Lafayette Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Located in the heart of the San Francisco Bay Area, Lafayette offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and outdoor activities. With its picturesque rolling hills, lush parks, and charming downtown area, this city has something for everyone.

One of the main attractions in Lafayette is the Lafayette Reservoir, a serene oasis surrounded by beautiful walking and hiking trails. Visitors can rent a rowboat or paddleboat and enjoy a relaxing day on the water, or explore the scenic trails that wind around the reservoir. The Lafayette Moraga Regional Trail is another popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys.

For those interested in the arts and culture, Lafayette is home to the Lafayette Art Gallery, showcasing the works of local artists and providing a vibrant space for creative expression. The city also hosts a variety of cultural events and festivals throughout the year, celebrating everything from music and food to local history and heritage.

Downtown Lafayette is a vibrant hub of shopping, dining, and entertainment. Visitors can explore the charming boutiques and art galleries, dine at one of the many restaurants offering a diverse range of cuisines, or catch a live performance at the Town Hall Theatre. The Lafayette Plaza Park is a popular gathering spot, with its lush greenery, inviting benches, and a lively atmosphere.

Alternative names: Settled: 1848Founded: 1857 (167 years ago)Population: 25.8 thous.Area: 15.39 mi²Elevation: 292 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 37°53'30"N, 122°7'12"W

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CaliforniaUnited States

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Lafayette Top Attractions

Lafayette Attractions - What to See and Explore

Lafayette offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Lafayette Reservoir, Lafayette hillside memorial, Lafayette Library and Learning Center. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Park
Lafayette Reservoir
The Lafayette Reservoir is an open-cut human-made terminal water storage reservoir owned and operated by the East Bay Municipal Utility District. Completed in 1933, it was intended solely as a standby water supply for EBMUD customers. EBMUD opened the reservoir for public recreation in 1966.
Memorial
Lafayette hillside memorial
The Lafayette hillside memorial is a collection of religious symbols, accompanied by a large sign, in Lafayette, California. The memorial commemorates soldiers killed in the Iraq War and War in Afghanistan, with the sign containing a running total of the death count as recorded by the US Department of Defense.
Library • Downtown Lafayette
Lafayette Library and Learning Center
The Lafayette Library and Learning Center is a library and learning center in Lafayette, California that opened in 2009. The Lafayette Library and Learning Center is also home to the Glenn Seaborg Learning Consortium, a partnership with the region’s leading arts, culture, and educational institutions.

Day trips

Lafayette – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Lafayette, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Golden Gate Bridge (San Francisco), de Young Museum (San Francisco), San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (San Francisco).

20 milesW
Iconic art deco span opened in 1937
Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco
Spanning the strait that connects San Francisco Bay to the Pacific Ocean, the Golden Gate Bridge stands as an iconic marvel of modern engineering and a celebrated symbol of San Francisco. Completed in 1937, this suspension bridge is renowned for its striking...
21 milesSW
Fine-arts museum with a sculpture garden
de Young Museum, San Francisco
Nestled in the heart of San Francisco's vibrant Golden Gate Park, the de Young Museum stands as a testament to the city's rich cultural tapestry and dedication to the arts. This premier public art institution, known for its distinctive copper facade that naturally...
17 milesSW
Vast collection of prominent artworks
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, San Francisco
Nestled in the heart of San Francisco's bustling downtown, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) stands as a beacon of contemporary creativity and innovation. This temple of modern and contemporary art, reopened in 2016 after a significant expansion, is one...
16 milesSW
Hands-on science museum
Exploratorium, San Francisco
The Exploratorium, nestled in the vibrant city of San Francisco, is a public learning laboratory that invites exploration and discovery at the intersection of science, art, and human perception. This innovative museum, located at Pier 15 along the city's bustling...
21 milesSW
Museum with science exhibits and research
California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco
Nestled within the verdant Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, the California Academy of Sciences stands as a beacon of knowledge and an ode to the natural world. This prestigious institution is not just a museum; it is an expansive realm of exploration that includes an...