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Brentwood is a city of about 65,000 people in eastern Contra Costa County, California, on the edge of the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta about 50 miles east of San Francisco. For generations it has been a farming town, and despite rapid suburban growth it remains famous across the Bay Area for its sweet corn, cherries, peaches and other fruit.
From late spring through summer, families drive out to pick their own cherries and stone fruit at farms around town, and farm stands sell fresh produce along country roads. Local wineries and a small downtown with restaurants and shops round out a day trip.
The hills south of Brentwood hold some of the area's most interesting open space. Round Valley Regional Preserve and Los Vaqueros Reservoir offer hiking, fishing and wildlife watching, Vasco Caves Regional Preserve protects wind-carved sandstone and Native American rock art, and the John Marsh Historic Park preserves an 1856 stone house built for one of the area's earliest American settlers.
Brentwood is the Bay Area's favorite place to pick your own fruit, with dozens of family farms opening their orchards to visitors. Cherries are the highlight from mid-May to mid-June, followed by peaches, nectarines, apricots and corn in summer. Check each farm's website for open days, and bring cash and water.
A long-established Brentwood family farm with a farm stand selling seasonal fruit and vegetables, including the area's famous sweet corn, plus pick-your-own fruit in season. It is a classic stop on a summer drive through Brentwood farm country. Hours change with the harvest, so check before you go.
A family-owned winery in Brentwood with a tasting room, patio and lawns overlooking its vineyards. Visitors come for wine flights, food and live music on summer weekends. It makes a relaxing stop after a morning of fruit picking. Reservations are recommended for weekend events and larger groups.
A state historic park preserving the Gothic Revival stone house built in 1856 for John Marsh, an early American settler, physician and rancher in the region. The house and grounds are being restored by volunteers and park agencies. Access is mostly through scheduled open days and guided tours, so check ahead.
An East Bay Regional Park District preserve south of Brentwood with rolling grassland, oak-dotted hills and a creek valley that shelters golden eagles, kit foxes and other wildlife. Trails range from easy valley walks to steep ridge climbs. Summers are very hot and shadeless, so hike in spring or early morning.
A paved multi-use trail that follows Marsh Creek through Brentwood toward Oakley and the Delta, good for walking, running and family bike rides. It connects parks and neighborhoods and passes views of farmland and Mount Diablo. The trail is mostly flat, but there is little shade on hot summer days.
A protected preserve of wind-carved sandstone formations, grasslands and seasonal pools in the hills south of Brentwood, sacred to local Native American peoples and home to ancient rock art. Visits are by guided tour only, run by the East Bay Regional Park District, so reserve well in advance.
A large reservoir in the hills south of Brentwood, managed by the Contra Costa Water District, with a marina, fishing piers, picnic areas and miles of trails in a watershed full of wildlife. Electric rental boats are available, but swimming and private boats are not allowed. Use the north entrance from Brentwood.
A shady park next to downtown Brentwood with lawns, a playground and space for community events and summer concerts. It is a convenient place to stop for a picnic with fruit from the local farm stands, and the restaurants and shops of First Street and Oak Street are a short walk away.
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California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
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