Antioch surprised me. It’s the kind of place where nature meets nostalgia, where history is tucked into hillsides and unexpected adventure waits behind winding trails or neon signs. I didn’t come in with a checklist—I came in curious. And somewhere between a mine shaft tour and a roller rink, I remember thinking, “This town has more layers than I expected.”
Whether you’re here for the outdoor escapes, quirky local charm, or a bit of both, Antioch offers a mix of old and new that makes exploring feel easy, spontaneous, and genuinely fun.
Best Things to Do in Antioch, California
Hike Through History at Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve
Walking into Black Diamond Mines felt like stepping through time. The hills were golden and windblown, with narrow trails that dipped into oak groves and opened to sweeping views of the valley below. But what really pulled me in was the park’s layered history—mining tunnels, forgotten graveyards, and stories buried in the hills. I remember thinking, “These trails hold more than just footprints.”
I took a guided tour through the Hazel-Atlas mine, helmet and all. Inside, the air cooled instantly, and the silence was deep. Our guide shared stories of 19th-century coal miners, showing us tunnels carved by hand and relics left behind. It was eerie, fascinating, and surprisingly moving.
After the hike and tour, I stopped in nearby downtown Antioch for lunch at Solid Rock Café. I ordered their turkey pesto panini with kettle chips and a cold hibiscus iced tea. Sitting outside with dusty boots and a view of the river, I let the day’s stories settle in. It was the kind of satisfying tired you earn.
Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve At a Glance
- Drive Time from Downtown Antioch: ~15 minutes south
- Vibe: Historic, rugged, peaceful
- Highlights: Mine tours, panoramic trails, Rose Hill Cemetery
- Best Time to Visit: Spring or fall for comfortable hiking weather
- Cost: $5 parking, $5–$10 mine tours
- Hours: 8 AM – dusk; tour times vary
- Address: 5175 Somersville Rd, Antioch, CA 94509
Swim, Picnic, or Fish at Contra Loma Regional Park
Contra Loma Regional Park was one of those places that made me instantly slow down. With a wide reservoir surrounded by grassy hills and shaded picnic areas, it had that classic summer vibe—even if it wasn’t summer. I walked the path along the water, passed families fishing from the shore, and thought, “This feels like a real community backyard.”
The park is great for low-key adventures—walking, kayaking, or just lounging by the water with a good book. I found a quiet spot under a tree, watched a heron glide across the lake, and just let myself be still for a while. It was one of the simplest parts of the trip, and somehow one of the most grounding.
For lunch, I picked up a chicken shawarma wrap from Wally’s Cafe, a Mediterranean spot just a short drive away. I took it back to the park, sat on a bench by the lake, and ate while watching the wind ripple across the surface. The combination of warm spices and cool breeze was exactly what I didn’t know I needed.
Contra Loma Regional Park At a Glance
- Drive Time from Downtown Antioch: ~10 minutes
- Vibe: Relaxed, local, family-friendly
- Highlights: Reservoir, fishing pier, walking paths
- Best Time to Visit: Morning or late afternoon for soft light and fewer crowds
- Cost: $5 parking; seasonal swim area fees
- Hours: 5 AM – 10 PM
- Address: 1200 Frederickson Ln, Antioch, CA 94509
Spot Wildlife at the Dow Wetlands Habitat Preserve
Dow Wetlands felt like a secret tucked behind the industrial edges of town. The moment I stepped onto the boardwalk, everything shifted—birdsong, salt air, and the peaceful rhythm of the marsh. I remember thinking, “This place shouldn’t feel this quiet, but I’m glad it does.”
The trails wound through tall grasses, over creeks, and into shaded groves where I spotted egrets, ducks, and even a turtle sunning on a log. Interpretive signs offered little insights about the ecosystem, and the views across the Carquinez Strait made me stop more than once just to breathe it all in.
After the walk, I stopped at Rivertown Sweets for an iced coffee and a lemon poppyseed muffin. Sitting outside with the delta breeze in my hair and binoculars still around my neck, it felt like the kind of moment that sticks—even after you’ve packed up and gone home.
Dow Wetlands Habitat Preserve At a Glance
- Drive Time from Downtown Antioch: ~5 minutes
- Vibe: Natural, quiet, restorative
- Highlights: Birdwatching, boardwalks, marsh views
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning for wildlife activity and soft light
- Cost: Free
- Hours: Dawn to dusk
- Address: End of Fulton Shipyard Rd, Antioch, CA 94509
Explore Local Heritage at The Antioch Historical Museum
I love a good small-town museum, and The Antioch Historical Museum was everything I hoped for—personal, charming, and full of character. Housed in the old Antioch High School building, each classroom had been transformed into themed exhibits: a vintage kitchen, a schoolroom, a firehouse, and even a full barber shop setup. I remember smiling and thinking, “This is what it looks like when a community preserves its own story.”
The volunteers were friendly and full of stories themselves—sharing everything from shipbuilding history to quirky local legends. It wasn’t flashy, but it was heartfelt. Every corner of the place felt like someone had cared enough to keep the past alive.
Afterward, I stopped at Nature’s Bounty Café for a wholesome lunch: a quinoa bowl with roasted veggies, feta, and lemon tahini dressing. It was bright, fresh, and exactly the kind of meal that felt right after walking through generations of Antioch’s history.
The Antioch Historical Museum At a Glance
- Drive Time from Downtown Antioch: ~5 minutes
- Vibe: Nostalgic, welcoming, grassroots
- Highlights: Recreated rooms, local history, personal artifacts
- Best Time to Visit: Weekends or special event days
- Cost: Free (donations welcome)
- Hours: Wednesdays and Saturdays, 1 PM – 4 PM
- Address: 1500 W 4th St, Antioch, CA 94509
Catch High-Speed Action at the Antioch Speedway
I didn’t expect to love the Antioch Speedway as much as I did—but once the engines roared and the stands filled with cheers, I was hooked. There’s something electric about a local racetrack: families wrapped in blankets, the smell of popcorn in the air, and drivers revving up for the green flag. I remember thinking, “This is small-town adrenaline at its finest.”
The dirt track action was loud, dusty, and full of heart. I watched late models and modifieds kick up clouds as they flew past the stands, each lap more intense than the last. Kids clutched foam fingers, old-timers swapped predictions, and I found myself totally caught up in the energy of it all.
Between races, I grabbed a corndog and fries from the concession stand—not fancy, just classic. With grease on my fingers and the sound of engines still buzzing in my chest, I felt completely in the moment.
Antioch Speedway At a Glance
- Drive Time from Downtown: ~10 minutes
- Vibe: Loud, thrilling, all-American
- Highlights: Dirt track racing, family-friendly stands, weekend events
- Best Time to Visit: Saturday nights during race season
- Cost: Around $15–$20 for general admission
- Hours: Varies by event; typically gates open at 5 PM
- Address: 1201 W 10th St, Antioch, CA 94509
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
El Campanil Theatre was a reminder that Antioch knows how to put on a show. Built in 1928 and lovingly restored, this downtown gem still feels like it belongs to another era—with velvet seats, ornate trim, and a glowing marquee out front. I remember stepping inside and thinking, “Some places just know how to hold history well.”
The performance I caught was a community theater production—heartfelt, polished, and packed with locals cheering on familiar faces. The theater itself added to the magic, with great acoustics and just enough old-Hollywood charm to make everything feel special.
Before the show, I had dinner across the street at Smith’s Landing Seafood Grill. I ordered the grilled salmon with garlic mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables, paired with a glass of local Chardonnay. By the time the curtain rose, I was full, happy, and completely ready for some live storytelling.
El Campanil Theatre At a Glance
- Drive Time from Downtown: Located in downtown Antioch
- Vibe: Historic, elegant, community-centered
- Highlights: Live theater, film screenings, musical performances
- Best Time to Visit: Check the calendar for weekend shows or special events
- Cost: Ticket prices vary by event
- Hours: Event-based hours
- Address: 602 W 2nd St, Antioch, CA 94509
Travel Tips: How to Get There
- If you’re traveling by car: I usually take Highway 4—Antioch’s just 45–60 minutes from Oakland or about 1.5 hours from Sacramento. You’ll find it’s a pretty straightforward drive.
- By Train: I’ve used the Antioch-Pittsburg Amtrak station before—it’s on the San Joaquins line. If you’re coming from the Bay, you can catch BART to Pittsburg and hop on the eBART extension from there.
- By Air: I fly into Oakland or SFO when I’m not local—both airports are about 1 to 1.5 hours from Antioch by car, depending on traffic. You’ll want to rent a car for the most flexibility.
Where to Stay
- Hampton Inn & Suites Pittsburg – I’ve stayed here when I wanted a comfy, reliable spot with free breakfast. You’ll appreciate the modern rooms and easy freeway access.
- Comfort Inn Antioch – If you're watching your budget, this one's close to downtown and convenient. I’ve had a decent stay here on quick trips.
- Vacation Rentals – Sometimes I just want a local vibe, so I book a rental. You’ll enjoy the space and residential feel—great for families or longer stays.
Final Thoughts on Antioch
Antioch turned out to be a town full of unexpected contrasts—and I mean that in the best way. One day I was hiking through old coal mines, the next I was under neon lights at a roller rink, and somewhere in between, I found quiet trails, bird-filled wetlands, and a slice of vintage elegance in a downtown theater.
It’s not a flashy destination, but it’s full of character and charm if you know where to look. Antioch invites you to dig a little deeper, to wander without an agenda, and to find joy in both the simple and the surprising. And if you leave a little dusty, a little sun-tired, and a lot inspired—you did it right.