Destinations...

Bakersfield

Beverly Hills

Cabot's Museum

Calistoga

Carpinteria

Castro Valley

Dessert Hot Springs

Hollywood

Irwindale

Lompoc

Porterville

Rancho Cordova

Ridgecrest

River Ridge Ranch

San Leandro

Sequoia National Forest

Squaw Valley Herb Garden

The Seven Wonders

Our Community ...

Businesses, residents and visitors find Castro Valley to be unique among Bay Area communities. Nestled in a valley against tree covered rolling hills, Castro Valley has a decidedly “rural” atmosphere at the hub of California’s economical, cultural and recreational heartland.

Costanoan Indians lived in the area before the arrival in the 1800’s of Don Guillermo Castro, from whom the community got its name. Castro was a soldier and surveyor with the Mexican army who received a land grant of 27,000 acres. The grant encompassed what is now Castro Valley and Hayward.

Castro, a gambler, was forced to sell his land to pay his debts, and he sailed to Chile in 1864. Methodist minister Zachariah Hughes and William Mattox were among those who purchased large tracts from Castro. Several families who settled in the area operated huge cattle and poultry ranches.

This steadily developing suburban community now includes canyon areas that are home to Arabian breeding farms, boarding and training stables and miles of riding trails. Extensively developed and coordinated park systems, a swimming lagoon, a 3 15 acre lake, an 18 hole golf course, community center, senior center, Little Theatre, art gallery, ballparks and tennis courts add to the quality of life in Castro Valley.

A Secret ...

Lake Chabot  is one of the best guarded secrets of our community. Although the park traverses numerous East Bay cities the Castro Valley entrance on Lake Chabot Road provides a quick transition from city to mountain hideaway in just a short drive from any location within Castro Valley.

Visit the Castro Valley
Chamber of Commerce

Learn even more about Castro Valley, visit mycastrovalley.com