South San Francisco, CA October 24, 2023 Submitted by Hook, Line & Thinker
EDITOR’S NOTE: Yes, yes, yes! We are still EVERYTHING South City and that sometimes brings us some interesting items from other places outside of our own lil City which we believe our locals would enjoy checking out. So for those who cry out ‘Keep it EVERYTHING South City’ – we do and we will continue to share items suited for our diverse neighbors. Enjoy!
With Bay Area cities experiencing upticks in crime, many travelers are taking advantage of stays in safer, nearby communities. Pleasant Hill is a great choice for overnight guests who want security, affordability, free overnight parking, and proximity to San Francisco, Oakland, wine country and all other Bay Area attractions.
Known as one of the safest small cities in the region, Pleasant Hill is convenient to BART, Amtrak and a myriad of activities and attractions. Consider the possibilities as you enjoy a central location to the Bay Area’s many destinations including Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the wine regions of Napa, Sonoma and the Livermore Valley.
Got 48 hours? Spend it in Pleasant Hill, enjoying everything from an invigorating mountain hike to historical attractions like the nearby John Muir National Historic Site.
Day 1
Start your day with an organic, fair-trade coffee and home-made breakfast at Rooted Coffee. Family-owned and a favorite for locals, this café offers everything from pastries to parfaits and is completely plant-based.
Once refueled, you’re ready for a hike, bike or stroll in Mount Diablo State Park. High above the Bay, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views in all directions in this 20,000-plus acre, state park that native Americans consider sacred. Consider taking a sandwich and fresh pressed juice from the highly-rated Siren’s Pizza and Sandwiches to keep your energy level up.
Late afternoons in Pleasant Hill offer something we don’t get enough of these days – social time. Known as a happy hour mecca, consider these great options for bargains on food and beverages.
In Pleasant Hill’s Oak Park Center, there are no fewer than four happy hours – almost side by side. Wence’s has specials on oysters and other fresh seafood. Well drinks and drafts are $5, along with other beverage bargains. Sol y Luna, WiseGirl and Kobe Japan round out the happy hour offerings in this little center.
Craving a quieter place to nibble and sip? Tzunun has Oaxaca quesadillas for $7 during happy hour, along with unusual offerings like Mexican street corn ribs and cactus salad. Drink specials include $7 margaritas and $6 draft beer and wine. In downtown Pleasant Hill, Crescent Bistro has $5 well drinks and an offering of $5 appetizers like cured salmon deviled eggs, parmesan garlic fries and jalapeno cheddar doughnuts. Nearby, Jack’s has just drinks on its happy hour menu, with well pours for $6 and a long list of other beverage specials.
You can even get a healthy selection of cutting-edge wellness modalities for every goal at Restore Hyper Wellness, which offers treatments for everything from decreasing inflammation and sleep optimization to energy boosters and treatments for aging.
After an early evening social hour, take in a movie at the Cinemark Century Downtown Pleasant Hill. Rated one of the best regional movie venues, there are 16 theaters in this multiplex in the walkable downtown district.
One of this year’s travel trends is sleep tourism – where a good night’s sleep is key to a restful out-of-town trip. Pleasant Hill has seven hotels, including Sonesta Select Pleasant Hill, where the inn has its own dog concierge. Other popular brand name hotels include Residence Inn by Marriott, Homewood Suites by Hilton and Hyatt House. For guests who want the conveniences of home and a longer, budget-friendly stay, there’s Extended Stay America. And Pleasant Hill even has boutique hotel options like Pleasant Hill Inn and Sun Valley Inn. With weather that’s pleasant year-around, many of the hotels offer swimming pools.
Day 2
While several of the hotels offer in-house breakfast, you may choose to jumpstart your day with a hearty breakfast bowl or pancakes smothered with blueberries at Sherry’s Kitchen or The Hangout.
A must-see attraction is the nearby John Muir National Historic Site. There’s no entrance fee to tour the famed naturalist’s home and property, a sanctuary for many of the birds and animals native to the region. Another stunning natural setting is nearby Briones Regional Park with its undulating, grass-covered hills and secluded shady canyons. From Briones Peak you have a second day of panoramic views.
Your second perfect Pleasant Hill day can also include these nearby attractions:
Back 2 Perfect – For an enjoyable massage.
Bricks & Minifigs – Check out the largest toy store of its kind, specializing in only new and used LEGO® items.
Brookwood Park Labyrinth – For getting in touch with your spiritual side.
California Grand Casino – For slot play and table games.
Friends of the Pleasant Hill Library Book Store – Books for every interest with all proceeds benefiting the library system.
Paso Nogal Park – A pretty park for an afternoon stroll. Also great for dogs.
Pleasant Hill Park – A local favorite for Bocce Ball and other outdoor recreation.
Pleasant Hill Psychic – for everything from spiritual cleansing and Chakra balancing to psychic, tarot and crystal readings.
Rasputin Records – Check out the inventory of vinyl and film at the largest independent chain of record stores in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Rodgers Ranch Heritage Center – A National Historical site and a living history museum honoring one of the area’s early ranches.
Thirft/Vintage Store Shopping – Because vintage clothing is in style again.
As the afternoon sun wanes and dinner beckons, Pleasant Hill has highly-regarded restaurants and a vibrant downtown with firepits and street furniture for you to enjoy a safe, leisurely evening. Here are some local favorites to add to the great options mentioned on day one:
Crescent Bistro – An upscale downtown restaurant with a fresh take on California cuisine that includes locally-sourced ingredients and craft cocktails.
El Morocco – Traditional Moroccan and Mediterranean food.
Escape from Fisherman’s Wharf – proudly serving the famous fresh shellfish, deli sandwiches, salads, soups, and ice cream from across the bridge
Jo’s Honda Sushi – Authentic Japanese cuisine.
Nama K-Street Food – Korean dishes.
Slow Hand BBQ – Ribs, chicken and brisket plus savory sides.
William Welch Wines – Enjoy a five flight tasting of local wines.
Evenings in Pleasant Hill offer everything from small live music venues like WiseGirl to the renowned Concord Pavilion for major artists. Special events include a number of festivals in the area like the spring Art, Wine & Music Festival and the annual summer Blues & Brews Festival.
Like discounts and rewards? Pleasant Hill recently launched its I LOVE Pleasant Hill (digital) Passport, which features a wide range of special offers, including spa discounts, two-for-one beverages, restaurant deals, and even a free palm reading. Additionally, visitors will earn points to redeem for quarterly sweepstakes’ prizes and the first 10 passholders to check-in at five businesses will get a free Pleasant Hill branded T-shirt.
For more information on your perfect stay in Pleasant Hill, visit the website,
call (925) 804-0978, or email [email protected].
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Located in the San Francisco Bay Area’s Contra Costa County, Pleasant Hill, CA was incorporated in 1961 and is home to a host of hotel choices, culinary treasures, shopping, amusements, annual events, and recreation. In addition to several compelling lifestyle encounters, Pleasant Hill is also home to breathtaking views of and hiking access to Mount Diablo, Diablo Valley College (DVC), the Contra Costa County Library System, and the Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District. Stay Pleasant Hill is the marketing arm for the destination, representing the destination’s seven hotels and surrounding businesses. For more information, please visit Stay Pleasant Hill.