Welcome to Walnut Creek
Small town attitude with an urban ambiance
Located in the East Bay of the San Francisco Bay Area, Walnut Creek is where urban meets the suburbs. This city blends the convenient ease of city life with the warmth and friendliness of a small town. Abundant career opportunities make Walnut Creek an attractive relocation destination. Walnut Creek is nestled in the shadow of Mount Diablo, providing access to some of the best backyard hikes and outdoor adventures in the Bay Area. Indulge in fabulous shopping downtown, or settle in for dinner at some of the most delicious restaurants.
What to Love
- Friendly neighbors and a booming job market
- Convenient for commuting to San Francisco
- Ample outdoor activities for a breath of fresh air
- Big-city amenities within reach
Local Lifestyle
Walnut Creek offers the best of city life with all the homely comfort of a small town. At the center, its vibrant downtown invites residents to explore wine bars, fabulous restaurants, and entertainment venues dripping with irresistible charm. Sun-splashed parks are the go-to for families, with fifteen throughout town that are perfect for strolls and picnics, and games.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
The open-air Broadway Plaza is a premier shopping destination anchored by Macy’s and Nordstrom, and home to a number of high-end retailers, fine dining restaurants, and specialty services. Tech enthusiasts frequent its Apple Store, browsing new gadgets in sleek spaces, while fashion aficionados will love a visit to Zara for on-trend outfits, shoes, and accessories.
Stop for a healthy meal at True Food Kitchen, where the menu offers vegan options, poke bowls and salads paired with cocktails. For a box of chocolates, check out See’s Candies, and grab hearty croissants to-go at Cocola Bakery.
Bring your partner for a date night at the high-end Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, serving guests lobster tails, crispy brussels sprouts, and yummy desserts. For a taste of Vietnamese-American fusion dishes, be sure to stop into the Sophisticated La Sen Bistro, where their menu features succulent duck breasts, french onion soup, and salads.
Things to Do
Shows are well worth their price at the Lesher Center for the Arts, a fantastic performing arts venue with separate theaters for ballet, comedy, and literary events. Each year it welcomes over 350,000 guests while hosting hundreds of spectacular shows. Come see a live show during the holiday season or stop by for diverse performances any other day.
The Shell Ridge Open Space is all lush grassland and forest, laced with 31 miles of trails, a kids playground, and fishing ponds. Take your dog for a sunset walk across the open hills teeming with beautiful wildflowers. You might spot grazing cattle and horse riders, deer and wild turkeys. The Ruth Bancroft Garden is one of the most beautiful places to visit during the holidays, where dazzling lights illuminate the plants at Garden of D'Lights, making it seem as if you’ve just ventured into fairytale land.
Schools
The Walnut Creek School District is home to some of California’s exceptional schools. Top educational opportunities include:
