While Walnut Creek is relatively small city, the city of 66,000 residents is home to many attractions that draw from the city’s rich history, vast open spaces and Northern California culture. With its location in the East Bay Area, near Oakland, the BART and major highways, the city is influenced by the art and culture prevalent in the area and caters to the interests of a diverse and educated population. From historical sites to outdoor spaces and artistic opportunities, this city does not disappoint with its attractions.
Ruth Bancroft Garden
1552 Bancroft Rd., Walnut Creek, CA, 94598
(925) 944-9352
Website: www.ruthbancroftgarden.com
Open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. all week, the Ruth Bancroft Garden is on land that once hosted a fruit farm in the 1880’s. The farm belonged to Hubert Howe Bancroft, whose donations formed the foundation of the Walnut Creek Public Library, and a portion of the land was given to Ruth Bancroft for a garden for her great selection of succulents.
The Gardens at Heather Farm
1540 Marchbanks Drive, Walnut Creek, CA, 94598
(925) 947-1678
Website: www.gardenshf.org
With developed gardens that span 3.5 acres, the Gardens at Heather Farm is a Certified Wildlife Habitat and Green Business. Demonstrating sustainable practices in gardening, these gardens show that chemicals and pesticides aren’t necessary for maintaining thousands of healthy rose bushes and other spectacular plants. The gardens consist of 24 demonstration gardens and learning sites, ensuring you will have the chance to enjoy a broad array of plants.
Diablo Valley Lines - Walnut Creek Model Railroad Society
2751 Buena Vista Avenue, Walnut Creek, CA 94597
(925) 937-1888
The Walnut Creek Model Railroad Society hosts one of the most mountainous layouts in the county, and its exclusively HO scale lines is one of the largest as well. With standard gauge, interurban freight and trolley lines and narrow gauge rails, the society’s shows feature a 54x32-foot, permanent layout with hand-laid track, a 10-foot-tall mountain incline 360 degree viewing. Every last Friday of the month, the society holds an open house from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Lesher Center for the Arts
1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek, CA 94597
Administration: (925) 295-1400
Tickets: (925) 943-SHOW (7469)
Website: www.lesherartscenter.org
To be inspired and entertained, head to the Lesher Center for the Arts, which presents 900 events and productions every year. From the world-class shopping and dining opportunities around the center to the distinct theaters and the outstanding Bedford Gallery, this center is the ideal destination for a night of art, culture and fun. Whether you’re a lover of musicals, highly dramatic plays or stunning ballets, the center won’t disappoint, and with events, such as the Chevron Family Theatre Festival, the entire family can have fun.
Shadowbrook Winery
3739 Shadowbrook Court, Walnut Creek, CA 94598
(925) 988-WINE (9463)
Website: www.shadowbrookwinery.com
One of Northern California’s largest draws is its spectacular wine country, and while Napa Valley and Sonoma are about 40 miles away from Walnut Creek, the city has its own batch of wineries and vineyards. Shadowbrook is one such establishment. With its olive trees and vineyard atop rolling hills, this elegant, Mediterranean-style winery offers tours and top-notch wines in its sumptuous interior.
Contra Costa Certified Farmers’ Market - Walnut Creek
North Locust
Website: www.ccfm.org
Held on Sundays, rain or shine, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., May through October, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., October through April, the Walnut Creek Farmers’ Market is a favorite in the area. Selected as the best farmers’ market of 2012 by Walnut Creek Magazine and Local Harvest, it is a great place to spend your Sunday mornings with a cup of coffee and some music, with friends or alone. While the farmers’ market offers some of the freshest and best produce in the area for your culinary delight, just make sure to leave your pets at home.