Things To Do In The Bay Area On Weekends, At Night, With Kids And Much More

Things To Do In The Bay Area

If you’re curious about things to do in the Bay Area, you will find no shortage of exciting options. Popular choices include a stroll through beautiful scenery in locations like the Lafayette Reservoir, perfect for joggers, hikers, and picnickers. Or you could visit Walnut Creek’s downtown to explore boutiques, galleries, and vibrant restaurants.

Looking to indulge in nature? Mount Diablo offers stunning views across the region. Or for fun things to do in the Bay Area more specific to adults, you could take the Martinez wine stroll or take in Pleasant Hill’s outdoor concerts. Families love the Lindsay Wildlife Experience in Walnut Creek and nearby Fairy Tale Town in Oakland. And let’s not forget the spectacular Golden Gate Park and Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco.

Whether you’re new to the area or a longtime resident, we are available as real estate agents in Contra Costa to help you find a home near the best Bay Area things to do.

Get answers from a real estate expert

Ask a question

What Are The Top 10 Things To Do In The Bay Area, California?

The Bay Area boasts a wide range of iconic and locally loved experiences. Let’s look at the top 10 things to do in the Bay Area:

1. Hike Mount Diablo and enjoy panoramic views.
2. Explore downtown Walnut Creek for upscale shopping and dining.
3. Indulge in gourmet bites at Oakland’s Jack London Square.
4. Visit the historic John Muir House in Martinez.
5. Kayak or paddleboard on the Lafayette Reservoir.
6. Experience a Giants game at Oracle Park.
7. Tour the vibrant murals of downtown Concord.
8. Enjoy a show at the Lesher Center for the Arts.
9. Partake in some wine tasting in Livermore Valley.
10. Stroll through San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park.

What Are 2025’s Most Popular Bay Area Attractions?

In 2025, we are seeing a continuing evolution of popular things to do in the Bay Area. Contra Costa County remains a standout for both visitors and residents, so let’s look at some of the most popular attractions in the Bay Area in 2025:

• Ruth Bancroft Garden: This destination in Walnut Creek draws crowds for its sustainable landscape design.
• Martinez Marina: This has been recently revamped and is now a hotspot for weekend strolls and waterfront dining.
• Lafayette: Local art festivals, outdoor yoga classes, and farmers markets are beloved by locals and visitors alike.
• Alcatraz: The world-famous island of San Francisco remains a top draw for tourists.

Whether it’s the Clayton Art & Wine Festival or Pleasant Hill’s summer movie nights, Contra Costa is becoming one of the Bay Area’s more popular destinations with its quieter, more relaxed experiences.

What Are Some Interesting Historical Facts About The Bay Area?

The Bay Area has a rich history, with different regions playing unique roles in its legacy. Did you know that John Muir, the father of the national parks, lived in Martinez? His historic home remains one of the most interesting things to do in the Bay Area for history buffs, and the town of Martinez is one of the more affordable places to live in the Bay Area.

Here are some other interesting local facts:

• The Port Chicago Naval Magazine explosion in 1944, also in Contra Costa, was a pivotal moment for the civil rights movement.
• Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park highlights the area’s unique industrial contributions.
• Across the region, San Francisco’s Gold Rush roots and Alcatraz’s famous prison history attract millions.

If you love unique things to do near San Francisco with a story to tell, you have many options around the Bay Area. Moving here lets you become part of a region where history lives on every corner.

What Are The Best Things To Do In The Bay Area At Weekends?

Weekends in the region are ideal for exploring the best things to do in the Bay Area. Studies have shown that people in the Bay Area like to travel short distances in a personal vehicle or by walking, but they don’t like the bus and are mixed about trains. Fortunately, there are things to do right on your doorstep.

Sunday mornings in Orinda can begin with a scenic hike, while Lafayette hosts bustling farmers markets with beautiful food and local crafts. Briones Regional Park offers one of the best weekend hikes in Northern California, while Walnut Creek’s Broadway Plaza is a popular destination for weekend shopping.

Want nightlife without the city traffic? Concord boasts outdoor concerts, food truck events, and craft beer taprooms while downtown Martinez offers many options for a bite to eat and antique browsing. Families can enjoy hands-on science exhibits at the Chabot Space & Science Center – Contra Costa is positively bustling with options.

What Are Things To Do In The Bay Area Without Spending Money?

You don’t have to break the bank to enjoy the best things to do in the Bay Area. There are countless free activities, many of which rival paid attractions. Here are some suggestions:

• Hike the trails of Mount Diablo.
• Explore Walnut Creek’s Shell Ridge Open Space.
• Enjoy a quiet afternoon on the Martinez waterfront.
• Visit downtown Pleasant Hill or Lafayette for some free live music or seasonal festivals.
• Walk the streets of Berkeley or Oakland and take in some street art and community events.
• Join free workshops at local libraries in all areas.

If you are seeking things to do around the Bay Area today without spending money, the region truly is a goldmine. Living near these free amenities is more than possible – as trusted real estate agents in Walnut Creek, we’ll help you find a home that offers access to Bay Area fun.

What Are The Best Things To Do In The Bay Area At Night?

If you are looking for things to do in the Bay Area at night, you have options for vibrant evenings from Contra Costa to San Francisco. For instance, in Walnut Creek, you can enjoy rooftop cocktails or live music at local jazz lounges.

Let’s look at a few more top options to consider:

• The Veranda, Concord: Here you will find outdoor movies and twilight shopping.
• Orinda Theater: The retro design adds a little charm to late-night cinema.
• Energy and excitement: San Francisco’s Embarcadero and Oakland’s Uptown District offer vibrant nightlife.
• Socializing: Lafayette wine bars and Pleasant Hill breweries are ideal for a relaxed night out with friends or dates.

Nightlife is one of the features that shapes the Bay Area housing market in many areas, and buying a home anywhere can provide quick access to the region’s top night spots.

What Are The Best Things To Do For Families In The Bay Area?

Families looking for things to do in the Bay Area will find it to be a haven of family-friendly experiences. Interestingly, statistics show that 34% of houses in the Bay Area are non-family homes, but still 49% are married couple houses, so it’s no surprise that there are lots of provisions for family life.

Let’s look at some family attractions:

• Lindsay Wildlife Experience: This Walnut Creek destination lets children get up close with animals.
• Pixieland, Concord: Amusement park fun without the downtown crowds.
• Exploratorium: A great place for a day trip in San Francisco.
• Community parks: These are available everywhere, with some particularly good ones in Pleasant Hill where family movie nights are hosted.
• Water fun: Lafayette Reservoir and the many seafront locations are great for this type of fun.
• Family-friendly events: Farmers markets, art walks, and holiday parades are abundant in areas like Martinez.
• Oakland Zoo: One of the region’s top destinations for a family day out.

Whether you want things to do with kids in the Bay Area or peaceful outdoor afternoons, you will find all you need right here.

Let’s find you a house that feels like home.

Contact us

What Are The Top Attractions For Leisure Time In The Bay Area?

Leisure in the Bay Area immediately conjures images of San Francisco, but there is plenty more to enjoy. Diversity is on of the major advantages of living in the Bay Area, so let’s look at some top leisure attractions:

• Ruth Bancroft Garden: This Walnut Creek location is perfect for a serene afternoon.
• Boundary Oak Golf Course: Surrounded by sweeping Mount Diablo views.
• Heather Farm Park: A family hotspot with a beautiful lake, trails, and play areas.
• Lafayette Reservoir: A unique spot for stand-up paddleboarding.

Naturally, San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park and Oakland’s Lake Merritt are two of the most well-known leisure time destinations in the region. If these things float your boat, find a home near the best things to do in the Bay Area and enjoy life to the fullest.

What Are The Best Food And Drink Places In The Bay Area?

The Bay Area boasts a thriving food and drinks scene, so it is a key destination for foodies exploring things to do in the Bay Area. Walnut Creek is a particular hotspot, where visitors and locals enjoy upscale dining, chic brunch spots, and creative fusion cuisine.

Here are some other spots to check out:

• Martinez: Here you will find comfort food with a unique twist.
• Pleasant Hill: Home to a variety of international flavors perfect for adventurous palates.
• Concord: Todos Santos Plaza is a lively gathering spot with craft breweries, taquerias, and gourmet food trucks.
• Lamorinda Wine Trail: If you are a connoisseur, this is a great location for local tastings in beautiful settings.

You will also find countless innovative bites in Oakland and San Francisco with world-renowned chefs. Even if you select the cheapest places to live in the Bay Area, you are never far from world-class cuisine.

What Are The Top Events And Festivals In The Bay Area?

Festivals bring people together, and the lineup in the Bay Area is particularly rich when you look to Contra Costa. Here are some of the county’s top festivals, as well as some events nearby:

• Walnut Creek Art & Wine Festival: This attracts thousands every summer blending music, food, and creativity.
• Concord Jazz Festival: This is a highlight in the Bay Area calendar each year.
• Pleasant Hill Downtown Summer Concert Series: A community favorite where you can enjoy great music and even better food.

Martinez adds flair with antique fairs and seasonal street festivals offering fun things to do in the Bay Area for adults, families, and newcomers alike.

Of course, there are iconic events like San Francisco’s Outside Lands and Oakland’s First Fridays. These events are incredibly popular and just a stone’s throw away from life in Contra Costa County, so let us find your home here.

What Are Some Things You Can Only Do In The Bay Area?

Some experiences can only be found in the Bay Area, so let’s take a look at a few of these unique experiences:

• Hiking Mount Diablo: Do this at sunrise and enjoy panoramic views that stretch across California.
• John Muir’s Historic Home: Here you can wander the same paths that inspired national parks.
• Enjoy unique cities: Stroll through Walnut Creek’s downtown art installations or kayak through the sloughs of Martinez.

If you want something truly unique, consider joining a Contra Costa plein air painting workshop or attend a wine-and-paint night in Lafayette.

Outside of Contra Costa, you could ride a cable car in San Francisco, explore the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, or wander Berkeley’s Telegraph Avenue. The best things to do in the Bay Area aren’t just tourist attractions – many are simply daily experiences when you live nearby.

Work with us to find homes for sale in Contra Costa under $1,000,000 and enjoy this lifestyle all year round.