Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Walnut Creek, CA

Walnut Creek is a modest city with a population of approximately 70,000, located in the San Francisco Bay area within Contra Costa County. This city serves as a suburb of Oakland, situated just 17 miles away.

Walnut Creek is predominantly recognized for its favorable climate throughout the year and expansive green spaces ideal for various outdoor activities, including hiking.

The city offers numerous cultural attractions, dining establishments, galleries, museums, breweries, and shopping locations, with highlights such as Broadway Plaza, The Orchards at Walnut Creek, and Palos Verdes Mall. The lively downtown area boasts many historic buildings.

Furthermore, Walnut Creek is strategically positioned, granting convenient access to larger urban centers like Sacramento, San Jose, and San Francisco.

The city hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, including the Walnut Creek Street Fest and the Walnut Creek Walnut Festival.

The following are 15 exceptional activities to engage in around Walnut Creek, California.

1. Get a Lesson in History at the Shadelands Ranch Museum

At the Shadelands Ranch Museum in Walnut Creek, visitors can explore the meticulously preserved former residence of Hiram Penniman. Built in 1903, this historic mansion stands as one of the area’s oldest ranches.

It is currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places. During your visit, you will encounter numerous artifacts relating to the family and the historical context of Walnut Creek.

2. Get Outdoors at Castle Rock Regional Recreational Area

Castle Rock Regional Recreational Area is a day-use park located within the larger Diablo Foothills Regional Park. Nestled in a canyon along Pine Creek, it features numerous facilities and ample space for diverse activities.

On-site amenities include a large swimming pool, horseshoe pits, picnic areas, a softball field, as well as basketball and volleyball courts.

3. Attend a Show at The Lesher Centre for the Arts

Since its establishment in 1990, The Lesher Centre for the Arts has emerged as Walnut Creek’s premier venue for artistic performances. The facility includes four distinct theaters, featuring the expansive Hofmann Theatre, Margaret Lesher Theatre, Del Valle Theatre, and the more intimate George and Sonja Vukasin Theatre.

Whether your interests lie in theater, dance, comedy, musical performances, or improvisation, a diverse range of shows are scheduled throughout the year, ensuring there’s something of appeal for everyone. The theater additionally hosts regular performances by The California Symphony.

The center is also home to the Bedford Art Gallery and several dining establishments.

4. Enjoy a Unique Dining Experience at Va de Vi Bistro and Wine Bar

At Va de Vi, the focus is on exquisite food and fine wine. This distinctive restaurant employs a relatively new concept called Small Plates, encouraging patrons to sample and share an array of dishes.

The menu offers a selection of appetizers, artisanal cheeses, salads, soups, seafood, pasta, and decadent desserts.

The atmosphere is both elegant and relaxed, providing an inviting space to unwind after a meal with an extensive selection of international wines, including gluten-free and vegan options.

5. Take a Stroll Through the Ruth Bancroft Garden

The Ruth Bancroft Garden is a distinguished botanical garden that covers 3.5 acres. Originally a private garden, it has now opened to the public.

As you wander through the garden, you can observe a diverse array of plants from across the globe, including cacti, succulents, trees, and shrubs.

6. Spend a Day on the Greens at Boundary Oak Golf Course

Boundary Oak Golf Course is located in a picturesque area of Walnut Creek, offering sweeping vistas of the Mount Diablo foothills. It is recognized as one of the region’s premier public golf courses. This 18-hole championship layout is not only beautiful but also challenging and relaxing.

The facility features a pro shop, driving range, and putting greens. Instructional lessons are available, and the Boundary Oak Restaurant serves a variety of delightful dishes.

7. Explore the Beautiful Civic Park

Civic Park encompasses 16.7 acres of stunning green landscapes in Walnut Creek. The park’s primary feature is its habitat gardens, which host more than 25 species of butterflies and over 130 native plant species.

The park also includes a community center, several art studios, picnic spaces, and a playground. If you visit during the winter months, you can enjoy outdoor ice skating on the rink.

8. Sample Local Craft Beer at the Calicraft Brewing Company

The Calicraft Brewing Company is a vibrant brewery located in Walnut Creek, known for its production of a variety of innovative beer-wine hybrids termed sparkling ales.

Some distinctive ales available for tasting include Guava Trees Sparkling Ale, Coast Kolsch, Oaktown American Brown Ale, and The Bay Double IPA.

These selections may be enjoyed in the taproom, which often features live music performances and other engaging events. Additionally, food trucks are typically present on most days outside the venue.

9. Learn About Local Wildlife at the Lindsay Wildlife Experience

Since 1955, the Lindsay Wildlife Experience has dedicated itself to rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife. As one of the oldest institutions of its kind in the nation, it has expanded to care for over 6,000 wild animals annually.

This prominent attraction provides numerous educational opportunities, featuring exhibits about the animals treated and the institution’s history. Visitors may access behind-the-scenes views at the on-site Wildlife Hospital to witness live care operations.

Additionally, there is a live bee center and an underground habitat for exploration, along with a discovery room tailored for children.

10. Roam Around the Historic Borges Ranch

Constructed in the late 1890s by pioneer Francisco Borges, Borges Ranch covers 15 acres and currently operates as a regional park and living museum, recognized on the National Register of Historic Places.

Visitors can explore the restored structures, which include the original barns, corrals, and blacksmith shop.

You may choose to examine the ranch independently or join one of the guided tours conducted on select days each month. As you navigate through the property, you will also have the opportunity to interact with the resident farm animals.

Adjacent to the ranch is the Patrick Hanna Grove Picnic Area, which features picnic tables and a tranquil pond.

11. Go on an Adventure with All-Outdoors California Whitewater Rafting

Regardless of your experience level, All-Outdoors California Whitewater Rafting offers thrilling opportunities on the water and exhilarating rapids for an unforgettable adventure.

The company provides over 25 different excursions across ten of the state’s premier rivers, including the American River and the Tuolumne River.

Experienced rafters can challenge themselves on Cherry Creek, noted as the most challenging river in the country.

Whichever excursion you select, you will acquire new skills, face challenges, and witness breathtaking natural landscapes.

12. Dine on Peruvian Cuisine at Limon Rotisserie Walnut Creek

Limon Rotisserie is a family-operated establishment that specializes in traditional Peruvian dishes with a contemporary flair. The generous portions are served in a cozy and welcoming environment.

The rotisserie chicken is the standout item, but the extensive menu also includes salads, ceviches, empanadas, and mainstays like lomo saltado, arroz con pollo, and saltado mar y tierra.

A diverse selection of wines, beers, and handcrafted cocktails is also on offer, with outdoor dining options available.

13. Get Outdoors at Shell Ridge Open Space

Shell Ridge Open Space is a public park covering 1,420 acres of natural terrain. The park is situated between Walnut Creek and the Mount Diablo Foothills.

Within this area, there are over 31 miles of nature trails suitable for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. As you traverse these trails, you may have the opportunity to observe local wildlife.

14. Admire Local Art at the Valley Art Gallery

As one of the region’s foremost art galleries, the Valley Art Gallery has been showcasing work by over 150 established and emerging artists from the local area since 1949. Featured artists include Pam Glover and Lundy Siegriest.

15. Visit the Gardens at Heather Farm

The Gardens at Heather Farm represent a flourishing public garden area and educational venue. This site features various gardens that emphasize the natural environment of the region, including a native plant garden and a rose garden among the dozen available gardens.