The best retirement communities celebrate your independence and allow you to live a carefree life. It’s your time to focus on what matters most to you — from spending time with loved ones and cultivating new friendships, to dedicating yourself to your favorite hobbies and getting involved with new ones. Carefree senior living also means being immersed in a brand new community with places to explore. At Viamonte at Walnut Creek, there are many opportunities for living an active and exciting life. Beyond the many activities offered on site, the surrounding Bay Area is full of history, beauty, and adventure. Learning about the area surrounding Viamonte at Walnut Creek is part of what makes the senior living community so special. Find out what you could be missing out on below.
GET OUTSIDE
An active lifestyle is crucial as you age, but exercise can be challenging for some. The trick is to get involved in a physical activity you enjoy, and hiking can be a life-changer for many. Nature is good for the soul and there’s no denying the beauty of Walnut Creek. Home to 22 state parks and 2,700 acres of open space, it serves as the perfect setting to clear your mind and get some exercise.
SHELL RIDGE OPEN SPACE
Shell Ridge Open Space is a grassland and forest area that features 31 miles of trails. Make a few your favorite or continue going back for different sights and scenery each time. And when you’ve exhausted the trails, there are fishing ponds, as well as a playground. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a few cattle grazing in the grassy areas. Shell Ridge Open Space is located on 1035 Castle Rock Rd and spans 1,420 acres.
ACALANES RIDGE
Go for the hiking — stay for the views. Acalanes Ridge has short hiking opportunities for those who aren’t interested in a long day of hiking, but still want to take in all the beauty that California has to offer. The ridgeline provides incredible 360-degree views of the Carquinez Strait, the delta, and Mount Diablo. Acalanes Ridge is located at Sousa Drive in Walnut Creek, above the Interstate 680 and Highway 24 intersection.
GET IN THE GAME
There’s no shortage of friendly competition in Walnut Creek, if sports are your forte. Walnut Creek Seniors Club has a full list of sports to get involved with to keep muscles strong, your joints stretched, and your competitive spirit high. Tennis, pickleball, softball, bowling, and skiing are just some of the sports offered at this club. These types of activities for seniors are beneficial for your body, but also keep your mind sharp.
GET OUT OF TOWN
Viamonte being nestled in a unique place like Walnut Creek is cozy, comfortable, and beautiful. But for an exciting adventure or places to explore with friends or family, there are options nearby. Visit neighboring cities for a change of scenery and personal enrichment.
OAKLAND
Oakland is located on the east side of the San Francisco Bay, just about 13 miles from Walnut Creek. It’s home to the Jack London Square, as well as restored Victorian architecture and boutiques. Visit the Oakland Zoo for native and exotic animals, Lake Merritt for walks and picnics, or around uptown to take in the art deco Fox and Paramount theaters, as well as many restaurants and galleries.
SAN FRANCISCO
San Francisco is located about 21 miles from Walnut Creek. Tourists flock to this city to take in all the sights — from the famous Golden Gate Bridge, to the notorious prison on Alcatraz Island, and the food and music at Fisherman’s Wharf.
THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX WITHIN WALNUT CREEK
Walnut Creek is home to hidden gems scattered throughout to bring adventure and excitement into your life. These locations are special to Walnut Creek, making it the unique city that it is. Check out what you could have right in your backyard.
BORGES RANCH
For the history lovers, Borges Ranch is the perfect example of an early 20th century central California cattle ranch. Listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, the original buildings and structures still exist today, which include the Borges family home. Witness the barns, corrals, outbuildings, blacksmith, and antique farm equipment and imagine when they were bustling with purpose long ago. Goats, chickens, pigs, and sheep are still on the premises today, managed by the Pleasant Hill 4-H.
RUTH BANCROFT GARDEN & NURSERY
Put two green thumbs up and take a visit to the world-renowned Ruth Bancroft Garden & Nursery. The 3.5-acregarden features a collection of succulents; a combination of traditional and unique, as well as drought-tolerant plants from around the world. Learn about who Ruth Bancroft was and how she led the pack in drought-tolerant gardening. The beautiful garden also features in-bloom flowers every season, teaching the general public about plant structure and texture.
MOUNT DIABLO STATE PARK
Mount Diablo State Park is one of the most popular outdoor areas in the East Bay. The iconic Mount Diablo mountain is a must-see, reaching up to a peak of 3,849 feet. This peak is a part of the Diablo Range and is visible from most of the Bay Area so chances are you’ve already caught a glimpse from afar. Take in all the views the summit has to offer from the observation deck, while learning about Mount Diablo’s fascinating history and its role in Native American mythology. You and your loved ones understand that choosing a place to settle down is more than just the immediate community. It’s about the neighborhood, the city, and the surrounding areas that you can rely on, and be proud to be a part of. Find out if Viamonte at Walnut Creek is the right fit for you.