Lafayette

Downtown dining, the reservoir, and small-town charm with easy BART access

Lafayette is the commercial heart of Lamorinda. With a walkable downtown, dozens of restaurants along Mt. Diablo Boulevard, and its own BART station, it offers the best of suburban living with urban conveniences.

The Essentials

  • Population: ~26,000
  • BART Access: Yes — Lafayette Station
  • Vibe: Upscale suburb with a real downtown

Downtown Lafayette

The stretch of Mt. Diablo Boulevard through town is what makes Lafayette special. Unlike many suburbs where retail scatters across strip malls, Lafayette has a genuine “there” there:

  • Restaurant Row — Dozens of dining options from casual to upscale
  • Local shops — Boutiques, bookstores, services
  • La Fiesta Square — Shopping center with restaurants and shops
  • Walkable — Park once, stroll between spots

Outdoors

  • Lafayette Reservoir — The crown jewel. 2.7-mile loop, kayaks, fishing, picnics.
  • Lafayette-Moraga Trail — Paved path south to Moraga
  • Briones Regional Park — Trailhead access for serious hikers

Getting Here

  • BART: Lafayette Station (Antioch line)
  • Car: Highway 24 through the Caldecott Tunnel
  • Bike: Connected via regional trail system

Schools

Lafayette’s schools are a major draw for families:

  • Acalanes High School (top-rated)
  • Stanley Middle School
  • Multiple excellent elementary schools

For more, explore the restaurants, things to do, and neighborhood sections.

Lafayette Restaurants

Restaurant Row and beyond — where to eat in Lafayette