Dog walking in Antioch

Oakley

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While you’re far from Hollywood or Pacific coast swells, Big Break Regional Shoreline offers a different kind of break for you and your pup -- relaxation. Formerly a huge farm, any semblance of work has literally been drowned, as the old farm is now entirely submerged beneath the flow of water created by two rivers draining half of California. Known as the “Inland Coast” this area forms the largest estuarine environment on the west coast. This mix of fresh and salty water results in a diverse habitat, supporting over 70 species of birds and other wildlife. Although dogs must remain leashed, you can kick back and take advantage of cool summer breezes while fishing, hiking, bird watching, or watching river otters forage and play.

Contra Loma Estates Park

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We’re pretty sure Contra Loma means something along the lines of “against the knoll” in Spanish. Unfortunately, we can’t tell you what to make of that. We can, however, tell you all about Contra Loma Estates Park in Antioch, California. Located off Highway 4, this 5-acre neighborhood park is lushly landscaped with green grass, making it a perfect mid-day spot for families with pets. Dogs on leashes are welcome to join their people in exploring this cute fenced-in play spot. Children will love the playground and dogs will love the paved path snaking through the grass. While this isn’t a designated dog park, it’s a great place for a lunch break. If you’re looking for some rigorous hiking, you’re not far from those opportunities. Just remember to give Contra Loma some love every once and awhile.

Somersville

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In the Highlands ranch subdivision, Highlands Ranch Dog Park offers lots of fun for dogs from all over, not just this little neighborhood. The dog park is nestled inside of a 10-acre human park. Think Russian nesting dolls. Dogs are privy to a grassy, fenced-in area with tons of open space for running and chasing. There are buckets and fountains for drinking. Small pups and big pups will play in separate areas, while children look on from an external playground, wondering why they had to be born human. But these cognizant beings won’t fret for too long before they return to their game of “the floor is lava” at the playground, which offers bouncers, climbers, and baby swings. This park is also home to baseball, football, soccer, tennis, beach volleyball, picnic tables, a lighted walking trail, benches, and restrooms. We can’t forget about the two BBQ pits open to the public. When in use, the tasty smells wafting over the highlands draw dogs and humans from all directions.

Pittsburg

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West of Antioch, in the town of Pittsburg, La Veranda is serving tasty bites to hungry folks from all over the area. Since Californians love their dogs so much, this restaurant thought it would be wise to open their patio up to dogs. It seems to have been a wise choice. The only thing people love more than eating is being with family, and a since La Veranda offers the chance to do both, it’s a hit. Stop by after work for some pizza or pasta, or swing on in on a Saturday night for something a little fancier. This restaurant offers a nice spread of choices. Grilled trout may or may not come with french fries. Pack a snack for your pup so he can enjoy a treat as well. Sunday is a great day to visit Brown’s Island across the water, before heading to the patio for a beverage at the one and only La Veranda.