10 Best Things to Do in Brentwood, CA (2026 Guide)
Brentwood, CA is one of the East Bay’s most underrated towns — a place where you can go wine tasting in the morning, pick up fresh peaches at a farm stand in the afternoon, and catch a stunning sunset over the hills on the way home. As a Brentwood family photographer and local mom, I’ve spent years exploring this community with my own kids. These are the spots I actually recommend — and more than a few of them double as my favorite places to photograph families, couples, and new babies right here in town.
1. Explore the Outdoors at Brentwood City Park
Brentwood’s local parks are perfect for enjoying the outdoors, and Brentwood City Park is one of the most popular. Located just off Balfour Road, this spacious park features playgrounds, sports fields, picnic areas, and plenty of green space for picnics or a leisurely stroll.
Things to Do:
- Picnicking: Bring a picnic to one of the park’s many designated picnic areas.
- Sports: Play basketball, baseball, or soccer at the park’s sports facilities.
- Playgrounds: The park also has playgrounds, making it perfect for families with young children.
Location: 7000 Brentwood Blvd, Brentwood, CA 94513
Brentwood City Park
City Park also happens to be one of my favorite spots for family photo sessions — the open green space and big shade trees make for beautiful, natural light almost any time of day. If you’re local and looking for a relaxed outdoor family session, this is a great place to start.
2. Visit the Brentwood Farmers’ Market
If you’re in town on a Saturday, the Brentwood Farmers’ Market is a must-see. It’s a lively spot to shop for fresh local produce, artisan breads, handmade goods, and more. The market brings the community together every Saturday, where you can also enjoy live music and food vendors. It’s a great way to support local farmers and artisans while enjoying the best of the area’s fresh produce.
Hours: Saturdays, 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: 100 Oak St, Brentwood, CA 94513
Brentwood Farmers’ Market
3. Go Wine Tasting in the Brentwood Area
Brentwood is home to several family-owned wineries and vineyards, making it a great destination for wine lovers. While it’s not as well-known as Napa or Sonoma, Brentwood offers a more intimate, less crowded wine-tasting experience. Many of the wineries in this area feature stunning views, cozy tasting rooms, and high-quality wines.
Top Wineries to Visit:
- McCauley Estate Vineyards: A picturesque, family-run winery known for its exceptional small-batch wines and breathtaking vineyard views.
- Serendipity Cellars: A charming, family-owned winery offering a delightful selection of handcrafted wines in a scenic, intimate setting — and one of my favorite local wedding venues.
- Campos Family Vineyards: A welcoming, family-operated winery offering a blend of award-winning wines and a rustic, relaxing atmosphere with scenic views.
- Hannah Nicole Vineyards & Winery: Known for their scenic views and tasting events, Hannah Nicole offers a variety of wines with a focus on locally grown grapes.
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A handful of these wineries — Serendipity Cellars especially — are also some of my favorite places to photograph weddings in Brentwood. If you’re planning a wine country wedding without the Napa price tag or crowds, take a look at my Brentwood wedding photography to see what a celebration here can look like.
4. Hike or Bike at Round Valley Regional Preserve
For those who enjoy the great outdoors, Round Valley Regional Preserve offers hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing in a beautiful natural setting. The park is famous for its panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valley, and it has several different trails suitable for all skill levels.
Top Activities:
- Hiking: The park features several scenic trails, including the Round Valley Trail, which offers breathtaking views and a moderate challenge.
- Wildlife Viewing: Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including deer, wild turkeys, and a variety of bird species.
- Picnicking: Take a break and enjoy a peaceful picnic at one of the park’s designated areas.
Location: 19450 Marsh Creek Rd, Brentwood, CA 94513
5. Discover the History of Brentwood at the Brentwood Historical Museum
Brentwood has a fascinating history, and the Brentwood Historical Museum is a great place to learn about the town’s past. The museum features exhibits on the early days of the area, including its agricultural roots, the role of the railroad, and the development of Brentwood into a modern city. It’s a small, volunteer-run museum, but it’s packed with local artifacts and history.
Location: 160 Oak St, Brentwood, CA 94513
Brentwood Historical Museum
6. Spend the Day at Brentwood Skate Park
If you’re looking for a fun family activity or you’re into skating yourself, Brentwood Skate Park is a great place to spend some time. This well-maintained, free-to-use skate park has areas for skateboarders, inline skaters, and BMX riders. It’s a popular local hangout, offering a fun environment for beginners and pros alike.
Location: 350 Griffith Ln, Brentwood, CA 94513
Brentwood Skate Park
7. Take a Scenic Drive Through Brentwood’s Agricultural Lands
Brentwood is known for its rich agricultural land, particularly its famous Brentwood corn and fruit orchards. Take a leisurely drive through the countryside to see acres of farmland, orchards, and vineyards. During the fall, be sure to check out the local pumpkin patches and farm stands.
Seasonal Activities:
- Fall Harvest: Visit local farms for fresh produce, pumpkins, and fun seasonal activities.
- Farm Tours: Some farms offer tours to learn about the agricultural processes that make the area so successful.
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The fall harvest season here is gorgeous for family photos, too — golden light, orchard backdrops, and pumpkins everywhere. If you’re local, this is one of my favorite times of year to shoot in Brentwood.
8. Attend the Brentwood Harvest Time Festival
If you visit in the fall, don’t miss the Brentwood Harvest Time Festival. This annual event celebrates the harvest season with a variety of activities, including a carnival, live entertainment, food vendors, and local craft booths. It’s a family-friendly event that brings together the community and offers a fun way to experience the town’s agricultural roots.
Dates: Usually held in early October
Brentwood Harvest Time Festival
9. Golf at The Brentwood Golf Club
For those who enjoy a round of golf, The Brentwood Golf Club is a great place to tee off. This 18-hole, public course is set against the backdrop of the picturesque hills of Brentwood, offering a challenging course for golfers of all skill levels. The course also features a driving range and a pro shop.
Location: 3800 Balfour Rd, Brentwood, CA 94513
Brentwood Golf Club
10. Relax at a Local Spa or Wellness Center
After a busy day exploring Brentwood, why not unwind with a relaxing spa treatment? Brentwood has a few local spas and wellness centers that offer everything from massages to facials, perfect for a bit of relaxation.
Top Spas to Try:
- Trilogy Spa: A serene wellness retreat offering luxurious spa treatments and rejuvenating services in a peaceful, upscale environment.
- The Spa at Delta View: Offering a variety of soothing treatments, this spa focuses on relaxation and wellness.
- Massage Envy: Known for affordable and quality massages, Massage Envy is a great place for a quick, relaxing break.
If you’re newly pregnant, a spa day followed by a maternity session is one of my favorite combinations to recommend to clients here in Brentwood.
Why Brentwood Is a Great Place to Raise a Family
Beyond the parks, wineries, and festivals, what I love most about Brentwood is the pace of life. It’s a town where you can still get a table at the farmers market, where neighbors know each other, and where there’s always somewhere beautiful nearby for an evening walk. As someone who’s raised my own kids here, I genuinely believe it’s one of the most underrated places in the East Bay to build a life — and to document one.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Brentwood, CA
Is Brentwood, CA a good place for families?
Yes — Brentwood has a strong family-friendly reputation, with multiple parks, a weekly farmers market, family-owned wineries, and seasonal festivals throughout the year. It’s a quieter alternative to nearby Bay Area cities while still being close to wine country, hiking, and the Delta.
What is Brentwood, CA known for?
Brentwood is best known for its agricultural roots — especially its corn and fruit orchards — along with a growing number of family-owned wineries, U-pick farms, and the annual Harvest Time Festival each fall.
What is the best time of year to visit Brentwood?
Fall is especially popular, thanks to the Harvest Time Festival, pumpkin patches, and golden agricultural scenery. Spring and early summer are great for wine tasting and outdoor activities before the peak summer heat sets in.
Where can I get family or newborn photos taken in Brentwood?
I’m a Brentwood-based family, maternity, and newborn photographer, and many of my favorite local sessions happen at spots mentioned above — City Park, the farmers market, and the surrounding wine country. Reach out here if you’d like to talk about a session.
Planning a visit, or already calling Brentwood home? As a Brentwood family photographer and local mom, I’d love to capture your family at one of these spots. Many of my favorite sessions happen right here in town — at City Park, Veterans Park, or the farmers market. Contact me to talk about a session.
Expecting? Take a look at my Brentwood newborn photography galleries. Planning a wedding nearby? Check out my Brentwood wedding photography.
