Explore Concord, California: Family Fun, Outdoor Adventures & Local Flavor

• What is the Markham Nature Park and Arboretum?
  • The Markham Nature Park and Arboretum is a natural arboretum and a beautiful botanical garden on La Vista Avenue that is still a work in progress, with most of the site still in a natural state.
• Who founded the Markham Arboretum?
  • Founded in 1981 by the Markham Regional Arboretum Society, the arboretum offers a tranquil haven to escape the hustle and bustle of the city with unique and unusual trees, shrubs, and plants from all around the world.
• What kind of environment does the arboretum have?
  • With much of the vegetation only slightly tamed and still in its natural state, the gardens thrive in a marine-influenced climate that features hot days and cool nights in summer, with cold, frosty nights in the winter.
• What natural feature flows through the gardens?
  • The shade-dappled Galindo Creek flows through the gardens, which are open from dawn till dusk, 365-days a year.
• Where is the Markham Arboretum located?
  • 1202 La Vista Ave, Concord, CA 94521, Phone: 925-681-2968

• What is Todos Santos Plaza?
  • The Todos Santos Plaza is a large community green space that is used for local celebrations, concerts, carnivals, and festivals, as well as a space for people to relax.
• Who founded Todos Santos Plaza?
  • Dedicated in 1869 by its pioneer founders Don Fernando Pacheco, Don Salvio Pacheco, and Don Francisco Galindo, the plaza was originally the town square of the 20-block town of Todos Santos, which later became known as Concord.
• Where is Todos Santos Plaza located?
  • Bordered by Grant Street, Willow Pass Road, Salvio Street, and Mount Diablo Street, the plaza features a children’s playground, a variety of restaurants, cafés, and shops, as well as trees, flowers, and picnic tables with benches.
• What is the most popular event at Todos Santos Plaza?
  • The plaza's most popular event is the Farmer’s Market, held every Tuesday, bringing the plaza alive with music and shoppers browsing and buying the array of fresh produce and delicious homemade fare.
• What is the address of Todos Santos Plaza?
  • 2175 Willow Pass Rd, Concord, CA 94520, Phone: 925-671-2489

• What is the Contra Costa Canal Trail?
  • Meandering along the Contra Costa Canal through central Contra Costa County, the Contra Costa Canal Trail is a paved multi-use, whole-access trail in the Park District system that is popular with bikers, runners, and equestrians.
• Who created the Contra Costa Canal Trail?
  • The trail was created through a cooperative effort by the Bureau of Reclamation, the Contra Costa Water District, and the Park District.
• What cities does the Contra Costa Canal Trail connect?
  • The trail provides a safe off-road corridor that connects Concord with Pleasant Hill, Martinez, and Walnut Creek.
• What regional trails does the Contra Costa Canal Trail connect to?
  • The horseshoe-shaped path connects to several regional trails, including:
  • The Briones-to-Mt. Diablo Trail.
  • The California State Riding and Hiking Trail.
  • The Iron Horse Trail.
• What amenities and access points are available along the trail?
  • The trail offers access to commercial areas, schools, and public transportation.
• What is the address of the Contra Costa Canal Trail?
  • 301 North San Carlos Drive, Pleasant Hill, California 94523, Phone: 510-733-6991

• What is Pixieland?
  • Pixieland is a whimsical amusement park that features a wide range of fun activities and rides for kids.
• Where is Pixieland located?
  • Pixieland is located on Olivera Road in Concord, CA.
• What rides are available at Pixieland?
  • The theme park has an array of carnival rides for young kids, including:
  • An antique carousel.
  • Tea Cups.
  • Frog Hopper.
  • Red Baron Airplanes.
  • Dragon Roller Coaster.
  • Pixieland Express.
• Does Pixieland offer spaces for private events?
  • Yes, the amusement park offers spaces that can be rented for private parties and birthday celebrations.
• What food options are available at Pixieland?
  • A café serves a variety of children-friendly fare, including:
  • Burgers.
  • Fries.
  • Hot dogs.
  • Sandwiches.
  • Milkshakes.
• What is the address and contact information for Pixieland?
  • 2740 E Olivera Rd, Concord, CA 94519, Phone: 925-676-9612

Attractions for Couples

• What is the Concord Pavilion?
  • Concord Pavilion is a community amphitheater with a capacity for up to 12,500 people, owned and operated by the City of Concord and Live Nation.
• What were the previous names of Concord Pavilion?
  • Formerly known as Sleep Train Pavilion and Chronicle Pavilion.
• Who designed the Concord Pavilion?
  • The Concord Pavilion was designed by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry and landscape architect Peter Walker.
• When did the Concord Pavilion open?
  • The amphitheater opened in 1975 and has hosted a wide variety of amateur and professional musical acts over the past decades.
• What events take place at the Concord Pavilion?
  • It continues to host concerts, high school graduations, and local community events such as:
  • The Battle of the Bands.
  • The annual Jazz Festival.
• What is the address of the Concord Pavilion?
  • 2000 Kirker Pass Rd, Concord, CA 94521

• What is the Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial?
  • The Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial is dedicated to the 320 Americans who were killed in the Port Chicago disaster in 1944 when two ships being loaded with guns and ammunition for troops fighting in the Pacific blew up.
• Where did the Port Chicago disaster occur?
  • The explosion occurred at Port Chicago Naval Magazine, located 40 miles east of San Francisco.
• Why is the Port Chicago disaster significant?
  • The disaster was the largest explosion on home soil during World War II.
• Where is the Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial located?
  • It is located on Military Ocean Terminal Concord (MOTCO).
• How can visitors access the Port Chicago Memorial?
  • Since it is an active base, public access to the memorial is only available through reserved ranger-guided tours on Thursdays, Fridays, or Saturdays.
• What is the contact information for the memorial?
  • Concord, CA 94520, Phone: 925-228-8860

• What is the Shiva Murugan Temple?
  • Established in 1957 in San Francisco, California, the Shiva Murugan Temple was the first traditional Hindu temple erected in the USA.
• What was the original name of the Shiva Murugan Temple?
  • Originally, the temple was called the Palanisami Temple.
• Who founded the Shiva Murugan Temple?
  • The temple was founded by American-born Hindu monk, Sivaya Subramuniya Swami to better serve the Hindu community.
• Why was the temple moved to Concord?
  • Due to rapid growth, the temple was moved to its current location in Concord.
• What deities are worshipped at the Shiva Murugan Temple?
  • In addition to the idol of Shiva, the temple’s main deity, other deities include:
  • Durga
  • Lord Ganesha
  • Navagraha deities
• What architectural features does the temple have?
  • The temple features a traditional and beautiful Rajagopuram, a separate sanctum for Shiva, and a large worship area.
• What programs are offered at the temple?
  • Several programs are offered, including Pradakshina and Pragaram.
• What is the address and contact information for the Shiva Murugan Temple?
  • 1803 2nd St, Concord, CA 94519, Phone: 925-827-0127

• What is Silverlake Ramen?
  • Silverlake Ramen is a popular Los Angeles-based ramen chain offering several locations throughout the Southern California region, including a hip location in Concord.
• Who owns and operates Silverlake Ramen?
  • The restaurant is helmed by chefs and owners Thomas Aono and Jitaek Lim.
• What makes Silverlake Ramen special?
  • Silverlake Ramen is known for its high-quality ramen offerings, which are as affordable as they are delicious.
• What types of ramen are available at Silverlake Ramen?
  • Diners can choose from:
  • Classic tonkotsu-style ramen.
  • Tokyo-style tsukemen ramen.
  • Shoyu-infused ramen with bamboo shoots, bok choy, and seaweed.
• What other dishes does Silverlake Ramen serve?
  • Asian-style chicken and pork belly rice bowls are served throughout the day.
  • Excellent appetizer offerings include:
  • Edamame.
  • Gyoza.
  • Deep-fried chicken karaage.

Unique Attractions

• What is the Don Francisco Galindo House?
  • The Don Francisco Galindo House, known locally as the Galindo House and Gardens, is a beautifully preserved 19th-century house that dates back to 1856.
• Who built the Galindo House?
  • The house was built by Francisco Galindo and his wife, Maria Dolores Manuela.
• Why is the Galindo House historically significant?
  • The house is one of the few remaining Victorian ranch houses in Contra Costa County.
• What can visitors see at the Galindo House?
  • Today, the house is surrounded by 1.5 acres of manicured gardens and stands as a house museum open to the public.
  • The museum highlights the life and times of the Galindo family and how they lived in the late 1800s.
• Who manages the Galindo House and Gardens?
  • The Concord Historical Society manages the museum and offers guided docent-led tours on Sunday afternoons by appointment only.
• What is the address and contact information for the Galindo House?
  • 1721 Amador Avenue, Concord, CA 94520, Phone: 925-827-3380

• What is Diggers Diner?
  • Diggers Diner is a family-friendly diner on Farm Bureau Road that serves a menu of all-American cuisine in a relaxed, laid-back setting.
• When is Diggers Diner open?
  • Diggers Diner is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Monday through Saturday.
• What type of food does Diggers Diner serve?
  • The café-style diner is renowned for its burgers, which are made with prime beef, an array of toppings, and fresh buns.
• What other menu items are available?
  • Other favorites on the menu include:
  • Hot dogs
  • Sandwiches
  • Salads
  • Wraps
  • Hearty breakfasts of eggs, bacon, hash browns, and grits
  • Milkshakes and sweet treats
• Does Diggers Diner offer online ordering?
  • Yes, online ordering services are available.
• What is the address and contact information for Diggers Diner?
  • 1895 Farm Bureau Rd, Concord, CA 94519, Phone: 925-825-8958