Concord is a residential and business city located in the East Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area in the state of California. Concord is located 29 miles east of San Francisco, meaning that the commute through the Caldecott Tunnel and across the Bay Bridge can be done in approximately thirty minutes when traffic is light, and in less than a week when traffic is heavy. The total area of the city is 31.13 square miles, and with over 120,000 residents Concord is the largest city in Contra Costa County.

Concord is perhaps best known for the De La Salle High School football team, which between 1992 and 2004 established a national record winning streak of 151 games, shattering the previous record of 72 games. During this time the team was named ESPN national champion in 1994 and USA Today national champion in 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, and 2003. Concord's other claim to fame is that it is the birth place of actor Tom Hanks, who is well known for numerous critically-acclaimed movies including Turner & Hooch, Bachelor Party and Joe Versus the Volcano.

Attractions

Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial - This memorial honors 320 individuals (including 200 young African American men) who were killed in a munitions accident during World War II while loading munitions and bombs onto ships bound for the Pacific Rim. Following the explosion many of the enlisted men refused to work, resulting in the Navy's largest mutiny trial and eventually helping to push the US Armed Forces to desegregate. Reservations are required to visit the memorial and can be made by calling (925) 838-0249. Tours are available Wednesday-Saturday from 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM and take one hour. The memorial can be reached by exiting on the Port Chicago Highway exit from either highway 4 or highway 242, and heading north to the Concord Naval Weapons Station.

Activities

 • Chronicle Pavilion, 2000 Kirker Pass Road - The Chronicle Pavilion is a 12,500 seat amphitheatre that hosts dozens of major concerts each year. The amphitheatre is configured with approximately 8,000 reserved seats and, for the more frugal and potentially rain-tolerant music lover, 4,500 lawn seats. Upcoming concerts can be found on the Pavilion's online calendar .
 • Waterworld USA, 1950 Waterworld Parkway (exit I-680 at Willow Pass Road and head two blocks east) - A waterpark featuring slides, pools, and other manner of devices meant to utilize the Bay Area's limited water supply. Admission is $26.99 at the park, but can be purchased for $19.99 online at the park's web site.
 • Brendan Theatres Concord 14, 1985 Willow Pass Road (corner of Concord Ave & Salvio St.) - Fourteen screens of movie magic with stadium seating, greasy popcorn, and thundering sound systems. Brendan Theatres was the anchor tenant of downtown Concord's rebirth in the late 1990's.

Dining

 • Guadalajara Grill, 5400 Ygnacio Valley Rd # B6, (925) 672-4430. Possibly one of the best Mexican restaurants in the Bay area, which is saying a lot. The super chicken burrito runs about $7.95 for lunch and $8.95 for dinner, and when combined with the never-ending chips and salsa is guaranteed to leave you full. Super fast service and free tootsie roll pops seal this establishment's top-notch reputation. Serving lunch and dinner from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
 • Old Spaghetti Factory, 1955 Mount Diablo St (downtown Concord), Ph: (925) 687-5030. Yes, it's a chain, but the food is decent and the prices aren't unreasonable. Besides, what other restaurants in Concord offer specials that include ice cream?
 • Pasta Primavera, 4425-F Treat Blvd., Ph: (925) 687-5300 - A tasty but mildly pricey pasta joint serving fairly decent dishes. Fill up on the bread & marinara sauce.

Drink

For the most part the nightlife in Concord can be found next door in Walnut Creek, although there are a few drinking establishments that are worth a visit.
 • Mr. Pickwicks British Pub & Restaurant, 4633 Clayton Rd., Ph: (925) 459-0574 - Claiming to be "California's most authentic British pub" (which may be akin to claiming to be "Britain's most authentic California smoothie shop"), this establishment nevertheless provides an atmosphere where one can enjoy British beer without paying the high prices charged in the city.
 • Legends & Heroes Sports Bar, 4050 Port Chicago Hwy, Ph: (925) 687-4111. For those wanting to get their football/basketball/baseball fix while downing a few brews, Legends offers the TV and taps necessary to help you out.

Lodging

 • Best Western Heritage Inn, 4600 Clayton Road, (925) 686-4466, Toll-free: (800) 622-6466, Fax: (925) 825-0581 - Catering to the business crowd, this hotel is unlikely to surprise anyone who has stayed in a Best Western anywhere else in the world. Rates from $70 to $90 per night for a single room.
 • Comfort Inn East At The Pavilion, 5370 Clayton Road, Ph: (925) 674-9400, Fax: (925) 674-9595 - Offering free wireless internet and continental breakfast, this hotel's best feature might be its close proximity to the fine Mexican dining at the Guadalajara Grill. The Concord Pavilion is also only one mile away for visitors wanting a hotel located close to the concert venue. Rates from $90 to $120 per night for a single room.
 • Comfort Inn Concord, 1370 Monument Blvd., Ph: (925) 827-8998, Fax: (925) 798-3374 - Free continental breakfast, free local calls, free coffee, fitness center and seasonal outdoor pool. Rates from $80 to $120 per night for a single room.
 • Crowne Plaza Hotel, 45 John Glenn Drive, (925) 825-7700
 • Hilton Concord, 1970 Diamond Blvd, Ph: (925) 827-2000, Fax: (925) 827-2113 - This hotel's close proximity to I-680 makes it a desirable location for those wanting to stay in a Hilton located near an interstate. Rates from $150 to $220 per night for a single room.
 • Holiday Inn, 1050 Burnett Avenue, (925) 687-5500 -

Links

 • City of Concord Home Page