Cities & Towns in Contra Costa County, CA

Spanning from the shores of San Francisco Bay to the rolling hills of the Diablo Range, Contra Costa County contains a diverse collection of cities and towns. Though considered part of the larger Bay Area, each community within Contra Costa has its own distinct vibe and appeal. Some of the most prominent cities include Richmond, Concord, Antioch, Walnut Creek, and San Ramon.

Contra Costa County is broadly divided into three sub-areas: West County, Central County, and East County. Each sub-area has its own unique features and characteristics that make it worth exploring. Here are some of the cities that you can find in each sub-area:

• West County: This sub-area includes the cities of El Cerrito, Richmond, San Pablo, Pinole, and Hercules, as well as the unincorporated communities of Kensington, El Sobrante, North Richmond, Rodeo, Crockett, and Port Costa. West County is known for its industrial heritage, diverse population, and scenic waterfront. Some of the attractions in West County are the Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park, the Richmond Art Center, the Point Pinole Regional Shoreline, and the Crockett Hills Regional Park.
• Central County: This sub-area is further divided into three areas: Lamorinda, Walnut Creek/Concord/Clayton, and San Ramon Valley. Central County is the most populous and affluent sub-area of Contra Costa County, with many suburban communities, shopping centers, and business parks. Some of the attractions in Central County are the Mount Diablo State Park, the Lindsay Wildlife Experience, the Lesher Center for the Arts, and the Blackhawk Museum.
• East County: This sub-area includes the cities of Antioch, Brentwood, Oakley, and Pittsburg, as well as the unincorporated communities of Bethel Island, Byron, Discovery Bay, and Knightsen. East County is the fastest-growing sub-area of Contra Costa County, with many new developments and agricultural lands. Some of the attractions in East County are the Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve, the John Marsh House, the Big Break Regional Shoreline, and the Brentwood Farmers’ Market.

Richmond sits along the waterfront and is known for its heavy industry past. Inland, Concord provides accessibility to entertainment and retail options. Bordering the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta, Antioch offers recreational water activities. Walnut Creek serves as a financial hub while San Ramon boasts upscale residential neighborhoods.

Beyond these larger municipalities, Contra Costa County also contains tranquil bedroom communities like Lafayette, eclectic college towns like Moraga, and historic spots like the city of Martinez. While all within commuting distance of San Francisco, the cities and towns of Contra Costa County provide a tranquil escape from big city life. Each area offers its own blend of natural beauty, small-town spirit, and modern amenities.