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Big Break Regional Shoreline: Delta Discovery

Discover the unique estuarine environment of the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta at Big Break Regional Shoreline in Oakley, California.

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Explore the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta at Big Break Regional Shoreline, a 1,648-acre park in Oakley. Once farmland, a levee break in 1928 transformed it into a unique estuarine environment. Discover diverse wildlife,Delta history, and recreational activities for an unforgettable experience.

A brief summary to Big Break Regional Shoreline

  • Monday 5 am-10 pm
  • Tuesday 5 am-10 pm
  • Wednesday 5 am-10 pm
  • Thursday 5 am-10 pm
  • Friday 5 am-10 pm
  • Saturday 5 am-10 pm
  • Sunday 5 am-10 pm

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best chances to see wildlife and enjoy the Delta breezes.
  • Bring binoculars for birdwatching and exploring the diverse ecosystem.
  • Check the tide charts before kayaking or canoeing, as low tides can make launching difficult.
  • Take advantage of the free kayak carts available at the Visitor Center to transport your boat to the launch area.
  • Explore the Delta Discovery Experience to learn about the Delta's watershed and history.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Highway 4 East in Antioch, take Highway 160 North towards Sacramento/Rio Vista. Take Exit 1A East and turn right onto Main Street. Proceed east a little over 1 mile and turn left onto Big Break Road. Continue a short distance to the park entrance on the right. Parking is free. Note that the walk from the parking lot to the kayak launch area is approximately 1/4 mile; free kayak carts are available at the visitor center.

  • Public Transport

    Tri Delta Transit Route #300 provides weekday service to the intersection of Vintage Parkway and Big Break Road. From there, it is approximately a 0.6-mile walk to the park entrance. A single ride fare is around $2.00 - $2.25.

  • Ride-Sharing Service

    From Westside, using a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft to Big Break Regional Shoreline will take around 20-25 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Expect to pay between $15 to $25 for the ride.

Unlock the Best of Big Break Regional Shoreline

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Discover more about Big Break Regional Shoreline

Big Break Regional Shoreline offers a unique window into the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta, California's vast inland coast. This 1,648-acre park in Oakley was once an upland farm, but in 1928, a levee break flooded the land, creating the "Big Break" from which the park gets its name. Today, it's where fresh water from the San Joaquin River mixes with saltwater from the San Francisco Bay, forming a rich estuarine environment. The park is a haven for wildlife, with over 70 species of birds and several mammal species calling it home. Birdwatchers can spot black rails, northern harriers, and white-tailed kites, while keen observers might glimpse beavers, muskrats, or river otters. The Big Break Visitor Center offers interactive exhibits about the Delta's natural and cultural history. Don't miss the Delta Discovery Experience, featuring a 1,200-square-foot scale map that illustrates the region's complex waterways. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including hiking and biking on the Big Break Regional Trail, which connects to other regional trails. A 100-foot fishing pier is popular with anglers, and a beach launch provides access for kayakers and canoeists to explore the waters of Big Break. The park also features picnic areas and a small amphitheater for outdoor events.

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