About Walnut Creek
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Big city buzz – glam restaurants, power shopping, edgy art, cool theater and symphonic music - all in a small town jewel setting ringed by mountain views that deliver on their promise of outdoor recreational opportunities. Yes, you can have it all. And it’s all in Walnut Creek. Located in the temperate East Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area, Walnut Creek is 22 miles from San Francisco and 15 miles from Berkeley, close enough for easy access and synergistic sophistication but far enough away for a respite from big city stress. It’s the best of both worlds. |
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The original creek still meanders through the town’s tree-lined upscale shopping district and surrounding area with it’s 2,704 acres of gorgeous open space – the most of any California community – including the nature-rich 3,849-foot Mount Diablo. Although the original walnut orchards are long gone, walnut trees can be found in many of the city’s 22 parks. And you can find fresh walnuts at the year-round Farmers’ Markets on Saturday and Sunday mornings along with organic produce, fresh flowers, breads and pastries. During the summer months, a variety of street fairs transform the entire downtown into an enticing open air market. |
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 Shop Juicy Couture, Sephora, Coach, Tiffany, Apple and other luxury brand stores amid the posh outdoor walkways of Broadway Plaza Shopping Center. Or you can opt for the unique boutiques a few steps away in the heart of downtown. Here you can linger at a sidewalk café near a soothing fountain, toast to your health at a classy cocktail lounge or enjoy a delectable meal at one of the numerous Walnut Creek restaurants ranging from elegant eateries to casual bistros. All are linked by the free trolley that shuttles between the downtown and BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) station. |
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Gardeners can visit two public gardens; the world famous Ruth Bancroft Garden, the first garden ever added to the national Garden Conversancy and the Gardens at Heather Farm, a volunteer-run demonstration garden. Those who prefer nature with a heartbeat can head to the Lindsay Wildlife Museum, home to rescued and recovering local wild creatures including hawks, owls and mountain lions. Or experience nature firsthand on one of the many trails winding through the Open Space, including Mt. Diablo State Park, a gateway to exploring the region’s natural beauty. |
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And forget quaint notions of small town art galleries. Walnut Creek’s Bedford Gallery presents world class contemporary art exhibits attracting thousands of visitors to each opening. Modern dance flourishes here too with troupes like Company C and Diablo Ballet offering fresh original choreography. Classic repertory theater and symphony concerts offer additional live cultural entertainment. Scenic hiking, stylish shopping, sumptuous dining and more. All the best of the city and the country are here in Walnut Creek - all for you. |
| Links & Resources | |
Shopping & Dining Farmers’ Markets Parks & Hikes Performing Arts |
Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce Lafayette Chamber of Commerce City of Walnut Creek Ruth Bancroft Garden Lindsay Wildlife Museum |
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