Orinda

Theatre Square, BART access, and classic California hillside living

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

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

Schools

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

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

Orinda Restaurants

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