Orinda

Orinda’s business and shopping scene is split into two main hubs: the Village to the south and “downtown” to the north, anchored by the historic Orinda Theater. This thriving gem screens blockbuster hits, indie films, and the occasional live production, adding a sense of culture to the local town feel.

The Village buzzes with activity during its Farmers Market, running from April through November. Whether you're hunting for fresh, local produce or artisan goodies, this market is worth checking out. And no worries for winter veggie cravings—Moraga’s year-round market a few miles down Moraga Way has you covered! Add live music, friendly faces, and Orinda’s
signature small-town vibe, and you've got yourself a weekend must-visit.

Speaking of celebrations, Orinda knows how to throw a party. Its annual Fourth of July parade is a true local highlight, bringing families and groups together for a day of festivities, floats, and fun.

 

Orinda Community Park is where the magic happens—large trees to provide shade, picnic tables, tennis courts, and more make this downtown a perfect gathering spot for all ages. Kiddos love the playground (complete with a sand pit so beloved that locals donate toys to share—how sweet is that?), while parents and teens enjoy shady picnic spots and serene walking trails.

 

For the sporty types, tennis and pickleball courts offer a chance to play casually or dive into some friendly competition. In the evenings, the park comes alive with summer concerts in the amphitheater, where cool breezes and grassy fields set the stage for family fun and relaxation.

Orinda Village also embraces generational diversity, offering a welcoming environment with active senior living communities and care facilities that blend seamlessly into its charming landscape.

 

Whether you're here to shop, play, or simply soak in the atmosphere, Orinda showcases a rich history while embracing a modern lifestyle with a community feel.

 

Orinda’s charm first attracted summer visitors looking for a sunny retreat from San Francisco’s foggy chill. Many of those visitors loved it so much that they built summer cottages, creating a legacy that still defines the area today.

 

The Wagner Ranch region weaves together history, nature, and modern living. From the original summer homes along El Toyonal and Camino Sobrante to Orinda Village in the town’s heart, it’s a tapestry of old and new.

 

A true gem of the area is the Wagner Ranch Nature Preserve, an 18-acre haven rich in history and natural beauty. Nestled on a historic site and former Native American tribal lands, this preserve isn’t just about the views (though those streams, ponds, and meadows are hard to beat).

 

It’s also an educational hub, offering programs for East Bay children to learn about nature and the land’s storied past.

 

The local members-only swim club, Orinda Park Pool in the El Toyonal Hills is a favorite for this tight-knit community. With its rich history and extensive grounds, families gather here to relax, splash around, and participate in the Stingrays Swim Team.

 

Wagner Ranch is also home to the Orinda Sports Fields containing natural grass fields, which regularly houses local sports
practices and is adjacent to Wagner Ranch Elementary.

 

Wagner Ranch Elementary is the newest addition to Orinda’s stellar lineup of schools, and it shines with an impressive student-to-teacher ratio of 16:1. Like its peers, it boasts a high academic performance index, reflecting the area’s commitment to top-tier education. With a cozy enrollment of around 350 students, Wagner Ranch may be one of the smaller schools in Orinda,
but continues to offer a dynamic range of programs, including music and art as wells as hands-on science experiences inspired by the nearby Wagner Ranch Nature Area.

 

Wilder: Rolling Hills and Close Proximity to SF Orinda’s newest community, Wilder is arguably the closest to the city, yet a bit more inconvenient to schools and shopping as a ride on the freeway is necessary unless one is riding a bike taking the back way only the locals know about. A master-planned community from 2013, Wilder features rolling hills, a mix of semi-custom and grand custom homes that often come with beautiful local views. It also features Wilder Sports Fields—four turf fields and one of grass. On any given afternoon/evening or weekend, one can’t help but hear the ringing sounds of a soccer
ball, lacrosse, or baseball.

 

Wilder also comes with a fairly steep HOA, and other increased local taxes/fees due to the required infrastructure in developing the property with proper drainage, etc. But that fee includes a beautiful pool, clubhouse, an art and garden center, as well as numerous walking/biking trails including sidewalks and well-maintained streets ideal for nurturing community. It’s also known
for its windy nights and fog that rolls in from the Bay. The addition of a Montessori preschool at the Garden and Art Center has been a welcome addition to those calling Wilder home.

 

The Glorietta neighborhood is quite popular and known for its family-friendly layout. Lots are spacious and homes are mostly Ranch style reflecting a significant pride of ownership. Glorietta neighbors enjoy the easy access to the Lafayette Reservoir Rim Trail noted for its beautiful hiking, gently rolling hills, allowing for biking and a strong community feel. You will often see children ride their bikes to school or walking groups to the nearby Glorietta Elementary School, Orinda Intermediate School, or the popular Meadow Swim and Tennis Club. While you may rarely get some of the spectacular views of the Orinda Hills, Glorietta is often chosen for its easy accessibility to BART and freeway exits in Orinda and Lafayette, as well as its family-friendly dynamic.

 

Glorietta Elementary consistently ranks in the top-rated schools in California with a high degree of parent participation It has a population of just above 400 students with relatively small class sizes. Glorietta, like the three other Orinda elementary schools, is highly desired and feeds into Orinda Intermediate School.

 

Both the Sleepy Hollow and Orinda Country Club neighborhoods feed into Sleepy Hollow Elementary. Noted for their proximity to Hwy 24, BART, and Orinda Village, they are popular neighborhoods for families coming into the area. They have a fairly rural feel and can be historically charming as they are some of the oldest neighborhoods in Orinda. Many homes have large lots but can have limited usability if located along a hillside. The private Orinda Country Club has a long history with its demanding 18-hole golf course, pool, workout facility, and tennis courts, and boasts a Spanish-style Mediterranean architectural clubhouse built in 1925. Homes surrounding the club may sit on meandering, windy streets and can overlook the picturesque Cascade Lake. As you take a drive-through, you will usually encounter many residents walking their dogs or clustered in small groups exemplifying the strong sense of community.

The Sleepy Hollow neighborhood is very sought-after and is in closer proximity to the school of the same name. It is also home to the Sleepy Hollow Swim and Tennis Club, which regularly places in the top rankings of the Orinda Moraga Pool Association swim meet. Residents will boast of their strong sense of pride in the neighborhood and often enjoy larger estates and wood-studded residences. Hikers and nature seekers enjoy access to the Briones Park which offers a peaceful setting along its myriad of hiking & biking trails.

 

Sleepy Hollow Elementary benefits from its high degree of parent participation and celebrates its name with school parades and a school carnival during Halloween. Class sizes tend to be small with a ratio of 20 students to 1 teacher and has a population of just under 400 students.

 

Nestled in the southernmost part of Orinda, the Del Rey neighborhoods—including Ivy Drive, Del Rey, and Lost Valley—offer the perfect blend of convenience and charm. With very close proximity to thirteen years of top-rated schools like Del Rey Elementary, Orinda Intermediate School, and Miramonte High School, this area is a dream for families.

 

One of Del Rey’s biggest perks? It's bike-friendly streets! Built mostly in the 1950s through the 1970s, the neighborhoods are ideal for children of all ages to bike or walk to school. Like the neighboring Glorietta area, you’ll see groups of kids walking, biking, and forming friendships
along the way.

The homes here are predominantly Ranch-style, with a noticeable pride of ownership. Many have been updated or expanded to meet modern standards while retaining their classic charm. Families will also find plenty to do, with nearby ball fields, parks, hiking trails, and cul-de-sacs that are perfect for playing with friends right outside the front door.

 

Set against a stunning backdrop of creeks, mature oaks, and rolling hills, Del Rey Elementary offers a picturesque and inspiring environment for learning. With just over 400 students and a student-to-teacher ratio of 21:1, the school provides a nurturing and focused educational experience.

 

Del Rey Elementary boasts high academic performance scores and well-rounded programs, including math, art, and computers. Beyond the classroom, it’s a hub of community spirit, hosting beloved events like the annual Pumpkin Patch that bring neighbors together year after year.