Pleasanton City Guide

Good mix of fresh California food and international cuisine like Italian, Mexican, Chinese, Japanese, Indian, and Thai. Vegan and vegetarian options available. Limited late-night dining beyond fast food.

Modest nightlife with casual bars and pubs mostly in downtown. No vibrant club scene.

Good mix of local and chain cafes with some specialty coffee. Focus more on community than a strong coffee culture.

Tipping is expected in most service settings, including restaurants, taxis, and salons.

SIM cards available at AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile stores, and Best Buy. eSIM options offered. No special ID needed.

Very clean with efficient waste and recycling services. No major sanitation issues.

Some pharmacies and convenience stores open 24/7. Hospitals have 24/7 emergency rooms. Limited night clinics and food options.

Major supermarkets like Safeway, Trader Joe's, Lucky, and Raley's have good international products. Farmers' Market runs weekly.

Most places accept credit/debit cards. Cash is rarely needed.

ATMs are common at banks like Bank of America and Chase, and big supermarkets. Out-of-network fees usually cost $2.50 to $5.00.

Pleasanton Unified School District offers strong public schools, mainly in English. No notable international schools.

Very limited nomad community and meetups. Networking mostly in nearby larger cities. Some nomad-friendly cafes and public libraries for work.

Abundant green parks and shaded trails great for walking, running, and outdoor activities.

Popular routes include Iron Horse Trail and Pleasanton Ridge Park. Safe and scenic with local running clubs.

Multiple gyms and recreation centers available.

Many public tennis courts in parks. Private clubs and coaching available. Courts mainly hard surfaces.

No significant padel courts or facilities.

Several studios offering various styles and drop-in classes. English-speaking instructors.

Several schools offering Taekwondo, Karate, BJJ, Judo, and boxing. Instructors speak English and drop-in classes available.

Lake Tahoe resorts 3-4 hours away offer skiing Nov-April. Wide terrain for all levels, gear rentals available.

Kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing available nearby lakes and San Francisco Bay with rentals and some guided tours.

Surf spots about 1-1.5 hours away on the Pacific Coast. Water is cold year-round; wetsuits needed. Fall and winter offer best waves.

Diving mostly on Monterey Peninsula 1.5-2 hours away. Conditions vary; equipment and certification available there.

Good healthcare with English-speaking staff at facilities like Stanford Health Care - ValleyCare and John Muir Health. Pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens) widely available.

Tap water meets all state and federal safety standards.

Many parks, playgrounds, kid-friendly cafes, and family attractions. Baby supplies easily found.

Generally accepting with inclusive businesses and legal protections. No big local LGBTQ venues but nearby cities offer pride events.

Pet-friendly city with dog parks, vet clinics, and pet-friendly hotels and patios.