Welcome to Walnut Creek
Small-town charm and modern amenities in the shadow of Mt. Diablo
Small-town charm, quick access to one of America’s most exciting cities, and superb entertainment options throughout town have brought the best of both worlds to Walnut Creek residents. Located fifteen miles east of the San Francisco Bay, Walnut Creek is nestled between the hills of Briones Regional Park and Mount Diablo. Great dining, an abundance of shops, and wonderful public transportation have brought cosmopolitan pizzazz to the hills of Northern California.
First inhabited by Native Americans, the city was then the site of Mexican land grants. Settlers from the eastern United States began to arrive in the middle of the 19th century, with growth continuing throughout the end of the century. With the arrival of the railroad, Broadway Plaza in 1951, and the postwar suburban boom, Walnut Creek‘s population increased rapidly. Today, this Bay Area suburb has provided residents with a slice of small-town life, without sacrificing metropolitan amenities and conveniences.
What to Love
- Best of both worlds lifestyle offering small-town charm and metro amenities
- Great shopping and dining in Broadway Plaza
- Several parks, preserves, and outdoor activities
- Easy commute to Oakland and San Francisco via BART yellow rail line
Local Lifestyle
A quintessential Northern California lifestyle can be enjoyed in Walnut Creek. Commutes into the city for work or special occasions are simple, thanks to the BART yellow line, which departs from Walnut Creek Station every 15 minutes. Many locals find they don’t need to leave Walnut Creek too often though. Broadway Plaza has been a fixture of the community since its opening in 1951. This high-end outdoor shopping center features department stores such as Nordstrom and Macy’s, several trendy boutiques, other nationally recognized brands, and delicious eateries, many of which offer alfresco patio dining. Outdoor recreation, community events, and other seasonal gatherings are also much-enjoyed activities.
Dining, Entertainment, and Shopping
Walnut Creek has maintained old-fashioned charm well into the 21st century. Family-run businesses, picturesque shopping plazas, and opportunities for family fun await around every corner.
Old-fashioned, unfussy barbecue favorites are served at The Original Hick’ry Pit, one of the first businesses in Walnut Creek. Established in 1958, it is the oldest restaurant in the city. Over the decades, The Original Hick’ry Pit has developed a healthy reputation for comforting breakfasts, homemade pies, and absolutely perfect barbecue. Their ribs are the pride and joy of the restaurant, but the San Francisco Silk Pie, made with real Ghirardelli chocolate, makes for a close runner-up.
Broadway Plaza is home to 80 fine retailers including Lululemon, Apple, and Nordstrom, among others. Several restaurants like True Food Kitchen, P.F. Chang’s, and The Cheesecake Factory line attractive streets, making it no wonder Broadway Plaza has been a winner in Diablo Magazine's “Best of the East Bay” issue.
Within the heart of town, Walnut Creek on Ice is one of the winter season's most anticipated events. Since 2010, the Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce has invited visitors to enjoy an ice rink spanning nearly 9000 square feet. This season usually lasts from November through January and is fun for people of all ages.
Things To Do
Walnut Creek's in-between location offers residents intimate opportunities to experience Mother Nature at her finest, while still enjoying modern culture and comforts. The Lesher Center for the Arts is Walnut Creek‘s downtown live theater venue. Three separate auditoriums often host ballet, comedy, and other live performance events. The Lindsay Wildlife Experience is the first wildlife hospital established in the country, and also a popular museum. A variety of wildlife calls the Experience home, from bald eagles to barn owls, and hawks to western rattlesnakes. Time can be spent in the great outdoors at Heather Farm Park, a 102-acre community park containing a swimming pool, sporting fields, fishing pond, playground, and many other amenities. Every Sunday throughout the year, the Walnut Creek Farmers’ Market is an essential part of every local routine, where residents can pick up fresh coffee, meat, produce, prepared goods, and more.
Schools
Locals send their children to excellent schools. One such campus is:
- Las Lomas High School, grades 9-12; a history of academic excellence includes several extracurricular activities, advanced placement courses, and a college preparatory program
