Welcome to Lamorinda
Charming suburban trio in one serene and convenient enclave
A portmanteau of the name of its three cities—Lafayette, Orinda, and Moraga—Lamorinda is an enviable blend of history and modernity, small-town suburban living with quick access to the Bay Area’s biggest cities. Lying east of Berkeley Hills between Walnut Creek and Caldecott Tunnel, this convergence of three charming, yet distinct locales started out as a quiet farming village in the mid 19th century, experiencing a residential surge in the post-World War II era, with new houses built across the region.
Today, Lamorinda holds staunchly to its rural character, flanked by tree-studded hillsides and a rustic landscape splashed in warm sunshine, appealing to nature enthusiasts with a penchant for the great outdoors. For commuters, San Francisco is as close as 30 minutes via BART train, with residents enjoying convenient access to State Route 24, which cuts through most of Lamorinda. Marked by its gourmet dining scene and high-end stores, Lafayette is the retail hub of the region, with Moraga boasting its most prestigious educational facilities, while Orinda offers more of a family-oriented feel with world-class entertainment venues. Lavish, custom-built houses are commonplace, alongside gated estates and California ranch-style properties.
What to Love
- Welcoming atmosphere and a vibrant arts scene
- Convenient access to major interstate highways
- High-end shops and fine dining with walkable accessibility
- Outdoor recreation and sweeping scenery
Local Lifestyle
Lamorinda sports a lovely atmosphere with incredibly friendly neighbors, a small-town feel, and spectacular hillside views. Quiet, locals enjoy near-perfect weather all year round, and different lifestyles cut across the three separate localities. No matter where you choose, easy access to Highway 24 is guaranteed along with great shopping, fabulous dining, and lots of entertainment
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
With a myriad of high-end shops, chic boutiques, and restaurants, Lafayette is considered the heart of retail in Lamorinda. Start a day of shopping with a visit to Patrizia Marrone Couture for women where you can add to your wardrobe with a new selection of jeans, dresses, and accessories. For groceries, stop at Diablo Foods, a market full of specialty food, prepared meals, fine wines, and flowers, or visit Whole Foods Market for organic grocery items and other eco-friendly items and food. La Fiesta Square presents shoppers with a cluster of upscale retailers and casual eateries, boasting tenants like Chico’s, Bluemercury, Solano Jewelers, and Sharp Bicycle.
Things to Do
Take a hike with your family along the dazzling environment surrounding Lafayette Reservoir. You can fish in the water, picnic on the banks, or rent a boat to sail into the sunset with your kids.
The Soda Aquatic Center is a premier venue for international water polo events. The facility also hosts college swim teams and high school competitions, taking advantage of its state-of-the-art 50-meter pool, 25-yard pools, and modern scoreboard system.
The Briones Regional Park accommodates a plethora of recreational activities all year, teeming with hikers and bikers, equestrian riders, and picnickers among others. The lush scenery, looping trails, and incredible atmosphere are some of its major draws.
Schools
Lamorinda is endowed with some of California’s most acclaimed schools. Top educational opportunities include:
