Welcome to Lafayette
The outdoor paradise less than an hour from major metropolis cities.
In the picturesque hills of Contra Costa County of California, the city of Lafayette rests east of Oakland and Berkley and is bounded by Walnut Creek to the east. Only thirty minutes from San Francisco and surrounded by scenic woods and parks, Lafayette is an ideal location for nature lovers who still appreciate the benefits of city living now and then.
The first people in Lafayette were the Saclan tribe of the Coastal Miwok Native Americans and the Ohlone tribe, who settled in areas along Lafayette Creek. The missionaries from Spain in the late 1700s brought with them conflict, and though American settlement began in the 19th century, the town wasn’t incorporated until 1968.
Modern-day Lafayette is known for its outdoorsy, small-town feel, which was the intention of its incorporation. The town is dedicated to maintaining its rural charm, high quality of life, excellent schools, and community connection. Most of the population are homeowners, and the residential styles vary from spacious farmhouse-style ranches surrounded by oaks, luxurious contemporary masterpieces, sprawling Mediterranean-influenced homes, and many more.
What to Love
People & Lifestyle
Lafayette is ideal for families and young professionals looking for the opportunities of the bay area without the hustle of urban living. Known for its outdoor beauty, this is an area with equestrian trails instead of skyrises, local pubs and eateries with familiar faces, and vistas that inspire.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Downtown Lafayette is the place to go for boutique shopping and a day of retail therapy. At La Fiesta Square, you can find luxury brand names like
Chicos blending in with upscale local shops like the home good boutique
Lemon, or the upscale women's clothing shop,
Harper Greer.
Check out the restaurant row to taste fare from regional favorites like
Social Bird. This neighborhood restaurant is part-kitchen, part-bar, and serves sustainable American fare in addition to exquisite craft cocktails, brews, and fine wine. A family-owned establishment with multicultural roots,
Batch & Brine’s menu is full of fresh takes on traditional items. Their tacos range from “Nashville Hot” to “Falafel” and “Pastrami,” and their burgers have everything from vegetarian options to spiced lamb.
Feel up to making your own dinner? Grab the best ingredients from the independently owned
Diablo Foods, where the meat is premium grade and expertly cut by butchers to specification, the cheeses are specialty, and the fish and produce are imported locally. The grocery features a deli menu and catering options, and the friendly environment will make Diablo Foods a staple in your weekly grocery runs.
Things to Do
Abundant in resources for outdoor recreation, Lafayette is the perfect base for exploring some of the area’s finest parks and wildlife. Head to the grassy hills of
Briones Park, and you’ll feel as if you’ve escaped to a fairytale. With vantage points offering inspiring panoramas of Mount Diablo, Diablo Valley, Sacramento River, and vast wilderness expanses, Briones is a place to slow down and revel in the sublime.
For another chance to encounter wondrous sights, visit the
Lafayette Reservoir, where the 928 acres of land wait to be explored. Recreational options include boating, fishing, hiking the many trails, biking, and photography. The
Lafayette Community Center is also a popular location for recreational activities, and the ten rooms within the building are a location for youth classes and special events.
Every year, Lafayette hosts the
Lafayette Art and Wine Festival, a 25-year-strong community event that draws in nearly 100,000 visitors. The festival features dozens of vendors and art exhibits, fine wine and craft brews, live entertainment and music, and plenty of games to keep the kids entertained.
Schools
Lafayette is home to many excellent schools. Top educational opportunities include:
- Burton Valley Elementary, K-5, well-rated public elementary
- Happy Valley Elementary, K-5, well-rated public elementary
- Spring Valley Elementary, K-5, well-rated public elementary
- Acalanes High School, 9-12, highly-rated public high school
- Campolindo High School, 9-12, one of the top-rated public high schools in the state
- Bentley, K-12, highly-rated private school
