Escape the SanFrancisco Bay area’s crowded metropolitan region with a trip to this laid-backCalifornian city, home to one of America’s most popular jazz festivals.
The relaxed suburban town of Concord isjust 30 miles (48 kilometers) from the heart of San Francisco, but you’ll feellike you’re hours from the city. Concord is the perfect family vacation destination,with theme parks, water parks and outdoor cinemas to entertain the kids.Discover the local heritage as you visit historic buildings scatteredthroughout the city or do some shopping at the local mall.
Concord is conveniently located, withmany major attractions just beyond its city limits. Explore Berkeley, home toone of America’s most prestigious universities, or climb Mt. Diablo, one of thetallest peaks in the area.
Spend the day riding waterslides orracing your friends at Waterworld California. With gentle to thrilling waterslidesand plenty of attractions aimed for small children, it provides the perfectfamily day out. Head to nearby Pixieland Amusement Park for more family fun.The park is focused on younger children and is interactive, educational andmodest in price. For old-fashioned fun, catch a film at the Solano Drive-In,one of the last of its kind in California.
Concord is home to a progressive artsscene. From the 1970s on, native son Dave Brubeck, Ella Fitzgerald and othersperformed each summer at the Concord Jazz Festival. Look for modern headlinerslike CeeLo Green, OneRepublic, Linkin Park and Steely Dan in the summer concertseries at the Concord Pavilion, the city's main amphitheater. Concord also has astrong legacy of theater and the performing arts. Academy Award-winning actorTom Hanks was born here.
The city is best navigated by car. Findfree or metered parking throughout Concord. A bus service also runs throughoutthe town. Drive outside the city limits to see the majesty of Mt. Diablo StatePark. Visit the bohemian locals of Berkeley, the Bay Area city that boasts oneof the most recognized universities in the nation.
