LGBTQ+ Itinerary

As home to the East Bay’s Rainbow Center and annual Concord Pride Festival. Concord has long been an LGBTQ+ inclusive and welcoming community. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway with your spouse or significant other, a family weekend with the kids (or fur kids), hanging with friends, or just flying solo, Concord offers an endless variety of things to do and places to stay. 

Day One

Morning

Savor a leisurely brunch at Canasta Kitchen. This modern Mexican café just off the Plaza boasts authentic, tempting comfort foods like huevos rancheros, chilaquiles, dulce de leche pancakes, and Mexican eggs benedict. Plus, who could say no to horchata coffee?

After that epic meal, stroll over a block or two to charming, historic Todos Santos Plaza and the park square. While you’re there, check out the iconic clock tower and cool, life-size statue of Don Salvio Pacheco, the city’s founder. The park is also home to Concord’s popular Farmers Market, held every Tuesday year-round, and Thursdays during the summer months.

If you’re looking for a more rigorous way to work off those huevos, try an adventurous hike at Mt. Diablo State Park's popular Rock City trails where you can climb some boulders and enjoy the panoramic views. If you’d rather bike, take a cruise along the Contra Costa Canal Trail. This paved, mostly flat, multi-use trail winds along the canal’s edge through Concord, Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, and Martinez (14 miles total). For bike rentals, the folks at Encina Bicycle Centers in Concord will be happy to help get you rolling. 

Mid-Day

You may have heard about Concord’s Taco Trail and now is the time to get acquainted. Head over to the Monument Blvd neighborhood to check out some of the authentic stops at the heart of the Trail. We suggest Tortellaria El Molino, Salsa Verde Mexican Cuisine or Mercado Del Sol. With nearly 40 restaurants and taquerias, you won’t be able to do them all in one day, so plan to come back often and try them all!

For a lighter alternative, drop in the The Lettuce Inn, a popular Concord spot for delicious organic and vegetarian options. The menu offers a range of soups, sandwich wraps and salads that, according to the restaurant’s many fans, “tastes too good to be healthy.”

Check into your plush & comfy room at the Hilton Concord and then make your way across the street to The Veranda Shopping Center and explore the great shops, restaurants and entertainment venues. While you’re there, treat yourself to a tasty frozen creation at Pop Bar, or if you’re ready for something even more chill, swing by Residual Sugar Wine Bar for a unique selection of wines by the glass.

Evening

Great dinner options abound at The Veranda including Puesto for stylish Mexican, fresh sushi at Mikuni, steak and pub food at the The Yard House or next-level seafood at EMC Seafood & Raw Bar.

After dinner, finish the night off right at the Veranda Luxe Cinema and enjoy a kicked back movies experience in their super plush, reclining seats.

If still have energy to burn after your fun-filled day, indulge in some nightlife at Club 1220, a popular LGBTQ club in nearby Walnut Creek. If you’d rather hang in Concord, try Agave Grill & Cantina, Nica Lounge, or Vinnie's Bar & Grill, all located in or near Todos Santos plaza. Agave and Nica’s offers live DJs and dancing, Vinnie’s goes old school with pool, darts and live music.  

Day Two

Morning/Mid Day:

Start the day off with a hearty breakfast at Big Country Kitchen, a local favorite spot that’s also LGBTQ owned and operated. Owner Banji DeLancey says her team is passionate about food and uses only the freshest ingredients to create home-cooked, southern comfort food favorites such as chicken & waffles, biscuits & gravy, buttery grits and more.  Big Country Kitchen was featured recently on Bay Area Check Please! to rave reviews.  

After breakfast, how about a good treasure hunt? Concord has some great thrift, vintage and antique vendors and this is a perfect time to head out and explore.

With every room inside one of Concord’s historic homes filled to the brim with antiques, art, jewelry, collectibles and oddities, Buy the Way Artiques encourages all to “indulge your inner treasure hunter,” ” – and it’s not hard to do here.  Chances are you will find something you can’t live without. Henley's Antiques is an antiques wonderland and longtime local favorite that stocks new finds almost daily. 

For a fun experience of a different type, check out Pickers Warehouse. Expect to find a little bit of everything at this unique place where they claim, “If a flea market, garage sale, boutique, and collectibles store had a baby…we are it.” 
 
Thrifters will love milling through two of Concord’s best-loved thrifting venues: the ARF Thrift Store and the Hospice Thrift Shoppe. The ARF Thrift Store is operated by Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation and is supported heavily through community donations. Hospice Thrift Shoppe benefits East Bay Hospice and always offers a great selection of clothing, home goods, furniture, art, books and more.

For curated home decor with a French flea market vibe, try Elsie Green. Shop owners travel the globe frequently in search of unique vintage treasures ranging from rustic farm tables and chip-y bistro chairs, to seasoned glassware, linens and kitchen items. 

Late Afternoon/Evening:

If you’ve always wanted to sample the wares at Concord’s popular, female-owned Epidemic Ales brewery, make the drive across town. You won’t be disappointed. And be sure to try their famous Nutty but Nice Nitro Stout while you’re enjoying the casual, social atmosphere inside or on their patio. 

Head back to the hotel for a dip in the pool and spa, then enjoy a glass of wine or a cocktail before you venture back out for a great meal at at Steamboat, an authentic Asian “hot pot” restaurant, or grab some  flavorful Indian cuisine at Naan 'n' Curry  in Todos Santos Plaza.