festivals to attend, and more.

You will be overwhelmed by the city’s aura, plus the welcoming and cheerful citizens.