Skip to content

Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve

ExploreAntioch, East Bay4.5/5

About This Place

A 6,459-acre preserve built on 19th-century coal mining grounds with mine tunnels to explore (seasonal guided tours), a historic cemetery, and 65 miles of trails through rolling hills. The Greathouse Visitor Center in a sandstone mine portal has mining exhibits and a cool mine tunnel walk-through.

Info

Age Range

5-8, 8-12

Venue Type

Outdoor

Price Level

$

Best Time

Spring for wildflowers; weekends for mine tours

Parking

$5 at 4801 Somersville Rd, Antioch.

Tips

Mine tunnel tours on weekends ($3). Underground mine is always cool — bring a jacket. Rose Hill Cemetery is historic. Dogs on leash allowed.

Stroller Friendly--Changing Station--Dining On Site--Reservation Needed--

Tags

mining-historycaveshikinghistoricnature
Official Website

Location

Antioch, East BayGet Directions

Similar Places

Elkhorn Slough Safari

explore
Moss Landing4.8

A family-friendly 90-minute pontoon boat tour through Elkhorn Slough wetlands featuring playful sea otters, curious seals, and dozens of bird species. A trained naturalist narrates, and complimentary binoculars and refreshments are provided.

2-5, 5-8, 8-12Outdoor$$
boat-tourwildlifesea-otterswetlandsnature

Kirby Cove Campground

explore
Sausalito4.8

An incredibly scenic campground with just 5 sites directly below the Golden Gate Bridge. A small beach offers stunning bridge views. Most sought-after camping near SF.

5-8, 8-12Outdoor$
campinggolden-gate-bridgebeachscenicunique

Lands End Trail & Sutro Baths

explore
San Francisco4.8

A spectacular 1.3-mile coastal trail with sweeping Golden Gate Bridge views, mysterious Sutro Baths ruins, and hidden shipwrecks visible at low tide. The Visitor Center has restrooms, maps, and a cafe for families to refuel.

2-5, 5-8, 8-12Outdoorfree
hikingscenicgolden-gate-bridgeruinscoastal

Monterey Bay Aquarium

explore
Monterey4.8

One of the world's best aquariums with breathtaking exhibits including a massive kelp forest, sea otter exhibit, and Open Sea tank. The Splash Zone area is designed specifically for toddlers with touchpools and interactive play.

All AgesIndoor$$$
aquariumoceanottersday-tripworld-class