Oakland and Berkeley are the deep bench: dinner plus a show at Berkeley Rep, a gallery wander, or a second bar. Walnut Creek pairs the Lesher Center with downtown restaurants. Livermore is tasting rooms and a later meal. Jack London and the Alameda shore are the water version.
The Concord Pavilion is a summer date if you plan the ride home. The Bruns in Orinda is a blanket-and-trees date when something is actually playing. Check the night before you promise the plan.
Towns
Inner East Bay
Oakland
The bridge lands here, and so does dinner.
OpenBerkeley & the north hills
Berkeley
Campus, canyons, and a food culture that predates the trend.
OpenCentral Contra Costa
Walnut Creek
The East Bay downtown people drive to on purpose.
OpenTri-Valley
Livermore
Wine country, a science town, and a downtown coming into its own.
OpenInner East Bay
Alameda
An island of Victorians, beaches, and a main street that still works.
Open