Destination guides
Things to Do in Antioch, CA with a Group
What to do in Antioch, California with a group: Black Diamond Mines, Contra Loma, the Delta waterfront, Brentwood farms and easy trips into the Bay Area.
By the JekkyStay team · November 3, 2026
- Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve and Contra Loma Regional Park are both in Antioch.
- Brentwood's U-pick farms next door are a favorite with families in late spring and summer.
- BART from Antioch station connects to Oakland and San Francisco.
- A large home in Antioch is a roomier, quieter base for a Bay Area trip.
Antioch sits on the San Joaquin River in eastern Contra Costa County, where the Bay Area meets the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. It is quieter than the inner Bay Area and has more space, which makes it a good base for a family or group trip. Here is what to do in and around Antioch.
Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve
Black Diamond Mines, on Antioch's southern edge, preserves the remains of the coal and sand mining towns that once filled these hills. There are miles of trails through grassland and oak woodland with views over the Delta, and the park has offered seasonal underground tours of the old mines. Check the East Bay Regional Park District's site for current tour times before you go.
Contra Loma Regional Park
Contra Loma has a reservoir for fishing and non-motorized boating and, in summer, a swim lagoon that is popular with families. There are picnic areas big enough for a group, so it is an easy half-day with children.
The Antioch waterfront
Downtown Antioch sits on the river, with a marina, a fishing pier and the historic El Campanil Theatre. It is a pleasant place for an evening walk and a meal.
Brentwood farms
Next door, Brentwood is known for its farms, and many offer U-pick fruit in season: cherries in late spring, then stone fruit and more into summer. Picking fruit together is a simple, memorable outing for a reunion.
Mount Diablo
Mount Diablo State Park is a short drive west. On a clear day the summit view is one of the widest in the region. It works for a group that wants a scenic drive with short walks, or longer hikes for the more active.
Day trips into the Bay Area and wine country
- San Francisco and Oakland: about an hour by car or BART from Antioch station.
- Napa Valley: roughly an hour north for a wine country day.
- Livermore Valley: a closer wine region to the south.
Our guide to staying in Antioch for a Bay Area trip covers the trade-offs.
Practical tips for groups
- Summer days in eastern Contra Costa County are hot, so plan hikes for the morning.
- Check park hours and any parking fees before you go; regional parks can fill on warm weekends.
- If some of the group wants the city and others want a quiet day, split up for the day and meet back at the house for dinner.
Where to stay
Our six-bedroom Antioch House sleeps up to 15, with a fireplace and a coffee bar, so the whole group can stay together. See the Antioch and East Bay page for more on the area, and our family reunions page if you are bringing several generations.
Frequently asked questions
Is Antioch a good base for visiting San Francisco?
It can be. San Francisco is about an hour away by car or BART, and Antioch offers larger homes and more space than the city for the same budget.
What is there to do in Antioch for kids?
Contra Loma's swim lagoon in summer, the mine tours and trails at Black Diamond Mines, and U-pick farms in nearby Brentwood are all popular with children.
Is there BART in Antioch?
Yes. The Antioch station is the eastern end of the BART line toward Pittsburg and the rest of the East Bay, with connections to Oakland and San Francisco.
Planning a group trip?
Tell us your dates and group size.