Heather Farm Park, Walnut Creek Travel Guide

4.7 (2209)

Discover nature, recreation, and community at Walnut Creek's Heather Farm Park, a sprawling oasis with activities for everyone.

Heather Farm Park is a sprawling 102-acre park in Walnut Creek, California, offering a diverse range of recreational activities and natural beauty. Once a horse farm, it now features gardens, sports facilities, a dog park, a fishing pond, and more, making it a popular destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

A brief summary to Heather Farm Park

301 N San Carlos Dr, Walnut Creek, California, 94598, US
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Monday 7 am-9 pm
Tuesday 7 am-9 pm
Wednesday 7 am-9 pm
Thursday 7 am-9 pm
Friday 7 am-9 pm
Saturday 7 am-9 pm
Sunday 7 am-9 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Heather Farm Park.

Visit the Gardens at Heather Farm for a peaceful stroll through themed gardens showcasing diverse plant collections.
Bring your dog to the off-leash dog park at the north end of the park for some canine fun.
Enjoy a picnic at one of the park's many picnic areas, and consider reserving a group picnic area in advance.
Take advantage of the park's sports facilities, including tennis and basketball courts, and baseball and soccer fields.
Check the Walnut Creek Arts + Rec website for upcoming events and festivals held at the park.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Shadelands Ranch Museum

Liberty Bell Plaza

Landmark Site 150 Walnut Creek Meat Market

Walnut Creek Historical Society

Shell Ridge Open Space

Explore Heather Farm Park on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Heather Farm Park, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

From Walnut Creek BART, several County Connection bus routes serve the vicinity of Heather Farm Park. Routes 1, 7, 11, 14, 15, 301, and 311 have stops within a 15-minute walk of the park. Check the County Connection website or app for the most up-to-date schedules and route information. A single ride fare is $2.50 in cash, or $2.00 if using a Clipper card.
Walking

If you are in the Shadelands Business Park area, you can walk to Heather Farm Park via the Iron Horse Trail or along N San Carlos Drive. From the intersection of Treat Blvd and N San Carlos Dr, walk north on N San Carlos Dr for approximately 0.5 miles. The park entrance will be on your right. Be mindful of traffic and use crosswalks where available.
Parking

Heather Farm Park offers a large free parking lot shared with the swim center. Parking is generally easy to find during the week, but weekends can be more challenging. The parking lot also has EV charging points.

Discover more about Heather Farm Park

Heather Farm Park, a 102-acre community park in Walnut Creek, California, is a beloved destination offering a blend of nature, recreation, and local history. The park's story began in 1874 as a health spa known as Sulphur Springs Ranch. In 1921, John Marchbank, a wealthy racehorse breeder, transformed the property into a thoroughbred horse training facility, naming it Heather Farm after his prized stallion, King Heather. The farm even served as a filming location for the 1931 movie 'Sporting Blood,' starring Clark Gable.In 1965, Walnut Creek voters approved a bond to create community parks, leading to the city's purchase of the Heather Farm land. The park officially opened in 1970, retaining a connection to its equestrian past with the Equestrian Center of Walnut Creek.Today, Heather Farm Park offers a wide array of amenities and activities. Visitors can explore the Gardens at Heather Farm, a six-acre garden featuring themed areas like the Butterfly Garden and the Sensory Garden. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy baseball and softball fields, basketball and tennis courts, a skate park, and a swimming pool at the Clarke Memorial Swim Center. The park also includes an off-leash dog park, a fishing pond, walking and biking trails, and picnic areas. Throughout the year, Heather Farm Park hosts community events, festivals, and outdoor movie nights, making it a vibrant hub for Walnut Creek.