Walnut Creek City Guide

The food scene offers diverse international options and fresh local ingredients. Vegetarian and vegan choices are common. Late-night options are limited mostly to fast food.

Nightlife is moderate with bars, pubs, and some live music downtown.

Good coffee with local and chain options, including third-wave cafes and specialty roasters.

Tipping is expected in the US: 15-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for rideshares and personal services, optional at coffee shops.

Buy SIM cards at AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon stores, or electronics shops like Best Buy. eSIMs are available too. ID is needed for post-paid plans; pre-paid plans require less paperwork.

Streets and neighborhoods are generally clean with regular waste pickup services.

Some pharmacies and convenience stores operate 24/7, but medical clinics typically do not.

Supermarkets offer good international products with long opening hours; most are open on Sundays and holidays.

Most places accept cards, so cash isn't usually needed.

ATMs are common at banks like Bank of America, Chase, and Wells Fargo. Out-of-network fees usually range from $2.50 to $5 plus your bank's fees.

Schools primarily teach in English. Walnut Creek has public school districts and nearby private schools like Seven Hills and Athenian School. Admissions vary; private schools often have application deadlines in fall/winter.

No large nomad meetups but general Bay Area networking events exist. Many cafes and coworking spaces offer good working environments.

Plenty of parks and trails with shaded walking and running paths, like Heather Farm and Shell Ridge Open Space.

Good running routes like Iron Horse Trail and Heather Farm Park. Generally safe and popular with local running clubs.

Several gyms and fitness centers available with varied classes.

Public and private tennis courts exist with booking options, mostly hard courts, and coaching available.

Padel is not common in Walnut Creek.

Many yoga studios offer different styles with drop-in and membership options; all instructors speak English.

Several martial arts schools offer disciplines like BJJ, Karate, Taekwondo, Judo, Muay Thai, and Boxing with English-speaking instructors.

Ski resorts in the Sierra Nevada are 3-4 hours away, offering terrain for all levels from late fall to spring.

Kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing are available nearby on San Francisco Bay or local reservoirs with rentals and guided tours.

Surf spots are on the Pacific coast about 45-60 minutes away. Water is cold; wetsuit recommended. Linda Mar is beginner-friendly; Ocean Beach is for advanced surfers.

Dive sites are 2-3 hours away along the Northern California coast. Water can be cold with variable visibility.

Healthcare is high quality with English-speaking staff at places like John Muir Health. Both public and private options exist. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens are widely available.

Tap water meets all safety standards and is safe to drink.

Many parks with playgrounds and family-friendly cafes. Baby supplies are easy to find locally. Attractions like Lindsay Wildlife and the arts center offer kid-friendly options.

Generally very accepting with safe spaces and legal protections. Major events happen in nearby San Francisco.

Pet-friendly with parks, clinics, pet stores, and accommodations welcoming pets.