Your East County Weekend Game Plan: 8 Things to Do Before Monday Hits

Another weekend is here, and if you're staring at your phone wondering what to do with your precious two days off, you're not alone.

 

The good news? East Contra Costa County is packed with options—whether you want to get outside, try something new, or just find a great spot to relax with a coffee and a view.

 

Here's your weekend game plan.

 

Saturday Morning: Start at the Market

 

The Brentwood Farmers Market is the perfect Saturday morning ritual. Open from 8 AM to noon downtown, it's where locals grab fresh produce, breakfast burritos, and that first cup of coffee while catching up with neighbors.

 

Spring means asparagus, peas, and the first strawberries of the season. Get there early for the best selection—and bring cash for the vendors who don't take cards.

 

Saturday Afternoon: Get Outside

 

If the weather's nice (and it usually is), head to Big Break Regional Shoreline in Oakley. The Delta views are worth the trip alone, but the walking trails and kayak rentals make it easy to spend a few hours exploring.

 

Not feeling active? Pack a picnic and claim one of the shaded tables near the water. Bring binoculars if you're into bird watching—the wetlands attract everything from egrets to ospreys.

 

Saturday Evening: Dinner Without the Drive

 

Skip the trek to Walnut Creek or Pleasanton. Downtown Brentwood has solid dinner options that won't require a reservation two weeks out.

 

Grab tacos and pub fare at 311 Oak Street Pub, or try Rubiano's for Italian on Oak Street. Finish with ice cream from Sip and Scoop California and walk it off through the downtown plaza.

 

Sunday Morning: Brunch and a View

 

Sunday mornings in East County move slower—and that's the point. Find a patio seat at a local café, order something indulgent, and actually read the news instead of scrolling through it.

 

If you want to make it an outing, drive out to Discovery Bay and watch the boats come in while you eat. The waterfront restaurants there have views that rival anything in San Francisco, minus the bridge toll.

 

Sunday Afternoon: Explore Something New

 

When's the last time you really explored downtown Antioch? The waterfront area has come a long way, with new restaurants, the marina, and walking paths along the river.

 

Or take a scenic drive through the orchards east of Brentwood. In spring, the almond and cherry trees are in full bloom—rows of white and pink blossoms that make you pull over just to take it in.

 

Sunday Evening: Keep It Low Key

 

End the weekend with a local wine tasting or a craft beer at one of the spots in Oakley or Brentwood. Many have outdoor seating and live music on Sunday afternoons.

 

Not drinking? A sunset walk at one of the local parks works just as well. Veterans Park in Brentwood has paved paths and plenty of benches for watching the day end.

 

The Bottom Line

 

You don't need to leave East County to have a good weekend. Sometimes the best Saturdays and Sundays happen right in your own backyard—you just have to know where to look.

 

So pick a few things from this list, put your phone down, and actually enjoy your weekend. Monday will be here soon enough.

 

Related Reading

 

• Spring Has Sprung in East County: Your Guide to the Season's Best Outdoor Activities

• The East County Gardener's Secret: How to Grow a Thriving Garden Despite the Heat