Concord Explore Local With RVshare

Concord isn’t all hustle and bustle! There are also plenty of state parks and national parks both within and surrounding the area, all of which provide a tranquil escape for those looking to surround themselves by nature.

Mount Diablo State Park

A trip to the beautiful Mount Diablo State Park will take you just 40 minutes from Concord, and it’s the perfect place to soak up those stunning views of the region, including the Golden Gate Bridge,  Farallon Islands, and more. Check out the Visitor Center, which is located in the historic stone building atop Mount Diablo's highest peak, or enjoy activities such as camping, hiking, biking, geocaching, horseback riding, and more.

Angel Island State Park

Angel Island State Park is the largest natural island in the San Francisco Bay and it can easily be accessed from some of the surrounding towns and cities by private boat or ferry service. It offers some of the best views you’ll find within the region and also contains a fascinating history which can be traced from its earliest inhabitants, the Coast Miwok. Enjoy boating, camping, fishing, hiking, swimming, snorkeling, and more.

Olompali State Historic Park

Less than an hour’s drive from the city will take you to Olompali State Historic Park, which overlooks the Petaluma River and San Pablo Bay. It is believed the Coast Miwok inhabited the present-day park continuously from as early as 6,000 BC. until 1850. The state park is open every day from 9:00am to 5:00pm and offers recreational opportunities such as hiking, horseback riding, picnicking, geocaching, and more.

Brannan Island State Recreation Area

Around a 30-minute drive from Concord will take you to the Brannan Island State Recreation Area, which can be described as “a maze of waterways through the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.” With its countless islands and marshes, the state park is the perfect place to enjoy boating, swimming, fishing, windsurfing, hiking, and more. Keep an eye out for wildlife here too, particularly beaver, muskrat, river otter, and mink.

Mount Tamalpais State Park

Mount Tamalpais State Park is another natural wonder within the region and it’s Just north of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge. Among its deep canyons and rolling hillsides, you’ll find redwood forests, oak woodlands, and open grasslands. If you climb Mount Tamalpais’s upper mountain, you’ll experience breath-taking views, including of the snow-covered Sierra Nevada on rare occasions. Here, you can pass the time with hiking, picnicking, or wildlife watching, among other activities.

Still need to get your nature fix? If you’re craving seeing even more of the beautiful scenery that surrounds Concord, then there are also plenty of hiking and walking trails for you and your family to enjoy.

Lime Ridge South Loop

You’ll find the local-favorite Lime Ridge South Loop in the Lime Ridge Open Space, and it’s a 8.5 kilometer heavily trafficked loop trail. It’s rated easy, so is great for all skill levels, particularly for hiking, walking, and running. Enjoy the rolling hills and blanket of wildflowers, and why not make use of the free parking at nearby Arbolado Park? Just be sure to keep an eye out for rattlesnakes on your travels.

Ohlone Trail to Buckeye Loop

Another trail located within the Lime Ridge Open Space is the Ohlone Trail to Buckeye Loop. It’s rated as moderate, due to some steep inclines that get the heart pumping, and is 5.6 kilometers in length. The trail is primarily used for hiking, running, nature trips, and mountain biking, but keep in mind that dogs are not allowed at any time in the center section of Lime Ridge south of Ygnacio.

Contra Costa Canal Trail

The Contra Costa Canal Trail is one of the most popular trails in the Park District system. It takes you along the Contra Costa Canal, through central Contra Costa County, and intercepts a number of local parks in Pleasant Hill. The trail is over 21 kilometers in length and is easy enough for all skill levels to enjoy.

Concord is home to a bustling and trendy dining scene, so there’s sure to be a restaurant, café, or diner to satisfy your cravings. If you’ve worked up an appetite after a long hike, or simply feel like treating yourself to a delicacy, then you’re in luck. Here are our top restaurant recommendations!

Brasas do Brazil

Concord is home to Brazillian steakhouseBrasas do Brazil, which serves grilled meat cooked the Brazilian way – over an open flame with natural charcoal. Plus, you’ll find gourmet salads, fruits and vegetables, house-made desserts and exotic drinks all on offer here, serving as the perfect accompaniments to the mouth-watering meat being served.

Eureka!

Looking for American classics with a modern twist? Or how about an expansive American selection of craft beer and small-batch whiskeys?Eureka! serves all of this and more, and has quickly become a favorite within Concord for both residents and visitors alike. We hear their 28-day dry-aged bone marrow is like no other!

Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar

Inspired by the small mountain town vibe of the Rocky Mountains, as well as “unplanned adventures, an enduring love of food, and fireside conversations”,Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar is well worth the trip. They celebrate Mother Nature's beautiful bounty through seasonal menus and fresh, local produce. Try the Campfire Pot Roast or Sticky Ribs + Umami Fries. We hear they’re exceptional!

Lima

Lima is run by award winning Chef, John Marquez, who focuses on authentic Peruvian cuisine using quality, authentic, earthy ingredients with a unique twist. Patrons really appreciate the friendliness of the warm staff and casual dining atmosphere, not to mention menu favorites such as Seafood Paella, Spicy Fish Stew, and empanadas. Delicious!

Ohgane Korean BBQ & Cuisine

Ohgane Korean BBQ & Cuisine opened its doors in 2005, and since then, has dedicated itself to bringing traditional and tasty Korean food throughout the East Bay. Locals rave about the Bulgogi, Potstickers, and Kimchi Stew, while we also hear that patrons can’t get enough of the vegetable pancakes, miso stew, and famous 72-hour marinated beef short ribs.

After feasting and enjoying all that the hiking trails and state parks have to offer, you may be wondering: “what next?” Well, when it comes to Concord’s attractions and activities, you’re only just getting started. Here are some of the most fun things on offer in and around the city!

For kids and families

Looking to entertain some little ones? Or perhaps you’ve got some teenagers in-tow who are starting to get a little bored? Either way, these attractions will entertain both children, teens, and adults alike!

Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Concord

Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Concord has something for everyone, whether they prefer thrilling water slides, a lazy river, and play areas, or adrenaline-pumping rides such as Cliffhanger or Tornado. The amusement park is also home to The Big Kahuna, which is the largest slide of its kind in the Bay Area. It’s the best place to cool off and enjoy time with friends and family.

Pixieland Amusement Park

Speaking of amusement parks,Pixieland is another fun place within the area that’s sure to appeal to visitors of all ages, particularly children. Enjoy the Pixieland Express, Red Baron Airplanes, Antique Carousel, Tea Cups, Dragon Roller Coaster, and more. In fact, you won’t want to leave this fun haven!

At night

What should you do in Concord once the sun goes down? We’re glad you asked! Here are our suggested night-time attractions.

California Grand Casino

Did you know theCalifornia Grand Casino is the oldest continuously operating poker room in the world, with poker games since 1854? Along with a large gaming area, you’ll also find a full bar, free wireless access and a sit down restaurant, The Grand Cafe; serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. The casino is also open 24 hours a day, year-round, so you can drop-by any time of night that you wish!

Concord Pavilion

Concord Pavilion is the place-to-be for live entertainment within the region. Catch your favorite musical acts, with everyone from Maroon 5, Backstreet Boys, and 5 Seconds of Summer, to Megadeth and Lamb of God playing here. Check out the full schedule to see what takes your fancy, and be sure to purchase tickets well in advance!

Cheap things to do in Concord

What can you do in or around Concord that won’t cost anything more than a few dollars? The answer: plenty! Here are just two of our favorite attractions within the area that can be enjoyed on the cheap.

Ruth Bancroft Garden & Nursery

Looking for the largest collection of succulents from around the world? Look no further than theRuth Bancroft Garden & Nursery, which is named after a local horticultural enthusiast, Ruth Bancroft. Every season offers something new in the Garden and visitors will find themselves in awe at the boldness and beauty of Ruth’s work.

Todos Santos Plaza

You’ll find theTodos Santos Plaza in downtown Concord, between Salvio Street, Willow Pass Road, Grant Street, and Mount Diablo Street. It covers 2.5 acres and was dedicated to the local community by town founder Don Salvio Pacheco more than 125 years ago. It features a small children’s play area, picnic tables, benches, and more.

Free things to do in Concord

Looking to get the most out of your time spent within the city of Concord? Whether you want a fun way to waste away a Sunday afternoon or a date idea that won’t break the budget – here are our most recommended things to do in Concord that won’t cost you a cent.

Markham Nature Park & Arboretum

If you’re still looking for your nature fix, then a visit toMarkham Nature Park & Arboretum is in order. Covering 17 acres, the park is right near downtown Concord, leaving visitors surprised that such natural beauty exists so close to the city. There are multiple gardens (including a separate rose and camellia garden), as well as a bee farm, community garden, and more.

Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial

ThePort Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial is located on Military Ocean Terminal Concord (MOTCO) and is an active base. Keep in mind that tours are only available with reservations on a ranger-guided tour on Thursday, Fridays or Saturdays and public access to the memorial is through a two-week advance reservation process. Here, you can learn more about the Port Chicago disaster and pay your respect at the memorial.

Best spas

Alright, by now you’ve probably been on your feet all day exploring the sights and delights that Concord has to offer. If you’re craving some rest and relaxation, or even a bit of pampering, these are two of the best spas in the region.

Green Leaf Spa

Green Leaf Spa is a favorite among locals, as they offer comprehensive massage services including deep tissue massage, pain relief massage, foot reflexology, hot stone massage, and prenatal massage. They’re open 7 days per week too, so you can drop-by any time you’re in need of some relaxation and rejuvenation.

Family Spa

TheFamily Spa is another Concord favorite and they’re open 7 days per week, from 9 AM to 9 PM. Locals swear by their muscle-soothing massages, not to mention the unbeatable deals, friendly and professional staff, and cleanliness. Try it for yourself to see what all of the fuss is about!

Best gym and yoga studio

If rejuvenation for you is less about deep relaxation and more about sweating it out, then you’re in luck. Concord is home to some of the highest-rated gyms and yoga studios within the region.

Diablo Rock Gym

What could be more fun than rock climbing to enhance your strength and fitness?Diablo Rock Gym offers a variety of climbing options, fitness classes, and community events to keep everyone busy. They use the top rope climbing method, which requires a harness and belay device, and is therefore one of the safest, easiest, and most popular forms of climbing around.

Align Yoga

Align Yoga is where your body meets mind and spirit. Their goal is to create a space for the yoga community that provides balance, health and wellness to its members, while their philosophy is to offer a variety of yoga classes and styles, suitable to all levels and aid in everyone’s yoga journey. Enjoy classes such as Hot Fusion, Flow, Restorative Meditation, and more.

Looking to fulfill your wanderlust by heading outside of the region for a day? You could spend decades within Concord without barely scratching the surface of all there is to do in this city, but consider these day trips next time you fancy a new adventure.

San Francisco, CA

The major city of San Francisco is around a half-hour journey from Concord, making it an easy and accessible place to visit for the day. In fact, it’s the cultural, commercial, and financial center of Northern California, and is home to famous attractions such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Pier 39, Union Square, Golden Gate Park, and so much more. You may even want to spend multiple days here, there’s just that much to do!

Sacramento, CA

Sacramento, another major city within California, is just over an hour’s drive from Concord and it too will provide you with endless hours of entertainment. Visit the California State Capitol Museum, State Railroad Museum, or Crocker Art Museum, if history is your thing, or why not check out the popular Sacramento Zoo or Fairytale Town? You’ll be spoiled for choice!

As a final reminder, some of these activities may need to wait until businesses fully reopen from coronavirus closures. However, there is still much to see and experience in Concord that you can enjoy today! What are your favorite spots in Concord? Send them our way to [email protected] or by tagging us on Instagram @rvshare and using the hashtag #rvsharelocal.