There are plenty of amazing mountain towns across California, including ones with decisively scandalous names, but rarely are they easy to get around. More often than not, you need a car to explore the town or area; however, there's one city in California that sits at the foot of a mighty mountain, with a distinctly walkable downtown area. This sets it apart from many towns and small cities in the area and makes it immediately more accessible. It also exudes a laid-back, small-town vibe, despite having all the major amenities of a city.
- Country
- United States
- Capital
- Sacramento
- Population
- 39.35 Million ( 2020)
- Founded Date
- September 9, 1850
Located in the stunning and affluent Bay Area of California, near San Francisco, this particular mountain city is bursting with festivals, foodie hotspots, and, of course, has amazing natural spaces on its doorstep. Could this be a California city that ticks all the boxes when it comes to a weekend getaway near the mountains? Let's dive in and find out more.
Walnut Creek Has The Perfect Walkable Downtown
Located just 16 miles away from Oakland at the foot of Mount Diablo in Contra Costa County, California, lies the city of Walnut Creek. Adorably named for the walnut trees that are abundant in this area, the city is home to festivals, foodie hotspots, and plenty of outdoor adventure. Its location at the base of the 3800ft Mount Diablo makes it popular for hikers as the seven-mile Summit Trail provides sweeping views of the Bay Area, including the Golden Gate Bridge on a clear day.
Population | 69,152 |
Nearest Airport | Metropolitan Oakland International Airport |
Nearest State Park | Mount Diablo State Park |
The city itself is known for having a beautiful, walkable downtown area, with tree-lined streets and local festivities. It's also got a huge shopping plaza with local and national stores, which you can easily access on foot, setting it apart from other US cities. In addition to this, it's also become a popular spot for families and affluent people looking to leave San Francisco behind due to the choice of good schools, hiking trails, eateries, and a thriving business scene.
With a ton of local businesses, amazing restaurants and bars, and a cool selection of boutiques, downtown Walnut Creek is a great place to visit. As you can walk around this part of the city, it's relatively relaxing and feels like you're in a quaint town or in a more European city. You can shop at local stores, check out some art galleries, or enjoy a local glass of wine with friends.
Things To Do In Walnut Creek
While Walnut Creek may have the best downtown in the state of California, that's not the only reason to visit this little piece of mountain city near San Francisco. From Walnut Creek's stunning position in the East Bay, there are plenty of things to see and do. From spending time outdoors to checking out local festivals, there's a lot to love here. Here are some of the best options.
While you're at the foot of the mountain, you may as well check out Mount Diablo State Park. As one of the most underrated state parks in California (particularly for those hoping to avoid crowds), this 20,000-acre park is great for hikers, campers, and mountain bikers. Of course, the titular Mount Diablo is the main draw, with the Summit Trail being the most popular, if still challenging, route to the top.
Owing to the city's penchant for local businesses and a charming small-town vibe, there are a few key festivals throughout the year. The most popular ones are the Walnut Creek Art & Wine Festival, the Locust Street Festival, and the Walnut Festival. The Art & Wine Festival is held in late May or early June, depending on the year. The Walnut Festival is held in September, and the Locust Street Festival is a monthly affair on Wednesday evenings, running from May through til the end of August.
If you're looking for tranquil calm, check out the Ruth Bancroft Gardens. This award-winning botanical garden is a popular attraction with a whole host of cacti, succulents, and rare plants. One of the cool things is that this 3.5-acre garden is actually a water-conserving site, making it more sustainable and eco-friendly.
Want to learn more about local California wildlife? Head to the Lindsay Wildlife Museum, which is home to over 50 unreleasable species of California animals. This includes a collection of beautiful bald eagles, as well as educational programs for adults and children alike. It's a great family-friendly spot that's enlightening and entertaining.
How To Get To Walnut Creek
One of the great things about Walnut Creek is its location and transport links. You can be at Montgomery Station in San Francisco in 37 minutes on the BART (local train network) from Walnut Creek. The same yellow line takes you to Oakland within 22 minutes. If you're planning to arrive in the area by train, you'll likely be heading to the Emeryville Amtrak station. You can take a short 10-minute local bus to the MacArthur BART station, which is just 17 minutes from Walnut Creek.
The closest airport to Walnut Creek is Metropolitan Oakland Airport. This is a 20-minute drive or a 50-minute public transport journey, often needing three changes. You can get the yellow BART to Oakland 19th Street, and then switch to the orange BART line to Coliseum, where you can jump on a bus to the airport.
For more direct options and greater international routes, you can also fly into the San Francisco Airport. You can ride the yellow BART line all the way to the airport from Walnut Creek, which takes around an hour and 10 minutes in total. This is a lot more convenient if you have luggage, as you don't have to make a ton of changes.
When To Visit Walnut Creek
The best time to visit Walnut Creek is during the summer. Although the heat can be intense, the summer festivals bring the city to life. If you're looking for more outdoorsy vibes, opt for spring or fall, when the trails aren't as busy and the cooler temperatures are more comfortable. It all depends on what's drawing you to Walnut Creek.
So, if you're looking for a mountain city escape with a walkable downtown, visit Walnut Creek. Conveniently located just 20 minutes from Oakland and 30 minutes from San Francisco, it's a great weekend option.