Pleasant Surprise

For a jingle-bells perspective on how much wild open space surrounds our urban centers, go over the hill and through the woods to Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park. Gaze at views that stretch for miles towards Sunol Wilderness to the east and Mount Diablo to the northeast by making a 2-mile trek on the Oak Tree and Woodland trails. Yes, there are some hill climbs, but the feast for the eyes makes the burn in the thighs worth it. Walk among gigantic coast live oaks and observe the golden-brown hills cascading like ribbons in the distance. They're the bow on this gift that keeps on giving.

When it comes to holiday decorations, good cheer, and Main Street charm, Pleasanton sets the bar high. Grab a pastry and coffee at Bibiane Bakery (349 Main St.) and cruise Main Street to absorb all the spirit. Got a budding chef on your gift list? Pans on Fire (310 Main St.) has a variety of gourmet cookware, or sign up for one of their popular holiday cooking classes. Book lovers will enjoy leafing through the rich inventory of local books and bestsellers at independent Towne Center Books (555 Main St.), which offers free gift wrapping. When you want to take a break, sidewalk dining options in Pleasanton rival San Francisco's North Beach. Shopping locally is a big slogan in Pleasanton, and given all the holiday lights aglow in the stores, it's easy to feel like a firefly-shopper. Hover and enjoy.

To reach Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park: From I-680 in Pleasanton, exit at Castlewood Drive and go west. Turn left (south) onto Foothill Road, towards the town of Sunol. The Foothill Staging Area is about two miles from Castlewood Drive, on the right. Pick up a map at the kiosk. Make a counterclockwise loop on the Oak Tree and Woodland Trails. The Woodland Trail has one unmarked intersection about .1 mile after you start hiking on it. Go right, or downhill at this intersection. Dog-friendly!