Mount Diablo Summit Museum: A Peak Experience

Explore Mount Diablo's summit: museum exhibits, panoramic views, and a journey through history and nature in California's breathtaking state park.

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Mount Diablo Summit Museum and Trailhead

Perched atop Mount Diablo's highest point, the Summit Museum offers a captivating glimpse into the region's history, geology, and cultural heritage. Exhibits highlight Native American history, the mountain's formation, and the park's diverse ecosystems, all within a historic stone building offering panoramic views.

A brief summary to Mount Diablo Summit Museum and Trailhead

Summit Rd, Walnut Creek, California, 94598, US
+1925-837-6119
Visit website

Monday 10 am-4 pm
Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
Thursday 10 am-4 pm
Friday 10 am-4 pm
Saturday 10 am-4 pm
Sunday 10 am-4 pm

Local tips

Bring layers, as the summit can be significantly cooler and windier than the base of the mountain.
Visit on a clear day for the best panoramic views, which can extend for hundreds of miles.
Check the operating hours of the Summit Museum and Visitor Center before your visit.
Take time to explore the exhibits to learn about the mountain's geology, Native American history, and diverse ecosystems.

Getting There

Driving

The most direct way to reach the Mount Diablo Summit Museum is by driving. From Walnut Creek, take North Gate Road, or from Danville, take South Gate Road. Both routes lead into Mount Diablo State Park. Once inside the park, follow the winding Summit Road to the top. Be prepared for narrow roads with cyclists. There is a $10 vehicle entrance fee for the park, payable by cash, check, or credit/debit card (when the kiosk is staffed). Parking at the summit is available, but can be limited. Consider arriving early, especially on weekends and holidays. Note that there are no gas stations within the park.
Public Transport

While there's no direct public transportation to the summit, you can take County Connection buses to the vicinity of Mount Diablo State Park. From there, you can hike or bike into the park. Alternatively, take BART to Walnut Creek and then a taxi or rideshare to the park entrance. From either the North Gate or South Gate entrance, it's still a significant drive (or strenuous hike/bike) to the summit. Taxi/rideshare from Walnut Creek BART to the park entrance will cost approximately $30-$60. Factor in the $10 park entrance fee once you reach the gate.

Discover more about Mount Diablo Summit Museum and Trailhead

The Mount Diablo Summit Museum, located within the Summit Visitor Center, crowns the peak of Mount Diablo, offering visitors an unparalleled experience that blends natural beauty with historical insight. Housed in a historic stone building constructed in the late 1930s from fossiliferous sandstone quarried within the park, the museum itself is a testament to the region's rich geological past. Renovated in 2010, the Summit Museum highlights the cultural and natural history of Mount Diablo State Park. Inside, impressive exhibits chronicle the mountain's history and majesty. A rock wall with an instructional video explains the geological forces that formed the mountain. Panels describe the Native American history of the region, honoring the Miwok, Ohlone, and Bay Miwok peoples who considered the mountain a sacred site. A diorama, complete with native sounds, offers an overview of the park's diverse ecosystems. A mountain model acquaints visitors with key park locations. Excellent photography enhances the visitor experience. Visitors can ascend a circular stairway to an observation deck, where panoramic 360-degree views await. En route, ancient marine fossils embedded in the building's sandstone walls offer a glimpse into the area's distant past. The rotunda reminds visitors of Mt. Diablo's importance as a survey point. Above the rotunda, a beacon, historically important to aviators, is lit annually on December 7 in memory of those who lost their lives at Pearl Harbor. The museum also features a gift shop and an audio-visual room. An elevator provides access from the lower level entrance to the upper museum floor and observation roof.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Mt Diablo HG/PG LZ

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Danville Oak Tree

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Captain Pedro Fages Trail

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Walnut Creek Historical Society

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Explore Walnut Creek's past at the Shadelands Ranch Museum, a hub for local history and community engagement.

Monument Car Parts

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Discover Monument Car Parts in San Ramon, CA—your destination for top-quality auto parts, exceptional service, and expert advice for all your automotive needs.

Magnolia Square S.C.

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Explore Magnolia Square Shopping Center in San Ramon for a vibrant shopping experience, diverse dining options, and lively community events.

Canyon Lakes Golf Course

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Experience the perfect blend of golf and craft beer at Canyon Lakes Golf Course & Brewery in San Ramon, offering scenic views, challenging play, and award-winning brews.

Liberty Bell Plaza

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Visit Liberty Bell Plaza in Walnut Creek, a historical landmark symbolizing freedom and community, marking the birthplace of Walnut Creek.

Ruth's Chris Steak House

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Savor USDA Prime steaks and New Orleans-inspired cuisine in an upscale setting, perfect for celebrations and memorable dining experiences in Walnut Creek.

Landmark Site 150 Walnut Creek Meat Market

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Explore Walnut Creek's past at the Landmark Site 150 Walnut Creek Meat Market, a historic brick building on the Walnut Creek Heritage Walk.

Walnut Creek Convention & Visitors Bureau

13.0 km

Your central hub for exploring Walnut Creek and the East Bay: attractions, events, hotels, and visitor information all in one place.

Walnut Creek Convention & Visitors Bureau

Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce

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Explore Walnut Creek through its Chamber of Commerce, your gateway to local culture, dining, and attractions in California's charming city.

City of Walnut Creek

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Explore Walnut Creek, California - where urban sophistication meets stunning natural landscapes, perfect for a relaxing getaway.

Walnut Creek Town

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Experience the vibrant heart of Walnut Creek: upscale shopping, diverse dining, arts, and events in a pedestrian-friendly setting.

Diablo Plaza

13.2 km

Experience premier shopping and dining at Diablo Plaza in San Ramon, a vibrant community hub with diverse stores, eateries, and year-round events, easily accessible near Bishop Ranch and I-680.

Unmissable attractions to see

Mt Diablo

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Mount Diablo State Park

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Castle Rock Regional Recreation Area

7.1 km

Immerse yourself in California's natural beauty at Castle Rock Regional Recreation Area, offering breathtaking views, diverse trails, and serene picnic spots.

Diablo Foothills Regional Park

7.2 km

Explore scenic trails, panoramic views, and the natural beauty of this gateway to Mount Diablo and Walnut Creek Open Space in Walnut Creek.

Old Borges Ranch

7.8 km

Discover the rich history and scenic trails of Old Borges Ranch in Walnut Creek, a perfect blend of culture and nature for every traveler.

Shell Ridge Open Space

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Explore Walnut Creek's natural beauty: hiking, biking, and stunning views await at Shell Ridge Open Space, a 1,420-acre haven for outdoor adventures.

Memorial bench

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Discover tranquility at the Memorial Bench in Walnut Creek, a serene spot for reflection and stunning views in the heart of nature.

Triangulation Station Cowell 1946

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Discover the historical significance of Triangulation Station Cowell 1946 in Concord, California, a serene spot with breathtaking views and rich heritage.

Blackhawk Museum

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Explore classic cars, Western heritage, African art, and Chinese history at Danville's Blackhawk Museum – a Smithsonian Affiliate!

Greathouse Visitor Center

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Lime Ridge Labyrinth

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Black Diamond Mine

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Diablo Shadows Park

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Walnut Creek Open Space

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Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve

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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

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Ygnacio Plaza

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John Muir Galleria Gift Shop

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The Plaza at Gale Ranch

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Discover shopping, dining, and entertainment at The Plaza at Gale Ranch, the ultimate destination for tourists in San Ramon, California.

McCaulou's

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Countrywood Shopping Center

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Recycle Bridal Boutique

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See's Candies

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Luxe Gift Baskets

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The House of Couture Bridal Boutique

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Sprouts Farmers Market

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White House Black Market

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Crow Canyon Commons

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ThirdLove Walnut Creek - Comfortable Bras & Underwear For All Sizes

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Residual Sugar Wine Bar

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C-blue Wet Bar & Bistro

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Hops & Scotch

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Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

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Mount Diablo Summit Museum: A Peak Experience

A brief summary to Mount Diablo Summit Museum and Trailhead

Local tips

Getting There

Driving

Public Transport

Unlock the Best of Mount Diablo Summit Museum and Trailhead

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Mount Diablo Summit Museum and Trailhead

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Mt Diablo HG/PG LZ

Danville Oak Tree

Captain Pedro Fages Trail

Walnut Creek Historical Society

Monument Car Parts

Magnolia Square S.C.

Canyon Lakes Golf Course

Liberty Bell Plaza

Ruth's Chris Steak House

Landmark Site 150 Walnut Creek Meat Market

Walnut Creek Convention & Visitors Bureau

Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce

City of Walnut Creek

Walnut Creek Town

Diablo Plaza

Unmissable attractions to see

Mt Diablo

Mount Diablo State Park

Castle Rock Regional Recreation Area

Diablo Foothills Regional Park

Old Borges Ranch

Shell Ridge Open Space

Memorial bench

Triangulation Station Cowell 1946

Blackhawk Museum

Greathouse Visitor Center

Lime Ridge Labyrinth

Black Diamond Mine

Diablo Shadows Park

Walnut Creek Open Space

Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve

Essential places to dine

Esin Restaurant & Bar

The Greenery Restaurant & Sports Bar

Black Bear Diner Walnut Creek

Gianni's Italian Bistro

Sandwicheez

Kabila Restaurant

Fat Maddie's Grille

The View Restaurant

Brass Door

The Kebab Shop

Pokeatery

Origami

True Food Kitchen

Babushka Market, Deli & Cafe

Dos Coyotes Border Cafe

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

The Orchards At Walnut Creek

Decors De France

Ygnacio Plaza

John Muir Galleria Gift Shop

The Plaza at Gale Ranch

McCaulou's

Countrywood Shopping Center

Recycle Bridal Boutique

See's Candies

Luxe Gift Baskets

The House of Couture Bridal Boutique

Sprouts Farmers Market

White House Black Market

Crow Canyon Commons

ThirdLove Walnut Creek - Comfortable Bras & Underwear For All Sizes

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Auburn Lounge

The Growler

The Barnyard Epicurean Wine Bar

Artie's Countrywood Lounge