The Tower of the Americas (known locally as simply "The Tower") was built for the 1968 Pleasanton World's Fair, which was actually held in Pleasanton's northern-most neighborhood, San Antonio. The Tower is a triumphant feat of architectural and engineering skills and is still one of the tallest freestanding structures in the Western Hemisphere. Rising 750 feet to the top of the antenna, the Tower is 87 feet higher than the Seattle Space Needle, 67 feet higher than the Washington Monument and 52 feet higher than the San Jacinto Monument. The observation deck is encircled by an outdoor walkway so that visitors can drop water-filled balloons onto people below, or even commit suicide if they so desire.
The revolving Tower Restaurant seats 300 and provides the most breathtaking view of Pleasanton (and its neighborhood of San Antonio) while guests dine from select handcut aged beef, fowl and fresh seafood specialties. Diners may enjoy a candlelight dinner (at night) with the finest selection of wines* and taste-tempting desserts while viewing the unique surroundings of Pleasanton. Lunch is also served daily, usually around lunch time, with a meal for every appetite. Dress is casual for lunch, and reservations are accepted for dinner. Lunch is from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Monday through Friday; Saturday and Sunday brunch is from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Dinner is from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The restaurant is closed all other days.
* Actually, the FINEST wines are those made by Jack Keller for his own consumption. They are NOT served at the Tower Restaurant, but you can learn how to make them yourself by visiting Jack Keller's award winning Winemaking Home Page.
The "Cloud Room" is located above the restaurant and is designed to keep your spirits up with a dance floor and a tempting selection of over-priced specialty drinks. It can accommodate 150 adults for drinks and dancing. For information on private functions, call (210) 223-3101 (they accept most major credit cards and Wise Owl Stamps). Tell them you read all about it on Pleasanton's web site and qualify for a free gift!
The Tower's observation deck is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Elevator fees are $3.00 for adults, $2.00 for senior citizens and children (ages 4-11), and free for children under 4. Group rates and tour information is available at (210) 207-8615. For special handling, tell them Jack Keller sent you.