California is legendary for its diversity. No other state can compare to California’s eclectic topography of mountains, beaches, rivers, lakes and deserts ― all beckoning to the outdoor adventurer. At the same time, California is famous for its culture, food and laid-back vibe. When you think of all California has to offer, you’re really thinking of Going Calipolitan.

Calipolitan embodies the free-spiritedness of enjoying the outdoors while being close to cultural amenities, delicious food and California’s sunny vibes. There’s no better place to experience what it means to Go Calipolitan than Walnut Creek, the city just outside San Francisco that combines the vibrancy of city culture with the charm of hometown California.

“To be Calipolitan is to really have it all, and Walnut Creek does!” says longtime Walnut Creek resident Cady Marsh. “Walnut Creek has flavor, culture, bustle and beauty all at a California-style pace of life.”

East Bay natives have long flocked to Walnut Creek for its eclectic collection of culture, award-winning cuisine, upscale shopping, modern hotels, sports facilities and plethora of nearby outdoor activities. Now, all of California is catching on to this friendly place to see and be seen, where small town meets big city.

“Walnut Creek offers all the great amenities of a major city ― great restaurants, entertainment, night life ― but allows you to enjoy them in a family-oriented, small-town environment,” says resident Mike Samuels. “It really is the best of both worlds!”

There’s plenty to see and do in this bastion of pleasant weather. Walnut Creek is almost always sunnier and warmer than its colder counterparts west of the Caldicot Tunnel that separates Oakland and San Francisco from the Diablo Valley. Walnut Creek has a Mediterranean climate that encourages outdoor activity year-round. But summertime is especially gorgeous, which is why many of the prized events of the area are held then, like the Walnut Creek Art & Wine Festival, the many open-air artisan fairs, weekly farmer’s markets with the freshest in local food, and free outdoor concerts all summer long. Those looking for the perfect place to enjoy the Calipolitan experience need look no further. Walnut Creek is waiting with a friendly hello and plenty to do. Here’s what 36 hours in Walnut Creek could look like.

A Weekend in Walnut Creek

Friday

3 p.m. – Check in to your hotel

There are a variety of places to stay in Walnut Creek depending on your vibe, but two highlights are the welcoming Walnut Creek Marriott and the charming Diablo Mountain Inn. The Walnut Creek Marriott is conveniently located near the heart of downtown and offers spacious rooms with modern amenities and stunning views of the city and surrounding hillsides. Diablo Mountain Inn is also located within walking distance from all of the attractions but offers a more small-town experience with 24 recently renovated rooms. Diablo Mountain Inn is family- and pet-friendly, and kids under 11 stay free. Click here to see all Walnut Creek hotel properties.

4 p.m. – Explore downtown/enjoy happy hour

Take a stroll through Walnut Creek’s vibrant downtown and explore the unique boutiques and upscale shops that line Broadway, Main and California Blvd. Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek’s outdoor epicenter of shopping and dining, is a laid-back place to mosey up a thirst. For happy hour, look no further than Residual Sugar Wine Bar. Recently named Diablo Magazine’s Best of the East Bay for the fifth year in a row, this well-known spot has killer happy hour specials, available daily until 6 p.m.

8 p.m. – Dine al fresco beneath the heritage oak

Locals and visitors alike agree ― the food scene in Walnut Creek has arrived, and perhaps no place better encompasses what it means to eat Calipolitan than Va de Vi Bistro & Wine Bar, a local favorite serving up delicious tapas, craft cocktails and an extensive wine list. Arrive before you’re starving, as there may be a little wait to dine on their patio beneath the gigantic heritage oak. It’ll be worth it, we promise.

11 p.m. – Dance the night away

Totally geek meets retro chic at Retro Junkie, an 80s-themed beer garden and cocktail bar spinning the favorite jams from your youth. Live music, DJs, dancing, and stiff drinks, all in a setting that brings nostalgia back to the future ― what more could you ask for from a night on the town?

Saturday

9 a.m. – Fuel up the healthy way

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Sunrise Bistro & Catering, Walnut Creek’s OG spot for sustainable, healthy, delicious cuisine since 1981.

10 a.m. – Get outdoors

Walnut Creek has so many outdoor activities to offer, it can be tough to decide what to do. Here are two great options.

  1. A visit to Ruth Bancroft Garden. Serene, idyllic and naturally intoxicating, this world-renowned botanical garden is an amazing place to unwind. Spend the morning exploring breathtakingly exotic plants, often accompanied by sculpture or other art pieces as you stroll through the garden. Digital self-guided tours offer all the glorious details about the garden’s rare flora and fauna from around the world.
  2. Looking to be a little more active? Play a round of golf at Boundary Oaks or Diablo Hills, two of Walnut Creek’s best courses. Both courses offer stunning views of Mt. Diablo and the surrounding hills from their pristine greens. Boundary Oaks is a full 18-hole course and is considered one of the most beautiful courses in all of California suitable for all levels of play. The course includes an expansive driving range, pro shop and bar on site. Diablo Hills has the same topflight links experience as Boundary, just with a nine-hole course instead. With the recently opened Greenery Bar & Grill and some of the most creative and challenging play in Northern California, Diablo Hills is perfect for those looking for a rewarding golf experience.

1 p.m. – A picnic in Heather Farm Park

After golf or the garden, head over to Heather Farm Park, Walnut Creek’s beautiful public green space adorned with twin lakes and walking paths. Spanning over 100 acres, Heather Farm offers tons of activities, from fishing to biking to a variety of sports facilities ― basketball, soccer, tennis and swimming. A picnic by the lake with artisan goods procured at Walnut Creek stalwart Genova Delicatessen & Ravioli Factory caps this relaxing afternoon by the lake. 

4 p.m. – Catch a Show

On Saturday afternoons, there’s often an early show at the Lesher Center for the Arts, Walnut Creek’s premier destination for comedy, eclectic live music, dance and theater performance. This state-of-the-art venue attracts the best in live entertainment from around the world.

7 p.m. – Dine Calipolitan, Peruvian-style

Calipolitan dining is all about enjoying cuisine from around the world, California style. Parada is a casual yet delicious dining option after a day outdoors. Part of prized area chef Carlos Altamirano’s suite of award-winning Peruvian restaurants, Parada dishes are light and immensely flavorful.

10 p.m. – Game time for the masses

What’s not to love about a bit of friendly competition? Hit up Masses Sports Bar & Grill, the local institution known for sports on TV, a massive selection of tap beers and fun games, like pool tables, ping pong and foosball. Play on the indoor bocce ball court or get serious at the shuffleboard table. Those who’d rather just dance can do that too. Enjoy the live music and cut loose. Masses offers something for everyone to enjoy. With 30 flat screen TVs, 24 beers on tap, 30+ bottled beers, private VIP and meeting rooms, free Wi-Fi and tons of entertainment options, Masses truly has something for everyone.

Sunday

8 a.m. – Locust Street Farmer’s Market

A visit to the Farmer’s Market on Locust St. is an absolute must. But don’t fill up on the fresh local fruits and veggies, because…

10 a.m. – Sunday brunch, Calipolitan style

Sunday brunch is a big part of Going Calipolitan. For brunch-able options, head to Katy’s Kreek, a downhome favorite consistently called the best brunch in Walnut Creek. Or hit up Cuban fav Havana where their bottomless brunch with mimosas and mojitos makes for a great start to a Sunday. Havana is cozy, so reservations are certainly encouraged. Either way, feel free to treat yourself ― you have more outdoor activity ahead!

12 p.m. – Experience Mt. Diablo State Park

Ready to work off those mimosas? Mt. Diablo State Park flies criminally under the radar. Spend an afternoon hiking the trails of this hidden gem, which boasts stunning views of the entire Bay Area ― including the Golden Gate Bridge, which you can see on a clear day ― and you’ll agree: Mt. Diablo State Park deserves more love. If you’re really looking for a challenge, cycling up Mt. Diablo earns you tons of bragging rights. Mt. Diablo is the fifth most difficult bike climb in the Bay Area and on Sundays, you’re sure to be one of many meeting the challenge head on! 

Getting Here

Getting to Walnut Creek is easy. Connected by BART, the Bay Area’s convenient light rail system, Walnut Creek is quickly accessible from Oakland International Airport. Walnut Creek is also easily reached from both Sacramento and San Francisco by car.

Go Calipolitan!

Walnut Creek is the place where cosmopolitan chic meets laid-back vibes. Calipolitan means Louis Vuitton meets cornhole in a brewhouse. Yoga before the biodynamic wine bar. Hiking a mountain with the best views in all of California in the morning then seeing live music outdoors at night. Shopping, culture, cuisine and plain old-fashioned outdoor fun ― it’s all here at the capital of Calipolitan, Walnut Creek. VisitWalnutCreek.org and start planning to come hang out with us today!