ANTIOCH, CA - This is a great day trip if you your looking for a hike with some warmth away from the coast. Black Diamond Mines Regional Park is area of abandoned coal mines in the hills at the western edge of the central valley in Antioch. Coal being black diamonds.
There used to be several small towns in what's now the park, but there isn't anything left of them aside from a few old non-native trees and the Rose Hill Cemetery. The park has great views of the delta into the Central Valley, and an opportunity to see some of the old mines. There are tours of the Hazel-Atlas Mine from March through November on weekends. There are also extensive trails throughout the park that you can make as long or as short as you'd like. A trail map can be found on the park brochure.
When you've gotten your fill of Black Diamonds, try Bases Loaded in Downtown Antioch, it's a solid sports bar in Downtown Antioch walking distance from the riverfront. Antioch is about an hour's drive from the Bay Bridge. You can reach Antioch by taking I-80 to Highway 4. The climate hear is that of the central valley, expect some heat in the summer. Bring plenty of water and broad brimmed hat.
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