A popular city perched on the Easy Bay in Contra Costa County, California, Concord is a welcoming city with a unique vibe. Despite holding a bustling downtown area, fantastic arts and food scene, and magnificent surrounding landscapes, the city of Concord has small-town charm. And this is one of the biggest reasons why a lot of people choose to relocate here–to avoid the hustle and bustle yet remain close to the big cities.
With a population of over 130,000, Concord is home to a wide array of attractions and recreational activities. There are a lot of unique ways to spend your time in the city, including hiking to the summit of Mt. Diablo to catch a magnificent sunset over the Bay, taking advantage of the thriving craft beer culture while making new friends, or immersing yourself in the vibrant music and nightlife of Concord city.
That being said, here are the five best things to do in Concord to add to your bucket list.
Todos Santos Plaza
If you recently moved to Concord and want to befriend locals, the first spot you should head to is Todos Santos Plaza.
Todos Santos Plaza is a large community green space where locals gather for holiday celebrations, carnivals, concerts, and food and wine festivals or simply to relax. It rests in the downtown area between Grant Street, Willow Pass Road, Mount Diablo Street, and Salvio Street and features a children’s playground and shaded seating areas. In addition, it is surrounded by several walking paths, restaurants, cafes, and shops.
Nonetheless, the most popular event in Todos Santos Plaza is the weekly Farmer’s Market. Every Tuesday, the plaza comes to life with music, shoppers, and local vendors selling a wide array of fresh produces, mouthwatering homemade delicacies, artisan baked goods, and arts and crafts. It is also a popular lunch attraction where you can munch on some turkey drumsticks and wood-fired pizza. Various kid’s activities like face painting also happen during the Farmer’s Market, so make sure to bring your little ones along.
Website: https://www.cityofconcord.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/Todos-Santos-Plaza-36
Address: 2175 Willow Pass Rd, Concord, CA 94520, United States
Phone: (925) 671-2489
E.J. Phair Brewing Company & Alehouse
E.J. Phair Brewing Company & Alehouse is a popular lunch, dinner, and happy hour destination on Salvio Street in Concord that is known for its laid-back atmosphere, friendly staff, and generous portions. The place serves a wide array of beers that are brewed on-site, ranging from light ales to mellow ambers, hoppy IPAs, and malty stouts. In addition, delicious American cuisines, such as burgers, pizzas, and sandwiches, are also offered here.
E.J. Phair Brewing Company & Alehouse offers both dine-in and takeaway service. If you choose to dine in. When it comes to their beer offerings, make sure you go through their website to find seasonal selections, along with their menu and operating hours.
Website: https://www.ejphair.com/
Address: 2151 Salvio St L, Concord, CA 94520, United States
Phone: (925) 208-2101
Markham Nature Park and Arboretum
A natural arboretum and a beautiful botanical garden, Markham Nature Park and Arboretum was founded in 1981 by the Markham Regional Arboretum Society in an effort to protect the city’s dwindling green spaces. Located on La Vista Avenue, this site is still a work in progress and is left in its natural state across multiple acres of land.
Filled with flowering plants, shrubs, and trees from across the world, the Markham Nature Park and Arboretum is a place where you can relax and escape to after a tedious day. Numerous shaded seating areas can be found scattered across the garden with well-marked paths that remain open from dawn till dusk, all throughout the year.
Website: https://markhamarboretum.org/
Address: 1202 La Vista Ave, Concord, CA 94521, United States
Phone: (925) 681-2968
Pixieland Amusement Park
A whimsical amusement park perched on Olivera Road, Pixieland Amusement Parks is a childhood essential in Concord. The park features a wide array of fun activities and rides for kids, including carnival rides like the antique carousel, Frog Hopper, Dragon Roller Coaster, Tea Cups, the Pixieland Express, and the Red Baron Airplanes.
If you are looking to organize a party, you can also do so here. There are spaces in the amusement parks that can be rented for private parties and birthday celebrations, alongside the cafe serving children’s favorite meals like burgers, fries, hot dogs, sandwiches, and milkshakes.
Website: https://www.pixieland.com/
Address: 2740 E Olivera Rd, Concord, CA 94519, United States
Phone: (925) 676-9612
Contra Costa Canal Trail
Extending parallel to the Contra Costa Canal is the Contra Costa Canal Trail, which is a flat, paved, multi-use trail open to walkers, runners, cyclists, and horseback riders. The trail development was a combined effort by the Contra Costa Water District, the Bureau of Reclamation, and the Park District with the aim to offer a safe off-road corridor between the cities of Concord, Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, and Martinez.
The Contra Costa Canal Trail is horseshoe-shaped and connects to numerous regional trails, such as the California State Riding and Hiking Trail, the Briones-to-Mt. Diablo Trail and the Iron Horse Trail. In addition, it also offers easy access to schools, commercial areas, and public transportation hubs across the city.
Website: https://www.ebparks.org/trails/interpark/contra-costa-canal
Live Your Best Life in Concord, California
Concord is a welcoming city with a suburban atmosphere that’s charm is enhanced by numerous neighborhoods, parks, green spaces, an excellent shopping and dining scene, and plenty of enjoyable family-friendly activities. It also has some of the best weather in the nation. The Mediterranean climate, with pleasantly sunny days for most of the year, gives residents ample opportunities to take advantage of everything the city of Concord has to offer. Pair this with the easy accessibility to cities like San Francisco and relatively affordable housing options, and what more can anyone ask for the best life?
