Looking for a riverside escape with parks, trails, and local charm? Head to Antioch! Located in the East Bay along the San Joaquin River, Antioch offers outdoor adventure, family attractions, and easy access to wine country and the Delta. It’s a great day trip or weekend retreat from the Bay Area hustle.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Antioch is from March through June and September through November. These seasons offer comfortable temperatures for hiking, boating, and exploring the Delta. Summers can be hot and dry, perfect for water activities.
How to Get There
- If you are traveling by car: Antioch is located off Highway 4, about 45–60 minutes east of Oakland and 1.5 hours from Sacramento.
- By Train: Antioch-Pittsburg Amtrak station provides access via the San Joaquins line. BART service is available nearby in Pittsburg with the eBART extension.
- By Air: The nearest major airports are Oakland International (OAK) and San Francisco International (SFO), both about 1–1.5 hours away by car.
Where to Stay
- Hampton Inn & Suites Pittsburg – Nearby hotel with modern amenities and free breakfast.
- Comfort Inn Antioch – Budget-friendly option close to downtown and the freeway.
- Airbnb or Vacation Rentals – Consider local homes for a more residential and comfortable stay.
Top Attractions
1. Hike Through History at Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve
The Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve is a historic site that has been identified as a California Historical Landmark while also being listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. The preserve comprises former coal and sand mines as well as the relics of three mining towns. Visitors are invited to go on a guided tour of the ruins so that they can get an understanding of what life was like when the mines were prosperous. There are over sixty miles of trails which you can explore by hiking, horseback riding, or mountain biking. Some of the wildlife you may come across during your adventure are golden eagles, mountain lions, and foxes.
5175 Somersville Road, Antioch, CA 94509, Phone: 510-544-2750
2. Swim, Picnic, or Fish at Contra Loma Regional Park
Spanning over 780 acres, Contra Loma Regional Park is a wonderful place to spend the day outdoors while in Antioch. Contra Loma is a part of the East Bay Regional Parks system and allows for several adventurous like hiking, mountain biking, and camping. Within the park you’ll find an 80-acre reservoir which has a swim lagoon complete with a sandy beach to sunbathe on. The swim lagoon is extremely popular with residents and visitors, and offers several facilities such active lifeguards on duty, swim lessons, and a boat launch. Anglers can spend the day fishing in the reservoir for catfish, trout, and several species of bass.
1200 Frederickson Lane, Antioch, CA 94509, Phone: 888-327-2757
3. Spot Wildlife at the Dow Wetlands Habitat Preserve
The Dow Wetlands Wildlife Habitat Preserve was established in 1989 and can be found along a scenic stretch of land by the San Joaquin River. The 470-acre preserve plays a vital role in Antioch by providing a tidal and upland marsh habitat for over 120 species of birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. You can explore the preserve via their extensive walking trails; there are several viewing decks and benches along the way to rest and watch the turtles, otters, and birds you’re sure to run into. Other aspects that are worth checking out while you’re there include a 30-acre beaver pond and the picturesque stretch of grasslands.
4th Street, Antioch, CA 94509
Activities and Attractions for Couples:
4. Explore Local Heritage at The Antioch Historical Museum
The Antioch Historical Museum is a great place for visitors of all ages to learn about the area’s past and the people who lived there. The museum is currently housed in what was the first high school in Contra Costa County, and now a listing on the National Register of Historical Places. There are several permanent and visiting exhibits which you’ll come across during your visit; the Native Peoples Display and the Lower Level Theater which is filled with artwork inspired by movie posters are popular exhibits. Experienced curators and professionals at the museum are more than happy to talk to you about various artifacts to ensure you have a fun and educational visit.
1500 W. 4th Street, Antioch, CA 94509, Phone: 925-757-1326
5. Catch High-Speed Action at the Antioch Speedway
The Antioch Speedway is a great place to have some good old-fashioned family fun. The speedway comprises an oval dirt track where you can watch cars race against each other as they run into tires lining the track, spin out on the curve, and barely avoid crashing into each other in this fast-paced, thrilling experience. The speedway runs under the All Stars Racing Series which means you’ll be able to see races of late models, limited editions, A modifieds, B modifieds, and hobby stocks while you’re there. The one-of-a-kind experience will leave you on the edge of your seat as you cheer for your favorite racer.
Antioch Speedway, Contra Costa County Fair Grounds: 1201 W. 10th Street, Antioch, CA 94509, Phone: 925-779-9220
6. Roll Back the Years at Paradise Skate Roller Rink
The Paradise Skate Roller Rink offers families an opportunity to have some clean, safe, fun while also getting them active and away from their smart phones and televisions. Sessions that are open to the public are accompanied by disco lights, music, and a snack bar to guarantee that you have a good time. There is an on-site arcade fitted with both classic and modern video games which is perfect for visitors of all ages. Their Super Skater Program last six weeks and is for all ages; it is a great way to learn how to skate or to improve your skills if you already know the basics.
Paradise Skate Roller Rink, 1201 W. 10th Street, Antioch, CA 94509, Phone: 925-779-0200
Where to Eat
7. Feast on Classic Comfort Food at Mac’s Old House
Mac's Old House is an old-school roadhouse that serves classic cocktails and traditional, family-style American food. The restaurant, which has been around for nearly a hundred years, is beloved by residents - many of which come there day after day to enjoy the good food and friendly atmosphere. Some of the popular entrees from their menu are the prime rib, ribeye steak, and the Red Snapper served Cajun style. All of the meals come with Mac’s fresh soup, salad, bread, pasta, and sautéed vegetables. Definitely an Antioch landmark, no visit to the city is complete without a meal at Mac’s Old House.
3100 E. 18th Street, Antioch, CA 94509, Phone: 925-757-9908
8. Enjoy Bold Flavors at Cocina Medina
Cocina Medina is a family owned and operated Mexican restaurant which caters to you with fine foods and a festive atmosphere. All of their food is made to order and uses only fresh quality ingredients to bring out the flavors of each dish. There are so many mouthwatering selections on their menu including popular favorites like the shredded chicken quesadilla, carnitas pork burrito, and the grilled steak and shrimp fajitas which come with rice, beans, and tortillas. No trip to the Mexican hacienda-style restaurant is complete without one of their great margaritas or a chilled beer imported from Mexico.
5005 Lone Tree Way, Antioch, CA 94531, Phone: 925-753-1968
Unique Activities
9. Tee Off with a View at Lone Tree Golf Course
Nestled along the San Joaquin River, the Lone Tree Golf Course is one of the most scenic and picturesque greens in Northern California. The par-72 layout is impeccably maintained, and the course comprises rolling fairways which give golfers the opportunity to demonstrate their skills. There are several events held at the Lone Tree Golf Course annually including four different NCGA point events. Weekly events and programs which you can participate vary from their Senior Men’s Group and Ladies Group to Couples Golf Night, which has proven to be extremely popular. Other aspects include a large driving range, a golf pro shop, beverage cart services, and their renowned grille restaurant.
4800 Golf Course Road, Antioch, CA 94531, Phone: 925-706-4220
10. See a Live Performance at the Historic El Campanil Theatre
El Campanil Theatre is an iconic 1928 theater that is located along Antioch’s downtown waterfront. There are many stories circulating the theater about the famous celebrities who performed there, many of whom left their autograph on the dressing room walls. Today, the theatre offers a wide variety of entertainment from concerts and ballet performances to comedy shows and live theatre. Popular shows include Hotel California: A Salute to The Eagles, performances by the Contra Costa Chamber Orchestra, and Motown with Top Shelf Classics. There are several international films showcased at the theater as well, making it the perfect location for a romantic night out or a lovely evening with friends.
602 W. 2nd Street, Antioch, CA 94509, Phone: 925-757-9500
Top Attractions
- Downtown Antioch Waterfront – Stroll the marina, dine by the river, or visit the Antioch Historical Museum.
- Antioch Dunes National Wildlife Refuge – Guided tours available to explore rare sand dunes and native plants.
If you are interested in local events:
- Antioch Summer Concert Series (July–August) – Free outdoor concerts at Waldie Plaza along the river.
- Rivertown Art & Wine Walk (Spring/Fall) – Sip local wines and browse art in downtown Antioch.
- Holiday Delites (December) – Parade, tree lighting, and family festivities to kick off the holiday season.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30–60 Minutes of Antioch, California:
- Mount Diablo State Park (40–50 min) – Hike to the summit for panoramic views of the Bay Area and beyond.
- Brentwood (20–25 min) – Go fruit picking at local farms or visit farmers markets during harvest season.
- Lodi Wine Country (50–60 min) – Discover award-winning wineries and charming downtown tasting rooms.
- Martinez (30 min) – Visit John Muir’s historic home or enjoy a stroll along the Carquinez Strait shoreline.
- Benicia (45 min) – Artsy waterfront town with galleries, antiques, and great restaurants.
📔 I get asked this a lot so I decided to include it:
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Where is Antioch located?
- Located along the San Joaquin-Sacramento River Delta, Antioch is one of the oldest towns in California.
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Why is Antioch known as the “gateway to the Delta”?
- The city’s motto, “gateway to the Delta”, is quite accurate as many of the activities available, such as kayak fishing with Delta Kayak Adventures, will take you out onto the waters.
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What historical attractions can visitors explore in Antioch?
- Several of the city's attractions, like Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve, reflect the area’s history as a prosperous mining town.
Plan Your Trip