Welcome to Walnut Creek
Awe-inspiring natural landscapes with a lively downtown.
Situated in the beautiful San Ramon Valley in Contra Costa County, California, the vibrant city of Walnut Creek is ideally located. It enjoys the warm Mediterranean climate typical of California’s valleys, more open space per capita than any other place in the state, as well as vast nature preserves and parks that show off the area’s resplendent beauty. Walnut Creek also sits at the junction of several major commuter highways that lead out to Sacramento, San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose.
Spanish explorers came to the area in the 1770s, but before European settlement, Walnut Creek was home to several tribes of Bay Miwok Native Americans. It became part of the Mexican land grants in the 1800s, and Americans settled the land mid-century. Officially incorporated in 1914 and named for the abundance of California walnut trees that covered the land, Walnut Creek has since blossomed into a thriving city.
What to Love
People & Lifestyle
In part because of its central location, Walnut Creek serves as an excellent base for commuters to cities such as San Francisco, San Jose, and Oakland. The city is composed of friendly neighborhoods that radiate suburban charm and a bustling downtown center full of century-old buildings and perfect for retail, dining, and getting out in the community.
Those who live here can enjoy the benefits of easy transport, with a smaller population than nearby urban areas. The homes and residential spaces come with mountain and wilderness panoramas and range from luxury apartments to elegant single-family houses.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
The plaza also features several restaurants and eateries, including the beloved
True Food Kitchen. With a menu that features carefully-crafted, year-round classics, in addition to seasonally rotating items that take advantage of the freshest local ingredients, this restaurant caters to an exceptional palate and has incredible staples like grilled sustainable salmon and grass-fed beef tacos. A great place to relax and have a conversation with friends,
Va de Vi is a wine bar and bistro serving up stellar ambiance, small plates, cheese platters, desserts, and plenty of fine wine.
Things to Do
For the best in outdoor scenery, look no further. Walnut Creek is surrounded by incredible parks and open spaces, all of which have recreation opportunities. Hike the peaks at
Mount Diablo State Park and get a view of over 8,000 square miles of gently rolling hills and broad valleys, blanketed in greenery. Among its many amenities, the park has equestrian trails, biking trails, learning centers, and spaces for camping. Serving as the entryway into the area,
Diablo Foothills Regional Park is known for its impressive geological features, sweeping panoramic vistas, wildflowers, and wildlife.
It’s easy to feel like a part of the community in Walnut Creek, and the city hosts several annual events and festivals that celebrate the unique qualities that Walnut Creek exemplifies. For 84 years,
The Walnut Festival has been a local treasure inviting visitors and residents to enjoy a four-day affair set in
Heather Farm Park that has live entertainment on two stages, incredible food and local artisans, more than 30 carnival rides, and ample fun.
Schools
Walnut Creek is home to several excellent schools. Top educational opportunities include:
- Stone Valley Middle School, 6-8, well-rated public middle school
- Monte Vista High School, 9-12, well-rated public high school
- Contra Costa Christian Schools, PK-8, well-rated private school
