The best things to do in Contra Costa County

25 things to do we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

Browse another shelf: all of Contra Costa County’s best · Restaurants · Beauty · Shopping · Nightlife · Bakeries & Sweets · Health & Wellness · Cafes · Antiques, Thrift, & Vintage · Arts & Culture · Hobbies, Books, & Crafts · Parks & Outdoors · Home & Garden · Sporting Goods · Pets · Services

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Entertainment · 25 places · showing the latest additions first

When the group chat needs a plan that actually sticks, Round1 Bowling & Arcade at Sunvalley packs bowling, deep arcade rows, billiards,…

185 Sun Valley Mall (Concord) · ✓ checked Aug 28

“When the group chat needs a plan that actually sticks, Round1 Bowling & Arcade at Sunvalley packs bowling, deep arcade rows, billiards, karaoke, and a legit food and bar into one spot. Easy weeknight hang, birthday ringer, or post-680 decompression zone.”

From the Walnut Creek newsletter, September 4, 2026

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If your wedges need a reality check, Tilden Park Golf Course delivers tree-lined fairways, rolling hills, and Bay-to-skyline views that…

10 Golf Course Dr (Berkeley)

“If your wedges need a reality check, Tilden Park Golf Course delivers tree-lined fairways, rolling hills, and Bay-to-skyline views that make a pull slice feel poetic, plus a legit driving range, lessons with PGA pros, and The Overlook for celebratory comfort food. This week, grab a bucket or book a round close to home.”

From the Berkeley newsletter, September 23, 2026

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Contra Costa Fair & Event Park keeps the local fun rolling with community events all year and spaces you can rent for everything from…

1201 W 10th St (Antioch)

“Contra Costa Fair & Event Park keeps the local fun rolling with community events all year and spaces you can rent for everything from meetups to big celebrations. Peek the Events Calendar and relive the WILD 2026 fair recap while you line up something to do this weekend.”

From the Antioch newsletter, October 9, 2026

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Inspiration Point

Entertainment

Whether you need 20 minutes or two hours, Inspiration Point delivers sweeping East Bay views and easy trail access in Tilden. Grab a light…

Wildcat Canyon Rd (Orinda)

“Whether you need 20 minutes or two hours, Inspiration Point delivers sweeping East Bay views and easy trail access in Tilden. Grab a light jacket, breathe some ridge-top air, and wander out and back until your brain unclenches.”

From the Berkeley newsletter, September 27, 2026

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Whether you're chasing birdies or just chasing the Delta breeze, Lone Tree Golf & Event Center pairs wide fairways with trickier greens,…

4800 Golf Course Rd (Antioch)

“Whether you're chasing birdies or just chasing the Delta breeze, Lone Tree Golf & Event Center pairs wide fairways with trickier greens, postcard views of Mount Diablo, and a friendly driving range. Stick around for Sunday brunch at Champions Bar & Grill, then pretend it was all part of training.”

From the Pittsburg newsletter, September 20, 2026

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Whether you’re chasing a pro-caliber round or just some fresh East Bay air, The Bridges Golf Club delivers an 18-hole Johnny Miller design…

9000 S Gale Ridge Rd (San Ramon)

“Whether you’re chasing a pro-caliber round or just some fresh East Bay air, The Bridges Golf Club delivers an 18-hole Johnny Miller design that’s open to all, plus a Mediterranean-style clubhouse with killer San Ramon Valley views. Book a tee time and treat yourself this week.”

From the San Ramon newsletter, October 6, 2026

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Canyon Lakes Golf Course pairs an 18-hole track with its own craft brewery pouring 18 taps of award winning beers, plus a scratch made menu…

640 Bollinger Canyon Way (San Ramon)

“Canyon Lakes Golf Course pairs an 18-hole track with its own craft brewery pouring 18 taps of award winning beers, plus a scratch made menu that actually hits the spot. Come for the round, bites, and brews, stay for the hillside views that make a double bogey feel fine.”

From the Danville newsletter, October 3, 2026

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Boundary Oak Golf Course is calling for a midweek reset. Sneak in a round or hit the driving range powered by Toptracer, then celebrate the…

3800 Valley Vista Rd (Walnut Creek)

“Boundary Oak Golf Course is calling for a midweek reset. Sneak in a round or hit the driving range powered by Toptracer, then celebrate the good shots at the Taphouse Bar & Grill... plus keep an eye on their upcoming events and instruction if your wedges need therapy.”

From the Walnut Creek newsletter, October 8, 2026

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Got a restless toddler? The Playhouse, Brentwood is an indoor play space for children 5 and under, with open play sessions, Preschool Play,…

3901 Walnut Blvd Suite A-1 (Brentwood)

“Got a restless toddler? The Playhouse, Brentwood is an indoor play space for children 5 and under, with open play sessions, Preschool Play, and special events that actually tire them out. Book a party, grab a membership, then take home their Magical Dough for meltdown-safe fun this week.”

From the Brentwood newsletter, October 6, 2026

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Rialto Cinemas Cerrito keeps it local with new releases, Family Matinees, and its beloved Cerrito Classics, plus event screenings like…

10070 San Pablo Ave (El Cerrito)

“Rialto Cinemas Cerrito keeps it local with new releases, Family Matinees, and its beloved Cerrito Classics, plus event screenings like National Theatre Live, Met Opera Live in HD, and Great Art On Screen. Grab a seat, some tasty refreshments, and let your week exhale.”

From the Berkeley newsletter, September 17, 2026

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Richmond Plunge

Entertainment

Richmond Plunge is a century-old indoor pool rocking a giant John Wehrle mural, so your cooldown comes with legit art. Swing by this week…

1 E Richmond Ave. (Richmond)

“Richmond Plunge is a century-old indoor pool rocking a giant John Wehrle mural, so your cooldown comes with legit art. Swing by this week for Family Rec Swim to play or chill in the water, enjoy lifeguard-supervised fun, and soak up classic Municipal Natatorium charm right across the bridge.”

From the East Bay North newsletter, August 5, 2026

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Lucky Strike Brentwood nails the weeknight reset with state-of-the-art lanes, a lively arcade, and a proper sports bar serving craft food…

5000 Balfour Rd (Brentwood)

“Lucky Strike Brentwood nails the weeknight reset with state-of-the-art lanes, a lively arcade, and a proper sports bar serving craft food and cocktails. Roll a few frames, snag some bites, catch the game, and let the neon vibes do the heavy lifting.”

From the Brentwood newsletter, September 22, 2026

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Whether you're tying the knot, hosting a company party, or planning a private celebration, McCauley Estate Vineyards here in Brentwood…

2525 Sunset Rd (Brentwood)

“Whether you're tying the knot, hosting a company party, or planning a private celebration, McCauley Estate Vineyards here in Brentwood delivers sweeping vines, a courtyard with a water fountain, and fun extras like a Barrel Room and Game Room.”

From the Brentwood newsletter, September 27, 2026

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Theater complex with multiple screens, all-stadium seating & self-service ticketing kiosks.

125 Crescent Dr (Pleasant Hill)

“Theater complex with multiple screens, all-stadium seating & self-service ticketing kiosks.”

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San Ramon Golf Club

Entertainment

Whether you’re sneaking in a quick round or playing serious, San Ramon Golf Club delivers an 18-hole championship, walkable track with…

9430 Fircrest Ln (San Ramon)

“Whether you’re sneaking in a quick round or playing serious, San Ramon Golf Club delivers an 18-hole championship, walkable track with exceptional, smooth-rolling greens and a memorable 9th-hole island green. Close to home, quick pace under four-and-a-half hours, and lessons if your fade has gone rogue.”

From the San Ramon newsletter, September 19, 2026

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Need an easy weeknight or weekend plan this week? AMF Pinole Valley Lanes brings 40 polished lanes, an arcade, billiards, a pro shop, and…

1580 Pinole Valley Rd (Pinole)

“Need an easy weeknight or weekend plan this week? AMF Pinole Valley Lanes brings 40 polished lanes, an arcade, billiards, a pro shop, and private event rooms, plus painless online lane reservations. Classic, family friendly fun, and it’s about to become Lucky Strike Pinole Valley, so get your crew together.”

From the Vallejo newsletter, October 9, 2026

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Theater complex with multiple screens, all-stadium seating & self-service ticketing kiosks.

3200 Klose Way (Richmond)

“Theater complex with multiple screens, all-stadium seating & self-service ticketing kiosks.”

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Putter's Miniature Golf Walnut Creek is a handmade, outdoor 24-hole course that's equal parts charming and sneakily tricky, with a real…

1275 S California Blvd (Walnut Creek)

“Putter's Miniature Golf Walnut Creek is a handmade, outdoor 24-hole course that's equal parts charming and sneakily tricky, with a real shot at an ace on every hole. Need a party idea this week? They can even pop up with portable holes and bring the fun to you.”

From the Walnut Creek newsletter, September 24, 2026

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Indoor playground featuring obstacle courses, trampolines, zip lines, and a climbing wall.

1695 Willow Pass Rd (Concord)

“Indoor playground featuring obstacle courses, trampolines, zip lines, and a climbing wall.”

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Chain of movie theaters, some with multiple screens, stadium seats & self-service ticketing kiosks.

1201 Locust St (Walnut Creek)

“Chain of movie theaters, some with multiple screens, stadium seats & self-service ticketing kiosks.”

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Bay Club Crow Canyon packs world-class golf, dialed-in tennis and pickleball, a legit lap-worthy pool, and easy post-play dining into one…

711 Silver Lake Dr (Danville)

“Bay Club Crow Canyon packs world-class golf, dialed-in tennis and pickleball, a legit lap-worthy pool, and easy post-play dining into one local escape. It’s the kind of spot that turns a random Tuesday into a mini vacation, whether you’re chasing a better backhand or just an excuse to hang.”

From the San Ramon newsletter, September 20, 2026

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Brenden Theatres

Entertainment

When you want new releases close to home without the fuss, Brenden Theatres keeps it relaxed and spotless with premium seating, recliner…

1985 Willow Pass Rd Ste e (Concord)

“When you want new releases close to home without the fuss, Brenden Theatres keeps it relaxed and spotless with premium seating, recliner chairs, and a solid snack bar. They also do private rentals, including gaming and event screenings, perfect for friend groups or local clubs.”

From the Pleasant Hill newsletter, September 8, 2026

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The Delta

Entertainment

The Delta Theater keeps it cozy with current releases, legit popcorn and snacks, and a promise the movie starts within 15 minutes. Check…

641 1st St (Brentwood)

“The Delta Theater keeps it cozy with current releases, legit popcorn and snacks, and a promise the movie starts within 15 minutes. Check their Culty Cinema Club or Kids FilmFest for a fun midweek reset that actually feels local.”

From the Brentwood newsletter, September 18, 2026

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Diablo Country Club

Entertainment

This week, see how Diablo Country Club makes the good stuff feel effortless: memorable golf, a reimagined clubhouse that feels like home,…

1700 Club House Rd (Diablo)

“This week, see how Diablo Country Club makes the good stuff feel effortless: memorable golf, a reimagined clubhouse that feels like home, an inviting culinary scene, welcoming tennis and pickleball, and year-round resort energy across fitness and aquatics, all wrapped in genuinely personalized hospitality.”

From the Danville newsletter, September 24, 2026

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Contra Costa Country Club delivers one of Northern California’s purest golf tests on an oak-shaded knoll, with mountain and valley views…

801 Golf Club Rd (Pleasant Hill)

“Contra Costa Country Club delivers one of Northern California’s purest golf tests on an oak-shaded knoll, with mountain and valley views that make even a three-putt feel poetic. Thinking about a home course this season, or an elegant spot to host a milestone, this is your move.”

From the East Bay North newsletter, August 12, 2026

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