Choose wisely. Connect locally.Add your business 
Concord is the largest city in Contra Costa County, set in the Diablo Valley about 30 miles east of San Francisco with Mount Diablo rising to the south. The town was founded in 1869 as Todos Santos on land of the Pacheco family's Rancho Monte del Diablo, and it soon took the name Concord. For decades it was a quiet farm town of orchards, vineyards and grain fields, and it incorporated as a city in 1905.
After World War II, Concord grew quickly into a large suburban city, and today it is home to around 125,000 people. Its historic heart is Todos Santos Plaza, a leafy downtown square surrounded by restaurants and cafes that hosts a farmers market and free summer concerts. BART trains link Concord to Oakland and San Francisco, and the former Concord Naval Weapons Station on the city's north side is being planned as a major new neighborhood and regional park.
For visitors, Concord is a good base for the East Bay outdoors. Mount Diablo State Park offers some of the widest views in Northern California, and the Lime Ridge Open Space provides trails right on the city's edge. In summer, the Concord Pavilion draws big-name concerts to its outdoor amphitheater, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor offers water slides, and the Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial nearby remembers the 1944 explosion that shaped the civil rights history of the U.S. Navy.
Todos Santos Plaza is the central square of downtown Concord, a grassy park lined with restaurants, cafes and shops. It hosts a popular farmers market, free summer concerts and holiday events. Come on a market day or a summer concert evening, and try one of the many restaurants around the plaza.
The Galindo House is a Victorian home built by the Galindo family, Californio settlers who helped found Concord, with an older adobe core from the 1850s. It is preserved with family furnishings and surrounded by gardens near downtown. Tours are offered on limited days by local volunteers, so check before visiting.
The Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial honors the 320 men killed in a 1944 munitions explosion, most of them African American sailors, and the protest that followed. It lies inside an active military base, so visits are by advance reservation with the National Park Service only. Book well ahead.
Mount Diablo State Park protects the 3,849-foot peak that rises above Concord and the East Bay, with hiking trails, rock formations, wildflowers in spring and a summit visitor center with views over much of Northern California on clear days. Roads are narrow and winding; expect a vehicle fee and bring layers.
Lime Ridge Open Space is a large area of grassy hills and oak woodland between Concord and Walnut Creek, with trails for hiking, running, mountain biking and horse riding. Ridge-top paths have views of Mount Diablo. Trails are exposed and hot in summer; go early, carry water, and watch for cyclists.
The Markham Nature Park and Arboretum is a small volunteer-run garden along Galindo Creek in Concord, with trees and plants from around the world, native plant areas and shaded paths. It is a peaceful spot for a short walk and has plant sales. Entry is free; check the website for open days and events.
Newhall Community Park is a large hilltop park in Concord with sports fields, playgrounds, walking paths, a dog park and wide views toward Mount Diablo. It is popular for weekend picnics and youth sports. Paths have some hills, making it a good spot for an easy workout; bring sun protection.
The Concord Pavilion is a large outdoor amphitheater in the hills of Concord, with covered seats and a big lawn, that hosts touring rock, pop, country and hip hop concerts mainly from spring to fall. It has carried several sponsor names over the years. Bring layers for evening shows and plan for traffic after concerts.
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Concord is a water park with tall water slides, a wave pool, a lazy river and play areas for young children. It is open in the warm season, mainly late spring to early fall. Arrive at opening to get a shaded spot, buy tickets online, and bring sunscreen and water shoes.
Sunvalley Shopping Center is a large enclosed mall in Concord with department stores, many national retailers, restaurants and a food court. It is a handy place to shop and escape the summer heat. Weekday mornings are quietest, and it is close to Interstate 680 and State Route 242 for easy access.
No reviews yet. Been to Concord? Be the first to share your experience.
Share what you loved, what to skip and tips for other travelers.
Log in to write a reviewBeen to Concord? Add your best shots to the gallery.
Log in to add photos
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
Photo: Geraoma, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: ShakataGaNai, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Mister Chunch, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo: Geraoma, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: Geraoma, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Geraoma, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: Marthlu ParkerV, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: MARELBU, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: MARELBU, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: MARELBU, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: InSapphoWeTrust from Los Angeles, California, USA, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Clyde Charles Brown, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: InSapphoWeTrust from Los Angeles, California, USA, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: InSapphoWeTrust from Los Angeles, California, USA, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: National Park Service Digital Image Archives, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: National Park Service Digital Image Archives, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: JERRYE AND ROY KLOTZ MD, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: MARELBU, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: Steve Dufour, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: ShakataGaNai, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: ShakataGaNai, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: InSapphoWeTrust from Los Angeles, California, USA, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0