event
Autumn Open House Weekend at Black Diamond Mines
Special-event weekend at Black Diamond Mines, from 10am both days.
- Dates
- Oct 24, 2026 – Oct 25, 2026
- Where
- 5175 Somersville Road, Antioch, CA 94509
County guide
Things to do in Contra Costa County
27 outings for families, couples, seniors and groups, each linked to its source.
Outings near you
🌳16 picks
Family Outings
Parks, museums and kids' events.
event
Coal Mine Experience at Black Diamond Mines
Naturalist-led program on the miners of the Mount Diablo Coal Field and the area's geology. Sessions at 10:30am, 11:30am and 1:30pm. Registration required.
- Dates
- Oct 31, 2026
- Where
- 5175 Somersville Road, Antioch, CA 94509
parkFree
Big Break Regional Shoreline
Delta shoreline with a visitor center, a paved and relatively flat trail, and a fishing and observation pier. No parking fee.
- Hours
- Visitor center Wed-Sun 10am-4pm
- Cost
- Parking: no fee
- Where
- 69 Big Break Road, Oakley, CA 94561
park
Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve
Former mining district in the Mount Diablo Coal Field, now nearly 8,533 acres for hiking, picnicking and nature study. The Greathouse Visitor Center is open Fridays 10am-2pm and weekends 10am-4pm.
- Hours
- Oct 10-31: 8am-6pm; Nov 1-Dec 31: 8am-5pm
- Cost
- $5 per vehicle when the kiosk is attended
- Where
- 5175 Somersville Road, Antioch, CA 94509
park
Contra Loma Regional Park
775 acres around an 80-acre reservoir with year-round fishing, hiking, biking and an ADA fishing dock. The Swim Lagoon is closed.
- Hours
- October 7am-7pm; November-December 7am-5:30pm
- Cost
- Parking $5 per vehicle
- Where
- 1200 Frederickson Lane, Antioch, CA 94509
museumFree
John Muir National Historic Site
The Victorian mansion that became the final home of John Muir and his family. Free admission and a small free parking lot.
- Hours
- Tue-Sat 10am-5pm; house closes 4:30pm; closed Sun-Mon
- Cost
- Free
- Where
- 4202 Alhambra Ave, Martinez, CA 94553
park
Kennedy Grove Regional Recreation Area
Picnic grove beside San Pablo Dam Road.
- Hours
- October 8am-6pm; November-February 8am-5:30pm
- Cost
- Parking $5 per vehicle on weekends and holidays, April-September (the park page also says April-October)
- Where
- 6531 San Pablo Dam Road, El Sobrante, CA 94803
park
Lafayette Reservoir Recreation Area
Year-round day-use park for hiking, fishing and picnicking, one mile from Lafayette BART. Row and pedal boat rentals until 4pm, plus a tot-lot for ages 2-5.
- Hours
- October hours 6:30am-7pm
- Cost
- Parking $7 per day or $1 per half hour (2-hour max)
- Where
- 3849 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette, CA 94549
parkFree
Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline
307 acres with a shoreline picnic area around a saltwater lagoon, Keller Beach, a fishing pier and hilltop views of the North Bay. No parking fee.
- Hours
- 5am-10pm
- Cost
- Parking: no fee
- Where
- 900 Dornan Drive, Richmond, CA 94801
park
Mount Diablo State Park
Summit views that can extend over 100 miles in all directions, plus rock formations such as the Wind Caves at Rock City. Gates open at 8am and close at sunset.
- Cost
- Vehicle day use $6; $10 peak
- Where
- 1300 North Gate Road, Walnut Creek, CA 94598
park
Point Pinole Regional Shoreline
A 2,432-acre shoreline park with meadows, eucalyptus woods and bluffs on San Pablo Bay, with views of Mt. Tamalpais and the Marin shoreline.
- Hours
- October 8am-6pm; November-December 8am-4pm
- Cost
- $5 per car when the kiosk is attended, April-October
- Where
- 5551 Giant Highway, Richmond, CA 94806
parkFree
Radke Martinez Regional Shoreline
Waterfront park on Carquinez Strait with a main lawn, picnic area, duck pond and shoreline fishing. No parking fee.
- Hours
- October 8am-6pm; November-February 8am-5pm
- Cost
- Parking: no fee
- Where
- 300 N. Court St, Martinez, CA 94553
museumFree
Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park
Visitor Education Center on the Richmond waterfront telling the stories of civilians on the WWII home front. Free admission and free parking; plan 1-2 hours.
- Hours
- Daily 10am-5pm
- Cost
- Free
- Where
- 1414 Harbour Way South, Richmond, CA 94804
garden
Ruth Bancroft Garden
Garden with a diverse plant collection, self-guided tour booklets, and a children's tour book and Garden bingo. Leashed dogs welcome.
- Hours
- Wed-Sun 9am-4pm; last entry 3:15pm
- Cost
- Adults $15; Seniors 65+/students $12; Children 5-17 $6; 4 and under free
- Where
- 1552 Bancroft Road, Walnut Creek, CA 94598
park
Tilden Nature Area
Nature area with the Environmental Education Center and drop-in programs such as Good Night Farm and Hike and Storytime. No parking fee.
- Hours
- Tue-Sun 10am-4:30pm
- Where
- 1500 Central Park Drive, Berkeley, CA 94708
parkFree
Tilden Regional Park
One of the District's oldest parks, known as 'the jewel of the system'. Drop-in Sunday Storytime on Nov 1 at 10:30am. No parking fee.
- Cost
- Parking: no fee
- Where
- Entrances off Wildcat Canyon Road and Grizzly Peak Boulevard, Berkeley, CA
🌅6 picks
Date Ideas
Gardens, shoreline walks and museums.
museum
Blackhawk Museum
Museum with five exhibits, including the Don Williams Automobile Gallery, and a cafe. Free parking; allow about two hours.
- Hours
- Fri-Sun 10am-5pm
- Cost
- Adults $20; seniors, students and veterans $15; children under 6 free
- Where
- 3700 Blackhawk Plaza Circle, Danville, CA 94506
museumFree
Eugene O'Neill National Historic Site
Free national historic site honoring playwright Eugene O'Neill, reached only by the complimentary NPS shuttle from the Museum of the San Ramon Valley. Reserved tours at 10am and 2pm.
- Cost
- Free; reservation required
- Where
- 205 Railroad Avenue, Danville, CA 94526
park
Lafayette Reservoir Recreation Area
Year-round day-use park for hiking, fishing and picnicking, one mile from Lafayette BART. Row and pedal boat rentals until 4pm, plus a tot-lot for ages 2-5.
- Hours
- October hours 6:30am-7pm
- Cost
- Parking $7 per day or $1 per half hour (2-hour max)
- Where
- 3849 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette, CA 94549
parkFree
Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline
307 acres with a shoreline picnic area around a saltwater lagoon, Keller Beach, a fishing pier and hilltop views of the North Bay. No parking fee.
- Hours
- 5am-10pm
- Cost
- Parking: no fee
- Where
- 900 Dornan Drive, Richmond, CA 94801
park
Point Pinole Regional Shoreline
A 2,432-acre shoreline park with meadows, eucalyptus woods and bluffs on San Pablo Bay, with views of Mt. Tamalpais and the Marin shoreline.
- Hours
- October 8am-6pm; November-December 8am-4pm
- Cost
- $5 per car when the kiosk is attended, April-October
- Where
- 5551 Giant Highway, Richmond, CA 94806
garden
Ruth Bancroft Garden
Garden with a diverse plant collection, self-guided tour booklets, and a children's tour book and Garden bingo. Leashed dogs welcome.
- Hours
- Wed-Sun 9am-4pm; last entry 3:15pm
- Cost
- Adults $15; Seniors 65+/students $12; Children 5-17 $6; 4 and under free
- Where
- 1552 Bancroft Road, Walnut Creek, CA 94598
🌷11 picks
Senior Outings
Gardens, quieter museums, shoreline walks and guided tours.
event
Vasco Caves guided tours
The preserve is open only on advance-reservation guided tours, by District bus from Round Valley. Tours on Nov 7 and Nov 14. There is a fee; reserve at 1-888-327-2757 (option 2, then 3).
- Dates
- Nov 7, 2026 – Nov 14, 2026
- Where
- 19450 Marsh Creek Road, Brentwood, CA
parkFree
Big Break Regional Shoreline
Delta shoreline with a visitor center, a paved and relatively flat trail, and a fishing and observation pier. No parking fee.
- Hours
- Visitor center Wed-Sun 10am-4pm
- Cost
- Parking: no fee
- Where
- 69 Big Break Road, Oakley, CA 94561
museum
Blackhawk Museum
Museum with five exhibits, including the Don Williams Automobile Gallery, and a cafe. Free parking; allow about two hours.
- Hours
- Fri-Sun 10am-5pm
- Cost
- Adults $20; seniors, students and veterans $15; children under 6 free
- Where
- 3700 Blackhawk Plaza Circle, Danville, CA 94506
park
Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline
Shoreline park above Carquinez Strait. Drop-in walks include Wednesday Walk on Oct 28 at 9:30am and the Over-the-Hills-Gang on Nov 3 at 10am. No parking fee at staging areas.
- Hours
- October 8am-6pm; November-February 8am-5pm
- Where
- 2 Carquinez Scenic Dr., Martinez, CA 94553
museumFree
Eugene O'Neill National Historic Site
Free national historic site honoring playwright Eugene O'Neill, reached only by the complimentary NPS shuttle from the Museum of the San Ramon Valley. Reserved tours at 10am and 2pm.
- Cost
- Free; reservation required
- Where
- 205 Railroad Avenue, Danville, CA 94526
museumFree
John Muir National Historic Site
The Victorian mansion that became the final home of John Muir and his family. Free admission and a small free parking lot.
- Hours
- Tue-Sat 10am-5pm; house closes 4:30pm; closed Sun-Mon
- Cost
- Free
- Where
- 4202 Alhambra Ave, Martinez, CA 94553
parkFree
Radke Martinez Regional Shoreline
Waterfront park on Carquinez Strait with a main lawn, picnic area, duck pond and shoreline fishing. No parking fee.
- Hours
- October 8am-6pm; November-February 8am-5pm
- Cost
- Parking: no fee
- Where
- 300 N. Court St, Martinez, CA 94553
museumFree
Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park
Visitor Education Center on the Richmond waterfront telling the stories of civilians on the WWII home front. Free admission and free parking; plan 1-2 hours.
- Hours
- Daily 10am-5pm
- Cost
- Free
- Where
- 1414 Harbour Way South, Richmond, CA 94804
garden
Ruth Bancroft Garden
Garden with a diverse plant collection, self-guided tour booklets, and a children's tour book and Garden bingo. Leashed dogs welcome.
- Hours
- Wed-Sun 9am-4pm; last entry 3:15pm
- Cost
- Adults $15; Seniors 65+/students $12; Children 5-17 $6; 4 and under free
- Where
- 1552 Bancroft Road, Walnut Creek, CA 94598
gardenFree
Tilden Regional Parks Botanic Garden
California native plant garden in Tilden Park. Free entrance and free parking.
- Hours
- October-May 8:30am-5pm
- Cost
- Free
- Where
- 1550 Wildcat Canyon Rd, Berkeley, CA 94708
parkFree
Waterbird Regional Preserve
McNabney Marsh lies on the Pacific Flyway, with fall migrations bringing an abundance of waterfowl. No parking fee; no dogs.
- Hours
- October 8am-5pm; November-February 8am-4pm
- Cost
- Parking: no fee
- Where
- 851 Waterbird Way, Martinez, CA 94553
🎳13 picks
Friends and Groups
Hikes, shoreline parks, caves tours and museums.
event
Coal Mine Experience at Black Diamond Mines
Naturalist-led program on the miners of the Mount Diablo Coal Field and the area's geology. Sessions at 10:30am, 11:30am and 1:30pm. Registration required.
- Dates
- Oct 31, 2026
- Where
- 5175 Somersville Road, Antioch, CA 94509
event
Vasco Caves guided tours
The preserve is open only on advance-reservation guided tours, by District bus from Round Valley. Tours on Nov 7 and Nov 14. There is a fee; reserve at 1-888-327-2757 (option 2, then 3).
- Dates
- Nov 7, 2026 – Nov 14, 2026
- Where
- 19450 Marsh Creek Road, Brentwood, CA
park
Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve
Former mining district in the Mount Diablo Coal Field, now nearly 8,533 acres for hiking, picnicking and nature study. The Greathouse Visitor Center is open Fridays 10am-2pm and weekends 10am-4pm.
- Hours
- Oct 10-31: 8am-6pm; Nov 1-Dec 31: 8am-5pm
- Cost
- $5 per vehicle when the kiosk is attended
- Where
- 5175 Somersville Road, Antioch, CA 94509
museum
Blackhawk Museum
Museum with five exhibits, including the Don Williams Automobile Gallery, and a cafe. Free parking; allow about two hours.
- Hours
- Fri-Sun 10am-5pm
- Cost
- Adults $20; seniors, students and veterans $15; children under 6 free
- Where
- 3700 Blackhawk Plaza Circle, Danville, CA 94506
park
Briones Regional Park
Regional park with picnic sites, trails and the Briones Archers archery range, reached from staging areas in Martinez and Lafayette.
- Cost
- Parking $5 per vehicle when the kiosk is attended
- Where
- 1611 Bear Creek Road, Lafayette, CA
park
Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline
Shoreline park above Carquinez Strait. Drop-in walks include Wednesday Walk on Oct 28 at 9:30am and the Over-the-Hills-Gang on Nov 3 at 10am. No parking fee at staging areas.
- Hours
- October 8am-6pm; November-February 8am-5pm
- Where
- 2 Carquinez Scenic Dr., Martinez, CA 94553
parkFree
Diablo Foothills Regional Park
1,060 acres of geologic formations and sweeping Bay Area panoramas at the gateway to Mt. Diablo State Park. No parking fee.
- Note
- Stage Road Trail closed October 2026-October 2027 for construction; the 1700 Castle Rock staging area may close at times.
- Cost
- Parking: no fee
- Where
- 1700 Castle Rock Road, Walnut Creek, CA 94598
park
Kennedy Grove Regional Recreation Area
Picnic grove beside San Pablo Dam Road.
- Hours
- October 8am-6pm; November-February 8am-5:30pm
- Cost
- Parking $5 per vehicle on weekends and holidays, April-September (the park page also says April-October)
- Where
- 6531 San Pablo Dam Road, El Sobrante, CA 94803
park
Las Trampas Wilderness Regional Preserve
Wilderness preserve for hiking and birdwatching, with many hawks and occasional golden eagles. Accessible parking, toilet and picnic site at the Bollinger staging area.
- Hours
- Through Nov 1: 8am-7pm; Nov 2-Dec 31: 8am-5:30pm
- Where
- 18012 Bollinger Canyon Road, San Ramon, CA 94583
parkFree
Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline
307 acres with a shoreline picnic area around a saltwater lagoon, Keller Beach, a fishing pier and hilltop views of the North Bay. No parking fee.
- Hours
- 5am-10pm
- Cost
- Parking: no fee
- Where
- 900 Dornan Drive, Richmond, CA 94801
park
Mount Diablo State Park
Summit views that can extend over 100 miles in all directions, plus rock formations such as the Wind Caves at Rock City. Gates open at 8am and close at sunset.
- Cost
- Vehicle day use $6; $10 peak
- Where
- 1300 North Gate Road, Walnut Creek, CA 94598
parkFree
Point Isabel Regional Shoreline
Shoreline park where dogs may be off leash under voice control. Visitor favorites include Mudpuppy's Tub & Scrub and the Sit & Stay Cafe. No parking fee.
- Hours
- 5am-10pm
- Cost
- Parking: no fee
- Where
- 2701 Isabel Street, Richmond, CA
parkFree
Round Valley Regional Preserve
Valley preserve that was once home to California Indians. No parking fee; dogs are not allowed.
- Cost
- Parking: no fee
- Where
- 19450 Marsh Creek Road, Brentwood, CA
🎟️18 picks
Free and Cheap
Free entry, plus outings with a low parking or entry fee.
parkFree
Big Break Regional Shoreline
Delta shoreline with a visitor center, a paved and relatively flat trail, and a fishing and observation pier. No parking fee.
- Hours
- Visitor center Wed-Sun 10am-4pm
- Cost
- Parking: no fee
- Where
- 69 Big Break Road, Oakley, CA 94561
park
Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve
Former mining district in the Mount Diablo Coal Field, now nearly 8,533 acres for hiking, picnicking and nature study. The Greathouse Visitor Center is open Fridays 10am-2pm and weekends 10am-4pm.
- Hours
- Oct 10-31: 8am-6pm; Nov 1-Dec 31: 8am-5pm
- Cost
- $5 per vehicle when the kiosk is attended
- Where
- 5175 Somersville Road, Antioch, CA 94509
park
Briones Regional Park
Regional park with picnic sites, trails and the Briones Archers archery range, reached from staging areas in Martinez and Lafayette.
- Cost
- Parking $5 per vehicle when the kiosk is attended
- Where
- 1611 Bear Creek Road, Lafayette, CA
park
Contra Loma Regional Park
775 acres around an 80-acre reservoir with year-round fishing, hiking, biking and an ADA fishing dock. The Swim Lagoon is closed.
- Hours
- October 7am-7pm; November-December 7am-5:30pm
- Cost
- Parking $5 per vehicle
- Where
- 1200 Frederickson Lane, Antioch, CA 94509
parkFree
Diablo Foothills Regional Park
1,060 acres of geologic formations and sweeping Bay Area panoramas at the gateway to Mt. Diablo State Park. No parking fee.
- Note
- Stage Road Trail closed October 2026-October 2027 for construction; the 1700 Castle Rock staging area may close at times.
- Cost
- Parking: no fee
- Where
- 1700 Castle Rock Road, Walnut Creek, CA 94598
museumFree
Eugene O'Neill National Historic Site
Free national historic site honoring playwright Eugene O'Neill, reached only by the complimentary NPS shuttle from the Museum of the San Ramon Valley. Reserved tours at 10am and 2pm.
- Cost
- Free; reservation required
- Where
- 205 Railroad Avenue, Danville, CA 94526
museumFree
John Muir National Historic Site
The Victorian mansion that became the final home of John Muir and his family. Free admission and a small free parking lot.
- Hours
- Tue-Sat 10am-5pm; house closes 4:30pm; closed Sun-Mon
- Cost
- Free
- Where
- 4202 Alhambra Ave, Martinez, CA 94553
park
Kennedy Grove Regional Recreation Area
Picnic grove beside San Pablo Dam Road.
- Hours
- October 8am-6pm; November-February 8am-5:30pm
- Cost
- Parking $5 per vehicle on weekends and holidays, April-September (the park page also says April-October)
- Where
- 6531 San Pablo Dam Road, El Sobrante, CA 94803
parkFree
Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline
307 acres with a shoreline picnic area around a saltwater lagoon, Keller Beach, a fishing pier and hilltop views of the North Bay. No parking fee.
- Hours
- 5am-10pm
- Cost
- Parking: no fee
- Where
- 900 Dornan Drive, Richmond, CA 94801
park
Mount Diablo State Park
Summit views that can extend over 100 miles in all directions, plus rock formations such as the Wind Caves at Rock City. Gates open at 8am and close at sunset.
- Cost
- Vehicle day use $6; $10 peak
- Where
- 1300 North Gate Road, Walnut Creek, CA 94598
parkFree
Point Isabel Regional Shoreline
Shoreline park where dogs may be off leash under voice control. Visitor favorites include Mudpuppy's Tub & Scrub and the Sit & Stay Cafe. No parking fee.
- Hours
- 5am-10pm
- Cost
- Parking: no fee
- Where
- 2701 Isabel Street, Richmond, CA
park
Point Pinole Regional Shoreline
A 2,432-acre shoreline park with meadows, eucalyptus woods and bluffs on San Pablo Bay, with views of Mt. Tamalpais and the Marin shoreline.
- Hours
- October 8am-6pm; November-December 8am-4pm
- Cost
- $5 per car when the kiosk is attended, April-October
- Where
- 5551 Giant Highway, Richmond, CA 94806
parkFree
Radke Martinez Regional Shoreline
Waterfront park on Carquinez Strait with a main lawn, picnic area, duck pond and shoreline fishing. No parking fee.
- Hours
- October 8am-6pm; November-February 8am-5pm
- Cost
- Parking: no fee
- Where
- 300 N. Court St, Martinez, CA 94553
museumFree
Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park
Visitor Education Center on the Richmond waterfront telling the stories of civilians on the WWII home front. Free admission and free parking; plan 1-2 hours.
- Hours
- Daily 10am-5pm
- Cost
- Free
- Where
- 1414 Harbour Way South, Richmond, CA 94804
parkFree
Round Valley Regional Preserve
Valley preserve that was once home to California Indians. No parking fee; dogs are not allowed.
- Cost
- Parking: no fee
- Where
- 19450 Marsh Creek Road, Brentwood, CA
parkFree
Tilden Regional Park
One of the District's oldest parks, known as 'the jewel of the system'. Drop-in Sunday Storytime on Nov 1 at 10:30am. No parking fee.
- Cost
- Parking: no fee
- Where
- Entrances off Wildcat Canyon Road and Grizzly Peak Boulevard, Berkeley, CA
gardenFree
Tilden Regional Parks Botanic Garden
California native plant garden in Tilden Park. Free entrance and free parking.
- Hours
- October-May 8:30am-5pm
- Cost
- Free
- Where
- 1550 Wildcat Canyon Rd, Berkeley, CA 94708
parkFree
Waterbird Regional Preserve
McNabney Marsh lies on the Pacific Flyway, with fall migrations bringing an abundance of waterfowl. No parking fee; no dogs.
- Hours
- October 8am-5pm; November-February 8am-4pm
- Cost
- Parking: no fee
- Where
- 851 Waterbird Way, Martinez, CA 94553