Pleasant Hill

 

Pleasant Hill is a down-to-earth Contra Costa County city known for its friendly and approachable people. This relaxed suburban city is nestled to the north of Walnut Creek and west of Concord. Pleasant Hill has lots of parks and greenspace along with many annual community events.

 

Diablo Community College is ranked among the top five transfer schools in California, and the college’s Pleasant Hill campus is the site of many events and art exhibits. Pleasant Hill also has several commercial areas and shopping centers with a great mix of brand-name stores and local restaurants. I-680 runs along Pleasant Hill’s eastern boundary, providing convenient access to other communities throughout the East Bay area.

 

Pleasant Hill’s housing options mostly consist of spacious single-family homes with a mix of renovated mid-century properties and newer construction.

 

With welcoming neighbors and a warm Mediterranean climate, Pleasant Hill certainly lives up to its charming name. Pleasanton is a relaxed community with plenty of shopping and dining options. Residents also enjoy a wide variety of community events and festivals throughout the year.

 

Pleasant Hill’s main downtown area is centered on the intersections between Contra Costa Boulevard, Monument Boulevard, and I-680. Jack’s Restaurant and Bar is a Zagat-rated American-Mediterranean eatery in this area with stylish contemporary décor and cuisine. Jack’s opens from breakfast through dinner with a menu drawing on classic American pub grub and authentic Greek fare. This lively spot features big-screen sports and an excellent selection of beer, wine, and handcrafted cocktails.

 

The Downtown Pleasant Hill shopping center features restaurants and national chain retailers such as Bed Bath & Beyond, Michael’s, and Ross Dress for Less. Zachary’s Pizza at Downtown Pleasant Hill serves award-winning pies in both Chicago deep dish and thin crust styles. Zachary’s also offers a range of vegan and gluten-free options plus a fine choice of craft beer. Downtown Pleasant Hill also has a 16-screen Cinemark movie theater.

 

On the opposite side of I-680 to Downtown Pleasant Hill, the Crossroads Shopping Center hosts big-box retailers including Dick’s Sporting Goods, DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse, Kohl’s, and Marshalls. Several restaurants can be found clustered close to the intersection of Oak Boulevard and Patterson Boulevard to the southwest of the main downtown area. Kobe Japan serves tasty sushi and mouthwatering Japanese steakhouse fare theatrically grilled at diners’ tables. Slow Hand BBQ has a menu of delicious smoked meats including brisket, chicken, ribs, pulled pork, and tri-tip.

 

Pleasant Hill boasts a packed calendar of annual events. In July, Pleasant Hill Blues and Brews Festival brings two days of bands and beer to Pleasant Hill Park. The festival features talented local blues musicians along with drinks from 20 craft beer breweries. Summer Sunset Concerts by the Lake begins in May and runs until early September with diverse live performances on a scenic waterfront spot at Pleasant Hill City Hall.

 

In late November, the festive Light up the Night celebration in Downtown Pleasant Hill features a tree lighting ceremony, a visit from Santa, and free horse-drawn carriage rides, drinks, and snacks. October’s two-day Art, Wine & Music Festival features arts and crafts vendors, live music, kids’ entertainers, premium wine, and a craft beer garden.

 

Pleasant Hill Community Center provides a wonderful space for private events such as weddings, parties, and conferences. Pleasant Hill Community Center also hosts community events including crab feeds, school fundraisers, and the popular annual Wine Women and Shoes. Diablo Valley Community College offers a wide range of programs to more than 22,000 students. Events held on the college campus include library exhibits, culinary demonstrations, and a range of theatrical, musical, and dance performances.

 

Pleasant Hill is served by the Mount Diablo Unified school district.