Overlooking the protected waters of Suisun Bay, Pittsburgh is a laid-back coastal city within the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta. Originally known as “New York Landing”, it was later renamed “Black Diamond” after the mining firm that serviced its port. In 1911, it was officially titled Pittsburgh after the industrial Pennsylvanian city.
Things to do in Pittsburg
Learn about the people and events that have shaped the city at the Pittsburg Historical Museum, which occupies a former post office dispatch building. In addition to exhibiting military artefacts and historical photographs, it encompasses a Sports Hall of Fame that recognises local athletes. The museum faces John Buckley Square, where live music concerts are presented in the summer months.
Directly south of Pittsburgh is the Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve, a 2,400-hectare area encompassing the remains of several mining towns. In addition to its industrial heritage, it is home to mountain lions, bobcats and coyotes. Its network of hiking trails offers magnificent views of Mount Diablo, all the way to the Sierra Nevada on a clear day. Guided tours of the historic mine sites are offered on weekends.
Between Pittsburgh and neighbouring Antioch is the Corteva Wetlands Preserve, an ecologically important tract of tidal marshes, grasslands and beaver ponds. Its hiking trails and observation decks offer sightings of beavers, river otters and minks, as well as a huge variety of water birds. Threatened black shouldered kites and northern harriers are known to find refuge in the wetlands.
Getting around Pittsburg
Pittsburgh is around 30 minutes’ drive from Oakland and 45 minutes from San Francisco. San Francisco International Airport is an hour away and has flights to destinations across the globe. Regular trains connect from the Bay Area to the Pittsburg Center railway station and buses travel throughout the city.