The Top 3 Landmarks to Drive to Near Pleasanton, CA

In today’s day and age, it can sometimes be difficult to connect with the past. With social media and so many other things keeping our gaze towards the future, it’s more important than it ever has been to search for ways to root ourselves in an understanding of the past. Pleasanton, CA has a lot of history, being the site of a great deal of early western expansion of the country. Experience history with these local landmarks yourself!

1. Ravenswood Historic Site

Christopher A. Buckley Sr. was known as the “Blind Boss” in San Francisco from the 1870s to the 1890s. He ran several saloons in the bay area and ruled the city’s Democratic party with an iron fist. Wanting to escape from the hustle and bustle of his political career, he chose to construct a summer home in Pleasanton, which is now the Ravenswood Historic Site. It was also one of the most productive vineyards in the Livermore Valley, producing 500,000 gallons of wine per year.

Nowadays, the “Blind Boss’” summer home continues to function as a vineyard, and is open on the second and fourth Sundays of each month for free public tours of the old cottage and its surrounding property of gardens and vineyards. Make sure not to miss the old-fashioned ice cream social in August and the wine tastings at the Victorian Yuletide in December! Please drink responsibly and in moderation.

2. Cresta Blanca Winery

Founded in 1882 by Charles Wetmore, Cresta Blanca quickly became one of Livermore Valley’s prominent wineries. In fact, its first vintage, which was a dry white wine, won the Grand Prize in Paris at the 1889 Paris Exposition. This singular achievement helped to solidify California as a legitimate wine producer, and ensuring the future of the state’s wine industry.

Today, the winery and the refurbished home of Charles Wetmore can be visited and its wine is available for tasting, though it is most popular for large events like weddings and reunions. It’s definitely worth the trip!

3. The Century House

For many years, the Century House has stood out as one of Pleasanton’s most cherished places of historical value. Constructed in a gothic style, the house is quite striking at first sight, and the interior is just as amazing. The home began as a duck hunting lodge, and it was even at one point owned by the Rose family, which went on to found the Rose Hotel chain.

After being passed around from family to family, it came under the ownership of the city of Pleasanton. Since becoming a public place, the home has served as a venue for weddings, memorial services, and meetings, but the interior’s state of disrepair has hindered its further use. However, the curious can still visit the property and view it from the outside, and take peeks through the windows at a still-beautiful décor.

Some of these destinations are a bit of a drive from Pleasanton, so make sure you’re driving a car with great gas mileage like the new 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Check one out at Mercedes-Benz of Pleasanton today!