Antioch Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, where to stay, what to eat, and more in Antioch, California with this comprehensive travel guide.


Antioch is a hidden gem in Contra Costa County, located in the East Bay area of the San Francisco Bay Area, California. With its rich history, beautiful scenery, and vibrant culture, Antioch is a destination that should be on every traveler’s list. In this travel guide, we will explore the best attractions, dining options, lodging, and activities that Antioch has to offer.

Introduction to Antioch

Antioch is a small city in Northern California with a population of over 110,000 people. The city is known for its natural beauty, scenic views, cultural heritage, and historic landmarks. Antioch has a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and hot dry summers. The best time to visit Antioch is from March to May or from September to November when the weather is pleasant.

List of Places to Visit in Antioch

Antioch offers a diverse range of attractions that cater to all kinds of travelers. From exploring historical landmarks to hiking scenic routes, here are the best places to visit in Antioch:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Antioch Historical Society Museum: This museum showcases the local history of Antioch with exhibits, artifacts, and photographs. It is a must-visit for history buffs.
  2. Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve: This historic park features preserved coal mines, hiking trails, and guided tours.
  3. Dow Wetlands Preserve: This wetland park is an ecological oasis with hiking trails, birdwatching spots, and picnic areas.
  4. The East County Veteran’s Memorial: This war memorial pays tribute to the soldiers who served from East County.
  5. El Campanil Theatre: This atmospheric theatre hosts a variety of live performances including plays, music shows, and comedy acts.

Natural Attractions of Antioch: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Contra Loma Regional Park: This park boasts a protected swimming lagoon, fishing lakes, hiking trails, and picnic areas.
  2. Lone Tree Golf Course: This golf course has stunning views of Mount Diablo and features a pro shop and a clubhouse.
  3. Antioch Dunes National Wildlife Refuge: This wildlife refuge is a protected area for endangered species of flora and fauna and has sand dunes that are over thirty feet tall.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Antioch

Antioch has many trails and routes designed for hiking and biking enthusiasts. Here are a few popular routes:

  1. The Black Diamond Trail: This 6.5-mile trail features stunning views of the surrounding hills and passes through old coal mines.
  2. The Delta de Anza Trail: This trail starts from Antioch and follows the beautiful Sacramento River before ending in Martinez.
  3. The Marsh Creek Trail: This 7-mile trail crosses into Clayton and passes through rolling hills, picturesque valleys, and marshes.

Best Things to Do in Antioch: Activities and Tours

Antioch offers a diverse array of activities and tours that cater to all kinds of travelers. Here are the top things to do in Antioch:

  1. Take a guided tour of Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve and learn about the city’s coal mining history.
  2. Go fishing at Contra Loma Regional Park or Hidden Lakes Park.
  3. Attend a live performance at El Campanil Theatre.
  4. Take a scenic drive through Antioch’s countryside and explore the Delta Ranches and vineyards.
  5. Visit the Antioch Paintball Park with friends.

Week-Long Itinerary for Antioch

Here’s a seven-day itinerary to help you plan your trip to Antioch:

Day Itinerary
1 Visit Antioch Historical Society Museum and tour Black Diamond Mines.
2 Hike or bike the Delta de Anza Trail and explore the Sacramento River.
3 Take a scenic drive through Antioch’s countryside and explore the Delta Ranches and vineyards.
4 Go fishing at Contra Loma Regional Park.
5 Attend a live performance at El Campanil Theatre.
6 Go birdwatching at Dow Wetlands Preserve.
7 Take a day trip to Mount Diablo State Park and explore the hiking trails and scenic views.

Food and Drink Scene of Antioch

Antioch is known for its diverse dining scene, with restaurants offering a wide variety of cuisines. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich at Smith’s Landing Seafood Grill.
  2. Seafood Cioppino at Cornerstone Grill & Bar.
  3. Falafel Wrap at Falafel Town.
  4. Chicken Dijon at Celia’s Mexican Restaurant.
  5. Short Rib Pot Roast at Lone Tree Golf & Event Center.

Local Beverages

  1. Almond Milk Tea at Teazzert.
  2. Antioch Coffee at Muddy’s Coffee House & Cafe.
  3. Concord Grape Wine at Cline Cellars.

Where to Stay in Antioch: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Antioch offers a range of accommodations to suit every budget. Here are the top hotels, hostels, and guesthouses in the city:

  1. Best Western Plus Executive Inn & Suites
  2. Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham
  3. Antioch Executive Inn & Suites
  4. Ramada by Wyndham Antioch
  5. Economy Inn Antioch

What to Buy in Antioch: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Antioch has a range of unique and locally made products that are perfect for souvenirs and gifts. Here are some of the top items to buy:

  1. Chocolate at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory
  2. Gift Baskets at Nunn Better
  3. Fresh Produce at Smith Family Farms
  4. Artisanal Products at Farm to Market
  5. Olive Oil and Vinegar at McCarthy Family Farm

Local Culture and Customs of Antioch

Antioch has a rich cultural heritage and is home to diverse communities that celebrate their heritage through festivals and events. Some of the notable cultural events in Antioch are:

  1. Antioch Dunes National Wildlife Refuge Bird Celebration.
  2. Pacific Rim Street Fest.
  3. Harvest Time Festival.

Best Time to Visit Antioch

The best time to visit Antioch is from March to May or from September to November. During these months, the weather is mild, and the tourist crowds are smaller.

Do’s and Don’ts of Antioch

Do:

  1. Visit the local farmers’ markets and try the fresh produce.
  2. Take a scenic drive through the delta and explore the vineyards.
  3. Attend a live performance at El Campanil Theatre.

Don’t:

  1. Leave valuables in your car when parked.
  2. Trespass on private property.
  3. Litter in public areas.

Safety and Health

Safety in Antioch

While Antioch is generally a safe city, travelers should take precautions when exploring. Here are some tips for staying safe:

  1. Stay aware of your surroundings.
  2. Lock your car and keep valuables out of sight.
  3. Stick to well-lit areas at night.

Health in Antioch

Antioch has a range of medical facilities that offer quality healthcare services to travelers. In case of emergency, call 911 or visit one of these hospitals:

  1. Sutter Delta Medical Center
  2. John Muir Health Outpatient Center
  3. Contra Costa Regional Medical Center

Getting to Antioch: Transportation Options and Logistics

Antioch is easily accessible by air, road, and public transportation. Here are some transportation options for getting to Antioch:

Airports Near Antioch

  1. Oakland International Airport (OAK)
  2. San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
  3. Sacramento International Airport (SMF)

Bus Stations Near Antioch

  1. Antioch-Pittsburg Amtrak Station
  2. Tri Delta Transit
  3. Greyhound Bus Station - Pittsburg

Other Options

  1. Renting a car is a popular option to explore Antioch and the surrounding areas.

How to Get Around in Antioch

Antioch is a small city, and most attractions are easily accessible by car or bike. Public transportation options include Tri Delta Transit bus service and the Amtrak train service.

Where to Go Next from Antioch: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Antioch’s location makes it an ideal starting point for exploring other nearby attractions in the Bay Area. Here are some destinations to consider:

  1. Mount Diablo State Park
  2. San Francisco
  3. Napa Valley

Conclusion

Antioch is a charming city that is often overlooked but is definitely worth a visit. The city has a rich history, beautiful scenery, and a vibrant culture that welcomes visitors with open arms. With this comprehensive travel guide, you now have all the information you need to plan your trip to Antioch.