Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

Niles Canyon Railway is a living history museum interpreting the importance of our heritage railroads in the development of California and the nation. The railroad is operated and maintained by the Pacific Locomotive Association which preserves, restores and operates historic railroad equipment. The NCRy features public excursions with both steam and diesel locomotives along a well-preserved portion of the First Transcontinental Railroad.

The Pleasanton Ridge is one of the best hikes around the Tri-Valley area. You can make it as hard, long or as casual as you want. It contains over 25 miles of trails, most of which are dirt roads, except for the Woodland Trail, the Bay Leaf Trail, and a few sections of the North Ridge and Ridgeline trails. Park elevations range from 400 feet at the main entrance to over 1,600 feet at the highest point.

Pleasanton's Museum on Main is dedicated to linking the past to the future by preserving, clarifying and disseminating information about history specific to the Tri Valley region. Its collection at California Revealed consists of texts, moving images, and audio recordings from the 1890s to 2000s. The collection includes oral history interviews with residents of Pleasanton, films about Livermore, and an extensive run of issues of the Pleasanton Times.

Vargas Plateau Regional Park sits on a plateau in the Fremont Hills of Alameda County, California that overlooks the San Francisco Bay. This 1,249-acre regional park provides tremendous views from its setting in the Fremont Hills. The park contains an array of habitats, such as grassland, seasonal wetlands, stock ponds, perennial and ephemeral drainages and so more. Hiking, biking and horseback riding are the most popular activities. Observation of birds and other wildlife can also be enjoyed.

A public water park with slides, a picnic area, hiking, fishing, swimming and fun for the family.The swimming beach on the main lake and a refreshment stand that are open on weekends in Spring and Fall and daily in summer. Pets and glass containers are not allowed on the sandy areas of the beach.

Niles Canyon is a canyon in the San Francisco Bay Area formed by Alameda Creek, known for its heritage railroad and silent movie history. The Niles Canyon Trail Project proposes to install a six-mile long pathway that is 10 feet wide and is intended to accommodate pedestrians, bicyclists, and equestrians.