13 Cool Things To Do in Brentwood

Situated 55 miles east of San Francisco in Contra Costa County, Brentwood is a delightful city that deserves a visit. This Northern California gem boasts a quaint downtown area with excellent dining options and numerous scenic spots for outdoor adventures. Whether you're interested in shopping, eating, or exploring local attractions, Brentwood offers a variety of activities. Here’s your guide to all the exciting things you can do in Brentwood, ensuring you make the most of your visit.

1. Visit the East Contra Costa Historical Society Museum

For a crash course in the history of the area, the East Contra Costa Historical Society and Museum is where you need to go. A must on the list of Brentwood places to visit, this museum collects, maintains, preserves, and protects historical artifacts and information relating to the area. Learn about the heritage of the area and admire the exhibits on display. 

2. Go Wakeboarding at Orwood Resort

Orwood Resort is your go-to destination if you want to spend a day full of fun water adventures. A family-operated resort for more than 50 years, this is the best place to go in Brentwood to experience the best water skiing and wakeboarding in Northern California. Other fun activities here include boating, camping, fishing, and more—there’s something for everyone.

3. Golf at the Brentwood Golf Club

Are you an avid golfer? You’re definitely going to like the Brentwood Golf Club. Located about halfway between San Francisco and the Central Valley, this NorCal golf course set in the foothills of Mount Diablo offers 27 holes designed by world-renowned architect Ted Robinson. Pros and beginners alike can add this golfing experience to their itinerary of things to do in Brentwood—take a swing and enjoy! 

4. Unwind in Nature at Round Valley Regional Preserve

Nature and outdoor lovers shouldn’t miss out on exploring Round Valley Regional Preserve. One of the best places to visit near Brentwood for cycling and hiking trails, this green locale with approximately 2,000 acres of space will give you your nature fix. If you wish to stay overnight and continue exploring Round Valley over the weekend, camping is also available in the park.

5. Stroll Through the Brentwood Farmers Market

Brentwood farms have a rich history of being prime agricultural treasures in California, and the local farmers market is a testament to that. While the season's freshest fruits and veggies are the main draws of Brentwood Farmers Market, there’s much more to be seen, bought, and tasted here. Bread, pastries, honey, hummus, cheese, and handmade crafts are a few examples, but the more you explore, the more things you discover at this must-visit spot.

6. Dine at Downtown Brentwood

Downtown Brentwood offers an array of shopping and dining options for you to explore. Stroll around and you’re bound to find a spot that’ll catch your eye and make your stomach crave a delicious meal. From sandwich shops and Mexican restaurants to bakeries and grills and bars, the downtown area is the best place to go in Brentwood for tasty eats.

7. Shop at The Streets of Brentwood

Shopping may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of things to do in Brentwood, but this NorCal town has a great open-air shopping center. The Streets in Brentwood are the best place in town for retail therapy, featuring plenty of well-known stores, local boutiques, yummy restaurants, and a cinema.

8. Splash Around at the Brentwood Family Aquatic Complex

If you’re traveling with kids, you definitely have to add Brentwood Family Aquatic Complex to your list of things to do in Brentwood. A great place to cool off under the blazing California sun, this family-friendly destination is an awesome spot for a fun day out by the pool. Take a dip in the cool pool waters, enjoy a craft beverage, and tan under the sun as you relax and unwind

9. Hunt for the Paranormal on a Historic Ghost Tour

You wouldn’t pinpoint the charming town of Brentwood as a place full of spooky tales and urban legends. But if you’re up for it, a paranormal adventure awaits with Brentwood Historic Ghost Tours. The company takes you along a guided tour of streets, speakeasies, saloons, and more sites of historic murders and tragedies from the past two centuries. Enjoy going on a hunt for a paranormal presence in Brentwood, Northern California.

10. Visit Tess’ Community Farm Kitchen 

Seeking a more lighthearted and cheery thing to do near Brentwood? Pay a visit to Tess’ Community Farm Kitchen. A lovely place to visit in Brentwood, the community farm aims to reconnect visitors with basic concepts such as where food comes from and why eating fresh food is important. There’s also a commercial kitchen on site where you can participate in informative classes, a deli counter with local farm-to-table meals to go, as well as fresh local produce.

11. Be a Kid Again at an Indoor Trampoline Park

Another fun activity for those traveling with kids, Rockin’ Jump is an indoor trampoline park promising a lot of fun time for the whole family. The park features a jump and dodgeball arena, slam dunk zone, climbing walls, and more fun activities that’ll get your heart racing without even realizing that you’re working out. 

12. Treat Yourself to a Relaxing Spa Day

Sawa Spa is a popular spot in Brentwood to relax and unwind. With a focus on integrating natural elements such as heat, stone, and water, Sawa combines traditional Native American practices with modern relaxation techniques to give you the ultimate pampering experience. You’ll find four treatment rooms, an outdoor spa area, and a terrace—a relaxing experience is guaranteed at this place to go in Brentwood.

13. Learn About Conservation at the John Muir Interpretive Center

You’ve definitely heard about John Muir and his conservation efforts before. Perhaps you’ve also hiked the famous John Muir Trail. But, if you haven’t been yet, you should totally check out the John Muir Interpretive Center. Dedicated to the memory of the naturalist and preservationist, this center is one of the best things to do in Brentwood, especially if you want to deepen your understanding of conservation and environmental protection.