Five "Pure Concord" Experiences You'll Love

Whether you’re a lifelong resident or visiting for the first time, here’s a short list of cool places & sites to enjoy right now

TODOS SANTOS PLAZA

Todos Santos Plaza, the historic downtown district is the community gathering place of Concord. In 2018, the plaza was named one of three Great Places in California by the American Planning Association. The site typically hosts a number of events throughout the year including the local farmer’s market, summer concerts and other holiday and community celebrations. It’s a great place to take in an outdoor summer concert or just enjoy a sunny lunchtime stroll.
For those looking for a place to play or kick back, a lush public park occupies the plaza’s core. Dotted with picnic tables, benches and a children’s’ playground, the plaza boasts a medley of trees and has free plaza-wide Wi-Fi. During Concord’s recent 150th Anniversary, a bronze statue of Don Salvio Pacheco, its founder, was installed in the plaza. Todos Santos Plaza was dedicated in 1869 by founders Pacheco and Galindo.

Don Salvio Pacheco statue in Todos Santos Park. Photo courtesy of Paula Slater.

Patio at The Hop Grenade, Todos Santos Plaza

HISTORIC CONCORD

For more historic gems, explore Concord by foot on a self-guided Concord Historic Walking Tour. Developed by the Concord Historical Society — an organization dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of Concord—this tour showcases some of the finest architecture and iconic properties of the area.

historical museum house — The Galindo Home and Gardens

Don Salvio Pacheco Adobe - photo courtesy of NoeHill

MARKHAM NATURE PARK & ARBORETUM

Enjoy an escape to nature right here in the heart of the city. This 17-acre island of picturesque symmetry near the heart of downtown Concord, has a well-maintained garden, trails and lush trees to enjoy a relaxing, serene day out. In addition to the natural beauty, it also features an International Garden—a set of gardens that display diverse plants from many corners of the globe. You can also find a nursery, a community garden, a bee farm, and a 2.4 mile trail inside the park.

CONTRA COSTA CANAL TRAIL

The 13.3 mile Contra Costa Canal Trail is the perfect place to get out and explore the great outdoors. This multi-use, wheel-chair accessible trail is a paved pathway suitable for walkers, bikers, runners and equestrians. The trail meanders along the Contra Costa Canal following a horseshoe-shaped path through Central Costa County and intercepts local parks in the neighborhoods it passes. Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast or just love nature walks, the diverse terrain and scenic hills of the Contra Costa Canal Trail will enthrall you.

MURALS

Concord has several cool murals around town. One of the most popular is and 1894 4th of July street scene on Salvio Street. Hand-painted by Bay Area Muralist Dan Fontes, the life-size image was based on photograph shared by Ruth Galindo, Don Salvio Pacheco’s grandaughter.

Other popular murals include a large, painted city map inside Cost Plus World Market at the Veranda shopping center, a collage of Mt. Diablo, Concord Pavilion and Todos Santos Plaza inside Trader Joe’s , plus the popular rainbow “paint can” mural on the side a building, both located in the Oak Grove shopping center.