Located in Contra Costa County, California, 16 miles east of Oakland, Walnut Creek is a city in the East Bay neighborhood of the San Francisco Bay Area. Walnut Creek has a total population of 70,127 according to the 2020 census. Because of its location at the intersection of the freeways between Sacramento and San Jose and San Francisco/Oakland, as well as its accessibility by BART, Walnut Creek acts as a thriving hub for its nearby cities.

Walnut Creek CA is mostly famous for its pleasant climate all year long and its wide green spaces ideal for outdoor activities like hiking.

There are numerous restaurants, galleries, museums, breweries, and national beverage retail chains, such as Palos Verdes Mall, Broadway Plaza, and The Orchards at Walnut Creek CA. There are many old structures in the thriving downtown area. These provide quite a few entertaining things to do in Walnut Creek, California while visiting, and playing host to unusual attractions and activities.

Its historic places, unique artwork, calm parks, well-known paths, beaches, Walnut creek library, and farms are quite a take. Attending a California Symphony performance, hiking the Contra Costa Canal Trail, and taking a tour at Lindsay Wildlife Experience are just a few of the notable things to do in Walnut Creek.

List of things to do in Walnut Creek

Given below is the list of top attractions and things to do in Walnut Creek.

1. Shell Ridge Open Space

The downtown area of Walnut Creek and the foothills of Mount Diablo are both covered by the enormous open space of 1,420 acres known as Shell Ridge Open Space. This place received its name in honor of the enormous marine fossil deposits that were discovered there when the prehistoric ocean waters dried up.

Over 31 miles of hiking trails, horseback riding, and bicycling trails are available, and there are other trailheads that offer plenty of room for car parking in this Shell Ridge Open Space.

Additionally, you can visit the Howe Homestead Park and the historic Borges Ranch cattle ranch, both of which are still standing. You are welcome to bring your dog into the open area, but be aware of the nearby cattle, coyotes, and other animals at Shell Ridge Open Space.

2. Discover the Hidden Gems of Walnut Creek

There is a lot to see and discover in the charming city of Walnut Creek. It is teeming with wonderful cultural attractions and lovely green landscapes. Due to its compact size, the city is ideal for walking across.

One of the best ways to observe and feel a tiny city’s actual spirit is through walking; you can discover its hidden beauties. While taking a stroll through the city, you may also find the greatest spots for shopping, dining, and drinking.

While wandering around, you can thoroughly admire its beautiful tree-lined boulevards and wonderful buildings. Your mind and body will be revitalized by strolls around the lovely and sunny streets of this Californian city.

3. Shadelands Ranch Museum

The well-preserved old residence of Hiram Penniman is on display at the Shadelands Ranch Museum in Walnut Creek. One of the region’s oldest ranches, this historic estate dates to 1903 and was built in a rural setting.

The National Register of Historic Places currently has it listed. Many items related to the family and the history of Walnut Creek can be seen during a visit to Shadelands Ranch Museum.

4. Lesher Center for the Arts

A venue for gatherings and performances in dance, comedy, improv, music, and theatre, The Lesher Center for the Arts has three different theatres (musicals and plays). The facility is situated amid Walnut Creek, California’s Art District.

5. The Ruth Bancroft Garden

Originally established by Ruth Bancroft as a private garden collection at the Bancroft Farm, the Ruth Bancroft Garden was moved to its current location in 1972.

The 3.5-acre botanical garden complex known as the Ruth Bancroft Garden is well-known all around the world. This garden was the first recognized garden property in America to receive Garden Conservancy protection in 1989.

The Ruth Bancroft garden has been available to the public without charge since 1992. This garden features a renowned collection of succulent and drought-tolerant plants from all across California and the globe.

Along with a variety of shrubs and trees indigenous to Africa, Australia, the American West Coast, Mexico, and South America, you will see more than 2,000 cacti and succulents on display. One of the best things to do in Walnut Creek, California is to visit the Ruth Bancroft Garden.

6. Castle Rock Regional Recreational Area

Within the larger Diablo Foothills Regional Park region lies the day-use park known as Castle Rock Recreational Area. It has a variety of amenities and plenty of space to engage in a range of activities, and it is situated in a canyon on the banks of Pine Creek.

A large swimming pool, horseshoe pits, picnic spots, a softball field, and basketball and volleyball courts are some of the on-site amenities.

7. Lindsay Wildlife Experience

A family museum and wildlife rehabilitation center, Lindsay Wildlife Experience was established in 1955 and is situated on First Avenue.

It was the first wildlife hospital in the United States of America and one of the first wildlife rehabilitation facilities in the nation. It was once known as Lindsay Wildlife Museum.

Each year, this independent non-profit organization treats and rehabilitates more than 6,000 injured and orphaned animals.

The center also offers special programs, exhibitions, and events that give guests a one-of-a-kind experience, including an underground habitat exploration area, a live bee center, a children’s discovery room, an inside look at a wildlife hospital, and more.

8. Bedford Art Gallery

Modern, contemporary, and historical art are all represented in The Bedford Gallery. It is situated on the first level of the Lesher Center for the Arts.

It is open from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday through Sunday. Even though the gallery has a price, it is quite reasonable at $5 for adults, $3 for teens (13–17), and free for kids under the age of 12.

With 3500 square feet of exhibition space, The Bedford art Gallery is the largest community-based visual arts center between the Bay Area and Sacramento.

The gallery hosts panel discussions, seminars, and lectures in addition to its four to five annual shows, to introduce the public to visual art.

9. The Gardens at Heather Farm

The Gardens at Heather Farm was built in 1968 to exhibit the Ygnacio Valley’s breathtaking scenery and amazing benefits. Not only is this a public garden, but it’s also a venue for special events and a learning hub.

All residents of Walnut Creek have access to the environment at The Gardens at Heather Farm. During daylight hours, the center is open to the public, and they provide free self-guided tours of more than a dozen landscaped garden areas.

A rose garden with more than a thousand regal blossoms and an All-American Seed choice demonstration garden are both included in Heather farm.

You’ll adore the beautifully landscaped area that includes a greenhouse, a waterfall garden with 11 breathtaking waterfalls, and a tree grove with a Mediterranean climate tree grove in Heather farm.

10. Va De Vi Bistro and Wine Bar

Va de Vi is all about wine and food. Small Plates are a relatively new idea that this distinctive restaurant employs to encourage patrons to sample and share a variety of dishes.

A wide selection of appetizers, artisanal cheese, salads, soups, seafood meals, pasta dishes, and desserts is available on the menu at Va de Vi Bistro.

After dinner, you may relax for a bit and experience the large selection of accessible international wines in the exquisite yet relaxed and always inviting atmosphere at the Va de Vi bistro. 

11. Go Shopping Downtown

The downtown section of Walnut Creek boasts the biggest selection of shops and hidden jewels, making it a perfect place to indulge in some shopping therapy. The area is home to numerous retail establishments, dining options, and entertainment options.

Even among the top retail areas in the East Bay of the San Francisco Bay Area, Downtown Walnut Creek has won awards. There are many different places to shop, including boutiques and jewelry stores.

After shopping in Downtown Walnut Creek, you may revitalize yourself by indulging in delectable fare at fantastic restaurants around.

12. Boundary Oak Golf Course

With beautiful landscapes of the Mount Diablo foothills, Boundary Oak Golf Course is located in a beautiful location near Walnut Creek. One of the best public courses in the area is boundary Oak golf course, according to many people. This championship 18-hole course is lovely, difficult, yet calming.

A pro shop, driving range, and putting greens are included on the property. Boundary Oak Restaurant offers a range of delectable foods and lessons are also provided.

13. Self-Guided Public Art Audio Tour

A public art audio tour is one of the top free things to do in Walnut Creek. In Walnut Creek, California, there are 33 different downtown works of art.

Look for orange and pink Public Art signs around the neighborhood and consider taking an audio tour. Call the number listed on the placard to learn more about the artwork. Install the online app for the Public Art Walking Tour to lead you through the route.

14. Civic Park

A lovely public park with an area of 16.7 acres, The Civic Park is located in Walnut Creek. Every day from morning to night, it is accessible to the general public. This Civic park, which links the Creek Walk to Iron Horse Trail, is home to a lovely garden that John North more Roberts and LandArt first created there in 1996.

In this environment, around 25 different butterfly species are kept in collaboration with Lindsay Wildlife Experience.

You can interact with the interactive signage in and around the Civic park to learn about their creation and strength in numbers. You can also come to Civic park to meet more than 126 kinds of natural animals.

The park also has playground spaces for both children and adults, a community center, and day-use picnic sites.

15. Valley Art Gallery

For more than 70 years, the Valley Art Gallery has been a significant place to see art in the East Bay. It features beautiful art and handmade items by 150 regional artists.

The Valley Art Gallery is the only place in the East Bay that lets you rent art before buying it, and they want to use art to improve people’s quality of life.

This enables those who are interested in art to experience it on a budget and makes it easier for them to decide carefully before buying it. You will have 3 months to rent the art from the valley art gallery, with rent charges ranging from $46 to 540 for pieces costing between $150 and 7999 dollars.

16. Local Craft Beer at the Calicraft Brewing Company

Sparkling ales are a classy subgenre of beer-wine produced by the bustling Walnut Creek brewery known as Calicraft Brewing Company.

Guava Trees Sparkling Ale, Coast Kolsch, Oaktown American Brown Ale, and The Bay Double IPA are some of the ales you can try at Calicraft Brewing Company.

These choices can be tried at the on-site taproom, where entertaining activities like live music performances happen on particular evenings at Calicraft Brewing Company. On most days, there are also food trucks parked in front of the venue.

17. Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation

The renowned national nonprofit organization Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation was founded with the motto “People Rescuing Animals… Animals Rescuing People.”

The organization was established in 1990 after a stray cat at the Oakland Coliseum accidentally ran across a baseball diamond. When Tony La Russa managed the Oakland Athletics at the time, he located a home for the cat.

The charity was established after he and his wife Elaine noticed the East Bay lacked an animal sanctuary with a no-kill policy.

18. Newhall Community Park

A 126-acre park called Newhall Community Park may be found in Concord, California, next to Walnut Creek, to the east of Treat Blvd.

You can enter from either Clayton Road or Turtle Creek Road. You ought to include visiting this park on your list of things to do in Walnut Creek.

It is a fantastic park with a size of around 30 acres and attractions including Bocce courts, a great play structure, turfed athletic fields, interesting picnic spaces, and lovely ponds near the creek.

As a result of the range of amenities, there is never a dull time in Newhall Community Park. The Paw Patch Dog Park is an ideal illustration. The Newhall Community Park’s public dog park is a lovely location for off-leash exercise and canine sociability.

19. Walnut Creek Model Railroad Historical Society

The largest HO-scale model railroads in the US may be found at the Walnut Creek Model Railroad Historical Society. In a railroad modeling scale using the 1:87 scale, “HO” stands for half of the scale.

We had a great time here! We probably watched the trains maneuvering around the tracks for an hour. One of the nicest things to do in Walnut Creek, in my opinion, and you could tell they added a tonne of details.

This group oversees the Diablo Valley Lines’ model railroads, which feature a variety of trains and lines. This model railroad is also the most mountainous in the nation, with its highest point rising 1350 scale feet above sea level.

It features layouts from the 19th century to the present, when the US trains switched from steam to diesel. It has 240 turnouts, 4300 feet of railroad tracks, miles of electrical cable, and a layout area of 1904 square feet.

20. Broadway Plaza Shopping Center

The location to go if you’re seeking Walnut Creek tourism attractions is Broadway Plaza. Downtown Walnut Creek is home to Broadway Plaza, an outdoor shopping center.

It was Contra Costa County’s first significant retail hub. With more than 85 businesses here, if you enjoy shopping at upscale and specialty stores, you’ve come to the right location!

They are open from Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 8 pm and on Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm, though specific store hours should be confirmed.

21. Soldiers Memorial Monument

This monument honors the sailors and Union Army troops who served during the American Civil War and is located at 89th Street and Riverside Drive in Riverside Park in Manhattan’s Upper West Side.

It is merely a larger version of the Lysicrates Choragic Monument in Athens. Stoughton & Stoughton and Paul E. M. DuBois designed it in 1902.

The monument measures 50 feet deep and rises to a height of almost 100 feet. There was a plan for this monument to be honored with a Peace statue “of heroic size,” but it never happened. This place is a must-see for history and sculpture enthusiasts as one of the informative things to do in Walnut Creek.

22. Historic Borges Ranch

Francisco Borges, a pioneer, built Borges Ranch in the late 1890s. The National Register of Historic Places lists this 15-acre historic cow ranch as a regional park and living museum today.

The remaining structures, including the old barns, corrals, and blacksmith shops, have been maintained and renovated.

The ranch is open for independent exploration or guided tours are available on specific days each month. You’ll encounter the farm animals there as you travel through the land.

The nearby property features a picnic area with tables and a gorgeous pond called Patrick Hanna Grove Picnic Area.

23. French tart at Brioche De Paris

When you enter Brioche de Paris, you can take a trip to France. This genuine French bakery serves a variety of sandwiches, salads, crepes, tarts, and pastries.

Family-run Brioche de Paris has been promoting French cuisine through delectable and excellent confections.

24. Lafayette Reservoir

On the western edge of Lafayette, the Lafayette Reservoir is an artificial open-cut water reservoir located off Mt. Diablo Boulevard.

This reservoir was built in 1933 with the express purpose of providing the East Bay Municipal Utility District’s customers with emergency drinking water (EBMUD).

In 1966, a 1.4 billion-gallon reservoir and 925 acres of land were designated as a public leisure area where people could go hiking, boating, picnicking, and fishing. The range of activities available at the Lafayette Reservoir makes it enjoyable at all times.

Here, fishing is permitted with the usual state licensing requirements in addition to a daily fee. Individually owned rowboats, kayaks, sailboats, and canoes are allowed in the reservoir. The recreation area is made accessible to bikers on the road or paved Lakeside Trial (you may choose roller blades, scooters, or roller skates).

Any of the 35 picnic areas that encircle the reservoir allows families and smaller parties to gather together. Many of the picnic areas are scattered around the reservoir, although there are also some close to the dam.

25. Swan’s Fine Books

Swan’s Fine Books is a bookstore where you may read and collect old and rare books. They specialize in Fine Press and Illustrated books and cover a variety of subjects for both adults and children.

Additionally, they participate in book fairs, symposiums, and other events as well as host book signings and discussions.

They also take donations from individuals who have stuff to sell, including rare books. To find out more about the purchasing procedure, contact them.

26. California Whitewater Rafting

All-Outdoors California Whitewater Rafting will get you on the water and into the rapids for an experience, you won’t soon forget, whether you’re a seasoned veteran or someone who has always wanted to try whitewater rafting.

On ten of the top rivers in the state, the firm offers tours in over 25 distinct categories. You can explore several waterways, including the American River and the Tuolumne River.

If you are an experienced whitewater rafter, Cherry Creek, the hardest river in the nation, will push you to the edge.

27. Diablo Hills Regional Park

Diablo Hills Regional Park is a 1,060-acre public park that is situated on Mount Diablo’s foothills. It offers the natural beauty of the sweeping hills that are gorgeous.

Additionally, it serves as a gateway to Walnut Creek Open Space and Mount Diablo State Park. There are hiking trails, picnic spaces, sports fields, and other amenities in Diablo Hills Regional Park.

28. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church is Walnut Creek’s oldest church. The Carpenter Gothic or Rural Gothic architectural style, which gained prominence in the 19th century due to the quantity of timber and the popularity of Gothic architecture, was used to design the church structure when it was constructed in 1887.

29. The California Symphony

The California Symphony is a performance that music lovers should not miss. While visiting Walnut Creek, you should engage in this thrilling activity.

One of the top symphony orchestras in the San Francisco Bay Area, the California Symphony has founded in 1985 thanks to the vision of founding director Barry Jekowsky.

This orchestra, led by music director Donato Cabrera, continuously strives to create contemporary concert programs by fusing excerpts from contemporary composers with timeless compositions to create a special 21st-century concert show.

30. Chocolate at the Love + Chocolate Shop 

More than 70 distinct varieties of Leonidas Belgian chocolate are available at the Love + Chocolate store, along with other European candies including marzipan from Germany, gianduja from Italy, and more. They also have a full espresso bar with the greatest hot chocolate in the East Bay and Weaver’s Coffee from California.

31. Limon Rotisserie Walnut Creek

A family-run eatery called Limon Rotisserie specializes in traditional Peruvian food with a contemporary touch. The hearty meals are presented in a welcoming, cozy setting.

The most popular dish is rotisserie chicken, but there are many other choices on the broad menu, including salads, ceviches, empanadas, and entrees like Lomo saltado, arroz con pollo, and saltado mar y Tierra.

Additionally, featured are a variety of wines, beers, and specialty cocktails, and outdoor dining is an option.

32. Decors De France

After grabbing a French delicacy from Brioche de Paris, you are now looking for a shop where you can buy French goods. Ten minutes walking from Brioche de Paris will get you to Decors De France.

A modest, family-run business called Decors De France is situated in Broadway Plaza and offers French goods like organic soaps, cosmetics, and tablecloths. After numerous journeys to France, the founders wanted to share distinctive French goods with Americans, so they founded Decors De France.

33. Walnut Creek Downtown Trolley

Use the free trolley to tour the downtown area of Walnut Creek. Every day, the trolley travels at intervals of 15-20 minutes.

The trolley does a full circle, leaving from the BART station in Walnut Creek near Ygnacio Center, traveling to the Fountain in Broadway Plaza, then returning to the BART station. Broadway Plaza, Main Street Plaza, Olympic Place, Plaza Escuela, Lesher Center for the Arts, Bedford art Gallery, City Hall, Senior Center, Target, and Walnut Creek Superior Court are a few of the locations you’ll pass while riding the trolley.

34. Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar

In 1998, in Newport Beach, California, Bill Allen and Paul Fleming opened Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar. It operates more than 70 locations worldwide including in the US, one of which is on Mt. Diablo Boulevard in Walnut Creek.

Among the premium steaks, fillet mignon, rib eye, and New York strip steak cuts are popular choices. The guests can select among smoky chile, béarnaise, or herbed horseradish butter when they receive them.

At Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, seafood entrees and sophisticated small plates including charcuterie boards and iced seafood market are also available.

35. Diablo Foothills Regional Park

Mount Diablo, which has a peak elevation of 3849 feet, is situated within the 20,000+ acre Mount Diablo State Park.

Mt. Diablo is distinct in its own right because North Pinnacle, the mountain’s peak at 3557 feet, can resemble one half of a double pyramid.

Visit Diablo Foothills Regional Park to get a close-up perspective from the ground. There are numerous pathways, seasonal wildflowers, and animal and bird life in this 1060-acre park.

Check to visit the Castle Rock Recreation Area with its Castle Rock formations in Pine Canyon while you’re at Diablo Foothills Park as well. To preserve the peregrine falcons, this area is closed from February through July.

36. Rock City Park 

Before leaving Mt. Diablo State Park, have a look at Rock City Park, which is a short distance from the South Gate entrance. Small tunnels and caves were naturally sculpted out of sandstone rocks in the park.

Elephant Rock, Sentinel Rock, Wind Caves, Artist Point, and Fossil Ridge are a few of their features. Both camping and picnicking are permitted at the Live Oak campground.

37. Contra Costa Canal Trail

The 21.2-kilometer-long Contra Costa Canal Route is a multi-use, widely used trail that runs from end to end. Due to the stunning wildflowers and accessibility to all ability levels, this paved road is a favorite with hikers, cyclists, equestrians, and wheelchair users.

The Park District, the Contra Costa Water District, and the Bureau of Reclamation worked together to develop this trail. Through a safe off-road corridor, it connects Pleasant Hill, Concord, Martinez, and Walnut Creek.

38. Redwood Regional Park

A little redwood forest with serene groves is hidden in the Oakland Hills a few miles past the ridge from downtown Oakland. Locals and city people use these groves to escape to the tranquility of nature.

Redwoods, chaparral, grasslands, and several endangered wildlife species like the golden eagle and Alameda striped racer are all found in the park. Regular residents include rabbits, squirrels, deer, and raccoons.

The Stream Trail, French Trail, and Tres Sendas Trail are connected by more than forty kilometers of trails.

39. Painted Pianos

In Walnut Creek, looking for painted pianos is a lot of fun. Beginning this year, downtown Walnut Creek will be home to more than 7 painted pianos.

The City of Walnut Creek, the Walnut Creek Downtown Business Association, and the Steinway Piano Gallery were the initiators of this project.

Local musicians, the general public, and local artists get together for this fantastic effort to paint these donated pianos. Additionally, there are hand sanitizer dispensers close by, which increases the urge to play your live music performances outside.

40. Brenden Theatre

The Brenden Theatre in Concord, next to Walnut Creek, has everything you need. They are a partnership that provides entertainment through motion pictures.

This company manages movie theatres that primarily provide indoor motion picture entertainment. They also provide information on show times, directions, upcoming special events, promotions, and movie synopses. Additionally, they offer chances to win free movie goodies and tickets.

41. Walnut Creek Yacht Club

In an aim to supply Walnut Creek with the finest seafood, the Walnut Creek Yacht Club was founded in 1997. They refer to themselves as a “Yacht Club” since their nautical décor creates a yacht-like ambiance.

When they claim that their seafood is fresh, they truly mean it because it has never been frozen during processing or shipment. The Walnut Creek Yacht club includes a full bar with runs, single malt scotches, wines, beers, and cocktails to go with your meals.

41. Iron Horse Regional Trail

For horseback riding, pedestrians, and bicycles, there is the Iron Horse Trail, a former rail path. The Contra and central Alameda counties are the locations of this trial.

This trail connects nine municipalities and travels through the cities of Dublin, Danville, Walnut Creek, Concord, Pleasanton, San Ramon, Alamo, and Pleasant Hill. It also covers a distance of more than 40 miles. This serves to emphasize the trail’s economic importance to these two counties and beyond.

43. Tacos Walnut Creek

Tacos Walnut Creek serves authentic Mexican cuisine. This taqueria, which is located north of Walnut Creek’s downtown district, offers wholesome fare made with local ingredients.

Burritos, tacos, beverages, and Carne en Su Jugo (beef broth with bacon and vegetables) are among the items they provide.

44. Rotator Taproom

The taproom Rotator Taproom is well-known for its unique craft brews. They have 21 rotating taps, one of which serves local breweries’ nitro beer.

Draft beer, hard cider, hard kombucha, and hard seltzer are also available. A terrific location for gatherings, events, and fundraisers is this taproom.

FAQ’S 

What is Walnut Creek CA known for?

Answer: The business and shipping hub for the industrial and neighboring industrial (fruit, walnut) sectors is Walnut Creek. Additionally, it has a high concentration of retirement residences and serves as a bedroom town for greater San Francisco.

Is Walnut Creek a wealthy area?

Answer: Walnut Creek has a high per capita income in 2018 at $69,894, compared to the rest of California and the country. For a family of four, this translates to an annual income of $279,576. The city of Walnut Creek has a very diversified ethnic population.

Conclusion 

The city of Walnut Creek CA is fascinating, instructive, and amusing. Some of the highlights of this unique city include the historical buildings and museums, parks and playgrounds, trails and walkways, rivers, and reservoirs. Even while some specialties currently exist and others are in the works, you should still make time to go while you’re on vacation to take advantage of it.