Walnut Creek is a captivating San Francisco suburb the place tranquility meets city sophistication. Recognized for its vigorous downtown, thriving arts scene, and scenic outside areas, this East Bay gem affords limitless actions that cater to each curiosity. Whether or not you’re strolling alongside boutique-lined streets, mountaineering the paths of Mount Diablo, or savoring a meal at one in every of its unbelievable eating places, Walnut Creek is stuffed with experiences ready to be found.
Whether or not you’re buying a residence in Walnut Creek, on the lookout for an condominium to lease, or are excited by a rental residence within the metropolis, this information will make it easier to uncover essentially the most distinctive issues to do in Walnut Creek. Able to discover what makes The Creek so particular? Let’s dive in.
1. Calm down and discover at Civic Park
Civic Park is a beloved park in Walnut Creek, providing lush lawns, shady timber, and a peaceable creek—good for picnics or a stroll. With a playground, rose backyard, and open area to calm down or play, it’s perfect for a day of outside enjoyable. The park additionally hosts native occasions like artwork exhibits and festivals, making it a gathering place for the group. Whether or not you’re unwinding or having fun with a neighborhood occasion, Civic Park has one thing for everybody.
Only a brief stroll from the park, you’ll discover Burma 2, situated on Foremost St. in downtown Walnut Creek. This restaurant brings the colourful flavors of Burmese delicacies to the guts of town. Greater than only a eating spot, it’s a gathering place the place buddies and meals lovers come collectively to take pleasure in genuine dishes crafted with care and keenness. From their well-known Tea Leaf Salad to daring, flavorful curries, this spot captures Walnut Creek’s numerous, dynamic, and welcoming spirit.
2. Discover the historical past of Previous Borges Ranch
Step into the previous with a go to to Previous Borges Ranch, a historic gem tucked away in Walnut Creek’s Shell Ridge Open Area. This well-preserved web site affords gorgeous views, rustic buildings, and a singular glimpse into the area’s ranching historical past.
For Karen De Jager, a neighborhood photographer and founding father of Spectrum Pictures, Previous Borges Ranch is greater than only a picturesque location—it’s a significant connection to Walnut Creek’s heritage. “It’s one in every of my favourite spots for outside picture classes, because it completely displays Walnut Creek’s mix of pure magnificence and wealthy heritage. For me, it’s a spot that reminds us of the roots of our group,” she shares.
3. Domesticate a love for gardening
Walnut Creek is a haven for backyard lovers, providing alternatives to attach with nature whereas cultivating your inexperienced thumb. The Walnut Creek Backyard Membership is a unbelievable strategy to dive into town’s thriving gardening scene and acquire some useful ideas for newcomers. The membership affords month-to-month academic packages, promotes horticulture, floral and panorama design, and a group for gardeners. This membership encourages the love of gardening amongst youth whereas selling civic beautification and environmental accountability.
And the gardening doesn’t cease there. The Walnut Creek Backyard Membership recommends, “Discover the Gardens at Heather Farm, the place you’ll discover a rose backyard, trails, a pond, and delightful native crops and timber. For one thing actually distinctive, go to the Ruth Bancroft Gardens—one in every of America’s most interesting dry gardens, showcasing uncommon and extraordinary succulents and cacti.”
4. Have a procuring spree at Broadway Plaza
Broadway Plaza is the guts of Walnut Creek’s procuring scene, that includes a mix of high-end retailers, stylish boutiques, and the whole lot in between. Its open-air format and bustling environment make it the right vacation spot for a day of procuring, whether or not you’re looking for the most recent vogue or just having fun with the surroundings.
After shopping the outlets, deal with your self to a meal at La Fontaine Restaurant. Referred to as one of many “Better of the East Bay”, it’s the best spot to unwind with beautiful delicacies, handcrafted cocktails, a shocking lounge, and reside dinner music on weekends. Conveniently situated on Broadway, parking is a breeze with a metropolis storage simply throughout the road.
Moreover, with its unbeatable mixture of procuring, eating, and vibrant power, Broadway Plaza actually affords one thing for everybody, making it one of many high distinctive issues to do in Walnut Creek.
5. Assist native in Walnut Creek
Among the best issues about Walnut Creek is its sturdy sense of group and the unwavering help for native companies and organizations. From scrumptious eats to significant causes, there are numerous methods to have a good time and contribute to what makes this metropolis particular. When you’re looking for distinctive issues to do in Walnut Creek, supporting these native gems is the right place to start out.
As Jodi Foucher, a San Francisco Bay Space photographer of Jodi Foucher Pictures shares, “What I like about Walnut Creek is the sturdy sense of group. From small companies like Queen of Crusts delivering gourmand pizza to your door, to organizations like The Gardens at Heather Farm with their lovely backyard to expertise year-round and academic courses, there’s a lot to understand. Moreover, teams like Mt. Diablo Schooling Fund give again by supporting training enrichment packages. How fortunate are we to reside in such a fantastic, empowering space?”
6. Sip, savor, and study at Bondadoso Espresso
For a comfortable expertise in Walnut Creek, head to Bondadoso Espresso and Tea Collective, the place creativity and kindness go hand in hand. This charming café affords extra than simply expertly brewed espresso and tea—it’s a well-liked spot for group and studying. They promote “kindness” by the portal of a world-class espresso and tea store. From latte artwork workshops to pumpkin carving, there’s at all times one thing new to strive when you sip in your favourite drink in actual ceramic cups.
Picture courtesy of Bondadoso Espresso and Tea Collective
7. Take pleasure in a night of dinner and dancing
For a vigorous night time out in downtown Walnut Creek, head to Bourbon Freeway, the place nice meals and leisure go hand in hand. Right here you may watch your favourite sports activities whereas deciding on from a menu full of wonderful choices the place you’re certain to seek out one thing that surprises and delights. Within the evenings, they provide line dancing classes and karaoke nights, good for showcasing your musical skills. Whether or not you’re watching sports activities, having dinner, or dancing the night time away, Bourbon Freeway affords enjoyable for each hour of the day.
8. Go to Walnut Creek’s “Cheers Bar”
When you’re on the lookout for a spot the place everyone is aware of your title—or quickly will—Rotator Taproom is the spot. Referred to as the “Cheers Bar” of Walnut Creek, this taproom is the right place to deliver your pup, all your mates, or make new connections. With meals vans, occasions, straightforward native meals supply choices, and all of your favourite video games on display, there’s at all times one thing thrilling taking place. Cease by for a drink and keep for the group—you would possibly simply discover your new favourite gathering spot.
9. Expertise Walnut Creek’s downtown eating
Downtown Walnut Creek is a foodie’s dream, providing a various vary of eating experiences to match any temper. Whether or not you’re within the temper for rooftop views, vigorous pubs, or cozy outside settings, this bustling space has all of it.
Take within the rooftop views
For gorgeous views and an elevated eating expertise, head to Rooftop Bar and Restaurant. It’s the right spot for a romantic date or an evening out with buddies. Indulge of their wonderful cuisines, sip on handcrafted cocktails, and keep cozy with our outside heaters through the winter. Rooftop affords an elevated eating expertise like no different. From the primary chunk to the final sip, each second is designed to depart you with unforgettable reminiscences within the coronary heart of Walnut Creek.
Take pleasure in sports activities, spirits, music, and eats
When you’re on the lookout for a vigorous environment that captures the guts and soul of Irish hospitality, Gibsons Irish Pub is the place to be. With fantastically crafted decor that brings a contact of Eire to life, they’re the right spot for catching an enormous sport, having fun with reside music, or singing alongside to dueling pianos. Pair their conventional Irish dishes with one in every of our great cocktails, and also you’ve obtained an expertise that’s equal elements consolation and pleasure.
Dine al fresco
When you’re craving a meal outdoor, Chelsea, proprietor of CB Match, a exercise studio that mixes muscle-toning Lagree courses with Energy Tower Rhythm-based Climber courses, recommends Va de Vi Bistro & Wine Bar. “Eating al fresco at Va de Vi Bistro & Wine Bar captures the essence of Walnut Creek residing,” she explains. “This charming spot affords a globally impressed menu and a powerful wine choice, good for savoring underneath the cover of twinkling lights. The restaurant additionally embodies town’s vibrant but relaxed vibe, the place culinary exploration meets group connection.”
10. Uncover Walnut Creek’s artwork scene
Walnut Creek is a superb place for artwork lovers, providing a wealthy collection of galleries, public installations, and group occasions that remember creativity. From sculptures dotting the downtown streets to rotating displays at native museums, town’s vibrant arts scene is unattainable to overlook.
For an intimate and curated expertise, go to Valley Artwork Gallery, a cornerstone of Walnut Creek’s artwork group for over 75 years. That includes greater than 300 authentic works from gifted Bay Space artists, the gallery affords one thing for each fashion and finances. With their distinctive ‘no regrets’ rental program, you may take pleasure in a bit of artwork in your area earlier than committing to a purchase order. Whether or not you’re seeking to buy or just admire, Valley Artwork Gallery is a must-visit vacation spot that showcases the very best of Walnut Creek’s thriving artwork scene.
11. Deal with your self to ice cream at O’Brien’s
When your candy tooth strikes, Walnut Creek has the right spot to indulge—O’Brien’s Ice Cream, a beloved native gem recognized for its award-winning treats. With a repute for crafting “The Greatest Milkshakes within the Bay Space,” as acknowledged by shops like Mercury Information and Bay Space Information Group, O’Brien’s is a must-visit for dessert lovers. They provide dipped-in chocolate bars coated with M&M’s, Butterfinger items, or coloured sprinkles. With greater than 50 flavors like avocado and cheese, there’s one thing for each adventurous palate.
12. Have fun all of life’s events
When it’s time to have a good time, Collect Walnut Creek is the right place to deliver individuals collectively. It is a cozy and versatile area the place the group comes collectively for celebrations, workshops, and particular occasions. Whether or not you’re internet hosting a celebration or attending one, Collect makes you’re feeling proper at residence with its welcoming environment and inventive vibe.
13. Store for a long-lasting flower association
For a really distinctive procuring expertise in Walnut Creek, head to La Fleur De Luxe, a flower store recognized for its gorgeous long-lasting roses. These fantastically preserved blooms can preserve their pure magnificence for as much as a yr, providing a sublime and sustainable strategy to brighten your private home or have a good time an important day. Whether or not you’re on the lookout for stylish hat containers or heart-shaped shows, every association is a murals that makes an enduring impression. Buying there’s a lot extra than simply choosing flowers; it’s a beautiful expertise that blends artistry, high quality, and significant gifting.
Discovering the distinctive issues to do in Walnut Creek
Walnut Creek is a metropolis stuffed with hidden gems simply ready to be found. From having fun with a stroll by its lovely parks to diving into its arts and meals scenes, there’s at all times one thing new to discover. Because the staff at La Fleur De Luxe shares, “Dwelling in Walnut Creek affords the right steadiness of suburban attraction and concrete sophistication,” making it the best place to take pleasure in each nature and metropolis life.
Whether or not you’re a newcomer or a long-time resident, these distinctive issues to do in Walnut Creek supply the right strategy to expertise the true spirit of town. So, step exterior, and benefit from the whole lot this excellent group has to supply—you’ll rapidly see why Walnut Creek is the right place to name residence.
