Parks And More
Moraga Commons
The heart of the community, The Commons (1425 St. Mary’s Rd.) offers playgrounds for both toddlers and older children, as well as an all-access play area for children of all abilities; picnic areas (which may be reserved); a bandshell; skatepark; bocce ball court; basketball court; sand volleyball; disc golf; and a playful water feature. A wonderful walking trail surrounds the park.
Rancho Laguna Park
Set in the midst of rolling hills at the outskirts of town (2101 Camino Pablo), this park has a tot lot, swings, picnic areas, a small amphitheater surrounded by redwood trees, a large lawn, and its newest addition: a monarch butterfly habitat (supported by the Moraga Garden Club). There is a group picnic area which accommodates 200 persons as well as an off-leash dog run area. Off leash hours: April-September–park opening to 9:00 a.m., and 6:00 p.m. to park closing; October-March–park opening to 9 a.m., and 4 p.m. to park closing.
Hacienda de las Flores
This historic town-owned property has a beautiful Spanish-style mansion, pavilion, expansive lawn and parkland with blue atlas trees, willows, palms, and flowers. Tranquil and secluded, the Hacienda offers one of the prettiest garden environments for meetings and events in the East Bay. There is a patio with a central fountain, large lawn, and beautifully landscaped gardens. Many weddings are held here, as well as Town-sponsored recreation classes, and the summer Hacienda Nights.
The address is 2100 Donald Drive.
Mulholland Ridge Open Space Preserve
A 260-acre park atop Donald Drive on the Moraga/Orinda border, the park offers spectacular views of the valley and Mount Diablo. Ridge trails connect to the Hacienda de las Flores estate in Moraga and the Orinda trail network. Dogs are permitted off-leash on the paved portion of the Mulholland Ridge Trail.
Monarch and Pollinator Habitat Garden
A former par course at Rancho Laguna Park was recently converted to a Monarch Butterfly Garden, providing the necessary elements to encourage these beautiful butterflies to visit, feed and breed. It has been created to help sustain this insect’s population which has rapidly declined in recent years. The garden’s creation is the result of the vision and hard work by the women of the Moraga Garden Club working with numerous town organizations and Town staff.
West Commons Park
Across the street from Moraga Commons, and a short bridge that spans Laguna Creek, there is a large meadow that once was filled with pear trees. The oval-shaped meadow has several informational boards describing rare animal species found here as well as native plants. The level path is great for pushing strollers or for jogging and walking. The park is handicapped-accessible and has a big picnic table half way into the park. These 2 greater-than-life sized sculptures invite visitors to come closer!
Valle Vista Staging Area
At the southern edge of Moraga, past the Canyon Road Bridge, is the Valle Vista Staging Area where most people access the King Canyon Loop Trail, the only trail next to the sprawling San Leandro Reservoir, or the Rimer Creek Loop, which is a nice birding area if you want to spend time with your binoculars. The trail meanders through a very pleasant mix of pines, oaks, a few young redwoods, and other flowering trees.
Lafayette-Moraga Regional Trail
The Lafayette-Moraga Regional Trail, a 7.65-mile linear park operated by the East Bay Regional Park District, parallels St. Mary’s Road and goes through Lafayette and Moraga. It is intended for hiking, biking, and walking use. This 10-foot-wide recreational trail is accessible to people in wheelchairs and offers scenic areas and convenient access to local facilities. Much of this trail was built on the foundation of the Sacramento Northern Railroad which ran through Moraga in the first half of the 20th Century. It is one of the first Rail-to-Trail conversions in the country. It can be accessed in many places, including from the Moraga Commons Park, across from the entry to Saint Mary’s College, and the stone bridge on Country Club Drive.