Find out how to get the most of your springtime trip to the Tri-Valley with some of the best seasonal activities to do in our region.
What to Do in
Pleasanton, CA
Pleasanton, CA
What to do in Pleasanton, CA
Downtown Pleasanton is a charming corner of the Tri-Valley with restaurants, boutiques and shops, outdoor recreation areas, and plenty of ways to entertain yourself throughout the day. Use our guide below to plan the perfect day in Downtown Pleasanton and the surrounding area.
Things to Do
Don’t miss out on all the fun things Pleasanton has to offer. Here are a few options for how to spend your day while visiting:
- Visit the Pleasanton Farmers’ Market
Located on W. Angela Street every Saturday from 9am-1pm year-round, featuring produce and products from several local farmers, artists, and makers. - Go to the Alameda County Fairgrounds
Home to the award-winning annual Alameda County Fair, held since 1912, as well as numerous festivals, trade shows, and community events. Features America’s oldest 1-mile horse-racing track, a 9-hole golf course, and a RV park. - Wine Tasting
Just a short drive from Downtown Pleasanton, tastings are available at both Rubino Estates Winery and Ruby Hill Winery. Looking to stay closer to Downtown Pleasanton? Head to Pairings Wine Bar Restaurant or Cellar Door.
See a full list of local wineries here.
Where to Eat
- The Press Cafe
breakfast, brunch & lunch
Small, bustling American cafe offering breakfast, panini & creative bites, plus coffee & a patio. - Nonni’s Bistro
breakfast, brunch, lunch & brunch, dinner
Modern European cuisine served in a refined space with a casual vibe & sidewalk tables. Known for their busy weekend brunches & bottomless mimosas. - Beer Baron Whiskey Bar & Kitchen
weekend brunch, lunch & dinner
Funky brick-lined gathering spot offering numerous tap beers & craft cocktails, some barrel aged. - Locanda Amalfi
lunch & dinner
Main Street restaurant specializing in Neapolitan thin crust pizza, pasta & small bites in a trendy, warm atmosphere. - Sabio on Main
weekend brunch & dinner
Upscale bistro serving modern Spanish-Californian cuisine & drinks in a sleek space with 2 patios. - Meadowlark Dairy
dessert
Long-running drive-through dairy featuring some of the best soft-serve you’ll ever have. This local hot spot is almost always busy, even on colder days, but it’s definitely worth a visit.
Main Street Shopping
Downtown Pleasanton’s Main Street is lined with small, locally-owned specialty shops selling everything from books and pet supplies to fine art and chic clothing. Read below for some of our favorite spots to shop:
- Prim Boutique
Cozy women’s boutique with a bohemian vibe for stylish clothing & accessories. - Towne Center Books
Long-running indie bookseller offering a large selection of titles, plus author events & book clubs. - Murphy’s Paw
Locally owned pet supply & accessory store specializing in American-made food & treats. - Studio Seven Arts Gallery
Spacious gallery featuring fine art, handcrafted jewelry, glass, sculpture & locally-made gifts and items.
Looking for more cute shops? Check out our Boutique Shopping in the Tri-Valley blog.
Outdoor Activities
Pleasanton is home to several outdoor recreation areas and parks that are open to the public. Check out the following outdoor activities in and around Downtown Pleasanton:
- Shadow Cliffs Recreation Area
Located just 1 mile from Downtown Pleasanton featuring a variety of activities including swimming, fishing, boating, picnicking and birdwatching. - Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park
5,271-acre parkland located on the oak-covered ridge overlooking Downtown Pleasanton and the Livermore Valley from the west. Ideal for hiking and biking. - Bernal Community Park
Located under 2 miles from Downtown Pleasanton featuring multiple play structures, bbq and picnic areas, walking trails, restrooms as well as soccer, football and baseball fields. - Pleasanton BMX Park
Just 1.5 miles from Downtown Pleasanton, the Pleasanton BMX park features 2.75 acres of tracks, jumps & hills for beginnings & experts.
Exploring History & Art
Downtown Pleasanton is full of interesting, historic, and entertaining places nearby. Check out a few places you may want to visit while in Pleasanton:
- Museum on Main
Museum featuring exhibits on the Tri-Valley region’s history including documents and artifacts from indigenous peoples, ranchos and the Gold Rush.
View other Must-See Museums in the Tri-Valley. - Firehouse Arts Center
Smart venue featuring music, theater productions & art exhibitions in a chic, minimalist setting. See a live performance or visit the Harrington Gallery inside the center to view rotating exhibits by local artists. - Alviso Adobe Community Park
Fully restored 7-acre park featuring an American adobe house built in 1854 and furnished as it would The park also contains a replica of an old dairy and interpretive displays of Ohlone culture.
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