Walnut Creek

Located in the East Bay just 25 miles from San Francisco, Walnut Creek has a vibrant, historic downtown filled with restaurants, wine bars, and galleries. By day, thousands of acres of nearby open space and Mount Diablo draw hikers and mountain bikers. By night you can catch concerts and theatrical productions at the city’s impressive arts center.

Things to Do in Downtown Walnut Creek

With a combination of independent boutiques and big national retailers, downtown and the Broadway Plaza retail center have turned Walnut Creek into a major Bay Area shopping destination. 

Downtown Walnut Creek is at its most vibrant during the Locust Street Festival, held monthly from May through August. The festival features artisan vendors, street foods, and live music. Another great time to catch the local scene is during the weekly Sunday farmers’ market, a showcase for organic produce and specialty foods.

Where to Eat and Drink in Walnut Creek

Walnut Creek boasts a diverse collection of restaurants serving specialties from around the world, from chef Carlos Altamirano’s ceviches and other Peruvian dishes at Parada, to the authentic Italian classics at Benvenuti Ristorante.

Lita is notable both for its modern Latin Caribbean cuisine and tropical cocktails in a lush, soaring, verdant interior. The Rooftop Restaurant & Bar offers downtown views, and dishes like sea scallops in pineapple-coconut curry.

Choose from a thoughtful wine list and discover new favorites in the relaxed, intimate atmosphere at The Library Social Club (and no, you don’t have to be a member). Try small plates and sip your way through 48 wines by the glass at Va de Vi Bistro & Wine Bar, which feels like an instant escape to Europe. 

At Calicraft Brewing Co., sample barrel-aged sours and hazy IPAs, catch live music, and hang out in the popular beer garden.

Arts, Culture, and Gardens in Walnut Creek

Catch concerts by leading international musicians such as Grammy Award–winning jazz trumpeter Terence Blanchard at the Lesher Center for the Arts. The Lesher also hosts productions staged by the Center Repertory Company (Contra Costa County’s professional theater company), symphonic music concerts, and ballet performances. 

The wide range of exhibitions at the Lesher’s light-filled Bedford Gallery includes recent shows on contemporary embroidery and one showcasing abstract prints from the 1960s and 1970s. The gallery also conducts seasonal walking tours of Walnut Creek’s public art. 

Founded in 1949, downtown’s Valley Art Gallery is the place to discover works by both established and emerging Bay Area artists and craftspeople working in a variety of media. 

Two miles from downtown, the 3.5-acre Ruth Bancroft Garden & Nursery has earned international acclaim for its collection of cacti, succulents, and drought-tolerant plants. Or stroll the winding paths at the free Gardens of Heather Farm to see more than 1,000 roses in the Cowden Rose Garden and native California plants in its Diablo Ascent Garden.

Outdoor Adventures Around Walnut Creek

Mount Diablo rises to an elevation of 3,849 feet, creating Walnut Creek’s dramatic natural backdrop and offering endless hiking, mountain biking, and road cycling opportunities at Mount Diablo State Park. The park’s 1930s-vintage Summit Visitor Center has an observation deck with views that stretch a remarkable 200 miles in every direction.

Walnut Creek manages more than 3,000 acres of open space in the surrounding hills, including 25 miles of trails at Lime Ridge and 31 miles of trails at Shell Ridge, the largest city-owned property. Shell Ridge encompasses Borges Ranch, a historic cattle operation that dates to 1899. 

For 70 years, injured and orphaned animals have gotten a second chance at the Lindsay Wildlife Experience, where visitors can meet animals including bald eagles and porcupines. Join guided wildflower hikes and nature outings led by local experts.

Explore Nearby Attractions

Walnut Creek’s central Bay Area location makes it a great jumping-off point for nearby adventures. Head west for a day trip to San Francisco to explore iconic sights like the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, and world-class museums. To the north, discover the acclaimed wineries and rolling hills of Napa Valley and Sonoma County, both about an hour’s drive away. Venture southeast to Livermore to discover a lesser-known wine region with boutique tasting rooms and scenic vineyards.