Farms, orchards and ranches sprawl throughout Byron, situated south of the San Joaquin River along eastern Contra Costa’s agricultural belt. Not far from where the state’s first settlers from east arrived by wagon train, the community opened its first post office in 1878 and played host to the Byron Hot Springs, a once-favored retreat for professional athletes and Hollywood luminaries alike. For a rural community, there’s no shortage of things to do here. At Vasco Caves Regional Preserve, on the east slope of Mount Diablo, you’ll find an abundance of native flora and Native American petroglyphs dating back 10,000 years — it’s a site so special visits are by appointment only. Los Vaqueros Reservoir, surrounded by a large recreational area, offers fishing, boating, hiking and many outdoor activities. And while Napa isn’t far, Campos Family Vineyards event center boasts an award-winning list of homegrown wines to sip back and enjoy.