7 Best Things To Do In Antioch, California For Fun & Culture

History and entertainment

1. Black Diamond Mines

There were five coal mining towns in this area: Nortonville, Somersville, Stewartville, West Hartley, and Judsonville; ranging from the 1860s to the last century. Coal mining had an impact on California’s economy and transformed the area from rural to industrial. Sand mining was done in the 1920s as sand was mined underground near the deserted towns of Nortonville and Somersville. These mines supplied sand to the steel foundries and were also used in glass making. The sand mines closed in 1949.

The Hazel-Atlas Mine produced silica sand to make jars, bottles, and other glass items. Tour participants can take a 170-meter (570-foot) walk into the mine to see mine workings, ore chutes, the shifter’s office, and ancient geological features. The tour lasts 90 minutes and is for groups of those over 7 years old for safety reasons.

Black Diamond Mines

Address: 5175 Somersville Road, Antioch, CA

Open Hours: Summer 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Fall 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Winter 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tours 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. 10 for groups over 10 people.

Rates: Parking cars 5 USD, Trailered cars 4 USD, Buses 25 USD, Dogs 2 USD, Tour 5 USD per person

Website: Black Diamond Mines

2. Antioch Historical Museum

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The museum was originally a high school until 1931. The Antioch Historical Society registered this site with the National Register of Historical Places in 1998. A year later in 1999, it became the historical museum.

Antioch Historical Museum

Address: 1500 W. Fourth Street, Antioch, CA

Open Hours Wednesdays and Saturdays, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Website: Antioch Historical Museum

3. El Campanil Theater

El Campanil Theatre opened in 1928. It was built, owned and operated by Ferdinand Stamm and Ralph Beede. El Campanil (the tower of bells) is Spanish in both name and architecture. It hosted vaudeville entertainment. The theater is in the Rivertown Business District in downtown near the waterfront and was owned by the same family for 75 years till 2003.

In 2002, the El Campanil Theater Preservation Foundation was formed as a nonprofit organization and now owns the theater. The theater was restored in 2004 and reopened to the public. There are a wide variety of entertainment opportunities, including foreign and classic films, live theater, concerts, symphony, ballet, and comedy, and hosts local dance and community-based organizations. There is also a children’s theater to entertain children and their parents.

El Campanil Theater

Address: 602 W 2nd St., Antioch, CA

Open Hours: Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 1 hour before showtime

Website: El Campanil Theater

4. Lynn House Art Gallery

The gallery has exhibits year round with a variety of themes, giving the opportunity of exposure for local artists. Guided tours for groups are available by appointment.

Lynn House Art Gallery

Address: 809 W. 1st Street, Antioch, CA

Open Hours: Wednesday and Saturdays 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Website: Lynn House Art Gallery

5. Racing

Antioch Speedway runs under the All Stars Racing Series and features the following: DIRTcar Late Models, All Stars Econo Wingless Sprints, and 360 Winged Sprint Cars. Also, All Stars Modifieds (A-Mods), All Stars SportMods (B-Mods); All Stars Limited Late Models, All Stars Hobby Stocks, and Dwarf Cars. Tickets are sold the night of the race and there is a campground at the location. A concession stand is available on site.

Antioch Speedway

Address: 1201 W 10th St, Antioch, CA

Opening times: March to October, every Saturday. Grandstands open 5 p.m. and race starts 7 p.m.

Cost: Parking 5 USD, family pass 2 adults and 2 kids 40 USD, Kids 6-10 miltary and seniors 10 USD. Adults 15 USD

Website: Antioch Speedway

Family fun

6. Kids' fun at Antioch Kangazoom

KangaZoom is a children’s amusement park that has a batting cage, bounce house, and mini golf, which is a themed 18-hole course, for kids and their parents. There is also a snack bar for visitors. The park can be booked for groups and parties.

Antioch Kangazoom

Address: 501 Auto Center Dr, Antioch, CA

Costs: Batting cage tokens 5 to 13 USD, Reservations - one cage 40 USD per hour, two cages 65 USD per hour, Mini golf: Adults 9 USD, seniors and kids under 7 are 7.50 USD

Website: Antioch Kangazoom

7. Paradise Roller Rink

Paradise Roller Rink is committed to providing a fun, safe environment and it’s a fun place where a family can enjoy great times together. Parents can sign up online and print up two free passes for their kids online each weekend. The super skater program is a six-week course to become a great skater cost includes thirty-minute lessons and skate rental. The rink is open to groups and hosting parties. Every third Thursday is Adult Night, while Thursday daytimes are dollar days.

Paradise Roller Rink

Address: 1201 W 10th St, Antioch, CA

Opening times: Closed Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday 3 to 5:30 p.m. till August. Thursday noon to 2 p.m. and 3 to 5 p.m. Adult Night 7:30 to 10 p.m., Friday 4 to 8 p.m. and 8:30 to 11 p.m., Saturday noon to 2:30 p.m. and 3 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday 12:00 p.m. to 2:30, 3:00 to 5:30

Cost: Super Skater Program 55 USD Friday to Sunday, 8 USD Thursday 1 USD, Adult Night and Wednesday 7 USD

Website: Paradise Roller Rink

Be entertained in Antioch

Enjoy all the attractions that Antioch offers your family, with places of history and fun. It’s a great place to visit.