9 Fun Things To Do in Walnut Creek (2024)

Nestled in the shadow of Mount Diablo (but certainly not sitting in the shadow), Walnut Creek is Contra Costa’s cultural and commercial hotbed. The city is completely enveloped in hiking trails and scenic vistas, each of them leading you to either a gallery, theater performance, or culinary delight that’ll treat your taste buds to an unforgettable experience. But that’s not all. Walnut Creek is also conveniently located near Sacramento, San Jose, San Francisco, and even Oakland—all you need is to brush up on your BART etiquette and get ready for all the amazing things to do in Walnut Creek.

These Are The Most Fun Things to Do in Walnut Creek with Friends

1. Relax at the Ruth Bancroft Garden and Nursery

Step into the Ruth Bancroft Garden and Nursery and get transported into a universe ruled by tranquility, relaxation, and an impressive collection of succulents. This dry garden is one of the top Walnut Creek attractions and is as lovely as it is eco-friendly. The nursery on location sells a variety of plants and offers gardening workshops, in case you get inspired to start your own succulent garden.

2. Visit the Historic Old Borges Ranch

Take a stroll back in time at the historic Old Borges Ranch, one of the most prized Walnut Creek attractions. Originally built in 1899 by the Borges Family, the ranch provides visitors with a glimpse into what life was like in the early 20th-century cattle ranches.

3. Traverse the Trails at Mount Diablo State Park

Boasting dozens of trails ranging from leisurely strolls to arduous climbs up Contra Mesa’s tallest mountains, Mount Diablo State Park is a beauty to behold and one of the best in the East Bay. Visiting here is one of the most fun things to do in Walnut Creek—whatever activity you land on, be it picnicking, trekking, or photography, you’re always going to be surrounded by limitless natural bounty.

4. Stroll Down Broadway Plaza

Tailor-fit for a romantic evening stroll, Broadway Plaza is your key to the heart of Walnut Creek. During the summer, you can take in live music as you make your way through this pedestrian shopping haven. And when winter comes, the plaza buzzes with activity as shoppers fill the streets decorated in twinkling lights.

Walnut Creek: Things to do For the Whole Family

5. Shop for Unique Trinkets at Downtown

Downtown Walnut Creek has things to do for every kind of shopper. From unique jewelry to gifts for your four-legged companion, this district is absolutely brimming with window shopping (and actual shopping) potential.

6. Try Pastries from A Sweet Affair Bakery

Indulge your taste buds at the scrumptious A Sweet Affair during your visit. Offering fresh food daily, the local bakery makes all its bread and pastries from scratch on site. You’ll also have a variety of soups, salads, and a delectable selection of sandwiches to choose from. With old-timey air and vintage decorations, A Sweet Affair is definitely one of those “come for the food, stay for the ambiance” kind of establishments.

7. Attend a Show at the Lesher Center for the Arts

Since its establishment in 1990, The Lesher Center for the Arts has served as the city’s top venue for all things performance. Attending a show here is an itinerary given since you can’t get on top of all the essential things to do in Walnut Creek, California without a visit to Lesher. Here, there are four different theaters, each boasting a unique and unforgettable artistic offering.

8. Learn about Local Wildlife at the Lindsay Wildlife Experience

Since its founding in 1955, the Lindsay Wildlife Experience has been saving and healing harmed animals. The institution, which is among the oldest of its type in the nation, has expanded throughout the years to accommodate approximately 6,000 wild creatures each year. Engaging in as many educational activities as you can at this mainstay of Walnut Creek is highly recommended. If you have the opportunity, take a peek behind the scenes at the on-site Wildlife Hospital.

9. Indulge in Peruvian Cuisine at Limon Rotisserie Walnut Creek

A family-run business called Limon Rotisserie specializes on modernized traditional Peruvian food. The rotisserie chicken is the most often ordered dish, and the substantial meals are presented in a cozy and pleasant setting. However, there are many more alternatives on their big menu as well. To name a few, their salads, ceviches, empanadas, lomo saltado, arroz con pollo, and saltado mar y tierra will provide your taste buds with an amazing eating experience.