Orinda

Theatre Square, BART access, and classic California hillside living

Downtown Orinda

Orinda is perhaps the most recognizable of the three Lamorinda towns, thanks to its iconic Art Deco theatre and position as the first stop out of the Caldecott Tunnel. With its own BART station and charming Theatre Square, it’s where many visitors get their first taste of Lamorinda.

The Essentials

  • Population: ~20,000
  • BART Access: Yes — Orinda Station
  • Vibe: Classic California suburb, hillside homes, good schools

Visiting in March? You’ve timed it well. The hills surrounding Orinda turn vivid green after winter rains, and the moderate temperatures make it perfect for exploring Theatre Square on foot. Catch a matinee at the historic theatre, then wander the square with a coffee — peak casual California afternoon.

Theatre Square

The heart of downtown Orinda. Built around the historic 1941 Orinda Theatre, this plaza offers:

  • The Orinda Theatre — Art Deco landmark, still showing movies
  • Restaurants — Shelby’s, Fourth Bore, Comelones, and more
  • Shops and services
  • Free parking with validation

Beyond Theatre Square

  • Orinda Village — Additional shops across the way
  • Casa Orinda — The legendary 1932 roadhouse, a destination unto itself

Outdoors

  • Orinda Oaks Park — Local park with trails
  • Tilden Regional Park — Nearby wilderness access
  • San Pablo Dam Road — Scenic route and reservoir access
  • Siesta Valley — Open space and trails

Getting Here

  • BART: Orinda Station (Antioch line) — first stop east of the tunnel
  • Car: Highway 24 through the Caldecott Tunnel
  • The Caldecott: Four bores, named after a local public health official

Local Lore: The Name

Orinda owes its name to poetry and romance. In the 1870s, County Sheriff William Walker Camron and his wife Alice Marsh Camron owned much of what would become Orinda. Alice was a devotee of 17th-century English poet Katherine Philips, who wrote under the pen name “The Matchless Orinda.” When the Camrons named their property — and eventually the town — they honored Alice’s literary heroine. It’s a charmingly obscure reference: most Californians have never heard of Katherine Philips, but they all know Orinda. The poet would probably appreciate the irony — she died in 1664, but her pen name lives on in a California suburb 350 years later.

Neighborhoods

Orinda is a collection of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character:

Explore all Orinda neighborhoods →

Schools

  • Miramonte High School (excellent)
  • Orinda Intermediate School
  • Top-rated elementary schools

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

Orinda Neighborhoods

A guide to Orinda's distinct neighborhoods — from family-friendly Glorietta to prestigious Sleepy Hollow

Orinda Restaurants

Where to eat in Orinda — Theatre Square dining and a legendary roadhouse
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