Concord Culture Club

DAY ONE

Morning:

Head over to the Todos Santos downtown area and enjoy a leisurely brunch at Canasta Kitchen  on Mt. Diablo Street. This modern Mexican café boasts tempting comfort foods like huevos rancheros, chilaquiles, dulce de leche pancakes, and Mexican eggs benedict. 

After that epic meal, stroll over a block or two to charming, historic Todos Santos Plaza and the park square. While you’re there, check out the iconic clock tower and cool, life-size statue of Don Salvio Pacheco, the city’s founder. Then, get set to embark on Concord Historical Society’s self-guided Historical Walking Tour with Audio. Stroll at your own pace and check out the abundance of beautifully preserved historical sites, buildings, and homes throughout the area. Be sure to tour the Galindo Home and Gardens located next to the Concord Historical Society building at 1928 Clayton Road, just a half-mile walk or drive from the plaza. You may also want to visit the Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial, a short drive away. The site honors the victims of the Port Chicago Disaster that occurred on July 17, 1944. 

Midday:

Later on, get inspired by local artists at the aRt Cottage. From painting to photography to sculpture, the visual arts community in Concord centers around this charming spot located in the downtown area. The cottage is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday afternoons, offering free admission in a relaxed, pet-friendly atmosphere. Navigate and explore Downtown Concord's public art through Visit Concord's map, featuring backstories and artist quotes for most art!

For those who appreciate good craft beer, consider a stop at one of Concord’s renowned local breweries. The oh-so-quirky Epidemic Ales brewery located at the north end of town stands out for it zombie apocalypse theme and intriguing creations. E.J. Phair Brewing Company in Todos Santos Plaza offers award-winning ales and lagers along with pub fare favorites such as burgers, fish ‘n’ chips, and Jäegerschnitzel.

If you’d rather experience a local gastronomic phenomenon, head over to Patty's Original Cheese Zombies. Concord’s world-famous Cheese Zombies were invented by two cafeteria workers at Mt. Diablo High School in 1963. The warm, deliciously cheesy treats were a hit and have been a Concord staple ever since. Patty’s offers a variety popular options including classic Breakfast, Biscuits & Gravy, Hot Link, Barbecue Chicken and Pizza Zombies. 

Evening: 

If you love live, local theater, Concord’s B8 Theater Company is known for unique productions of new material as well as modern interpretations of classics. For opera fans, the Solo Opera features several performances a year, with a goal of making the art form affordable and accessible to the public. 

After the show, satisfy your ethnic food cravings – whatever they might be. For authentic Peruvian cuisine, snag a seat at the outdoor patio at Lima or sample some tasty Nicaraguan fare at La Fritanguera. If Italian sounds tantalizing, try Luna Ristorante, famous for their homemade dishes and romantic atmosphere. 

DAY TWO

Morning:

Start the day off with a big, hearty breakfast at Big Country Kitchen, a favorite local eatery recently featured on Check Please Bay Area, a popular foodie show.

After breakfast, discover a Hindu cultural treasure right here in Concord. The beautiful Shiva Murugan Temple features a series of colorful, mesmerizing deity shrines central to the Hindu faith, as well as peaceful space for prayer and reflection. The historic temple is open to all and admission is free.

Midday:

Escape into nature at Markham Nature Park & Arboretum, a botanical sanctuary featuring lush gardens and more than two miles of trails.  Or, just a short drive away, the John Muir National Historical Site in Martinez is a must-stop for fans of the renowned naturalist and conservationist. 

From there, enjoy an afternoon of wine tasting at Residual Sugar located at The Veranda shopping center. They offer an extensive selection of local and imported wines in a casually elegant setting.

Evening:

Head over to Music and Market at the Concord Farmers Market  at Todos Santos Plaza any Thursday evening, May through September, to experience Concord’s popular live summer concert series. Or, you might catch a favorite performer in concert at the legendary Concord Pavilion amphitheater. On any other night, you can groove to live local bands at Vinnie's Bar & Grill in downtown Concord.

After a relaxing day outdoors, enjoy a delicious dining experience at Steamboat, an authentic Asian “hot pot” restaurant, or grab some  flavorful Indian cuisine at Naan 'n' Curry  in Todos Santos Plaza. If authentic Mexican sounds tempting, choose from any one of Concord’s 35+ family-run taquerias and restaurants that make up the Concord Taco Trail. You can’t go wrong with La Pinata, Tortillaria El Molino, Taqueria Los Gallos or Mercado Del Sol. 

For more great ethnic restaurants, check out: Concord's Amazing Multicultural Food Scene