Things to do in Castro Valley

Laurie's Favorites in Castro Valley

Castro Valley, is a thriving community located in the heart of Alameda County. This vibrant city offers plenty for visitors to explore such as historic Redwood Canyon or one of many popular restaurants. Residents here also take advantage of all the outdoor activities available at Lake Chabot Regional Park, Cull Canyon Regional Park, and Castro Valley Community Park. With its excellent school systems, thriving businesses, and numerous recreational opportunities, it’s no wonder Castro Valley is a desirable place to live and visit.

Castro Valley Market Place

Experience the East Bay’s largest food hall with locally owned and independent businesses in the heart of town. Enjoy award-winning eats in a variety of cuisines; sustainably minded groceries, meats, and oils; handcrafted baked goods; top-shelf cocktails and wine; local wares; gathering spaces, and so much more! All conveniently located in the center of Castro Valley.

Café 4

Cafe 4 occupies the lobby of a large church. It is clean, modern and very spacious. Tables and chairs of all kinds fill the floor ensuring plenty of seating. Natural light pours in through vast windows creating a bright yet comfortable experience. Prepare to spend a little time there as the ambience is quite pleasant.

Café 4’s strength is their beverages. They have really good hot and cold coffee drinks. They even make the ice cubes for the ice coffee out of coffee so your iced coffee never waters down .They have great fruit drinks and then let you mix and match flavors.

Lake Chabot Regional Park

Among the many amenities you can find picnicking areas, a grassy play area, horseshoe pits, hiking, bicycling, jogging, and running trails, and seasonal lake tours aboard the tour boat “Chabot Queen”.

The 315 acre Lake Chabot is stocked with trout and catfish. There are also bass, crappie and other fish. There are several fishing piers in the park. Services include rental of canoes and boats and the Lake Chabot Marina & Café

Enjoy scenic walks on the 280 acre Fairmont Ridge of take the Lake Chabot History Walk.

Castro Valley Bowl

Castro Valley Bowl, a kid-friendly bowling center in the heart of our community, offers 32 lanes for an enjoyable and lively experience. Complete with a full-service cocktail lounge and a diverse snack bar, it’s the perfect spot for family outings or casual gatherings. The center not only provides affordable bowling games but also hosts bowling leagues for those interested in competitive play. With its food court offering a variety of options, Castro Valley Bowl is an ideal destination for fun, food, and friendly competition, all at reasonable prices.

Farmer's Market Castro Valley

Every Saturday from 9 AM to 1 PM, the Castro Valley Farmers Market, a year-round extravaganza of fresh produce and local crafts, comes alive at the Castro Valley BART Station parking lot, located at the corner of Redwood Road and Norbridge Avenue. This bustling marketplace, known for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse selection of goods, is a community staple for those seeking fresh, locally-sourced produce and unique artisanal products. With its convenient location and handicap accessibility, the market offers a delightful and accessible shopping experience for everyone in the heart of Castro Valley.