Directions To Diablo Valley College

Introduction

Diablo Valley College is a community college located in Pleasant Hill, California. The college is known for its academic excellence and scenic location. The campus is situated at the foothills of Mount Diablo, which provides a stunning backdrop for students and visitors. This travel guide will help you explore the best of Diablo Valley College and its surroundings.

Top Attractions

Mount Diablo State Park

Mount Diablo State Park is a must-visit attraction for nature lovers. The park offers breathtaking views of the Bay Area, the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and the Central Valley. Visitors can hike, bike, or horseback ride on the park’s trails. The park also has picnic areas, camping sites, and a visitor center.

The Lesher Center for the Arts

The Lesher Center for the Arts is a cultural hub in the heart of Walnut Creek. The center features three theaters, an art gallery, and classrooms for art and dance classes. The center hosts a variety of performances, including plays, musicals, concerts, and dance shows.

Hidden Gems

The Shadelands Ranch Museum

The Shadelands Ranch Museum is a hidden gem in Walnut Creek. The museum is housed in a historic farmhouse that dates back to the 1900s. The museum features exhibits on the history of the area, including the Native American tribes that lived there and the pioneers who settled the land.

The Ruth Bancroft Garden

The Ruth Bancroft Garden is a unique garden in Walnut Creek that showcases a collection of plants from around the world. The garden is known for its succulent plants and cacti, as well as its stunning sculptures and water features. The garden also hosts events and workshops throughout the year.

Food Scene

The Cheesecake Factory

The Cheesecake Factory is a popular restaurant chain that serves a variety of dishes, including burgers, pasta, and of course, cheesecake. The restaurant is located in the Broadway Plaza shopping center in Walnut Creek, and offers indoor and outdoor seating.

The Peasant and the Pear

The Peasant and the Pear is a farm-to-table restaurant in Danville that serves fresh, seasonal cuisine. The restaurant sources its ingredients from local farmers and ranchers, and has a menu that changes frequently. The restaurant also has a cozy atmosphere and a great wine selection.

Budget-Friendly Tips

Explore the Trails

One of the best things to do in Diablo Valley College is to explore the many trails in the area. The trails are free to use and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Some of the best trails include the Iron Horse Trail, the Lafayette-Moraga Regional Trail, and the Mount Diablo Summit Trail.

Visit Local Farmers Markets

Visiting local farmers markets is a great way to experience the local culture and get fresh, affordable produce. Some of the best farmers markets in the area include the Walnut Creek Farmers Market, the Danville Farmers Market, and the Concord Farmers Market.

Outdoor Adventures

Kayaking on the Delta

Kayaking on the Delta is a fun and unique way to explore the area’s waterways. There are several companies that offer guided kayak tours, including Delta Kayak Adventures and H2O Adventures.

Biking the Iron Horse Trail

The Iron Horse Trail is a popular biking route that spans over 30 miles from Concord to Dublin. The trail is paved and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys. There are several bike rental shops in the area, including Mike’s Bikes in Walnut Creek.

Historical Landmarks

The John Muir House

The John Muir House is a National Historic Site located in Martinez. The house was the home of naturalist John Muir and his family from 1890 to 1914. The house is open to the public for tours and features exhibits on Muir’s life and work.

The Martinez Adobe

The Martinez Adobe is a historic home in Martinez that dates back to the early 1800s. The adobe was originally owned by the Ygnacio Martinez family, who were some of the first settlers in the area. The adobe is open to the public for tours.

Family-Friendly Activities

The Lindsay Wildlife Experience

The Lindsay Wildlife Experience is a wildlife rehabilitation center and museum in Walnut Creek. The center features exhibits on local wildlife, including birds, reptiles, and mammals. The center also offers educational programs and animal encounters.

The Waterworld California

The Waterworld California is a water park in Concord that offers rides and attractions for all ages. The park features water slides, lazy rivers, and wave pools. The park is open from May to September.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

The Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve

The Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve is a park in Antioch that features historic coal mines and hiking trails. Visitors can take guided tours of the mines and learn about the area’s coal mining history. The park also has picnic areas and a visitor center.

The Eugene O’Neill National Historic Site

The Eugene O’Neill National Historic Site is a park in Danville that was the home of playwright Eugene O’Neill. The park features guided tours of O’Neill’s home and exhibits on his life and work. The park also has hiking trails and picnic areas.

Natural Wonders

The Devil’s Hole

The Devil’s Hole is a geological formation in Mount Diablo State Park that features a deep, narrow canyon. Visitors can hike to the Devil’s Hole and marvel at the stunning rock formations and views of the surrounding landscape.

The Carquinez Strait

The Carquinez Strait is a scenic waterway that connects San Francisco Bay to the Sacramento River Delta. Visitors can take a scenic drive along the strait and stop at several lookout points to take in the views.

Vibrant Nightlife

The Lesher Center for the Arts

The Lesher Center for the Arts is not just a cultural hub, but also a great place to enjoy a night out. The center hosts a variety of performances, including plays, musicals, and concerts. The center also has a bar and lounge area where visitors can enjoy drinks and snacks.

The Walnut Creek Downtown

The Walnut Creek Downtown is a vibrant area with a variety of bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. Some of the best places to visit include the Rooftop Restaurant and Bar, the Corners Tavern, and the Retro Junkie Arcade Bar.

Local Markets

The Walnut Creek Farmers Market

The Walnut Creek Farmers Market is held every Sunday in the downtown area. The market features local farmers and vendors selling fresh produce, baked goods, and crafts. The market also has live music and entertainment.

The Danville Farmers Market

The Danville Farmers Market is held every Saturday in the downtown area. The market features local farmers and vendors selling fresh produce, honey, flowers, and more. The market also has food trucks and live music.

Beaches and Mountains

The Stinson Beach

The Stinson Beach is a popular beach in Marin County that is known for its white sand and clear water. The beach is located about an hour’s drive from Diablo Valley College, and offers a variety of activities, including swimming, surfing, and hiking.

The Mount Tamalpais

The Mount Tamalpais is a mountain in Marin County that offers stunning views of the Bay Area and the Pacific Ocean. Visitors can hike, bike, or drive to the summit and enjoy the panoramic views. The mountain is located about an hour’s drive from Diablo Valley College.

Cultural Immersion

The Japanese Garden in the Heather Farm Park

The Japanese Garden in the Heather Farm Park is a peaceful oasis in the heart of Walnut Creek. The garden features a traditional Japanese teahouse, a koi pond, and a variety of plants and trees. Visitors can take a guided tour of the garden and learn about Japanese culture.

The San Francisco Chinatown

The San Francisco Chinatown is a vibrant neighborhood that is known for its rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the neighborhood’s many shops, restaurants, and historic landmarks. Some of the best places to visit include the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory and the Chinese Historical Society of America Museum.

Art and Music Scene

The Bedford Gallery

The Bedford Gallery is a contemporary art gallery in Walnut Creek that features exhibitions of local and national artists. The gallery also hosts workshops, lectures, and other events throughout the year.

The Concord Pavilion

The Concord Pavilion is a music venue in Concord that hosts concerts and live events throughout the year. The pavilion has a seating capacity of over 12,000 and has