Set in a land steeped in history, Moraga dates back to the California of the mid-1800s, when gold rushes and land disputes were commonplace. However, the town has been transformed, and today Moraga stands as the most peaceful bedroom community in the entire East Bay. Along with Lafayette and Orinda, Moraga makes up Lamorinda, a trinity of towns in Contra Costa County widely recognized for their natural landscapes and peaceful communities.
Moraga stands out for its peaceful environment and family-friendly setting like the other Lamorinda towns. Moraga is ideal for settling down and enjoying a laid-back, easy-going lifestyle with an excellent educational program and a relaxed downtown. The pleasant Mediterranean climate, the quiet rural locations, and convenient proximity to major cities make Moraga the quintessential bedroom community.
What to Love
- The iconic St. Mary's College
- A vibrant historical past
- A peaceful and warm community
- One of the best mid-size farmers' markets in the nation
Local Lifestyle
For residents of Moraga, there is no such thing as a boring town; it excels at what many consider the traditional suburb lifestyle. Locals have developed a traditional and pragmatic setting that greatly favors families; they have adapted their needs and made the most of their resources, resulting in an outstanding community with no reason to envy cities like Oakland or Concord.
The peaceful and quiet environment of Moraga has been vital in its development as a bedroom community. Its residents spend their free time in one of the various entertainment options Moraga offers and the rest of the day working in one of the adjacent major cities.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
After a long day at work, there is nothing like relaxing with a good beer and dinner. And that's just what
Canyon Club Brewery offers. They offer a wide selection of craft, imported, and local beers and a menu full of options to please any palate. Canyon Club Brewery is the favorite meeting point for locals to spend an unforgettable evening.
La Finestra Ristorante is one of the most sought-after food venues in Moraga. This restaurant offers an haute cuisine culinary experience in a classy and elegant ambiance. The specialty is traditional Italian food, served in the purest gourmet style. The delicious food, picturesque atmosphere, and Sicilian vibe make La Finestra Ristorante a must for fine dining lovers.
Film fans have their meeting point at the Rheem Theater. This classic theater was founded in 1957 and became the benchmark for classic cinemas in Moraga. Despite closing in 2018, a joint effort by the Moraga council and residents managed to get the Rheem open again. Today the Rheem is a vital entertainment venue and one of the favorite places for Moraga's youth.
Things to Do
Moraga Commons Park is a multi-use park downtown. It offers wide green spaces for recreation and the enjoyment of outdoor activities. It also has a skateboard park, sand volleyball area, and a picnic area.
Hacienda de las Flores is a beautiful Spanish-style mansion with a flourishing and vivid garden. With a marked classic Spanish architecture, Hacienda de las Flores is one of the most beautiful historic buildings in the East Bay area. The exuberant beauty of its gardens has made it the dream place for weddings, birthdays, bat mitzvahs, and any other social meeting in Moraga.
In Moraga Commons Park, there is always time to share with the family, and if we add movies to this and a starry night, we get Movies Under the Stars. This event brings together hundreds of people who come to the park for a magical evening full of family fun. Movies Under the Stars is a fantastic experience that perfectly represents Moraga's family-oriented culture.
For lovers of hiking and biking, Moraga has one of the most challenging trails in the East Bay area.
The Lafayette-Moraga Trail runs 7.65 miles from Moraga to the neighboring city of Lafayette. This trail is ideal for taking a walk and admiring the picturesque rural landscapes of Moraga and even allows equestrian use. A perfect plan for weekends and relaxing getaways.
Schools
Moraga is served by the Moraga Elementary School District & the Acalanes Union High School District.