13 Hidden Gems to Discover in and Around Pleasant Hill, CA
04/30/24Enjoy unforgettable hidden gems around the Pleasant Hill area.
Uncover a treasure trove of unforgettable experiences in the Pleasant Hill area, finding top-rated things to do during a jam-packed adventure. Whether you're traveling with your family or looking for new activities as a resident, we've got you covered with off-the-beaten-path attractions.
![Scenic view of a field with a wire fence and trees beneath blue skies at Mt. Diablo State Park](https://pleasant-hill.imgix.net/images/mt-diablo-cristina-anne-costello-TzwWb7HxNL4-unsplash.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=d682193cf9c615645afeb75a8bf4b4a9 320w, https://pleasant-hill.imgix.net/images/mt-diablo-cristina-anne-costello-TzwWb7HxNL4-unsplash.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=4c058bc72cfe9d4d00ab96eebdb52307 540w, https://pleasant-hill.imgix.net/images/mt-diablo-cristina-anne-costello-TzwWb7HxNL4-unsplash.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=13b6fe3e38e64c9e39d2778a8f0f2807 768w, https://pleasant-hill.imgix.net/images/mt-diablo-cristina-anne-costello-TzwWb7HxNL4-unsplash.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=27e200d7971e85eed7d807fa799338e6 1024w, https://pleasant-hill.imgix.net/images/mt-diablo-cristina-anne-costello-TzwWb7HxNL4-unsplash.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=5eb327fb2d426a1b0dea23fb82f8d474 1200w, https://pleasant-hill.imgix.net/images/mt-diablo-cristina-anne-costello-TzwWb7HxNL4-unsplash.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=ad97fc71cae3bbbb12eee18a3e6ede3d 1440w, https://pleasant-hill.imgix.net/images/mt-diablo-cristina-anne-costello-TzwWb7HxNL4-unsplash.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=1ab74ddb4340995960efd471fe0873f0 1920w)
1. Open Space & Views at Dinosaur Hill Park
Even on a vacation packed with activities, sometimes you need to relax, and enjoy the wide-open spaces. Ideal for the whole family, even the pooch. Photographers -- bring your cameras to capture the sweeping scenery.
The peace, the quiet, and the views! Not far from the center of Pleasant Hill in Lafayette, CA you’ll find a place for the whole family to explore. Stroll through Dinosaur Hill Park, locally called “Dino Hill,” feel free to bring a picnic. We want visitors to the park to be aware that Dino Hill is more of a hiking and walking attraction. They do not have a traditional playground, and youngsters may be disappointed to learn there are no dinosaurs here.
But, that doesn’t mean your little ones should be discouraged from dino hunting on the hills!
![Painted hand prints on a white wall from the I Heart Art Studio.](https://pleasant-hill.s3.amazonaws.com/images/photo-1537440499989-de5f6b6854de.webp?v=1627327009)
2. I Heart Art Studio
Parents, teens, and children will equally enjoy I Heart Art Studio. Self-described as “a creative space for discovery, joy, and community” the center offers both digital and onsite art classes for all ages. For your youngest children, ages two to four, they offer Sensory Playtime in their backyard space.
Be advised, they may get a little dirty from playing with paints and other materials! So if you’re planning other outings afterwards -- you may want to plan a pitstop back at your lodgings, or at least carry a change and wipes.
Visit their website for more information regarding times and activities.
![The exterior of the USS Hornet Museum.](https://pleasant-hill.imgix.net/images/USS-Hornet_1_91852798b59be8b28fc00edfe4aec23a.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=4e78e822c70d9a6531a85f6229c5abd8 320w, https://pleasant-hill.imgix.net/images/USS-Hornet_1_91852798b59be8b28fc00edfe4aec23a.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=9ea8ae4b9568c21c3b626421aadfbe45 540w, https://pleasant-hill.imgix.net/images/USS-Hornet_1_91852798b59be8b28fc00edfe4aec23a.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=55966fe4f04ab2ed6d2848c7f8415d88 555w)
3. The USS Hornet Museum: Sea, Air, & Space Museum
The museum’s mission is to use their collections, exhibitions, and programming to educate visitors about “history, science, technology, and service.”
This could be a great addition to your time in Pleasant Hill. Not just for the WWII history buff, the NASA enthusiast, but also students interested in their STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) courses. Potential visitors should consult with the museum's website to confirm times, events, and docent-led tours.
4. See’s Candies
See’s Candies, has been a California treasure since 1921! Sooth your sweet tooth and remember to take some home. With two locations in Pleasant Hill, See’s Candies certainly has your sweet tooth and your chocolate cravings covered! Since 1921, See’s Candies have been a part of California culinary history. Their fine confections are offered by the piece or by the box.
If you’re visiting us from the East Coast you may not have a See’s close to you back at home. Make sure to pick up a box to take back home. Consider bringing back a box of sweets to your loved ones and colleagues as a sweet souvenir!
You can find See’s at their Contra Costa and Crossroads locations.
5. Lesher Center for the Arts
Located in nearby Walnut Creek’s downtown arts district, just minutes from Pleasant Hill, the Lesher Center for the Arts has been providing culture and artistry to the community in this location for over 30 years. Make sure to arrive early, allowing plenty of time to find your seats and get comfortable.
If you are planning your trip in the future make sure to check out offerings, showtimes, and tickets at their website.
The center also offers tours of the backstage and other unique views of life in the performing arts.
![The outside entrance of Red Door Escape Room in Concord.](https://pleasant-hill.imgix.net/images/Red-Door-Escape-Room.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=e11ba0142ac06f329fd3498741737b93 320w, https://pleasant-hill.imgix.net/images/Red-Door-Escape-Room.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=849116bdc1f46b4cb61f46cd7a9f25c4 540w, https://pleasant-hill.imgix.net/images/Red-Door-Escape-Room.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=da4cde9bafc079396a76f1876d6d765b 768w, https://pleasant-hill.imgix.net/images/Red-Door-Escape-Room.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=99207647bbe82a7f72972855efe2b716 800w)
6. Red Door Escape Room
Is this family-friendly fun? Yes! All skill levels are encouraged to select from their menu of experience-level escape adventures and plan their escape. Include a Red Door Escape Room experience on your must-see list with you stay in Pleasant Hill!
Check for times and book early. Because locals and guests to the region are both fans!
![Musicians playing in an orchestra at a venue near Pleasant Hill.](https://pleasant-hill.s3.amazonaws.com/images/photo-1465847899084-d164df4dedc6.webp?v=1627327638)
7. The California Symphony
The California Symphony has made its home in Walnut Creek, CA since 1986. They perform a variety of melodious work -- both Classical, Contemporary, and even Pops. The symphony is lucky to have native Californian, Donato Cabrera, as music director and maestro of our internationally respected group of musicians.
8. Toyota Pavilion at Concord
Whether you’re planning a trip around one of the many headliners and top performers that come through the East Bay Area, or pick up tickets on the fly when you arrive, you made the right decision to stay in Pleasant Hill.
We don’t want to drop hot names here, but you can check the Toyota Pavilion at Concord website to see who’s next on stage! Hurry though, if you see that must-see performer don’t wait, book tickets now!
![The Paso Nogal Park sign with a background of a spacious outdoor area, surrounded by trees.](https://pleasant-hill.imgix.net/images/sign.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=14cc8a64f57ab63e2f9be5a6c3bd488e 320w, https://pleasant-hill.imgix.net/images/sign.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=a1bc1c116ba23947874c42c829533908 540w, https://pleasant-hill.imgix.net/images/sign.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=be3c34cf5dfb63ebec533f2d6594937a 768w, https://pleasant-hill.imgix.net/images/sign.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=148b2c4e36a7f53f48e7b9383ab49f1a 1024w, https://pleasant-hill.imgix.net/images/sign.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=cf4daccd5ba03fb3e15dac6f3f7bb6d8 1114w)
9. Paso Nogal Park
Traveling with your furry companions? The picturesque Paso Nogal Park is a dog's green haven with a fenced-in space, where your four-legged best friends can play fetch to their heart's content. Take a break by the designated picnic spots of the park, taking in the surrounding nature and calming atmosphere.
10. Soldier's Memorial Monument
Located in Downtown Pleasant Hill, the Soldier's Memorial Monument pays homage to local military heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War I, World War II, and the Korean conflict. History buffs, veterans, and active military members can explore a piece a Pleasant Hill history at this memorial site, paying their respects to the men and women who served our country.
11. John Muir National Historic Site
Travel back in time at the John Muir National Historic Site, exploring the home of the legendary conservationist. This breathtaking location showcases the history and culture of the late 1800s, as well as John Muir's legacy, featuring black-and-white photographs, a windmill, farm wagon, and more.
12. Model Railroad Society
Nestled in Walnut Creek, the Model Railroad Society is just a seven-minute drive from Pleasant Hill. Locomotive enthusiasts will enjoy attending a train show, which occurs at least once a month. Marvel at an intricately made display, where moving miniature trains come to life with detailed terrain.
13. The Garden at Heather Farms
The Garden at Heather Farms is a Contra Costa County must-visit, featuring six acres of stunning flowers. Stroll through vibrant floral displays, capturing Instagram-worthy moments with a meadow-like backdrop. Don't miss making your way to the Climate Discovery Garden area, showcasing the growth of colorful flowers in a climate-friendly setting. The gardens are open on a daily basis, running from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. from Sunday through Friday, and 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday.
With so much to see and do in and around Pleasant Hill, you’ll see it’s better when you stay here! Make us your base to explore the region, or just hang out like a local and make yourself at home.
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901 Taylor Boulevard
Pleasant Hill, California 94523
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i heart art
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2000 Kirker Pass
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Paso Nogal Park
501 Paso Nogal Rd
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