Location: Orinda
Top Things to do in Orinda
What to do and see in Orinda, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Orinda is a city in Contra Costa County, California, United States. The population was 17,643 at the 2010 census, and was estimated in 2012 to have increased to 18,342. Orinda was ranked the second most friendly town in America by Forbes. The city is located just east of the city of Berkeley and is home to many affluent suburban professionals who commute to downtown Oakland, San Francisco, and Walnut Creek. Its location provides for a more rustic landscape, and Orinda's many parks and trails make it a destination for many Bay Area hikers and naturalists.
Restaurants in Orinda
1. Lafayette Reservoir
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 242 reviews
Reviewed By ZJAnderson - Lafayette, California
We’ve been walking around the Lafayette Reservoir for over 30 years, and of all the places in central County to go to for a hike/walk, its still our favorite. The annual pass is a bargain, even more so with a senior discount now. The play area is a favorite of the grandsons, dragging them back to the car is nobody’s favorite, on the other hand...
2. Tilden Regional Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 478 reviews
Tilden is one of Berkeley's oldest and most popular parks that offers a variety of family-fun activities like pony rides and carousels.
Reviewed By Ninaad D - Dublin, California
We have visited Tilden Park several times in the past year. Our toddler loves riding the trains and we enjoy the nature walks. The train rides are fun for the entire family. The train models are very well designed and lot of fun to explore. Pack a picnic and enjoy the entire day here.
3. Orinda Theater
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 77 reviews
Reviewed By carriedo - Walnut Creek, CA
It's nice to see a movie in this beautiful old theater. It shows foreign and independent movies. There are 3 rooms, and two are beautiful but one is very small. It's almost like you are in your living room watching your big screen tv.
4. Redwood Regional Park
Overall Ratings
5 based on 315 reviews
Reviewed By STLL7 - Oakland, California
For anyone who lives in the East Bay the Redwood Regional Park provides an amazing escape to nature. Beautiful redwoods, views, variety of vegetation and lots of opportunities for a picnic. Be mindful of racing bikes on some of the trails that allow bikes, it can be a bit much on the weekends!
5. Moraga Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 20 reviews
Moraga Art Gallery is a co-op gallery of local artists, as well as several guest artists. This is your destination for unique gifts and fine art at reasonable prices. Artwork includes acrylic & oil paintings, watercolors, collage, fine art photography, jewelry, glass design, hand painted silk scarves and turned wood. There is free and ample parking. We are open from Wednesday through Sunday, 12-5p
Reviewed By padrigeen - Berkeley, California
The quality of the art at the Morega Art Galley is belied by it's out of the way location. The work, in all media, is beautiful, and well made, and shouldn't be so hard to find. If you can find your way past the Dollar Store next door, you will walk into a quiet, glade of color and form. Take the time to find it. It is worth the trip.
6. Lesher Center for the Arts
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 129 reviews
Reviewed By Matt D - Walnut Creek, California
Not a bad seat in the house. Friendly staff. Love that they have several full bars. You can bring your drink to your seat.
7. UC Botanical Garden at Berkeley
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 421 reviews
Past Strawberry Canyon is the 34-acre Botanical Garden, which holds about 13,000 species of plants. The species are organized according to regions of the world, and the garden has a great collection of native Californian plants. Bring a picnic basket and some money for the bookstore and admission (closed the first Tuesday of each month and free on the first Thursday of each month). Be sure to check out the conservatory (for tropical plants) and the Chinese medicinal herb garden.The garden is open from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. every day of the year except the first Tuesday of each month, Thanksgiving Day, December 24 and 25, December 31, January 1, and Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Tours are also available on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.
Reviewed By DaleRachmeler - Oakland, California
A beautiful garden set in the hills above Berkeley and the university. Dating back almost 100 years this is a beautifully designed garden wandering up and down the hills. The collection is large, the folks are very friendly and it is a lovely place to spend some time just feeling good. Of course from this spot you have magnificent views of the Bay and on a clear day you can see forever. The signage is well done and just about everything is labeled. The store is very nice and they sell plants that are left over from trials, new planting and multiplication. The Docents give an excellent tour and are very very knowledgeable so give it a go you will really like it.
8. Redwood Valley Railway
Overall Ratings
5 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By Jarred M - Orinda, California
A ride on the Redwood Valley Railway is a great weekend or holiday adventure for the family. The steam locomotives built and maintained by the railway volunteers are a blast from the past in our own backyard. The volunteers are really good with kids ---> the ride is just about the right length for small kids. On Sundays, you can also ride the smaller gauge steam trains run on the lower tracks.
9. Back to the Table Cooking School
Overall Ratings
5 based on 23 reviews
All classes are hands-on. Guest work together with the chef to prepare all parts of the meal. All skills needed will be taught through out. When the food is done, you will sit down at our large table to eat together. Appetizers and beverages are included with a very full meal.Our classes are kept small (12-14 guest). Wear your comfy clothes - you will be eating! Check out our website to sign up ahead- we sell out quickly.
Reviewed By Craig M - Pleasanton, California
I can't say enough great things about Back to the Table. I have experienced other cooking schools and even had a class at the Le Cordon Bleu in San Francisco. I've taken multiple classes at Back To The Table and have enjoyed each class. The...MoreWe love to hear from those of us that love to take various cooking classes. Thank you! My sister & I feel we have put together the best aspects of all the cooking experiences we have taken into our programs. Thank you!
10. Lindsay Wildlife Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 210 reviews
Reviewed By 862heather - Walnut, California
Thus is a small animal museum with attached clinic for injured wildlife and a nice small gift shop. Nearby is a miniature train museum especially wonderful during the holiday season.
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