Pleasanton places to stay

Pleasanton is an East Bay suburb tucked between the rolling greenery of Morgan Territory Regional Preserve an hour east of San Francisco and around 45 minutes east of Oakland. The city’s perennial Mediterranean climate brings people outdoors throughout the year here, whether that’s for mountain biking along the 9,090-acre Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park — where peaks exceed heights of 1,600 feet, providing spectacular vistas for miles around — or enjoying a round of golf at a local course.

Downtown, you’ll find brightly colored storefronts, restaurants, and cafes in historic buildings, some of which were once connected through underground tunnels that ran below Main Street. You can learn more about the architecture, which spans Victorian, Italianate, and Richardson Romanesque, among other styles, and the stories behind the famous people who populated these buildings, on self-led cellphone walking tours from the Museum on Main.

Pleasanton is also host to the popular Alameda County Fair, one of the largest fairs in the Bay Area.

Conditions are balmy and days are warm in Pleasanton no matter the season. You’ll be able to hike, trek, and explore the nearby parks without fear of being rained on. If you book a Pleasanton vacation rental in the fall or winter, you can check out the area’s biggest annual events. The Alameda County Fair at the end of October is one of the Bay Area’s largest fairs and features food stalls, trucks, and rides. In November, the Holiday Train of Lights is a festive 1.5-hour round trip aboard antique coaches and open cars through Niles Canyon.

Pleasanton Farmers’ Market

Held every Saturday on Pleasanton’s Main Street and West Angela Street, Pleasanton Farmers’ Market brings together local farmers and eateries to showcase fresh produce, from artisanal cheeses to indulgent pastries and vibrant flowers. Minutes walk away are Delucchi Park and Lions Wayside Park, scenic spots to sit and savor your finds.

Museum on Main

Located under the arch in downtown Pleasanton, the Museum on Main is a Smithsonian outreach program devoted to documenting the history of the Tri Valley area, from the earliest records of Native American inhabitants to Pleasanton in the present. Permanent and traveling exhibits showcase the region’s work history, culinary traditions, and sports with presentations, tours, and panel discussions. The museum is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area

A former gravel quarry turned bountiful regional park, Shadow Cliffs is an 80-acre recreational area with a lake and picnic facilities that’s a popular place for water sports. You can fish, boating, and swim here year round, and a refreshment stand serves up drinks and snacks in the summer.