Welcome to Orinda
Located in Contra Costa County, just East of Oakland, Orinda is a fun, friendly, community-oriented neighborhood, perfect for families. Traditional, California-style homes are situated amid the hilltops and trees, while an abundance of new construction in Wilder has brought modern style to this quiet, more rustic side of the Bay.
Originally the site of four Mexican land grants, Orinda began as a sleepy community, known for summer cabins and farming. After the completion of the Caldecott Tunnel in 1937, the region became much more accessible and grew in popularity. Today, Orinda’s year-round residents enjoy highly rated public schools, easy access to the rest of the greater Bay Area thanks to a conveniently located BART station, and a slower pace of life.
What to Love
- Friendly, community-oriented neighborhood
- Voted one of the friendliest towns by Forbes Magazine
- Easy access to central Oakland, San Francisco, international airports, and more via the BART trains
- Top schools, consistently highly ranked
Local Lifestyle
Orinda locals enjoy a slower pace of life compared to some of their big-city neighbors. Several locals commute into neighboring Oakland or San Francisco for work but enjoy coming home to small-town comforts not found in every Bay Area community. A close-knit community is highly involved in top-rated public schools, families enjoy attending local concerts and art shows, or dining out at Orinda Theatre Square. Simply put, there is something for everyone in Orinda.
Dining, Entertainment, and Shopping
Orinda may be a quiet community, but this doesn’t mean there are no ways to stay entertained over the weekend. Both quiet afternoons and more vibrant evenings can be found a stone’s throw from home.
One of the Bay Area’s most unique dining experiences is enjoyed at Casa Orinda. Italian classics intertwine with the spirit of the Wild West in a warm setting, serving as the theater for a famous prime rib dinner, fried chicken, and other accompaniments, all made from scratch.
Just around the corner, dozens of other restaurants and shops can be found within Orinda Theatre Square. Centered around the community’s first theater, built in 1941, the Square features coffee shops, casual dining establishments, and home decor shops like Sanvitalia. The Fourth Bore Tap Room and Grill is Lamorinda’s favorite pub with an extensive selection of beers on tap. On a sunny day, you’ll find many people dining al fresco in Theatre Square while the kids get a chance to run around and play by the fountain.
More quiet and relaxing weekends are frequently enjoyed at the Orinda Country Club. First established in 1924, the Orinda Country Club has been a longstanding East Bay institution known for its challenging and unique golf course, reminiscent of Northern California’s more traditional courses. Club members also enjoy access to an aquatic facility, tennis courts, group exercise classes and fitness equipment, and exquisite dining and wine pairings.
There are two more establishments that cannot be missed, both are female owned and operated by Orinda locals. Genuine Goodness is the place to go for a midday lunch, and their TABS (take and bake) make your dinner decision easy and flexible! Rechic is a woman’s consignment shop that also offers gifts, jewlery and more.
Things To Do
Orinda locals appreciate the natural beauty of their picturesque community and spend time in Northern California’s ideal climate as often as possible. The Orinda Community Center and Park features playgrounds, grassy fields, a picnic area, and tennis courts. The park hosts several community get-togethers such as the weekly farmers’ market and summer concerts. The Orinda Farmers’ Market is held every Saturday, year-round, offering locals the chance to shop fresh produce, baked goods, local cheeses, and honey, to name a few items. In the warmer summer months, some of the region’s most talented musicians put on a show for the whole family at Summer Concerts in the Park. Nearby, the California Shakespeare Theater puts on bi-annual performances of some of Shakespeare’s most iconic works within the open-air amphitheater with seating for 545 patrons.
Schools
Orinda boasts a top-rated public school system. Some of these high-performing schools are found at:
- Orinda Union Elementary School District, kindergarten-5th grade; Orinda Union boasts the highest academic performance index rating in the state of California
- Orinda Intermediate School, grades 6-8; highly-rated as one of Contra Costa County’s best public middle schools
- Miramonte High School, grades 9-12; Miramonte boasts a 99% graduation rate, and several students take advantage of the school’s numerous advanced placement, honors, and college prep courses
