Tucked into northern California’s Tri-Valley area, Pleasanton has a suburban ambience in the midst of a vast technology corridor. It houses historic structures with a range of architectural styles, while its small-town charm can be found in its boutique shops, urban parks, breweries and wineries.

Things to do

Start your Pleasanton holiday by strolling the “Old California” downtown, filled with espresso shops, cafes, boutiques and pubs. Learn about the Tri-Valley region’s natural history through artefacts, displays and photographs at Museum on Main. There’s even a special children’s corner for the little ones.

Combine craft beer and delicious food at Main Street Brewery and the adjacent 828 Bites and Brews. For authentic Mexican cuisine with an open-air patio and sports bar, check out Alberto's Cantina. Burma Restaurant & Bar reflects the multi-cultural makeup of the Tri-Valley, serving Burmese and Asian cuisine.

Take the family to Lions Wayside Park in the centre of downtown to enjoy live concerts and picnic areas or head to Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park for hiking and cycling. You can devote an entire day to exploring Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area, where kayaking, pedal boating and angling for trout, catfish and bluegill are popular activities.

Pleasanton lies in Livermore Valley Wine Country, home to at least 40 wineries. Visit Ruby Hills Winery to sample handcrafted vintage varieties with food pairings. You can also tour the vineyards and production facilities and create a picnic from the Ruby Deli with its local cheeses, olive oils and balsamic vinegar.

Getting around

Buses and trains service Pleasanton as part of the Bay Area public transit system. You can also use rideshare services or rent a car at San Jose International Airport, less than one hour away.