Welcome to Lafayette
Nestled between the shadows of Mount Diablo and the sparkling San Francisco Bay, Lafayette boasts sweeping views, a wide array of dining and recreation, and some of the most luxurious homes just outside of Oakland. In addition to dozens of lively entertainment options, Lafayette is fraught with parks, preserves, and endless opportunities for fun in the sun.
Rich in Native American and Spanish culture, eastern American settlers began to arrive in the middle of the 19th century. Growth was slow but a century later, the community had transformed from a sleepy farming community to a bustling commuter town. Today, locals enjoy close proximity to Oakland and San Francisco.
What to Love
- Small-town charm and aesthetic without sacrificing centrally located entertainment
- Convenient BART station offers transportation to Oakland, San Francisco, and the rest of the greater Bay Area
- An abundance of outdoor activities, scenery, and other amusements
- Several homes positioned on oversized lots allowing for maximum peace and privacy
Local Lifestyle
Lafayette locals enjoy a quiet lifestyle, without sacrificing easy access to widely appreciated modern conveniences. A high concentration of colorful eateries offer an array of casual, upscale, American, and more exotic dining options, in addition to several locally owned boutiques. On the outer edges of the community, locals can regularly be found taking on mountainside hikes and enjoying the rewarding views from the top. Families also love this area due to the high-performing schools.
Dining, Entertainment, and Shopping
Lafayette has no shortage of quality eateries and boutiques. One of the community’s more upscale options can be found at Postino. The best place in town to wine and dine that special someone is a warm, traditional setting featuring inviting fireplaces and exposed brick walls. Some of their classy specialties consist of short ribs, steaks, and roasted half chickens.
Roam is a more modern take on the traditional all-American burger bar. Serving wine and kombucha on tap, Roam is known in town for craft burgers piled high with delectable toppings such as jalapeño relish, caramelized onions, special house sauces, and more. Social Bird is another option with a similar selection of upscale burgers, a wide selection of bar favorites, and lengthy craft beer menu.
Pizza Antica is an Italian establishment inspired by the cuisine and ingredients of Northern California. While their crispy, thin-crust pizza is the main attraction, Pizza Antica also offers a healthy selection of wine, pasta, and other starters. Tutu’s is another favorite local spot for quick bites on-site, a cocktail, and to-go options. This entirely organic market and eatery is a favorite among locals, offering a variety of artisan pantry staples, along with Diablo Foods. This locally-owned specialty market boasts a hefty delicatessen counter, large selection of wines, and other gourmet products to add flair to your everyday cooking.
Gourmet shopping options expand beyond your pantry; Lafayette’s Town Center is home to several eclectic boutiques. Venture Quality Goods spotlights an array of California-owned companies. Outerwear, activewear, casual apparel, and cozy work-from-home ensembles can be found here. Apparel for more special occasions is the focus of Luck, one of the community’s favorite women’s boutiques. This bright shop is the perfect place to find your next party dress, accessories for brunch, and colorful additions to your off-duty wardrobe.
Things To Do
Lafayette is situated within the midst of some of California’s most gorgeous scenery and greenery. Locals are afforded easy access to several beautiful parks, such as the Lafayette Reservoir. This lake and trail features a five-mile hiking trail, aquatic activities such as fishing and boating, and is a stone’s throw from the eateries on Lafayette’s “restaurant row.” Nearby, the Lafayette-Moraga Regional Trail stretches across just over seven and a half miles, offering another scenic alternative for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Local parks frequently host events and festivals enjoyed by all, like the Lafayette Art and Wine Festival. Each September, the largest event in the county attracts around 85,000 patrons to enjoy local cuisine, regional wines and craft brews, and live music from the festival's multiple stages.
Schools
Lafayette’s vibrant community also provides a solid educational foundation for local children. A few wonderful campuses within the community can be found at:
