36 minutes in Dublin/Pleasanton

Photo courtesy of PGAdesign.

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East on the BART blue line as far as it takes you sits Dublin/Pleasanton. The station resides in the middle of Interstate 580 and is surrounded by the City of Pleasanton on the south side and Dublin on the north. With new housing and businesses popping up on both sides, the area has been experiencing enough growth over the past 10-12 years for Dublin to be considered the fastest-growing city in California! This means, a robust and thriving community awaits you.

We've gathered a list of places for you to spend 36-minutes (or more!) just steps outside of the Dublin/Pleasanton station.

Image courtesy of Thirsty Bay Tap 'N Pour.

Turn left when exiting the station and head 0.2 miles, you'll immediately run across Thirsty Bay Tap 'N Pour. They're a self-serve beer bar specializing in craft beers and traditional bar food. Here you'll find a beer wall featuring 39 taps of rotating local, regional and national craft beers. Patrons are free to pour their own beer for taste testing to find the perfect one to pair with the yummy tidbits on the menu.

Image courtesy of Hacienda Crossings.

If it’s a little shopping you’re seeking, a little further east on Martinelli Way you’ll run into Persimmon Place. Enjoy a little retail therapy at Nordstrom Rack or perhaps stopping in for a mani/pedi at Monaco Hair & Nails is what’s up your alley. Slightly further east by just .1 miles, more shopping can be done at Hacienda Crossings Shopping Center where stores like Barnes & Noble, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Tilly’s and more will be happy to greet you. For the movie buffs, there’s a Regal Cinemas inside the center that boasts multiple screens including ScreenX, IMAX and RPX options for the ultimate moviegoing experience (note to self for when you have more time and a major blockbuster has been released).

Images courtesy of Pacific Catch Dublin.

If you haven’t already stopped for food and a little reprieve, you’ll find plenty of eateries in Hacienda; anywhere from Chipotle, Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar or Pacific Catch where you can choose your favorite food and drinks from a variety of menus offering family style to casual with cocktails. Here you can sit back and relax inside at a communal table or semi-private room, outside on the patio (heated when needed) or order ahead to pickup. 

As you head back to the station, stop by the Whole Foods Market to pick up a few groceries (or a little nosh for later). Just remember, no eating or drinking on the train.

Image courtesy of Visit Tri Valley.

If it’s a walk or bike ride you’re after when you exit the BART station, you’re also in luck! The Iron Horse Regional Trail, the East Bay trail that runs from Concord to Pleasanton along the old Southern Pacific Railroad right-of-way, runs right beneath the BART tracks. Heading northwest from the station, the trail can be picked up and will guide you through Dublin past parks, sports complexes, shopping opportunities, eateries, municipalities and more. Heading southeast from the station, the trail can be followed through Pleasanton where it will eventually lead you to the Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area or link to the Tassajara Creek Trail, or Arroyo Mocho Trail, a network of multi-use trails that will take you into Livermore (wine tasting anyone?). For all the info you’ll need before setting out with your bike, make sure to read The complete guide to bikes on BART.

As you can likely tell, there is a lot to be done in the Dublin/Pleasanton area. Take a BART ride to the end of the blue line and check it out. It may just turn out to be one of your new favorite places to visit – for 36 minutes… and beyond!

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