See

Shadelands Ranch Historical Museum

Built by early Walnut Creek pioneer Hiram Penniman, this 1903 redwood-framed house is a showcase for numerous historical artifacts, many of which belonged to the Pennimans. It also houses a rich archive of Contra Costa and Walnut Creek history in its collections of old newspapers, photographs and government records. The museum is on the National Register of Historic Places and belongs to the city, but is operated by the Walnut Creek Historical Society. Museum tours are offered every week from February to October.

Address: 2660 Ygnacio Valley Rd
Website: wchistory.org (opens in a new tab)

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Listing from Wikivoyage: Walnut Creek, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Updated 28 Sept 2026. Something wrong? Tell us.

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Eat
Rocco's Ristorante & Pizzeria
Deep, deep, deep in the suburbs is one of the best pizza places around. Rocco's is your typical red-checker table cloth suburban pizzeria, serving pasta along with pizza dishes. The pasta isn't worth the trip, but the pizza is (such as Anthony's East Coaster). Go during the special on Sundays and Mondays -- pitchers of beer are half off and Large pizzas are around $12. Otherwise go to the website and use the coupon to save money that you can apply toward the gas you spent driving out there.
See
Ruth Bancroft Garden
This 2½-acre public dry garden preserves an exceptional example of Southwest American garden design, demonstrating the beauty and excitement possible in a water-conserving landscape. Internationally recognized as one of the finest private gardens in North America, the garden was the first in the United States to be sponsored by The Garden Conservancy. The garden showcases rare and unique species of cactus, succulents, palms, and desert trees, while still maintaining the lush and manicured style typical of Northern California.
Tue-Sun 10AM-4PM$10 adults, $8 students and seniors, children (12 & under) free
Eat
A Sweet Affair
A Sweet Affair Bakery and Cafe is a popular, family-owned, local bakery. Opened in 1984, A Sweet Affair describes itself as an "old time" bakery, baking everything from scratch, without preservatives, palm oil, or lard. The bakery offers a wide variety of pastries (e.g., Danishes, scones, cinnamon rolls, croissants), cakes, cookies, and muffins, as well as coffee and espresso. For lunch and dinner, A Sweet Affair serves a variety of sandwiches on thirteen different freshly-baked breads. Also has a second location with limited hours across from the BART station.
See
Boundary Oak Golf Course
This is an 18-hole municipal course overlooking Walnut Creek.