Walnut Creek Travel Guide

Planning a trip to Walnut Creek, California? This comprehensive travel guide covers everything you need to know, from top attractions and outdoor adventures to local cuisine and transportation options.


Introduction to Walnut Creek

Walnut Creek, located in Contra Costa County in the East Bay region of the Bay Area in California, is a bustling city that offers a perfect blend of urban amenities and natural beauty. The city is known for its excellent shopping, dining, and entertainment choices, as well as its beautiful parks and hiking trails.

Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or a solo adventure, Walnut Creek has something for everyone. In this comprehensive tour guide, we’ll explore the top attractions, things to do, and places to stay in Walnut Creek, along with important safety and travel information.

List of Places to Visit in Walnut Creek

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Shadelands Ranch Museum: This museum showcases the history of Walnut Creek and the surrounding area through exhibits, artifacts, and photographs. It is located in a historic farmhouse that was built in 1903.
  • Ruth Bancroft Garden: This garden features a stunning collection of drought-resistant plants from around the world, along with sculptures and other art installations.
  • Bedford Gallery: This contemporary art gallery features rotating exhibits of local, national, and international artists, as well as educational programs and events.

Natural Attractions of Walnut Creek: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Mount Diablo State Park: This park features breathtaking views of the Bay Area and beyond, as well as hiking, biking, and camping opportunities.
  • Heather Farm Park: This park has over 170 acres of green space, including gardens, a lake, and athletic fields for soccer, baseball, tennis, and more.
  • Iron Horse Regional Trail: This trail stretches over 32 miles from Concord to Dublin, passing through Walnut Creek along the way. It’s a popular spot for walking, running, biking, and skating.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Walnut Creek

  • Shell Ridge Open Space: This open space features over 30 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, as well as stunning views of the surrounding hills.
  • Lafayette-Moraga Regional Trail: This trail stretches over 7 miles from Lafayette to Moraga, passing through Walnut Creek along the way. It’s a popular spot for biking, jogging, and walking.
  • Sugarloaf Open Space: This open space features a challenging 5-mile hike to the summit of Mount Diablo, offering breathtaking views of the Bay Area.

Best Things to Do in Walnut Creek: Activities and Tours

  • Broadway Plaza: This open-air shopping center features over 80 stores and restaurants, including high-end fashion brands and luxury retailers.
  • Lesher Center for the Arts: This performing arts center presents a variety of live theater, dance, music, and comedy performances throughout the year.
  • Sip & Scoop: This unique tour combines a wine tasting experience with a visit to a local ice cream parlor.

Week-Long Itinerary for Walnut Creek

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit Shadelands Ranch Museum and Ruth Bancroft Garden
Day 2 Spend the day hiking and picnicking at Mount Diablo State Park
Day 3 Explore the shops and restaurants at Broadway Plaza
Day 4 Take a scenic bike ride along the Lafayette-Moraga Regional Trail
Day 5 Visit the Bedford Gallery and enjoy a performance at Lesher Center for the Arts
Day 6 Take a wine tasting tour in nearby Napa Valley
Day 7 Relax and enjoy the scenic views at Heather Farm Park

Food and Drink Scene of Walnut Creek

Must-Try Dishes

  • Lokanta Mediterranean Grill & Bar: Try their lamb kebab with yogurt sauce and traditional Turkish sides like muhammara and babaganoush.
  • Va de Vi: A classic French bistro in the heart of Walnut Creek, serving dishes like boeuf bourguignon and ratatouille.
  • Saigon Kitchen: This Vietnamese restaurant is known for its delicious pho and bun cha.

Local Beverages

  • Calicraft Brewing Co.: Try their signature beer, the Oaktown Brown, or opt for one of their seasonal brews.
  • Vino Volo: This wine bar features an extensive selection of wines from around the world, along with tasty small plates for pairing.
  • Oasis Tea Zone: This local favorite serves bubble tea, fruit smoothies, and other refreshing beverages.

Where to Stay in Walnut Creek: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Marriott Walnut Creek: This upscale hotel is located downtown, and features modern rooms and suites, as well as an on-site restaurant and fitness center.
  • Holiday Inn Express Walnut Creek: This mid-range hotel offers comfortable rooms and suites, along with an outdoor swimming pool and complimentary breakfast.
  • Walnut Creek Yacht Club: This charming guesthouse is located in a historic building downtown, and features cozy rooms and a popular seafood restaurant.

What to Buy in Walnut Creek: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Olive oil and vinegar from Amphora Nueva: This specialty food store features a wide variety of flavored olive oils and balsamic vinegars, as well as other gourmet treats.
  • Local art from Bedford Gallery: Browse the gallery’s gift shop for unique pieces by local artists, including paintings, sculptures, and jewelry.
  • Handmade pottery from Orchard Nursery & Florist: This nursery and florist offers a selection of handmade pottery and other garden accessories, along with plants and flowers.

Local Culture and Customs of Walnut Creek

Walnut Creek is a diverse and welcoming community, and visitors are encouraged to embrace its local culture and customs. Some things to keep in mind:

  • Dress for the weather: Walnut Creek has a Mediterranean climate, with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Dress accordingly, and be prepared for sudden changes in temperature.
  • Respect local wildlife: Walnut Creek is home to a variety of wildlife, including snakes, mountain lions, and coyotes. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid getting too close to animals.
  • Sample local cuisine: The Bay Area is known for its innovative culinary scene, and Walnut Creek is no exception. Be sure to try some of the city’s diverse and delicious cuisine during your visit.

Best Time to Visit Walnut Creek

The best time to visit Walnut Creek is from March to May or from September to November, when the weather is mild and crowds are smaller. However, if you’re interested in outdoor activities like hiking and biking, the spring and fall months are the best bet. Summer can be hot and crowded, while winters can be rainy and chilly.

Do’s and Don’ts of Walnut Creek

Do:

  • Do explore the city’s art and culture scene, including the Bedford Gallery and Lesher Center for the Arts.
  • Do try some of the city’s delicious cuisine, including Mediterranean, Vietnamese, and French.
  • Do take advantage of the city’s natural beauty, including Mount Diablo State Park and Heather Farm Park.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter or disturb the local wildlife when hiking or exploring parks and open spaces.
  • Don’t forget to pack sunscreen and water during the summer months.
  • Don’t leave valuables in your car when parked in public areas.

Safety and Health

Safety in Walnut Creek

Walnut Creek is generally a safe city, but visitors should take common-sense precautions to avoid becoming a victim of crime. These include:

  • Avoid walking alone late at night, especially in unlit or isolated areas.
  • Keep valuables out of sight and locked in your hotel room or car when not in use.
  • Stay alert and aware of your surroundings at all times.

Health in Walnut Creek

Walnut Creek offers excellent medical facilities, including John Muir Health Walnut Creek Medical Center and Sutter Health. Visitors should also be aware of the following health-related concerns:

  • Seasonal allergies: Many people in the Bay Area suffer from allergies, especially during the spring and fall months.
  • Sunburn: The Bay Area gets plenty of sun, so be sure to pack sunscreen and stay hydrated during the summer months.

Getting to Walnut Creek: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Walnut Creek

The closest major airport to Walnut Creek is Oakland International Airport (OAK), which is about 30 miles away. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Sacramento International Airport (SMF) are also within driving distance.

Bus Stations Near Walnut Creek

The closest bus station to Walnut Creek is the Greyhound station in nearby Concord, about 5 miles away.

Other Options

  • BART: Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) offers fast, convenient service from San Francisco and other Bay Area cities to the Walnut Creek station.
  • Amtrak: Amtrak offers service to the nearby Martinez station, about 10 miles away.

How to Get Around in Walnut Creek

Walnut Creek is a pedestrian-friendly city, with many shops, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Visitors can also use public transportation, including BART and County Connection buses, or rent a car from one of several local rental agencies.

Where to Go Next from Walnut Creek: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Napa Valley: This world-renowned wine region is just a short drive from Walnut Creek, and offers stunning vineyard scenery and delicious tastings.
  • San Francisco: The Bay Area’s most iconic city is less than an hour away by car or BART, offering endless possibilities for sightseeing, dining, and entertainment.
  • Lake Tahoe: This natural wonder is located about 2.5 hours east of Walnut Creek, and offers unparalleled opportunities for outdoor adventure and relaxation.

Conclusion

Whether you’re interested in art and culture, hiking and biking, or shopping and dining, Walnut Creek has something for everyone. Plan your next trip to this vibrant city using this comprehensive tour guide, and experience all the best that Walnut Creek has to offer.