Places to See in Pleasanton CAPlaces to See in Pleasanton CA
Pleasanton CA is a city for families,with excellent schools and beautiful parks. It also has a quaint downtown area with many boutiques and restaurants.
Visitors can enjoy the outdoors at Augustin Bernal Park,where they can participate in a variety of activities. The park features 237 acres of natural beauty,including a lake and hiking trails.
Augustin Bernal Park
Augustin Bernal Park is 237 acres of natural open space on Pleasanton Ridge with hiking trails and beautiful views. The park is home to native plants and animals. It is a popular park for mountain bikers and hikers. The city recently added a new downhill-only trail to the park. The 0.7 mile trail is within the community park. It is designed to reduce conflicts between mountain bikers and hikers on existing multi-use paths.
Valley View Trail,as well as the recently opened Blue Oak Knoll Trail,offer spectacular views of the surrounding area and city. The park was originally part of the Golden Eagle Ranch and donated to the City of Pleasanton by Walter S. Johnson in 1971. The city has since developed eight different trails in the park.
The park is accessed through the gate at the entrance of the Golden Eagle Estates. Visitors must show ID to gain entry through the gate. The city provides a weekly park pass for non-residents.
Granizo Art Mural
Located in downtown Pleasanton,the Granizo Art Mural is a community art display that tells the story of the city’s history and culture. This mural is an interactive and colorful educational piece. It can be viewed from many different angles. The mural was painted by Guillermo Wagner Granizo,and it features a variety of figures that represent the past of the city.
The 270-acre Alameda County Fairgrounds is home to many attractions and events including the Alameda County Fair. The fairgrounds feature the oldest one-mile horse racetrack in America,an arena and livestock event facilities,a 3,000-seat outdoor amphitheater,a model train display,and the historic Heathcote-MacKenzie Heritage House.
The Museum on Main is a fascinating place to visit for anyone interested in local history. Located in a building that was built in 1914,the museum houses an incredible cultural collection that is sure to delight all visitors. Its fascinating exhibits range from Native American culture to modern-day life in the Tri-Valley area.
Firehouse Arts Center
The Firehouse Arts Centre is located in downtown Pleasanton and includes a performing arts theatre,an art gallery,as well as office space. The unique design combines historic bricks with modern construction. The design consciously reflects the National Park Service guidelines for all adaptive reuses of historic buildings to provide clear visual demarcation between new construction and preserved historic edifices.
The venue’s intimate performing arts theatre redefines the term “no bad seats.” Patrons can enjoy a drink in the lobby and are allowed to bring them into the auditorium for performances. It’s a clever feature that lets patrons enjoy the show and not worry about getting sore necks from sitting too long.
The schedule of the theater is a mixture of art,music and theater. This season features the most Bay Area centric lineup ever. The previous shows included Rueibin Chan’s piano concert,April Verch’s dance/singing performances,and a performance by YEA. award winners directed by Don Lewis.
Alameda Fairgrounds
Alameda County Fairgrounds are a popular attraction for sports enthusiasts and families with kids. It features exhibition halls,outdoor arenas and more,and it has been home to the Alameda County Fair since 1912. Other events are held at the Fairgrounds throughout the year such as weddings,company parties and group picnics.
Visitors can explore the local culture and history of Pleasanton at the Museum on Main Street. This Smithsonian outreach museum has various exhibits that highlight the area’s unique heritage and culture,including work history,food traditions and more.
Other notable attractions in Pleasanton include the Augustin Bernal Park and Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area. The latter is a top hiking destination,with numerous trails that range in difficulty. It also offers a tranquil lake,picnic areas and accessible facilities.