Pleasanton, CA

Travel 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 memorial and a statue or sculpture
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 downtown Kolln Hardware building 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 free Friday Concert in the Park with local talents performing free at the Lions’ Wayside Park downtown. The Firehouse Arts Center also regularly hosts plays, concerts and art exhibitions.

For a quick getaway from Pleasanton’s suburbia, hike the Ridgeline Trail at Pleasanton 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-kilometer) 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 ¥19,267 per night from Jul 12 to Jul 13
¥19,267
¥22,677 total
Jul 12 - Jul 13
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Santa Clara. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,005 reviews)
Quite noisy
"Newer looking hotel in an industrial area next an abandoned looking construction site. Quite noisy inside. Could hear people talking in adjecent rooms and hallway. We stayed in the top floor and the AC units on the roof sounded like jet engines taking off ...all night. We stayed in a 1 bedroom suit. ..."

Reviewed on Jul 8, 2025

Hyatt Centric Santa Clara Silicon Valley
Sonesta Silicon Valley
Sonesta Silicon Valley
4 out of 5
1820 Barber Ln, Milpitas, CA
The price is ¥16,034 per night from Jul 25 to Jul 26
¥16,034
¥18,309 total
Jul 25 - Jul 26
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Milpitas. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,509 reviews)
"Clean"

Reviewed on Jul 9, 2025

Sonesta Silicon Valley
Shashi Hotel Mountain View Palo Alto
Shashi Hotel Mountain View Palo Alto
5 out of 5
1625 N Shoreline Blvd, Mountain View, CA
The price is ¥19,478 per night from Jul 25 to Jul 26
¥19,478
¥21,464 total
Jul 25 - Jul 26
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Mountain View. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,009 reviews)
"The staff was so accommodating. It was clean and very relaxing! Loved the spa!"

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Shashi Hotel Mountain View Palo Alto
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
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Alameda. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
6.8/10 (2,758 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 Jun 30, 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 WiFi, 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 Jun 4, 2025

Kasa University-Airport Santa Clara
Beautiful and Lush Hidden Wisteria Getaway
Beautiful and Lush Hidden Wisteria Getaway
Alameda
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 Jun 5, 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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Reviews of Pleasanton

4.3
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
156
5 - Excellent 44%
4 - Good
158
4 - Good 44%
3 - Okay
34
3 - Okay 9%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
9
1 - Terrible 3%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Nice area - unfortunately much closed down due to COVID.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

I didn't see much of Pleasanton, I was only traveling through. I did walk my dog near the hotel which was a business park area with plenty of green grass and safe sidewalks.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Many business clients located in Pleasanton, overall nice area with good restaurants and shopping.

5/5 - Excellent

Mike

Make sure to stop by Kasaria Jewelers for some original creations. George is the best.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Surprisingly good places to eat in town. Just make sure to read Yelp reviews before deciding where to go. Highly recommend Pacific Catch

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Very nice area

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