Get to know Piedmont through its parks, artworks, and historic sites. There are several different attractions to choose from: landscaped green spaces, a trail along Bushy Dell Creek, traces of the town’s history, and places to swim or skateboard. Choose which ones will shape your trip based on your interests.
Parks, Views, and Distinctive Features
Crocker Park combines garden features with local history. It has a shady lawn and flower beds with rhododendrons, camellias, and ferns. The park is on the property where Wallace Alexander, one of Piedmont’s founders, once lived. At its center stands the granite sculpture “A Bear and Her Two Cubs” by sculptor Beniamino “Benny” Bufano.
Piedmont Park also has striking details. Its entrance on Wildwood Avenue opens onto views of San Francisco Bay and Mt. Tamalpais. A formal exedra entrance with a blue ceramic vase creates a different focal point. A traditional Japanese teahouse stands near the park’s Community Center.
Dracena Quarry Park covers eight acres and occupies the site of a former quarry. Across Piedmont, six city parks and landscaped green spaces also offer lawns, wooded trails, four tennis courts, children’s playgrounds, and picnic facilities. Since municipal information about facilities and numbers may change, check the city’s latest information before your visit.
Discover Art and Local History
A history trail in Piedmont Park passes nine markers highlighting important milestones. A reconstructed rock grotto recalls the site of former mineral springs. Both add further aspects of local history to the park’s formal features; the rock grotto is specifically a reconstruction.
For a deeper look, the Piedmont Historical Society has a range of historical materials. The History Room contains yearbooks, artifacts, historic clothing, postcards, scrapbooks, photographs, and home inventories. The June MacKay Rutledge Memorial Room is separate: it is open by appointment and offers a look at Piedmont’s history. Arrange your visit in advance.
Trails and Outdoor Activities
A winding trail follows Bushy Dell Creek through a redwood-shaded area of Piedmont Park. If you are more interested in landscaped park features, you will also find the history trail, grotto, and formal entrance there. You can prioritize either perspective according to your interests, without combining them into a fixed route.
The Piedmont Community Pool is open year-round for swimming. It has a 12-lane lap and competition pool, as well as a three-lane warm-water activity pool with step-free entry. Hours and admission details may change; check them before your visit.
Kennelly Skate Park has purpose-built concrete ramps and bowls for skateboarding. BMX riding is permitted there on a restricted schedule. If you plan to use the park, confirm the current rules in advance. This keeps the two activities distinct: skateboarding is part of the facility described, while BMX use is subject to a limited schedule.
Event Traditions and Dates
A city event page dated June 9, 2022, describes the Independence Day parade, featuring several bagpipe bands associated with Piedmont’s Scottish traditions. It also identifies a pancake breakfast before the parade as a Piedmont tradition. Historically, an annual parade was followed by a community picnic in Piedmont Park. Check current dates and the program before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Newark, Pleasanton, San Leandro, Oakland, Dublin, Livermore, Castro Valley, Berkeley.
For the broader travel overview: Alameda.
