Pleasanton Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by Visit Tri-Valley
Photo provided by Visit Tri-Valley
Pleasanton showing a memorial
Pleasanton featuring signage and street scenes
Pleasanton showing a statue or sculpture and a memorial

Venture from San Francisco to the East Bay, where this small city combines old-town charm with great shopping, food and a variety of activities and events. 

Pleasanton lives up to its name. This pleasant town is located in Alameda County, a gorgeous suburban area in San Francisco’s East Bay region. Pleasanton consistently ranks among both the wealthiest cities and the best places to live in the United States. Enjoy its high-end shops, diverse restaurants and beautiful scenery.

The land that is now Pleasanton was settled in the 1850s. Known as the “Most Desperate Town in the West,” this spot was a refuge for criminals during California’s Gold Rush. Over time, the town became increasingly gentrified. Its unusual spelling is attributed to the typographical error of a U.S. Postal Service employee.

Explore Pleasanton’s historically preserved buildings. In the downtown area, you can find buildings in Colonial Revival, Queen Anne, Italianate and Gothic Revival styles. Identify the iconic downtownKolln Hardwarebuilding by its distinctive cupola.

Regardless of when you visit Pleasanton, you are sure to find a special event. On any Saturday morning, get fresh fruits and vegetables at the farmers market just off Main Street. From May through September on first Wednesdays of the month, visit the themed street fair. In summer, bring a picnic to enjoy a freeFriday Concert in the Parkwith local talents performing free at the Lions’Wayside Parkdowntown. TheFirehouse Arts Centrealso regularly hosts plays, concerts and art exhibitions.

For a quick getaway from Pleasanton’s suburbia, hike the Ridgeline Trail atPleasanton Ridge Regional Park. Just a short drive outside downtown Pleasanton, this oft-overlooked park is a calm place to enjoy the East Bay’s wilderness. The 7.4-mile (11.9-kilometre) trail is popular with both day hikers and mountain bikers.

Pleasanton is easily accessible by car, train and public transportation. The central Amtrak station provides national train service. Use the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) to reach San Francisco in just 1 hour.Warm weather, a convenient location and diverse attractions await you in this California town any time of year.

Hyatt Centric Santa Clara Silicon Valley
Hyatt Centric Santa Clara Silicon Valley
3.5 out of 5
3100 Lakeside Dr, Santa Clara, CA
The price is £139 per night from 11 Jul to 12 Jul
£139
11 Jul - 12 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Santa Clara. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,005 reviews)
"Accommodating staff, Nice rooms, we stayed here twice, and most probably will return whenever we are in town"

Reviewed on 1 Jul 2025

Hyatt Centric Santa Clara Silicon Valley
The Ameswell Hotel
The Ameswell Hotel
4.5 out of 5
800 Moffett Blvd, Mountain View, CA
The price is £112 per night from 11 Jul to 12 Jul
£112
11 Jul - 12 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Mountain View. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,002 reviews)
"Great stay"

Reviewed on 1 Jul 2025

The Ameswell Hotel
Courtyard by Marriott Newark Silicon Valley
Courtyard by Marriott Newark Silicon Valley
3 out of 5
34905 Newark Blvd, Newark, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £74 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
£74
13 Jul - 14 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Newark. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,014 reviews)
Great for work or family trip
"Clean, close to fwy and the Latin i was there to work, lots of food choices and grocery stores in walking distance, and i caught a great deal that day."

Reviewed on 3 Jul 2025

Courtyard by Marriott Newark Silicon Valley
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Coral Reef Inn & Suites
Coral Reef Inn & Suites
2.5 out of 5
400 Park St, Alameda, CA
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Alameda. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
6.8/10 (2,756 reviews)
"This hotel is a little dated but it is in an excellent location - only one block to the Alameda beach and shoreline. Plenty of dining options within walking distance. Located in a safe quiet area with awesome views of SF just steps away! Great value for the money."

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

Coral Reef Inn & Suites
Kasa University-Airport Santa Clara
Kasa University-Airport Santa Clara
4 out of 5
588 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Santa Clara. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Santana Row Shopping ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (44 reviews)
"This place is very nice and clean. The rooftop pool is great. Just as others commented, there are codes to remember and the pull out couch is not meant to be slept on. It’s all springs. I booked a place that is supposed to sleep four. I put my two kids on the floor on mats. The sleeper sofa is terrible. ..."

Reviewed on 4 Jun 2025

Kasa University-Airport Santa Clara
Beautiful and Lush Hidden Wisteria Getaway
Beautiful and Lush Hidden Wisteria Getaway
Alameda, CA
Stay at this cottage in Alameda. Enjoy a garden, patios and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Jack London Square and San Francisco Bay are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (270 reviews)
"This is a great place for a couple to stay in Alameda. The cottage is beautifully appointed, quiet, and within easy walking distance of the Park Street shops. Safeway and Trader Joes are a five minute drive away. The adjoining gardens, which guests are free to use, are lovely. The cottage comes supplied ..."

Reviewed on 5 Jun 2025

Beautiful and Lush Hidden Wisteria Getaway
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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