Best Nature Preserve Antioch Near Me

4worldlovers: Historically a shifting riverine sand dune ecosystem, the Antioch Dunes National Wildlife Refuge supports the last known populations of the endangered Antioch Dunes evening primrose, the Contra Costa wallflower, and the Lange's metalmark butterfly.

Due to the sensitive nature of the habitat, the refuge is closed to the public. However, our docent-led tours are back. See below for details.

The refuge was established in 1980 to protect plants and insects federally listed as endangered: Lange's metalmark butterfly (Apodemia mormo langei), Contra Costa wallflower (Erysimum capitatum var. capitatum), and Antioch Dunes evening primrose (Oenothera deltoides var. howellii). The refuge is the only known location in the world where the Lange's metalmark butterfly is found. Once part of an extended riverine sand dune ecosystem, the dunes of the refuge hosted a variety of endemic plants and insects. During the last 150 years, the dune ecosystem was seriously degraded by sand mining (removal), invasive plants, and other threats. Today, the refuge represents one of the last remaining riverine sand dune environments in the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta.

Time to get outside again and enjoy a stroll through the dunes.


Our knowledgeable and fun docents lead a free 1-1.5-hour tour through the dunes every second Saturday of the month throughout the year.


Many spring flowers are in full bloom, including the magnificent endangered species, Antioch Dunes Evening Primrose. No registration necessary.


Every second Saturday of the month at 10:00 a.m. throughout the year.

4worldlovers: Parking Fee: $5 per vehicle; $4 per trailered vehicle. Buses: $25/per bus | Dog Fee: $2 per dog. Guide/service dogs free | Boating: Boating, kayaking & sailing fees

There is a Caution Advisory for blue-green algae posted at the reservoir at this time. See Blue-Green Algae Information for additional details.


Note: The Swim Lagoon is closed for the 2023 season due to ongoing maintenance. Blue-Green Algae issues do NOT affect the Contra Loma Swim Lagoon water quality.

The Lake View Trail is closed at the cattle pond due to storm damage. View Map.

Contra Loma Swim Lagoon is CLOSED for the 2023 swim season due to required maintenance and safety repairs. The District is evaluating potential structural repairs and changes to the lagoon, including removing the sand entry, bringing the facility up to code, and cost estimates.

The Park District has partnered with the Ambrose Parks and Recreation District to provide alternative swim access and programs at Ambrose Aquatic Center in Pittsburg. Visit www.ambroserec.org/ambrose-aquatic-center for more information.

Contra Loma's 775 acres include an 80-acre reservoir for year-round fishing and when open provides lifeguards for the swim lagoon during summertime swimming. Enjoy these attractions along with year-round hiking, biking, and nature study at this Contra Costa County oasis. Alcohol is not permitted.

Contra Loma has wheelchair accessible restrooms, drinking fountains, and parking. The south fishing dock is wheelchair accessible and may be reached by paved trail. The shady picnic areas near the lake's swim lagoon are wheelchair accessible. The swim lagoon has an accessible pool lift.

A beach wheelchair, intended to provide a means for wheelchair users to travel around the swimming lagoon, is available for free on a first-come, first-served basis. It requires an assistant to push and may enter the water. For information about the use of the beach wheelchair or pool lift, please contact the park office at 1-888-327-2757, option 3, ext. 4518.

The lake's swim lagoon has a sandy beach with restrooms and a concession stand. Shady picnic areas on a green lawn are accessible to people with disabilities. Alcohol is not permitted anywhere in the park. Swimming is permitted in the lagoon only, in the summer when lifeguards are on duty. There is a beach access fee. Swim lessons and the Jr. Guard program is held at the lagoon in the summertime. For information, see Aquatic Programs at the Park District's program registration page. Persons using float tubes must have life jackets with them. For hours of operation and lifeguard service schedule, check the Contra Loma swimming page.

Due to the popularity of swimming at Contra Loma, the swim facility reaches capacity very early on weekends and Holidays. For the safety of the public, once the swim facility capacity is reached (by reservation or first come, first serve basis), there will be no new entries allowed for the remainder of the day. Please take this into consideration when you are planning your visit.

Visitors to Contra Loma may launch their own boats. For boat launch information and a schedule of fees, see our Boating and Sailing page. Please help keep Invasive Mussels out of our waters. Read more about the Boat Inspections and the Invasive Mussel.

The fees for quagga inspection can be paid with a credit card at the Ventek machine located at the kiosk.

Note: The Contra Costa Water District, which owns the reservoir, requires that all windsurfers and paddle boarders shower a minimum of 2 minutes prior to entering the reservoir and wear at least a short wetsuit. Showers are located outside the restrooms and next to the beach used by windsurfers. Persons using float tubes must wear waders or other wetsuit material to eliminate body contact with the water in the reservoir. People using sea kayaks that self-bail must shower prior to entering the reservoir and wear at least a short wetsuit. Other dry-type kayaks are permissible with the only restriction being no rollovers or other activities that cause body contact with the water.

The reservoir contains catfish, black and striped bass, bluegill, trout, and red-eared sunfish for fishing. A Daily District Fishing Permit is required and can be purchased at the park entry kiosk. Other information on fishing can be found in the Fishing section of this site.