Quick Summary: Walnut Creek is one of the East Bay's most populous regional hubs, located conveniently near Sacramento, San Jose, San Francisco, and Oakland, and accessible via the area's BART rapid transit system. The city is home to a number of the Bay Area's most prestigious arts organizations.


  • Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. The Ruth Bancroft Garden ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Activities
The Ruth Bancroft Garden | Things to Do in Walnut Creek, California
© Susan Vineyard/stock.adobe.com

2. The Lesher Center for the Arts ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Attractions
The Lesher Center for the Arts | Things to Do in Walnut Creek, California
© Media Whale/stock.adobe.com

3. The Lindsay Wildlife Experience

Category: Activities
The Lindsay Wildlife Experience | Things to Do in Walnut Creek, California
© asfloro/stock.adobe.com

4. The Gardens at Heather Farm

Category: Activities
The Gardens at Heather Farm | Things to Do in Walnut Creek, California
© Joel/stock.adobe.com

5. Civic Park

Category: Activities
Civic Park | Things to Do in Walnut Creek, California
© justin/stock.adobe.com

6. All-Outdoors California Whitewater Rafting Day Trips

Tours
All-Outdoors California Whitewater Rafting Day Trips | Things to Do in Walnut Creek, California
© smcn/stock.adobe.com

7. Borges Ranch

Borges Ranch | Things to Do in Walnut Creek, California
© littleny/stock.adobe.com

8. The Shadelands Ranch Museum

Category: Museums & Culture
The Shadelands Ranch Museum | Things to Do in Walnut Creek, California
© The Shadelands Ranch Museum

9. Diablo Hills Regional Park

Category: Activities
Diablo Hills Regional Park | Things to Do in Walnut Creek, California
© Chris/stock.adobe.com

10. The California Symphony

Category: Entertainment
The California Symphony | Things to Do in Walnut Creek, California
© stokkete/stock.adobe.com

11. Valley Art Gallery

Category: Museums & Culture
Valley Art Gallery | Things to Do in Walnut Creek, California
© Valley Art Gallery

12. Shell Ridge Open Space

Category: Activities
Shell Ridge Open Space | Things to Do in Walnut Creek, California
© Carlos Caetano/stock.adobe.com

13. Castle Rock Regional Recreation Area

Category: Activities
Castle Rock Regional Recreation Area | Things to Do in Walnut Creek, California
© savelov/stock.adobe.com

14. Boundary Oak Golf Course

Category: Entertainment
Boundary Oak Golf Course | Things to Do in Walnut Creek, California
© Boundary Oak Golf Course

15. Va de Vi Bistro and Wine Bar

Category: Food & Drink
Va de Vi Bistro and Wine Bar | Things to Do in Walnut Creek, California
© Va de Vi Bistro and Wine Bar

16. Walnut Creek Yacht Club

Category: Activities
Walnut Creek Yacht Club | Things to Do in Walnut Creek, California
© Walnut Creek Yacht Club

17. Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar

Category: Food & Drink
Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar | Things to Do in Walnut Creek, California
© Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar

18. Diablo Escapes

Category: Entertainment
Diablo Escapes | Things to Do in Walnut Creek, California
© Nudphon/stock.adobe.com

19. Calicraft Brewing Company

Category: Food & Drink
Calicraft Brewing Company | Things to Do in Walnut Creek, California
© Calicraft Brewing Company

20. Walnut Creek Model Railway Society

Category: Kids & Family
Walnut Creek Model Railway Society | Things to Do in Walnut Creek, California
© Walnut Creek Model Railway Society

Walnut Creek is 1 hr 16 min (25.0 miles via I-80 E and CA-24 E) from San Francisco.


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