Enjoy the Outdoors in Antioch, California

Home » Enjoy the Outdoors in Antioch, California
April 06, 2021
Edward Smith

Outdoor Recreation in Antioch

The city of Antioch, California, is located in the East Bay Area and is situated alongside the San Joaquin River. It has been called the gateway to the California Delta and is rich in agricultural history. The area enjoys abundant natural scenery, lush landscapes, and fertile soil. We have gathered a list of places to visit in Antioch to enjoy a day in nature.

Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve

Located at 5175 Somersville Road, the Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve spans more than 8,000 acres. Pre-COVID, there were tours of the mines, but they are currently on hold until further notice. There are a plethora of outdoor activities still available on the land, including picnicking and swimming. Trails spanning 65 miles meander through woodlands, grasslands, chaparral, stream vegetation, mixed evergreen forest, and exotic plant grove.

Watch the YouTube video. The clip below explores the mining history of the Antioch area.

Antioch Dunes Wildlife Reserve

The Antioch Dunes National Wildlife Refuge is a 55-acre wildlife refuge and the only one in the country that has been established to protect endangered insects and plants. The refuge is home to three endangered species: 

  • The Lange’s metalmark butterfly 
  • The Contra Costa wallflower
  • The Antioch Dunes evening primrose

Because it is designed to protect sensitive habitats and endangered species, the general public cannot wander through the refuge unsupervised. The staff at the refuge lead monthly guided tours as well as special events throughout the year.

Sherman Island

Sherman Island is located a short distance northeast of Antioch, at the confluence of the San Joaquin and Sacramento Rivers. The island is accessible by the Antioch Bridge and features wetlands as well as the popular Sherman Lake. The lake draws many visitors who are interested in water sports, including kiteboarding and windsurfing.

Montezuma Hills

The Montezuma Hills are across the Sacramento River, about 25 minutes (by vehicle) north of Antioch, and offer a number of great hiking trails as well as a tiger and lion sanctuary. The Shiloh Wind Power Plant wind turbines are fun to watch, and the area is a must-visit if you are into birdwatching. 

Contra Loma Regional Park

Spanning more than 700 acres in Contra Costa County is Contra Loma Regional Park, which includes an 80-acre reservoir in Antioch. The reservoir area includes a swimming lagoon with a lifeguard and plenty of fishing opportunities. Hiking and bicycling within the park are also popular activities.

Lone Tree Golf Course

This 18-hole public golf course lies on one side of Mount Diablo State Park. The course has been in operation since 1934. Enjoy the beautiful views while playing nine or 18 holes.

The San Joaquin River

The longest river in Central California, the San Joaquin River runs through Antioch on its way to the Pacific Ocean. The river has been a source of water for San Joaquin Valley residents for more than 8,000 years, so keep that in mind as you take a walk along its historical banks. Boating and fishing are two of the activities available to visitors of the San Joaquin River.

Antioch Car Accident Lawyer

Hello and thank you for visiting our site. My name is Ed Smith, and I am a car accident lawyer in Antioch, California. For nearly four decades, my firm has helped injured Northern Californians. If you have been injured due to the negligence of someone else, call our injury lawyers at (925) 428-5220 or (800) 404-5400. We are always happy to provide free and friendly legal advice.

Take a look at our case results on our settlements and verdicts page, and read what our prior clients have to say about us at the following sites:

Photo Attribution: MMcB

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