Free Walking Tours

Join the Museum on Main staff and learn about Pleasanton's long and varied history. In 2023, the museum will offer free walking tours throughout the summer and early fall. See themes and schedule below. These free walking tours will explore the people and buildings that helped make this town what it is today. You will learn about the larger than life figures and the unsung heroes of our town, as well as compare historic photographs from the Museum's archive to what is still standing today. Saturday tours begin at 10:00 am and Wednesday/Thursday tours begin at 9:30 am at the Museum on Main and last about 2 hours. Tours go rain or shine and we recommend you wear comfortable shoes and a hat.

Tours are limited to 25 people so pre-registration is required. Call the museum at (925)462-2766 to reserve your spot. Large groups, including scout groups, are asked to please reserve a separate group tour.

You will not want to miss these free opportunities to step back in time with the Museum on Main!

If you would like to book a tour outside of these free days or themes, or have a group with mobility issues please review other tour options here or contact the museum's Director of Education at 925-462-2766 or education@museumonmain.org.

2023 Free Walking Tour Schedule

June 10-
A Storied Past:
Exploring the Buildings in Downtown Pleasanton

From the Ohlone to today this walking tour covers how the land along Main Street was used and developed over time. You will learn about early settlements, the Railroad, Pleasanton's entrepreneurs, and this town's agricultural bounty in the 1890s. This walking tour will also reveal where the first Chinatown was and answer all your burning questions about the rumored tunnels under Pleasanton's Main Street!
The tour begins at the Museum on Main at 10:00 am.

July 15 at 10:00 am- At Capacity
July 19 at 9:30 am- At Capacity
If these Walls Could Talk:
Exploring Downtown's Historic Homes
Exploring St. Mary Neighborhood

Pleasanton's history is more than dates and historical time periods. It is about the everyday people that helped build this town. On this walking tour, you will explore the many beautiful historic homes along St. Mary Street, Division Street, and Rose Avenue. You will learn about the families that occupied those homes, their contributions, and how they lived their everyday lives in our small but industrious town.
The tour begins at the Museum on Main at 10:00 am.

August 12 at 10:00 am- At Capacity
August 17 at 9:30 am- At Capacity
If these Walls Could Talk:
Exploring Downtown's Historic Homes
Exploring Second Street Neighborhood

Pleasanton's history is more than dates and historical time periods. It is about the everyday people that helped build this town. On this walking tour, you will explore the many beautiful historic homes along Railroad Avenue, Second Street, and Neal Street. You will learn about the families that occupied those homes, their contributions, and how they lived their everyday lives in our small but industrious town.
The tour begins at the Museum on Main at 10:00 am.