The Ultimate Guide to Summer Activities in Concord

There are few places as perfect as Concord to spend your summer. With the city's combination of small-town charm and big-time experiences, you get the best of both worlds. Hike high up on the trails for stunning views, have thrilling fun at Six Flags, or stay grounded with a picnic at the park. Whatever it is you're looking for, Concord has it all and more. 

Follow our ultimate guide for the best ways to beat the summer heat and discover Concord! 

1. Cool Off

Six Flags Hurricane Harbor 
1950 Waterworld Pkwy | Sat-Sun, 10:30 AM - 6 PM | Mon-Fri, 11 AM - 5 PM

Six Flags is officially open for fun all summer long! Catch an adrenaline rush on rides like Big Kahuna, Honolulu Halfpipe, and Cliffhanger, or just float your cares away on the super chill Kaanapali Kooler Lazy River.

Concord Community Pool
3501 Cowell Rd | Sun - Sat, 6 AM - 8:30 PM

Bask in the sun or splash around in the water at our community swimming pool. If you prefer, check the community calendar for local exercise programs held at the pool or swim lessons! Just visiting? No problem, pick up a non-resident day pass at the front desk and enjoy a dip in the pool. 

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2. Hop on the Beer Trail

If you haven’t checked out the Contra Costa County Beer Trail yet, what are you waiting for? It’s the ultimate guide for craft beer lovers. Contra Costa County boasts more than 40 local breweries, tap houses, and beer bar restaurants, so grab your best beer-drinking bud and belly up!

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3. Rock Out

Toyota Pavilion at Concord
2000 Kirker Pass Rd | Times Vary

Live concerts are back at the Toyota Pavilion! Starting now through fall, see top acts like Jimmy Eat World, Salt-N-Pepa, Rob Zombie, and Lil Wayne for a perfect night under the stars. 

Music & Market 
2175 Willow Pass Rd | Thurs, 6:30 PM - 8 PM

For those who like their produce with a side of tasty tunes, Music & Market is back! Head on over to Todos Santos Plaza every Thursday night for the popular farmers market, followed by live music. This year’s lineup features great tribute bands and longtime local favorites! 

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4. Pack a Picnic

Pick a park and pack a picnic! Reserve your spot online through Concord Parks & Recreation and enjoy a beautiful day outdoors with friends and family. Consider shopping local in preparation for your picnic and grab produce from our farmers' markets. 

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5. Have a Movie Night Adventure

West Wind Drive-In
1611 Solano Way | Times Vary

Concord’s  West Wind Drive-In is one of the few remaining drive-in movie theaters in California. Make a full night of it! Check their calendar for a double feature and a trip to the snack bar during intermission for an all-out movie-going experience. 

Brenden Theaters
1985 Willow Pass Rd | Times Vary

Step into the cool air conditioning of this flagship location and watch films on curved screens in recliners. Don't forget to order something to eat during the movie from Brenden Theaters' bistro-style restaurant. 

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6. Hit the Trails

Mount Diablo
Find Directions on the California Parks website

Looking for a scenic workout? Hike or bike your way up Mount Diablo. Its trails bring you through lush green fields, dirt mountain sides, and waterfall-filled paths. To see all that the state park has to offer, explore its Mount Diablo State Park Waterfall Loop Trail. 

Lime Ridge Open Space
3701 Treat Blvd

The 175 acres of open space at Lime Ridge will make you feel like you've stepped into a postcard. Its rolling hills, tall grass, and serene atmosphere are the ideal spot to roam and relax. Visit during sunset for stunning views of the sun going down. 

Iron Horse Regional Trail
Find the nearest trailhead through the East Bay Regional Park website

This sprawling trail spans over 30 miles and is the perfect way to connect with nature and get fit at the same time. Enter by Highway 4 and discover Concord on foot on a mix of paved paths, dirt paths, and open spaces. 

Contra Costa Canal
3164 Santa Maria Dr

Keep things chill with an easy walk along the Contra Costa Canal. This trail is great for families or those who require accessibility accommodations. Its paved paths offer smooth, level trails for you to explore. 

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7. Have A Family Fun Day

Pixieland Amusement Park
2740 E Olivera Rd | Mon, Thurs, Fri, 10 AM - 3 PM | Sat - Sun, 10 AM - 4 PM

Created in 1955, Pixieland Amusement Park has been making memories for Concord families for decades. Its classic rides, kid-friendly design, and welcoming environment keep smiles on children's faces and prove that all you need is a little carnival fun!

Urban Air Adventure Park
1695 Willow Pass Rd | Fri - Tues, 10 AM - 8 PM | Wed & Thurs, 3 PM - 8 PM

Get out of the summer sun with some indoor fun at Urban Air Adventure Park. For active families, this facility's trampolines, obstacle courses, and high-flying fun are a great way to burn that extra energy. 

8. Treat Yourself to Something Sweet

The Kreamery Shoppe
5100-B1 Clayton Rd | Tues- Thurs, 7 AM - 8 PM | Fri 7 AM - 9 PM, Sat & Sun 10 AM - 8 PM

Can't decide between a frozen treat or a delicious pastry? The Kreamery Shoppe doesn't make you choose; get a scoop of house-made ice cream and a home-made slice of pie. Keep an eye on their Instagram for game nights at the Kreamery, where you and the family can enjoy a cold treat and some tabletop fun. 

Yummy Boba & More
1960 Concord Ave | Mon - Fri, 10 am - 8 pm | Sat - Sun 11 am - 9 pm

Yummy Boba & More has a variety of cool drinks to help you cool down after the summer heat. Pick from their many milk tea options or try their fruit slushies, with flavors like passionfruit, mango, honeydew, and taro. 

Teaspoon
2151 Salvio St | Mon - Wed, 11 pm - 9 pm | Thurs - Sun, 11 pm - 10 pm

Teaspoon is a boba tea and handcrafted drink hub! Their signature lineup of chai drinks is a must with both hot and cold options. For something a little extra sweet, order their cookie butter chai. Don't forget to take a look at their seasonal flavors for summer-themed drinks. 

Milano Gelato
2095 Salvio St | Mon - Thurs, 1 PM - 9 PM | Fri - Sat, 12 PM - 10:30 PM | Sun, 12 PM - 9:30 PM

Want some more intense flavor than ice cream? Try gelato! Milano Gelato's wide variety of flavors changes with the seasons and is all handcrafted. Don't miss out on their Strawberry Dubai Chocolate Cup for the ultimate sugary treat with fresh-cut fruit. 

Baskin Robbins
1924 Grant St | Mon - Fri, 11 am - 9:30 pm | Sat & Sun, 11 am-10 pm

Call it a night and grab a pint before heading home for some classic flavors with your favorite summer movie. Their available ice cream pints have a collection of Baskin-Robbins' top tastes, so choose wisely and take a spoon on your way out!

9. Play Ball!

Skylinks
1091 Concord Ave | Tues - Sun, 5 AM - 12 AM | Mon, 10 AM - 12 AM

Play some golf at Skylinks, a public 9-hole course and country club. Grab your clubs, take a swing, and bask in the sun as you walk from hole to hole. 

Indoor Pickleball X
1695 Willow Pass Rd, Suite 2 | Open 24 Hours

If the summer heat is too unbearable, head inside at the Indoor Pickleball X sports complex and play a game of the newest, most popular game: pickleball! You can either drop in and join a game, or you can reserve a court for you and your friends. 

Hillcrest Community Park Disc Golf
2050 Olivera Rd

Frisbee has had some serious upgrades. The disc golf game has players competing to sling the frisbee into baskets, like an airborne version of typical golf. 

Not seeing your favorite recreational hobby? Review the digital recreational guide, and find the activity that best suits you. 

Are you visiting Concord or welcoming visitors here? Be sure to stop by the Concord Visitor Center located at 2151 Salvio Street, Suite T, in Todos Santos Plaza. We are ready to help with free advice, maps, guides, brochures, Concord merchandise, and more.

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