As the commercial center of the small town, the Castro Village complex represents the community's character. The newly redesigned downtown area features shops, restaurants, spas, and an iconic clock tower that chimes on the hour.

Arts and culture come alive in Castro Valley, with plenty of options for live entertainment. The Adobe Art Center and Gallery is a fine arts studio that offers community art classes, art exhibits, a ceramics building, a kiln room, a gallery, and an open-air courtyard available to rent for private events.

The $22.2 million Castro Valley Library is a community hub for families, students, clubs, and local government groups. The beautifully renovated space provides a quiet place to read and relax.

Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy scenic Lake Chabot, an ideal destination for boat rentals, fishing, kayak tours, camping, and picnicking at the scrumptious café. The many trails around the lake are the perfect spot to go biking or take a walk with the family. The Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area allows fishing and seasonal swimming in the lagoon, with a sandy beach and reservable picnic areas to enjoy. The Chabot-to-Garin Regional Trail runs through a section of the park.

For over 100 years, the Rowell Ranch Pro Rodeo has entertained the community with competitions and not-to-be-missed events, including a chili cook-off, parade, barbecue, and dance.