Need a peaceful weekend getaway or day trip in Northern California? Head to Brentwood! Known for its agricultural charm, Brentwood offers farm-fresh experiences, scenic vineyards, and outdoor recreation nestled in the East Bay region. Whether you’re picking fruit, biking trails, or sipping wine, Brentwood delivers a relaxed escape with small-town warmth.
Brentwood, CA Highlights:
- For Adventurous Travelers: Bike or walk the Marsh Creek Trail – Enjoy scenic views, wildlife, and shaded paths through parks and wetlands.
- For History Buffs: Step back in time at the East Contra Costa Historical Society – Explore exhibits and historic buildings that highlight Brentwood’s agricultural roots.
- For Shoppers: Browse Brentwood Farmers Market (Saturdays) – Shop fresh produce, flowers, artisan foods, and more from local growers and vendors.
- For Couples: Wine tasting along the Contra Costa Wine Trail – Visit family-owned wineries like Hannah Nicole Vineyards for tastings with vineyard views.
- For Families: Pick your own fruit at local U-pick farms – Seasonal fun with cherries, peaches, and berries ripe for the picking.
Best Time to Visit Brentwood, CA
The best time to visit Brentwood is in late spring through early summer (May through July) during the peak U-pick season. Fall offers pleasant weather and harvest festivals, while winter and early spring are quieter with green hills and cool temps.
How to Get to Brentwood, CA
- If you are traveling by car: Brentwood is located along CA-4, about 1 hour east of San Francisco and 45 minutes from Walnut Creek.
- By Public Transit: Take BART to Antioch Station and connect via Tri Delta Transit buses to Brentwood.
- By Air: The closest major airport is Oakland International Airport (OAK), about 1 hour away by car.
Where to Stay in Brentwood, CA
- Recommended for Families: Best Western Brentwood Inn – Comfortable, budget-friendly, and conveniently located for local attractions and U-pick farms.
- For Couples: Hannah Nicole Vineyards Guesthouse – For a cozy and scenic vineyard retreat (check availability and private rentals).
- For a Boutique Hotel Stay: Rose Hotel (nearby Pleasanton) – Elegant boutique lodging with luxury touches just under an hour away.
Best Things to Do in Brentwood, CA
1. Round Valley Regional Preserve
Hike open trails and spot wildlife on an easy fall trip.
A part of the East Bay Regional Parks system, the Round Valley Regional Preserve is one of Brentwood’s most popular outdoor spaces. It was created in 1988 and now expands over 1,900 acres. You can partake in several activities while you’re there such as hiking, horseback riding, camping, and bicycling, which may be limited in some areas. The preserve is also the departure point for tours into Vasco Caves Regional Preserve. Some of the varied wildlife that you may come across during your adventure there include the San Joaquin pocket mouse, the California ground squirrel, and the endangered San Joaquin kit fox.
19450 Marsh Creek Rd, Brentwood, CA 94513, Phone: 888-327-2757
2. Hannah Nicole Vineyards
Sip local wines and admire vineyard views on a romantic weekend.
You can find the renowned Hannah Nicole Vineyards in the affluent Bay Area on the foothills of Mount Diablo. Based in one of California’s thriving farming communities, the landmark winery keeps the century old heritage of winemaking alive. You’ll get to tour the vineyard where it all starts and explore the winery and meet the people behind it. Afterwards, head over to their Tasting Room to get a taste of their delicious rose, sauvignon blanc, cab sauvignon, and meritage. Events are held throughout the year so check out their calendar for fun happenings like line dancing, their Boot Scoot’N Western BBQ, and concerts.
6700 Balfour Rd, Brentwood, CA 94513, Phone: 925-392-3189
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
3. Sky Zone Trampoline Park
Jump, flip, and laugh with kids during an exciting indoor outing.
Sky Zone Trampoline Park is Brentwood’s ultimate indoor trampoline park and is guaranteed to be a fun time for the entire family. You can soar in open jump arenas, do somersaults and flips, and just have a wild time. Kids love it because they can expend all of their energy jumping with their friends or playing a game of trampoline dodgeball, and adults love it because it’s a fabulous alternative to traditional exercise and doubles as a great stress reliever. Other attractions in the park include X-Beam, Stunt Bag Arena, Vertical Ops, and the Slam Dunk Zone where you can show off your basketball skills.
5641 Lone Tree Way, Brentwood, CA 94513, Phone: 925-281-3335
Where to Eat:
4. Toscana
Savor Italian dishes and enjoy a couples dinner in a cozy setting.
Toscana is a lively Italian eatery which serves mouthwatering Tuscan-influenced cuisine in a friendly and cozy environment. The notable trattoria opened their doors in 1989 and has been serving locals, tourists, and even Hollywood celebrities who crave authentic Northern Italian food. Their lunch and dinner menus feature entrees which combine rich flavors and showcase unique culinary talent. It may be hard to choose what you want as everything looks delicious, but foods that are extremely popular are the risotto pomodoro fresco, carpaccio di salmone, and the Agnello which is a roasted rack of New Zealand lamb. Their wood-burning oven is constantly churning out incredible foods including five different types of gourmet pizza.
11633 San Vicente Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90049, Phone: 310-820-2448
5. Bowlero Brentwood
Bowl with friends and play arcade games on a fun family night.
Established in 1994, Bowlero Brentwood is a family-friendly entertainment center filled with state-of-the-art facilities to ensure everyone has a great time. The 32-lane center is open every single day of the year, giving you plenty of opportunity to show off your expert bowling skills on one of their well-maintained lanes. In addition to the lanes, Bowlero Brentwood is also home to a pro shop, snack bar, and the Spare Time Lounge & Sports Bar; visit Spare Time to participate in their lively events such as karaoke and a trivia night. If you’re in Brentwood for an extended amount of time, you may want to consider joining one of their leagues or participating in a tournament.
5000 Balfour Road, Brentwood, CA 94513, Phone: 925-516-1221
6. Cap's Oak Street Bar & Grill
Dine in style and listen to live jazz on a cheap date night.
Cap's Oak Street Bar & Grill is a family-owned and operated endeavor which focuses on serving their patrons great food alongside even greater service. The Karadais family has been in the restaurant business for several years and have picked up the best flavors, and practices, to execute in their restaurant. Be sure to try their daily specials or pick from their varied menu which features eggplant parmigiana, calamari steak, or their prawns piccata. A number of items directly from their grill like the New York steak or sage pork chops have proven to be extremely popular with diners. Pair your entree with perfectly prepared appetizers or a glass of wine from their extensive bar menu.
144 Oak Street, Brentwood, CA 94513, Phone: 925-634-1025
If you are interested in local events:
- For Foodies: Brentwood Harvest Time Festival (June) – Celebrate the harvest with food, live music, and family activities downtown.
- For Families: Brentwood CornFest (July) – Enjoy a classic summer fair with carnival rides, live entertainment, and food vendors.
- For Holiday Fun: Brentwood Christmas Tree Lighting (December) – Festive lights, caroling, and family-friendly holiday cheer in City Park.
Day Trip Itineraries Within 30 Minutes of Brentwood, California:
- For Nature Lovers: Big Break Regional Shoreline (15–20 min) – Kayak, birdwatch, or explore the Delta’s unique ecosystems.
- For Wine Lovers: Contra Costa Wine Trail (10–30 min) – Visit nearby wineries like Bloomfield Vineyards and Campos Family Vineyards.
- For Shopping: Streets of Brentwood (5–10 min) – Outdoor lifestyle center with national retailers and local eateries.
- For Scenic Views: Mount Diablo State Park (30 min) – Hike or drive to the summit for sweeping Bay Area views.
- For a Waterfront Stroll: Antioch Marina (20 min) – Walk along the river, spot boats, or enjoy casual dining with Delta views.
- For Farm Fun: Smith Family Farm (15 min) – Visit for seasonal produce, hayrides, pumpkins, and a petting zoo.
- For Art & Culture: Downtown Livermore (30 min) – Art galleries, wine tasting rooms, and a thriving theater scene.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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What makes Brentwood one of the most affluent areas in Los Angeles?
- Brentwood is known for its upscale neighborhoods, luxurious homes, and high-end shopping and dining experiences.
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What can visitors do in Downtown Brentwood?
- Downtown Brentwood is a favored destination to shop, dine, and enjoy cultural activities and architecture.
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What community events take place in Brentwood?
- Many events like Hometown Halloween and the Winter Walk-About and Holiday Parade bring the whole community together.
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What outdoor activities are available in Brentwood?
- Visitors can explore vineyards, golf clubs, and outdoor spaces for a pleasant and memorable experience.
At a Glance:
| Best Time to Visit | Places to Stay | Tips for Visiting |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures, blooming orchards, and ideal for outdoor activities. | Best Western Brentwood Inn – Comfortable accommodations with easy access to town. | Visit local U-pick farms – Enjoy fresh cherries, peaches, and strawberries at nearby orchards. |
| Summer (June-August) – Warm weather, perfect for wine tasting and outdoor adventures. | Hampton Inn Brentwood – Modern stay with great amenities. | Explore Round Valley Regional Preserve – Hike scenic trails and enjoy panoramic views. |
| Fall (September-November) – Pleasant weather, grape harvest season, and fewer crowds. | Holiday Inn Express & Suites Brentwood – Convenient lodging near local attractions. | Tour local wineries – Enjoy tastings at Brentwood’s growing wine scene. |
| Winter (December-February) – Cool temperatures, great for indoor activities and cozy getaways. | Private vacation rentals – Cozy stays perfect for a quiet winter retreat. | Visit the Brentwood Farmers Market – Shop fresh produce and artisanal goods year-round. |
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