Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Castro Valley, CA

Castro Valley is a community of approximately 63,000 individuals located in Alameda County. This area was named after Don Guillermo Castro, who was both a soldier and rancher. Historically renowned for its poultry farms, the city is currently recognized as a commuter enclave and suburb of Oakland.

Castro Valley enjoys a temperate climate and boasts a central location that facilitates convenient access to larger urban centers, including San Francisco, situated 20 miles away, and San Jose, 30 miles distant.

Numerous prominent attractions in the San Francisco Bay Area are within a brief drive from the city.

The diversity of Castro Valley encompasses a variety of dining establishments, cultural venues, parks, and shopping districts, including Castro Gardens Center and the Castro Valley Shopping Center.

A range of festivals and events, such as the Castro Valley Fall Festival, the Greek Food Festival, and the Castro Valley Classic Car Show, are held throughout the year in Castro Valley.

Below are 15 highly recommended activities to experience in and around Castro Valley, California.

1. Get Outdoors at Castro Valley Community Park

Whether you wish to unwind in the open green areas or engage in recreational activities, Castro Valley Community Park is an ideal destination to enjoy a splendid, sunny day.

This park features amenities such as baseball and soccer fields, basketball courts, a playground, and picnic areas equipped with barbecue facilities. Additionally, restroom facilities and a snack bar are available.

2. Admire Local Art at the Adobe Art Center and Gallery

The Adobe Art Center and Gallery provides a platform for local artists to display their work, engage with art, and even explore their own creativity.

The primary mission of the center is to enhance interest in the visual arts by presenting local artists in rotating exhibitions while also offering art classes throughout the year.

The gallery has featured several exhibitions, including Nature and Abstraction, The Magic of Collaboration, Dreams, Repetition in the Everyday, and 200 years of Castro Valley History.

3. Have a Family Fun Day at Golden Tee Golfland

Golden Tee Golfland ranks among the premier mini-golf courses in Northern California, providing enjoyable facilities suitable for all family members.

The themed courses are meticulously maintained, with the first course delivering an enchanted experience in a fantasy wonderland, while the second course presents an adventurous quest. The facility also encompasses a video arcade featuring numerous popular games.

4. Dine on Delicious Cajun Cuisine at Southern Comfort Kitchen

Southern Comfort Kitchen is a family-operated establishment in Castro Valley specializing in traditional Cajun cuisine.

The menu features popular New Orleans dishes and deep-south comfort food, including sandwiches, seafood options, salads, and various entrees such as three cheese mac, chicken strips, and Cajun fries.

The restaurant also operates multiple food trucks in the San Francisco Bay Area, allowing you to enjoy a delightful meal or snack on the move.

5. Visit the Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center

The Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center presents a captivating blend of education, nature, and history. Its primary focus is on preserving the shoreline ecosystems and wetlands of San Francisco Bay.

Upon your arrival, begin your visit by perusing exhibits that highlight the area’s native wildlife, followed by a hike along the five miles of trails adjacent to the shoreline. You may also take part in an interpretive program led by a naturalist.

While exploring the area, observe a diverse array of landscapes and ecosystems, including mudflats, salt marshes, grasslands, and wetlands.

Additional popular activities in the vicinity include biking, bird-watching, fishing, and picnicking. Throughout the year, various events and educational programs are offered at the center.

6. Sample Local Wine at Chouinard Vineyards

Located in the nearby Palomares Canyon, Chouinard Vineyards is a family-owned vineyard that has been producing a variety of red, white, port, and sparkling wines since the early 1980s.

The on-site tasting room operates on select days of the week, providing an opportunity to sample their creations, which include malbec, chardonnay, and various cabernet varietals.

Visitors are welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy alongside their wine beneath the ancient oak trees adorning the picturesque grounds. Numerous events—including concerts and movie nights—are organized throughout the year.

7. Spend a Day on the Greens at Redwood Canyon Golf Course

As one of the premier golf courses in the region, Redwood Canyon Golf Course provides golfers of all skill levels with a unique, enjoyable, and challenging experience. The stunning 18-hole course offers breathtaking views of the East Bay and San Leandro Creek.

Lessons are available, and amenities include a pro golf shop, water driving range, and practice putting green. Meadows Bistro Restaurant presents a diverse selection of gourmet meals, including panko-crusted chicken and braised beer penne pasta.

8. Escape from the City at Hayward Japanese Gardens

The Hayward Japanese Gardens, located in the adjacent city of Hayward, represent the oldest gardens of this nature in California.

These traditional gardens were skillfully designed by Kimio Kimura and showcase a variety of plants and trees. As you meander through the charming paths, you will encounter turtles, a koi pond, and granite boulders.

9. Take in a Show at the Castro Valley Arts Foundation

The Castro Valley Arts Foundation aims to provide both the community and visitors with engaging artistic experiences through a variety of live performances.

Throughout the year, the foundation organizes concerts, comedy nights, ballet performances, and tribute bands. Though local talent is emphasized, national acts are occasionally featured as well.

10. Learn About Local Wildlife at the Sulphur Creek Nature Center

The Sulphur Creek Nature Center, located in nearby Hayward, serves as both a rehabilitation and educational center focused on local wildlife welfare.

During your visit, you can interact closely with various birds and mammals that have been brought to the center due to illness, injury, or orphan status.

A diverse array of educational programs and events is available at the nature center throughout the year.

11. Try Out Some Local Craft Beer at Buffalo Bill’s Brewery

Established in 1983, Buffalo Bill’s Brewery in Hayward is recognized as the first brewpub in the United States that continues to thrive today, offering a wide selection of delightful craft brews.

Among its offerings are Ruby in the Sky Blood Orange Imperial Ale, America’s Original Pumpkin Ale, and Black Pumpkin Oatmeal Stout. The on-site kitchen complements the beverages with snacks and light meals.

12. Check out the Beautiful Murals in Downtown Hayward

The Mural Arts Program of Hayward was initiated to address the graffiti issue impacting the downtown district. The concept was to create beautiful artwork to deter vandalism on buildings and other structures.

With the collaborative efforts of local artists, educational institutions, and property owners, the program aimed to transform the community with murals depicting historical and cultural narratives related to the city.

During certain months of the year, the Hayward Historical Society conducts guided tours of these murals; however, you may also explore them independently.

13. Travel Back in Time at High Scores

Combining the atmosphere of an arcade and a museum, High Scores in nearby Hayward promises hours of enjoyment, showcasing your favorite video games from the 1980s and 1990s.

Classic games such as Pac-Man, Tron, Star Wars, Donkey Kong, Congo Bongo, and Mortal Kombat are among the offerings, totaling more than 400 playable games.

14. Go on an Adventure in Anthony Chabot Regional Park

With over 3,300 acres of public green space, Anthony Chabot Regional Park is an excellent area for exploration. Popular activities include hiking and biking, with trails traversing scenic landscapes, including a eucalyptus grove. Many visitors frequent the park for fishing at Lake Chabot.

If you wish to extend your stay beyond a single day, a campground is available within the park. During the summer months, the campground hosts concerts and nature programming at an amphitheater.

15. Visit the Castro Valley Veterans Memorial

A significant endeavor spanning several years, the Castro Valley Veterans Memorial stands as a poignant tribute to the local individuals who have served the country.

Constructed from granite and concrete, the memorial features engravings of the names of local veterans on its back.