Welcome to Orinda
Secluded suburban bliss in the northern California hills
Orinda is a beautiful city located in Contra Costa County. The town's name originated from the sheriff and landowner William Walker Camron's wife, Alice Mars Camron. She named it after her favorite poet, Katherine Fowler Philips, who was known as “Matchless Orinda.” The city was incorporated in 1985 after many years of development and was formally named Orinda in the 1920s. Today, Orinda has become a popular place to retire and raise a family thanks to its distinguished public schools, beautiful secluded homes, wide open spaces, and natural surroundings.
What to Love
- Gorgeous hillside views
- Convenient location
- Fun festivals and events
- Rich culinary offerings
Local Lifestyle
Locals of Orinda can enjoy a life of rural privacy with plenty of outdoor activities thanks to the city’s many parks and hiking trails. Residents can attend numerous events designed to bring the community together. The city's inhabitants also have access to great restaurants, lakes, camps, steam train rides, historical museums, and theatres.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Warm up with a cup of coffee at
Geppetto's Café. This charming cafe serves hot chocolate, tea, and unique coffees from around the world. Guests can call in or sit on the outside patio with views of a nearby golf course and the surrounding trees. There are plenty of salad options on their menu, along with specialty sandwiches like chicken curry, turkey berry, and eggplant.
For a trip to the American west of the 1800s, visit
Casa Orinda. It has operated in the area for over 89 years and has gained fame thanks to its unique western setting and classic American and Italian cuisine. At Casa Orinda, you will enjoy a dim ambiance highlighted by leather couches, wooden architecture, mahogany bars, and an antique art collection. It is famous for its southern-fried chicken, prime beef, veal, and Italian pasta.
SAFFRON Indian Restaurant & Bar is a highly regarded Indian restaurant featuring a large selection of traditional dishes and an on-site bar offering wine, beer, and cocktails. Their extensive menu includes seafood, vegetarian, lamb, and chicken dishes. Menu highlights include tandoori grill sizzlers, biryani, and fresh fruit and vegetable juices.
Genuine Goodness is a restaurant that specializes in healthy fare. Their menu features nutrient-dense smoothies, rustic grab-and-go sandwiches, seasonal soups, salads, and pastries. Among Genuine Goodness' most exciting offerings is an extensive menu of take-and-bake dinners. The take-and-bake dinners are ready to order ahead of time and designed to feed a family of four. The take-and-bake menu rotates monthly and features dishes from Vietnamese chicken thighs to rosemary boneless pork chops and meatloaf.
Things to Do
Vintage car lovers will enjoy attending the
Orinda Classic Car Show. The show was created in 2005 by residents in partnership with Orinda Motors. Now, the show has become a local staple where citizens of Orinda can participate and raise funds for seniors in the community. Attendees can expect to see classic cars dating back to the 1920s. Additionally, you can attend "Dancing with the Cars," a yearly auction that raises money for local charities. There will be music and food available during the event.
Purchase fresh organic local produce at
Orinda CCCFM Farmers Market. The market opens every Saturday morning and features a variety of vendors selling fresh pork, lamb, seafood, fruits, vegetables, jams, honey, bread, dumplings, crepes, and more.
Visit
Orinda Theatre for a vintage movie experience. The theatre originally opened in the 1940s and has been offering locals a fantastic movie-watching experience since its foundation. The theatre is also home to a concert series featuring a variety of broadway and tony award talent.
Enjoy free live entertainment with the Summer Concerts in the Park at the Orinda Community Park alongside the Taste of the World Market food truck festival, where food trucks will serve an array of international cuisines.
Another great local event is the Fourth of July parade. Each year, locals gather at the Fourth of July parade to see floats and marching bands during the parade, enjoy live music, and participate in fun activities.
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