Things To Do
Travel Tips
- As you explore places like Oakland, Berkeley, and San Francisco, we kindly encourage all of our guests to use standard urban travel awareness. As with any metropolitan area, stay aware of your surroundings, secure your valuables (especially if driving), and use extra caution when traveling late at night. - Traffic in the Bay Area can be unpredicatable, especially during commute hours and around bridge crossings. Always check a navigation app before heading out. - For major attractions - such as Alcatraz, Monterey Bay Aquarium, museums, etc. - we strongly encourage booking tickets in advance.
Downtown Walnut Creek
~15 minutes from Moraga This is the area that we recommend staying in. It is the East Bay's premier suburban destination for shopping and dining. It strikes a sophisticated balance between an upscale modern city center and a classic, approachable California hometown.
Explore Oakland
~20-30 minutes from Moraga Oakland is a hub of vibrant culture, dining, and scenic nature. Below are some things to do: - Lake Merritt: A beautiful tidal lagoon and the jewel of Oakland. You can take a scenic walk or jog around the lake, rent a gondola or paddle boat, or visit the Historic Children's Fairyland (a storybook-themed park). - Jack London Square: Oakland's lively waterfront destination on the estuary. Enjoy restaurants, bars, and a bustling market atmosphere. You can also catch a ferry to SF from here. - Redwood Regional Park: A stunning, tranquil forest of majestic Coast Redwoods nestled in the Oakland hills. It offers miles of trails for hiking and a complete escape from the city feel. - Oakland Zoo: The zoo is nationally recognized and is a perfect mix of classic zoo fun and a breathtaking outdoor experience. In addition to the animals, the zoo has the California trail that runs through the zoo as well as the Skyline Gondola with amazing views.
Roam Around Berkeley
~30 minutes from Moraga Berkeley is a uniquely dynamic place, famous for its progressive culture, incredible natural beauty, and world-class dining. Below are some things to do. - Stroll through the stunning UC Berkeley campus and take the elevator up to the iconic Campanile (Sather Tower) for a breathtaking 360-degree view of the entire Bay Area. - Telegraph Avenue: The historic center of Berkeley's counterculture scene. Walk down the street to browse street vendors, unique shops, and eclectic cafes. - Tilden Regional Park: Located in the hills above Berkeley, the massive park is great for families and nature lovers. It features a historic steam train, a merry-go-round, and the Little Farm petting zoo.
Mount Diablo State Park
~60 minutes from Moraga Drive or hike to the summit for an incredible panoramic view that, on a clear day, stretches from the Sierra Nevada to the Golden Gate Bridge.
Tour San Francisco
~45-60 minutes from Moraga SF is known for its rolling hills, diverse neighborhoods, and stunning Pacific views. The city offers something for every visitor, from classic sightseeing to fantastic cuisine. Below are some of the many things to do. - Golden Gate Bridge: The most iconic view in the Bay Area. You can drive, bike, or walk over the bridge. - Alcatraz Island: Tour the notorious former federal prison on an island in the Bay. It offers incredible history and views. - Fisherman's Wharf & Pier 39: A classic tourist area famous for its lively piers, shops, seafood, and the colony of noisy Sea Lions sunning themselves on the docks. - Lombard Street: The "most crooked street in the world." It's a fun photo opportunity where you can watch cars navigate eight hairpin turns. - Golden Gate Park: One of the largest urban parks in the world, home to the California Academy of Sciences (aquarium, planetarium, and natural history museum) and the de Young Museum (art).
Experience Wine Country
~60 minutes from Moraga The world famous Napa & Sonoma valleys are easily accessible for a day of scenic drives, vineyard tours, and wine tasting. Sonoma offers a more relaxed, laid-back experience with rustic charm, while Napa is known for being more high-end and gourmet focused.
Monterey & Carmel-by-the-Sea
~2 - 3 hours from Moraga This is a beautiful region that offers a perfect blend of historic charm, world-class nature, and sophisticated fun. The Monterey Peninsula offers two distinct, but equally enchanting experiences for your visit within 10 minutes. Whether you're seeking marine life wonders or storybook European charm, you'll find it here. - Monterey Bay Aquarium: A world famous aquarium and a must-see for all ages. Visit the Kelp Forest and Open Sea exhibits among many other fun and interactive displays. - Whale Watching: Monterey Bay is one of the best spots in the world for year-round whale watching tours to see humpbacks, gray whales, and more. - Cannery Row & Old Fisherman's Wharf: Stroll through the historic streets lined with many shops and then make your way over to the wharf for delicious seafood. Carmel Village & Beach: Stroll the downtown area, exploring hidden courtyards, unique art galleries, and artisan shops. Make your way to the beautiful Carmel beach.
Lake Tahoe
~3-4 hours from Moraga Lake Tahoe is a massive, stunning alpine lake perfect for year-round recreation. April is one of the most unique and exciting times to visit Lake Tahoe. As the last snows of winter give way to warm spring sunshine, you get the best of both seasons - often in the same day. Think blue skies, fewer crowds, and a huge variety of things to do. You can ski and snowboard, take a scenic cruise to Emerald Bay, paddle board on the crystal-clear lake, hike the trails, visit the spa, or try your luck at the casinos.
