The best things to do in Walnut Creek

“Membership-only country club with a pool.”

“With 26 storybook playsets, a friendly flock of farm animals, two stages, and leafy gardens, Fairytale Town is the low stress way to burn kid energy and spark imaginations. Sacramento families have been loving it for 66 years, so pencil it in this week and reclaim your living room.”

From the Sacramento newsletter, August 4, 2026

“San Jose Municipal Golf Course is a classic William P. Bell 18 that blends rolling fairways with sneaky-fast greens, plus a driving range for tune-ups. Play a round, take a lesson if your slice needs therapy, then refuel on the patio at Muni Bar & Grill...”

From the Fremont newsletter, August 5, 2026

“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, August 5, 2026

“Step into that glowing art deco marquee this week and let Crest Theatre handle your evening plans. They rotate classic films, cult favorites, concerts and comedy, so you can call it culture, nostalgia, or date night... either way you'll walk out smiling and probably humming the theme song.”

From the Sacramento newsletter, August 7, 2026

“Stockton Golf & Country Club pairs a championship course with a 44,000-square-foot clubhouse, state-of-the-art fitness center, member dining, and a sparkling pool, all built for family time and community. Established in 1914, it’s a classic spot to play, dine, or plan that event you keep putting off.”

From the Lodi newsletter, August 7, 2026

“Stockton 99 Speedway packs blazing fast family fun onto a quarter-mile paved oval, from Speed Tour super modifieds to tire-shredding Outlaw Drift and the gloriously chaotic Night of Destruction. Go catch the action this week, especially after Bobby Dalton just reset the all-time track record.”

From the Lodi newsletter, August 5, 2026

“Iconic since 1902, Lincoln Park Golf Course is a public 18 that trades stress for Golden Gate, ocean, and cityscape scenery. Hit the Trackman indoor simulator bays for data-driven reps, games, and over 400 virtual courses, or book playing, short game, swing, and putting lessons before your next round.”

From the San Mateo newsletter, August 5, 2026

“Need a low-stress round this week that still feels legit? William Land Golf Course is Sacramento’s oldest golf treasure, set inside William Land Park with practice holes, individual and group lessons, player groups, a pro shop, and a cafe. Easy vibe, quality swings, zero hassle.”

From the Napa newsletter, August 7, 2026

“Need a breezy reset close to home? Lake Merritt Amphitheater lines up a pretty perfect combo of shoreline strolls, lakeside art, birds galore, and community performances. Pack a blanket, meet a friend, and let the Necklace of Lights make the evening feel a little extra.”

From the San Ramon newsletter, August 7, 2026

“Smash Sacramento brings the catharsis with guided axe throwing, high-energy smash rooms, and a splatter paint experience at the Citrus Heights spot. Perfect for date night, breakups, or team building this week, and there’s a Downtown Sacramento location too when you just need to let it all out.”

From the Sacramento newsletter, August 6, 2026

“Golden Gate Park Golf Course is a classic nine-hole par 3, renovated in 2023 for improved playability and a more sustainable footprint, tucked on the ocean side of the park. Sneak in a quick round this week or rally friends for an easygoing outing or tournament.”

From the South San Francisco newsletter, August 6, 2026

“Lower American River Mural is a three-story love letter from the Sacramento Water Forum, an immersive underwater perspective where salmon, steelhead, otter and the occasional coyote glide overhead while people bike and stroll along the river.”

“Happy Hollow Park & Zoo mixes pint-sized rides, a charming puppet theater and real-deal animal moments, including Twix the red panda, plus hands-on education programs that turn curiosity into giggles. Low-stress, high-smile San Jose staple when you need an easy kid win this week.”

From the San Jose newsletter, August 4, 2026

“Amusement chain featuring mini golf courses & arcades, some branches with water slides & laser tag.”

“Family-friendly country club with a restaurant offering lunch and hosting brunch, meetings, and events.”

“Movie theater screening new releases as well as independent, foreign & avant-garde flicks.”

“Movie theater screening new releases as well as independent, foreign & avant-garde flicks.”

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

“Puzzle-filled, themed rooms where teams solve mysteries to escape for fun.”

“Well-maintained 18-hole golf course featuring multiple tees, plus a driving range and sand traps.”

“Golf and dining venue featuring a challenging course with fast greens, along with a pro shop.”

“Restored 1927 motion picture house turned performing-arts venue, also offers private event options.”

“Indoor trampoline center featuring an open jump arena, a foam cube pit, dodgeball & basketball.”

“Lively amusement attraction featuring escape rooms, thrill rides & a laser challenge.”

“One of the city's oldest operating cinemas, showcasing classic & current films on a single screen.”

“Large-scale indoor trampoline center hosting open jump, fitness classes, dodgeball & parties.”

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

“Sprawling entertainment venue with a high-tech driving range & swanky lounge with drinks & games.”

“Bay Area-themed indoor course with 18 holes, pool tables & an arcade with air hockey & Skee-Ball.”

“Friendly-staffed, clean venue featuring minor-league baseball games, food, beer and fireworks.”

“This relaxed 9-hole, par-30 golf course at TPC Harding Park offers educational programs.”

“Country club with a restaurant, an 18-hole golf course, and an outdoor patio, plus facilities for weddings.”

“Golf club offering a driving range and a 9-hole course, plus lessons.”

“Chain of indoor trampoline parks featuring freestyle bouncing, dodgeball, fitness programs & more.”

“This retro drive-in movie theater screens the latest releases & pipes sound into cars via FM radio.”

“Outdoors mini-golf spot with 21+ holes boasting creative, hand-built designs.”

“Circular arena on the water with a modern glass facade hosting sporting events & live performances.”

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

“Golf academy and course featuring a restaurant with outdoor seating, plus a 27-hole golf club with a restaurant and a pro shop.”

“Long-standing golf course & clubhouse in national park with a driving range, restaurant & shop.”

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

“Institution offers multicultural murals, education & Asian, African, Latino & Native American art.”

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

“Recreational and championship golf course featuring a driving range and cafe.”

“Not your average movie house, this indie-film center has presented cutting-edge releases since 1961.”

“Family-friendly amusement center featuring bowling, karaoke, arcade games and a bar.”

“Teams draw, guess and wager their way to victory in rounds of mini games.”

“Popular public golf course with well-manicured fairways and greens.”

“Public golf course with a challenging layout and a practice facility, plus a restaurant.”

“Golf facility featuring an 18-hole course & a 9-hole course, plus a driving range & an eatery.”

“Iconic block-long alley featuring a constantly changing collection of murals by various artists.”

“Green outdoor space for golfing with 18 holes, plus a grill, pro shop and training.”

“Art Deco theater opened in 1931 hosting ballet & symphony performances, plus classic movies.”

“Familiar theatre with roomy seating, craft beer and wine, as well as burgers and sliders.”

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

“Relaxed, clean venue for new releases with premium seating, recliner chairs and a snack bar.”

“Relaxed venue screening indie and art house films, as well as classics, in an intimate setting.”

“Narrow alleyway featuring colorful wall murals by community artists, many with political themes.”

“Restored 1926 movie palace with a Wurlitzer organ & themed auditoriums, screening first-run films.”

“Circa-1922 cinema for offbeat films, musical movie sing-alongs, drag acts & pre-show organ concerts.”

“m. on weekends and holidays.”

“Small cinema in the Marina District offering a variety of films in a cozy setting.”

“Large gathering of food trucks serving street food and beer and wine, with live music.”

“Arched doorways & columns form the basis for this colorful mirrored maze for adults & children.”

“Golf course featuring an 18-hole course, driving range, well-stocked pro shop & restaurant.”

“5-acre garden with a fountain.”

“Venue for emerging artists with gallery exhibits, theater performances & classes for youth & adults.”

“Laid-back course offering beer and wine at its various miniature golf holes.”

“Shady park with playground equipment, basketball courts and picnic tables.”

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

“Designed by Perry Dye, this golf course near the Sacramento River offers challenges for skilled players and novices.”

“UFO-themed mini-golf venue, with cocktails and San Jose-inspired pizza.”

“Upscale winery featuring wine tastings, ponds, fountains and sparkling wine flights in a scenic, tranquil setting.”

“Iconic area with the largest assembly of Chinese eateries, shops & cultural events outside of Asia.”

“Golf course with a practice facility and a friendly staff.”