The Ultimate Weekend Itinerary In and Around Pleasant Hill

03/27/24

Plan your weekend itinerary with a variety of activities in and around Pleasant Hill.

Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Uncover Pleasant Hill’s essential things to do for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Whether you’re traveling with family or scheduling a romantic getaway, you’ll find a multitude of exciting experiences in this part of the East Bay.

Friday

Check into Comfortable Accommodations

Discover the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and charm at Marriott, Hyatt, Hilton, and Sonesta branded hotels in Pleasant Hill. Traveling with your furry companion? Have your dog enjoy VIP treatment and welcoming services at a top-rated stay. Spacious interiors and attentive services are just some of the delights that you’ll find at our hotels.

Grab a Bite at a Local-Favorite Restaurant

Delve into our burgeoning culinary scene, which is elevated by an array of top-tier restaurants and eateries. Craving Japanese food? Head to Damo Sushi, tasting a treasure trove of umami-filled dishes. Slices of seafood will melt in your mouth while notes of wasabi and soy sauce provide rich flavors. As for visitors traveling with their pets, it’s highly recommended to check out Jack’s Restaurant and Bar and order a delectable meal for the outdoor patio area.

overhead view of 8 different dishes from Jack's Restaurant and Bar, a Pleasant Hill restaurant
Credit: Jack's Restaurant and Bar

Solve Complex Mysteries at Red Door Escape Room

Nestled in the Veranda, Red Door Escape Room features an array of immersive challenges, from fantasy- and history-inspired clues to detailed props and scenes. History aficionados will relish a head-scratching mystery like the Warriors Way, which involves finding mystical artifacts through discovering the context behind hidden clues. For an easier challenge, try the Once Upon a Time and look for magical items in a castle-like setting.

Saturday

Indulge in “Egg-cellent” Brunch Classics

Before you enjoy everything that Pleasant Hill has to offer, it’s crucial to fuel up for a jam-packed day. Fortunately, we’ve got you covered with sensational brunch spots. Visit the Hangout, savoring new flavors with generous portions, welcoming services, and affordable prices. Avocado toast, bottomless mimosas, and chicken with waffles are some of the scrumptious meals at this restaurant. Don’t miss trying the lemon creme anglaise pancakes, which shines on the menu with the right amount of fluffiness and sweetness.

Step into the Popular Shops of Downtown Pleasant Hill

After having a king’s feast at one of our brunch places, take a leisurely stroll through Downtown Pleasant Hill, entering a variety of specialty retail stores. From searching for kid-friendly items to finding budget-friendly clothing, there’s no shortage of stylish answers to your shopping needs. Feeling peckish? Take a snack break at Paris Baguette and bite into a decadent French pastry.

A tall tree stands at the top of Dinosaur Hill Park.
Dinosaur Hill State Park

Hike Through Breathtaking Surroundings at Dinosaur Hill Park

Expand your shopping activities with a free visit to Dinosaur Hill Park, which is a perfect location for outdoor adventures and Instagram-worthy photographs. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy traversing across vast spaces and taking in lush greenery. Once you reach the pinnacle of the gentle slope in the park, it’s easy to become mesmerized by the sweeping views, unveiling a sea of trees and valley peaks.

Complete Your Journey with a Wine Tasting

Pleasant Hill is centrally located in the East Bay, ensuring easy access to an array of wineries. End the day in Pleasant Hill with a local spot like William Welch Wines. Situated in Martinez, this winery is just a 15-minute drive from Pleasant Hill. Peruse through affordable flight tastings while learning more about your drink. Enhance the evening with rounds of shuffleboard, or settle into a peaceful atmosphere on the front patio.

Sunday

Grab a Quick Bite for Breakfast

The Little Red Bistro will transform your morning routine with captivating flavors and energizing bites. Your love for a regular cup of coffee won’t be the same when you try the Irish cream latte, or the caramel mocha frappé. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a crepe that’s bursting with strawberries, bananas, and nutella. Foodies with savory preferences will be enthralled by the Norwegian smoked salmon crepe, brimming with fresh ingredients.

A scenic shot of the Golden Gate Bridge during a sunny day.
Golden Gate Bridge

Explore Historic Attractions in San Francisco

Prevent the Monday blues by creating an unforgettable Sunday around Pleasant Hill. With our prime location, you can quickly hop on a scenic drive to iconic attractions in the East Bay area. Make a day trip to San Francisco, where the Golden Gate Bridge will beckon you into exquisite experiences. Enrich your learning about the past of the American criminal justice system on Alcatraz Island, or dive into the aquatic side of this city at Fisherman’s Wharf. Pose for pictures by the Painted Ladies in Postcard Row, standing in front of familiar Victorian homes and a backdrop of city buildings.

two lions relax on a shady rock at the Oakland Zoo near Pleasant Hill, CA
Oakland Zoo

Cultivate Memorable Pit Stops in Oakland

Looking to add more activities during your drive back to Pleasant Hill? Oakland sets a vibrant scene for maximum fun, whether you’re a wildlife fan or an astronomy enthusiast. Featuring hundreds of various creatures, the Oakland Zoo is filled with enclosures of majestic animals. Camels, lemurs, and scorpions are some of the fascinating species that call this Zoo home. As for out-of-this-world learning, the Chabot Space and Science Center offers engaging exhibits, a digital planetarium, innovative telescopes, and more.

Unwind at a Local Brewery

If you’re transitioning from an action-packed itinerary into the coziness of a Sunday evening, there’s nothing better than a glass of golden suds. Morgan Territory Brewing curates an extensive selection of IPA and traditional beers, from malt-flavored drinks to English classics. If you’re planning a dinner before your beer tasting, this brewery is conveniently based near Jack’s Taps, where old school American cuisine comes alive with the heartiest burgers and crunchiest fried chicken.

From outdoor explorations to shopping trips, Pleasant Hill is a thriving hub for travelers of all ages. Looking for more ways to schedule your weekend? Find upcoming events in the Pleasant Hill area, including seasonal festivities and annual celebrations.

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