Welcome to Walnut Creek
Known as the jewel of the East Bay, Walnut Creek impresses residents and visitors alike with its serene hillsides and urban flair. First settled in 1849, Walnut Creek puts its historic beauty and architecture on display in the upscale downtown district. High-end shopping and pristine natural beauty are some of the hallmarks of this sophisticated enclave.
Located at the foot of Mount Diablo, Walnut Creek is coveted for its Mediterranean climate, picturesque setting, and cosmopolitan air. This urban oasis offers a luxurious blend of wild beauty, gourmet restaurants, art, and tranquility. Mere minutes from both San Francisco and Berkeley, Walnut Creek provides residents with a respite from bustling city life while still maintaining the refined atmosphere of a major metropolis. Homes here are as diverse and impressive as the city itself and include quiet residential neighborhoods with cozy single-family residences, as well as sprawling hillside estates with million-dollar mountain top views.
What to Love
- Peaceful family lifestyle
- Picturesque mountain views
- Glamorous bistro and boutique scene
- Small-town charm with cosmopolitan sophistication
People & Lifestyle
With its excellent schools and family-centric atmosphere, Walnut Creek is an idyllic place for young families to set down roots. Expansive green space and luxe amenities round out the reasons why this tony town is such a hit with residents, and the BART transportation system for commuters to the Bay Area’s best cities is the cherry on top.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
In the heart of Walnut Creek’s downtown district is Broadway Plaza, the area’s premier center for upscale shopping and fine dining. This open-air destination is a stylish collection of the biggest names in retail, including Apple, Amazon Books, Banana Republic, Gap, H&M, Kiehl’s, L’Occitane, Lululemon, Lush, Old Navy, Sephora, and Sur La Table. This is also where you’ll find the fresh and colorful True Food Kitchen, a health-focused eatery with organic and plant-based seasonal dishes and powerhouse ingredients for a clean, vibrant lifestyle.
With the very best ingredients and sustainable practices, Walnut Creek Yacht Club offers a changing menu of ocean-fresh dishes served in a nautical-themed space. The name is designed to evoke the feel of a breezy day out on the Bay and the menu offers an incredible variety of succulent choices, like grilled fresh fish, Dungeness crab cakes, Maine lobster mac and cheese gratin, mussels, oysters, and a raw bar. Guests can also visit the attached fish market to take home fresh seafood. For that morning cup of joe, head to Philz Coffee, a laid-back cafe specializing in custom-blended coffees, teas, specialty drinks, and pastries.
Things to Do
Walnut Creek is a dynamic town full of exciting celebrations and recreation. The Walnut Creek Art and Wine Festival, a two-day annual event, is considered the kick-off party for the summer season and features live music, artists, food, and an outstanding selection of wine and craft beer. Heather Farm Park, a sprawling area of over 100 acres, features an incredible lineup of amenities, including a swimming complex, athletic courts and fields, an off-leash dog area, a skate park, and even an equestrian center. This expansive park has a network of trails for hiking, walking, and equestrian use, and is home to some of Walnut Creek’s best events, like the Walnut Festival. This fall favorite features four days of festivities and family-friendly entertainment, two stages of live music, a large carnival with more than 30 rides, a Kid Zone, a showcase of amazing local and regional artists and designers, a craft beer garden, and more. Going strong for 85 years, the festival raises money for the community’s educational programs and facilities.
Nature enthusiasts will be in awe at Castle Rock Regional Recreation Area, a truly impressive park spanning a staggering 18,000 acres of scenic canyon terrain along Pine Creek. With everything from oak woodlands and prominent sandstone formations to picnic areas, swimming, and horseshoe pits, this is one of the area’s most popular outdoor spots.
Schools
- Walnut Acres Elementary School, K-5, top public elementary school
- Walnut Creek Intermediate School, 6-8, highly regarded middle school
- Las Lomas High School, 9-12, top-ranked public high school
- Seven Hills School, PreK-8, prestigious private school
- Futures Academy, 6-12, elite college prep school
