Welcome to Lafayette
Urban Beauty in San Francsico's East Bay
Lafayette has undergone several name changes throughout history. Acalanes was the original name of the Mexican land grant that is now Lafayette. La Fayette was the name that Benjamin Shreve gave to the territory shortly after being appointed the region's postmaster. Today, the city is known for its urban atmosphere and beautiful scenic hilltops views. Residents benefit from a city that works together to create an inclusive and family-friendly environment through its community events, excellent schools, infrastructure initiatives, and environmental preservation efforts
WHAT TO LOVE
- Various fine-dining restaurants
- A thriving downtown district
- The Lafayette Reservoir
- Beautiful trails
LOCAL LIFESTYLE
Locals of Lafayette enjoy a high standard of living thanks to the city’s top-rated schools, vibrant downtown district, great trails, wide-open suburban spaces, beautiful hill views, and clean air provided by an abundance of oak trees. The city has numerous restaurants of varying international cuisines and a vast downtown district with shopping plazas and retail stores catering to residents’ everyday needs. The city also has a rich arts culture reflected in its museum, art theatre company, studios, and workshops.
DINING, ENTERTAINMENT & SHOPPING
Postino Restaurant provides a fine-dining culinary experience through its refined Italian-influenced American dishes and beautiful architecture. This award-winning restaurant features a menu composed of fresh organic ingredients from local farms and prides itself in solely serving dishes sourced from sustainable populations and healthy ecosystems. The restaurant's rustic bar, patio gardens, brick walls, and fireplaces create an Italian atmosphere for a memorable dining experience.
For classic and upscale french dishes, visit RÊVE Bistro. It is owned and operated by French chef Paul Magu-Lecugy and features a charming European-inspired ambiance. Visitors can expect traditional French dishes such as escargot, chicken liver mousse, roasted maple leaf duck breast, whole roasted branzino, and many more.
Social Bird is a popular gastropub serving upscale bites and dishes. The restaurant boasts a modern design and a menu with a wide selection of items such as oysters, artisanal cheeses, burgers, steaks, and rustic vegetable dishes. At Locanda Positano, guests can enjoy authentic Italian cuisine led by native Neapolitan chef Enzo Rosano. The restaurant boasts an elegant and quaint coastal ambiance influenced by Naples' coastline.
Lafayette Park Hotel & Spa is an award-winning four-star hotel with an architectural design that emulates the beauty of a French chateau. The hotel has remained a popular spot for years thanks to its magical ambiance, gorgeous suites, and excellent spa and dining facilities.
THINGS TO DO
Go hiking and jogging at The Lafayette Reservoir. Reservoir visitors have access to rowboat and pedal boat rentals or can bring their small sailboats and kayaks to sail across the reservoir. Families are encouraged to fish and bring food for family picnics.
A popular event in Lafayette is the Res Run for Education. The event is a charity raising funds for local schools and chamber programs. Runners can participate in the reservoir challenge, which runs two and a half miles, the two-mile challenge, the 5K challenge, and the 10K challenge.
The Lafayette Art & Wine Festival is one of the biggest and most popular festivals in Contra Costa County. Attendees of the festival will have access to numerous vendors selling art, handmade crafts, food, wines, and brews. There is also live music, restaurants, and fun kids' activities.
Theatre lovers can also enjoy Lafayette's Town Hall Theatre Company. The theatre was founded in 1944 and is still one of the oldest theatres in Contra Costa County. The theatre actively engages the community by encouraging show submissions and providing open auditions and employment opportunities. The theatre also offers many educational programs for members of the community through spring break camps, classes, and festivals.
Lafayette is also home to many beautiful trails worth exploring. Among the most popular is the Lafayette Reservoir Nature Area Rim Trail, which circles the famous Lafayette reservoir. Also available is the Lafayette Ridge Staging Area, featuring beautiful hilltop scenery, and the Olympic Blvd Staging Area.
SCHOOLS
The Lafayette School District serves Lafayette. Schools of note include:
