Antioch: Museum, Theater, and Waterfront Recreation

A hotel stay in Antioch can be planned around the themes you want to focus on: the museum and theater for historical and cultural connections, along with paths and activities by the water. The specific options vary considerably. The Antioch Historical Museum focuses on local history, industry, and wildlife; the Delta de Anza Regional Trail is recommended for several groups of active visitors, while the Antioch/Oakley Regional Shoreline offers fishing, picnicking, and kite flying.

Cultural history at the museum and theater

The Antioch Historical Museum displays a 1929 Santa Fe caboose, dedicated in 2023 to showcase Antioch’s railroad history. Another area of focus is the Delta Room, which explores the Indigenous peoples of the Delta, Antioch’s industry, and local wildlife. Railroad history, industry, and the natural environment of the Delta are thus presented as distinct topics.

For a museum visit, you can use Wednesday and Saturday, 1 to 4 p.m., as a guide; admission is free. Visiting hours may change, so check them in advance.

El Campanil Theatre opened its doors to the city and the Diablo Valley in Antioch on November 1, 1928. Its history includes Spanish architecture and a Spanish name meaning “bell tower.” The theater is currently used for events, performances, or rehearsals on more than 100 days a year. It therefore offers a connection not only to a historic date but also to the city’s current events scene.

Trail and waterfront activities

The paved Delta de Anza Regional Trail currently extends for more than 15 miles of its planned 25-mile length. These figures refer to different measures: more than 15 miles describes the current extent, while 25 miles is the planned length. The trail is recommended for equestrians, cyclists, hikers, joggers, and runners. It also intersects the Mokelumne Trail from Antioch. If you plan to include exercise in your stay, these user groups and the trail intersection offer specific points of reference.

At the Antioch/Oakley Regional Shoreline, a 550-foot-long pier provides access to fishing on the San Joaquin River. The fishing pier is open year-round, 24 hours a day. Fishing, picnicking, and kite flying are among the popular recreational activities there. When planning, you can distinguish between fishing access from the pier and the other listed recreational activities along the shore.

Antioch Water Park and nearby trails

Antioch Water Park has five pools, three water slides, and a water play area. During the 2026 season, it will be closed to the general public due to ongoing renovation and improvement work; swimming lessons will be offered during this time. If your trip is after the 2026 season, check the current status before visiting.

At nearby Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve, 65 miles of trails wind through grassland, woodland hills, mixed evergreen forest, chaparral, and streamside vegetation. From Antioch, the preserve can be reached via Highway 4 and the Somersville Road exit; then follow Somersville Road south to the entrance. As road conditions may affect the drive, check the route before setting out. This makes it possible to include the preserve as a distinct regional destination in your stay, with specific directions for getting there.

Discover more destinations: Rodeo, Discovery Bay, Pacheco, Concord, Orinda, Pinole, Oakley, Richmond

For the broader travel overview: Contra Costa.