Where is Walnut Creek, California Located in the United States? - Walnut Creek is a city located in the Contra Costa County in California, United States. Walnut Creek lies between 37.9101 Degrees North latitudes and -122.0652 Degrees West longitudes.
Location Map of Walnut Creek, Contra Costa, California
About Map: The map shows the location of Walnut Creek in Contra Costa County, in the U.S. state of California.
Walnut Creek Map, California, USA
About Walnut Creek Map: This Google Map provides a detailed view with zoom, satellite, and street options to explore the area and its surroundings.
About Walnut Creek, Contra Costa County, California
Walnut Creek is located in Contra Costa County in the U.S. state of California, United States. It lies in the northern part of the state in the state of the United States within the East Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area. The city was incorporated in 1914 and was named after the walnut trees that once grew along a local creek, and it developed from an agricultural settlement into a residential, retail, and business center.
Population
According to the United States Census Bureau, the population of Walnut Creek is 70,127 as recorded in the 2020 Census, and the population density is approximately 3,600 people per square mile.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, Walnut Creek covers a total area of approximately 19.8 square miles (about 51.3 square kilometers), including about 19.8 square miles (51.3 square kilometers) of land and a minimal amount of water area.
Location and Surroundings
Walnut Creek is situated south of Pleasant Hill and north of Danville, positioned at the base of Mount Diablo within a valley surrounded by rolling hills. The city features suburban neighborhoods, a vibrant downtown district, and access to regional parks and open space preserves. Interstate 680 and State Route 24 intersect in the city, providing major transportation routes connecting Walnut Creek to Oakland, San Jose, and other Bay Area destinations.
Top Attractions
Walnut Creek offers parks, shopping districts, and cultural institutions that support tourism and recreation. Popular destinations include Mount Diablo State Park nearby, the Lesher Center for the Arts, and the Broadway Plaza shopping area. The city hosts community events and outdoor activities that reflect its active lifestyle and scenic surroundings.
Transportation
Walnut Creek is served by Interstate 680 and State Route 24, offering convenient highway access throughout the Bay Area. Public transportation includes BART service and regional bus connections linking the city to surrounding communities. The nearest major airport is Oakland International Airport, located approximately 25 miles to the southwest.
Explore more cities in California or visit the United States Map section to learn more about the country’s geography.
Sources:
Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the Official Walnut Creek City Website.
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Walnut Creek, California Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| City | Walnut Creek |
| County | Contra Costa County |
| State | California |
| State Capital | Sacramento |
| US Region | Western United States |
| Latitude | 37.9101° N |
| Longitude | 122.0652° W |
| Elevation | Approximately 72 ft (22 m) |
| Land Area | 19.7 sq mi |
| Water Area | 0.0 sq mi |
| Total Area | 19.7 sq mi |
| Population (2020 Census) | 70,127 |
| Population Density | Approximately 3,560 per sq mi |
| ZIP Codes | 94595, 94596, 94597, 94598 |
| Area Code | 925 |
| Time Zone Standard | Pacific Standard Time (PST), UTC−8 |
| Time Zone Daylight | Pacific Daylight Time (PDT), UTC−7 |
| Currency | United States Dollar (USD) |
| FIPS Code | 06-83346 |
| Community Type | City |
Transportation and Connectivity in Walnut Creek, California
| Transportation | Details |
|---|---|
| Nearest Airport | Buchanan Field Airport |
| IATA Code | CCR |
| Regional Airport | Oakland International Airport and San Francisco International Airport |
| Major Highways | Interstate 680, State Route 24, Ygnacio Valley Road, Treat Boulevard |
| Rail Service | BART service available through Walnut Creek and Pleasant Hill stations |
| Bus Service | County Connection provides local and regional bus service |
| Local Connectivity | East Bay location with access to San Francisco, Oakland, Concord, and the San Ramon Valley |
- Interstate 680 — Major north-south freeway connecting Walnut Creek with Concord, San Ramon, Fremont, and the Bay Area.
- State Route 24 — Provides direct access through the Caldecott Tunnel to Oakland and Berkeley.
- BART — Regional rapid transit connecting Walnut Creek with San Francisco, Oakland, and other Bay Area cities.
Top Places to Visit in Walnut Creek, California
| Landmark Name | Type |
|---|---|
| Lindsay Wildlife Experience | Wildlife Museum and Education Center |
| Mount Diablo State Park | State Park |
| Shadelands Ranch Museum | Historic Museum |
| Broadway Plaza | Shopping Center |
| Lesher Center for the Arts | Cultural Center |
| Heather Farm Park | Public Park |
| Shell Ridge Open Space | Open Space Area |
| Castle Rock Regional Recreation Area | Regional Park |
| Ruth Bancroft Garden | Botanical Garden |
| Iron Horse Regional Trail | Recreation Trail |
Driving Distances from Walnut Creek, California to Nearby Cities
| City | State | Distance (mi) | Approx. Drive Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concord | California | 7 mi | 15 minutes |
| Berkeley | California | 15 mi | 25 minutes |
| Oakland | California | 18 mi | 30 minutes |
| San Francisco | California | 30 mi | 45 minutes |
| San Ramon | California | 18 mi | 25 minutes |
| Fremont | California | 45 mi | 55 minutes |
| San Jose | California | 55 mi | 1 hour 10 minutes |
| Sacramento | California | 75 mi | 1 hour 20 minutes |
| Santa Rosa | California | 70 mi | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Monterey | California | 120 mi | 2 hours 15 minutes |
Colleges and Universities Near Walnut Creek, California
| Institution Name | Type | Level | Notable For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diablo Valley College | Public | Community College | Transfer programs, business, health sciences, technology, and liberal arts |
| Saint Mary's College of California | Private | College | Liberal arts, business, education, health sciences, and graduate programs |
| California State University, East Bay | Public | University | Business, education, health sciences, and liberal arts |
| University of California, Berkeley | Public | University | Research, engineering, business, sciences, and humanities |
| Las Positas College | Public | Community College | Career education, technology, business, health sciences, and transfer programs |
Waterbodies Near Walnut Creek, California
Walnut Creek, San Ramon Creek, Grayson Creek, Suisun Bay, and nearby Delta waterways provide opportunities for fishing, boating, wildlife viewing, hiking, and outdoor recreation.
Golf Courses and Stadiums Near Walnut Creek
Golf Courses: Boundary Oak Golf Course, Diablo Hills Golf Course, and Contra Costa Country Club. Stadiums and sports facilities include Civic Park athletic facilities, Walnut Creek Aquatics Center, and nearby Concord and Berkeley sports venues.
Key Landmarks and Places to Visit in Walnut Creek, California
| Landmark Name | Type |
|---|---|
| Lindsay Wildlife Experience | Wildlife Museum and Education Center |
| Shadelands Ranch Museum | Historic Museum |
| Ruth Bancroft Garden | Botanical Garden |
| Lesher Center for the Arts | Cultural Center |
| Mount Diablo State Park | State Park |
| Heather Farm Park | Public Park |
| Shell Ridge Open Space | Open Space Area |
| Iron Horse Regional Trail | Recreation Trail |
| Broadway Plaza | Shopping Center |
| Castle Rock Regional Recreation Area | Regional Park |
Walnut Creek, California — Key Historical Facts
- The Walnut Creek area was originally inhabited by Native American peoples, including the Bay Miwok and other Indigenous communities of the East Bay.
- The area was known for its fertile valley, oak woodlands, and creeks that supported Indigenous settlement and seasonal activities.
- Mexican-era land grants influenced the development of ranching and agriculture in the region during the 19th century.
- American settlers later established farms, orchards, and ranches, with walnut orchards becoming an important part of the local agricultural landscape.
- The community was originally known as The Corners before adopting the name Walnut Creek.
- The arrival of the railroad in the 19th century helped Walnut Creek develop as a regional agricultural and commercial center.
- Walnut Creek incorporated as a city in 1914 and expanded rapidly after World War II as the East Bay suburban region grew.
- Today, Walnut Creek is known for its downtown, arts and cultural institutions, parks, open spaces, shopping areas, and regional transportation connections.
References
- United States Census Bureau
- City of Walnut Creek Official Website
- Contra Costa County Official Website
- California State Parks
- Visit California Tourism
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