Walnut Creek, California
Located in the East Bay of California’s San Francisco region, is Walnut Creek, a beautiful and thriving Suburban Community, that has quickly become one of my favorite nearby destinations in my Solano County move. In addition to some of the nicest, upscale shopping in the area, there is plenty to do. One of the most beautiful hiking areas is nearby, Mt. Diablo State Park, offering panoramic views of the City and various waterfalls high on its mountain region. I have now visited a couple of times living so close by but those hiking details are for another post. Today, I focus on a Botanical Garden I have fallen in love with ♥
Ruth Bancroft Garden
Succulents have been my favorite type of plant to own, undoubtedly because, although I love gardens and adore having flowers and plants around my home, I do not have a green thumb. Gardening and nourishing living plants do not come naturally to me. It is very much a failed practice, but my best attempts at botany have been with the succulent! And lucky me, while adventuring to find things to do nearby I came upon this lovely garden, and I have happily been back a few times since.
Information & Membership
The Ruth Bancroft Garden is open Tuesdays – Sundays 9AM – 4PM and has many succulents in bloom depending on the season. Making a visit for every season is a goal of mine! I have enjoyed seeing their spectacular blooms during Fall and Winter and can’t wait to return soon for Spring ♥ Each visit has renewed vibrancy along with a different art exhibit on display in their Gallery.
With my Annual Membership, I receive FREE entrance to Ruth Bancroft Garden and over 345 participating AHS botanical gardens throughout North America, YOU can’t beat those benefits! I have already enjoyed my membership entrance-free at various gardens, including The Japanese Tea Garden at Golden Gate Park. See the beauty of that visit HERE!
The Garden was created, designed, and cared for by Ruth Bancroft, a pioneer of Dry Gardening that has become essential in California, especially now with the harsh realities of Climate Change. Her love of succulents and sustainability has left a legacy and public garden for us to learn from and enjoy.
Do stop by the lovely succulent nursery before heading out! Wonderful staff and volunteers are onsite to help you choose the right plants. And don’t forget your 20% discount if you have membership!
To picnic or not to picnic?
Yes, picnicking is definitely a wonderful option at the Ruth Bancroft Garden. There are lovely shaded tables and benches to sit and enjoy a snack or lunch. Some of them near relaxing water features as well. Please note, that some of the garden borders a main road, and the sounds of cars and traffic can be heard in these areas. However, it is still lovely and relaxing meandering through the beauty of this place.
Fun to do nearby…
Do you love coffee? A good breakfast? Would you enjoy a really cool retro pinball joint? If YES, do I have suggestions for YOU!
During one of my visits to the Garden, I wanted to enjoy a good breakfast beforehand, so I found a yummy place called The Hangout. Delicious Asian fused eats with some lovely coffee and espresso options. It is well worth the visit when in the area!
If you are still looking for something fun to do after a great meal and a wonderful walk through the Garden, you must check out The Flipper Room. Such a cool joint to enjoy some pinball action! It is vibrant with lively neon art and buzzing pinball machines, with great music playing throughout and even some awesome shows projecting on televisions like the 1960s Batman series ♥ It was such a fun find and I highly recommend making time to stop by and play.
These are just a few reasons why Walnut Creek is a great visit, and I look forward to sharing some more adventures from this Lovely area of California with you soon!
Until then; Cheers to your adventures ♥
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