Top 15 Best Things to Do in Stockton, California
Bucket List: 15 Best Places to Visit in Stockton, California
Stockton is one of the fastest-growing communities in California, with a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural population. Winemaking is an integral part of Stockton culture, with multiple family-owned and boutique wineries that have been established for centuries. Stockton is centrally-located, a premier location for those looking to set up a home or a short drive from Sacramento and San Francisco. The busiest months in Stockton are from May through September. Stockton is blessed with a temperate climate. It gets hot, but there’s the delta breeze; it gets cold but only a few times a year.
Sorelle Winery
Sorelle Winery photo via FB page
Sorelle Winery is a boutique winery that focuses on Italian varietals. The winery’s location dates back to 1776, when some of the vineyards were first planted during the California Gold Rush. The property was acquired by new owners in 2007 with the new mission of preserving and restoring the Stockton wine history.
Visitors can now explore the winery’s history and arrange for tasting sessions while overlooking the vineyards.
Location: 9599 N Highway 88, Stockton, CA 95212
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Valley Brew
Valley Brew is one of Stockton’s oldest breweries and family-owned restaurants. Visitors interested in learning about beer production in a microbrewery can take the brewery tour offered by Valley Brew. After the tour, visitors can enjoy their ales and local beers accompanied by good food and good company.
Location: 157 W Adams Street, Stockton, CA 95204
Miracle Mile
The Miracle Mile is every local’s favorite neighborhood. It covers Pacific Avenue from Alpine to Harding and Harding Way from El Dorado Street to Lincoln Street. The location started when entrepreneurs and property owners were looking to improve the economy, upgrade the security and beautify the streets. This district has everything from shopping, dining, and entertainment. There are even specialty boutiques, hip cafés, and vibrant nightlife.
For visitors looking for a way to slowly incorporate themselves into a new city, the Miracle Mile is just the place to visit.
Location: 200 W Harding Way, Stockton, CA 95204
Stockton Marina and Joan Darrah Promenade
The Stockton Marina and Joan Darrah Promenade are surrounded by popular establishments, like the Weber Points Events Center, Stockton Arena, and Banner Island Ballpark. Visitors can take in the waterfront, its quiet morning, and vibrant night when they stop by the marina and promenade.
Location: 333 Tuleberg Levee, Stockton, CA 95203
The Fruit Bowl
The Fruit Bowl is a produce market that has been providing fresh produce to the local residents and visitors of Stockton since it began in 1947. The Fruit Bowl started with a bowl of fruit, Frank and Ina Lucchetti, which passers-by could sample from. After decades in the business, the Fruit Bowl has been passed on to the next generation and continues to supply fresh produce. The market now has a variety of specialty products such as fruit pies and sugar-free frozen pies.
Location: 8767 East Waterloo Road, Stockton, CA 95215
Stockton Certified Farmers’ Market
The Stockton Certified Farmers’ Market was established back in 1979. Farmers and vendors would set up stalls every weekend to increase community access to fresh fruits and vegetables directly from their source. This practice has continued and thrived since the association’s establishment.
The Stockton Certified Farmers’ Market is comprised of different farmers’ markets. Some of these include the Golden Villa Farmers’ Market, Yosemite Street Market, Weberstown Mall Farmers’ Market, and Edible Schoolyard Farm Stand.
Location: 2707 E Fremont Street #9, Stockton, CA 95205
Stockton Memorial Civic Auditorium
The Stockton Memorial Civic Auditorium is a renowned auditorium designed by local architects W. J. Wright, Glenn Allen, and Ivan C. Satterlee. It opened in 1925 and hosted several live events, including rock bands Blue Oyster Cult and Rush. Most importantly, the memorial commemorates Stockton residents who served in the Armed Forces and lost their lives during World War I.
Location: 525 N Center Street, Stockton, CA 95202
Haggin Museum
The Haggin Museum is a local treasure dedicated to the local history and the arts. Its doors opened to the public in the 1930s, and its galleries have the largest collection of illustrations by J. C. Leyendecker and paintings by Albert Bierstadt in the area. The museum has an extensive collection of paintings, artifacts, and archives that are displayed for visitors to learn from.
Location: 1201 N Pershing Avenue, Stockton, CA 95203
Bob Hope Theatre
The Bob Hope Theatre in Stockton, built in the 1930s, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is one of the most notable establishments in Stockton that focuses on arts. Visitors can take a tour of the theatre and see its architectural wonder, including the marble mosaic floor of the lobby and a preserved 1928 Robert Morton theater organ.
Location: 242 E. Main Street, Stockton, CA 95202
Japanese Garden
The Japanese Garden in Mick Grove Park is a popular spot for locals and visitors looking for a place to rest from the busy city. Its quaint charm, serene atmosphere, and stunning scenery attract tourists year-round. Around the garden are lanterns, a koi fish pond, and beautiful cherry trees planted where guests can breathe a sigh of relief after school, work or travel.
Children’s Museum of Stockton
The Children’s Museum of Stockton has over 40 playful interactive exhibits and a miniature city within the museum. The museum was the brainchild of Janet Geng, a former teacher wounded by the 1989 Cleveland School shootings. The museum was created as a safe place for children and families to learn and play. Every year, hundreds of thousands of guests and students visit the museum and see the popular exhibits, like the Lego Derby Area, Dr. Barker’s Pet Clinic, and the Galaxy Room.
Location: 402 W Weber Avenue, Stockton, CA 95203
Pixie Woods – Louis Park
The Pixie Woods is a wonderland for children of all ages. The park has themed play areas, enchanting walkways, and amusement rides safe for children. The fun-sized rides and attractions are perfect for children and the little ones, and the enchanting forest can take them to a place run by imagination. Younger children can enjoy a day trip to the park and take the train ride on the Pixie Express or go for a spin on the carousel. The park can also be reserved for parties and field trips. Adults, however, cannot enter the park without children.
Location: 3121 Monte Diablo Avenue, Stockton, CA 95203
Swenson Park Golf Course
The Swenson Park Golf Course is popular with local and visiting golfers. It has a traditional parkland-style golf course that was established in the 1950s. The lush greens, an executive 9-hole par-3 course, and an 18-hole par-72 championship golf course were designed by Jack Fleming. The idyllic and picturesque park has been deemed beginner-friendly.
Location: 6803 Alexandria Pl, Stockton, CA 95207
Little Manila
Little Manila is a neighborhood in Stockton predominantly inhabited by Filipino Americans since the 1930s because of the abundance of agricultural jobs around Stockton. Racist laws in place hindered many Filipinos from educating themselves and increasing their status, forcing them to set up businesses and settle in the southern area of Main Street, forming their own community.
Today, Little Manila is a vibrant neighborhood that focuses on serving the Filipino community. Little Manila has now been identified as “one of the eleven most endangered historic sites in America” by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The works of the first generation of Filipinos have established agriculture as the largest industry in California.
Location: 2154 S San Joaquin Street, Stockton, CA 95206
University Park World Peace Rose Garden
University Park World Peace Rose Garden has over 250 rose bushes on 102-acre mixed-use community land. Visitors can explore the garden, read the Message of Peace written by local students and students worldwide, and even leave their messages. Visitors can also take the Discovery Trail, which features stops along the trail, provides a brief overview of the University Park, and highlights the unique plants and animals within the park. Some of the stops along the trail include the Magnolia Manson, which served as the residence for numerous superintendents and their families, and Great Lawn and Owl House.
Location: 599 E Magnolia Street, Stockton, CA 95202
How to Get There
Stockton is accessible via land, sea, or air. Cars can enter through Interstate 5 and Highways 99, 12, 4, 26, and 88. The railroad services that stop in Stockton are Amtrack and Altamont Commuter Express. Greyhound Lines provide services to Stockton. Visitors with private boats can dock right into the Downtown Stockton Marina. The nearest airports to Stockton are the Stockton Metropolitan Airport, Sacramento International Airport, Oakland International Airport, and San Francisco International Airport. To travel around Stockton, take the San Joaquin Regional Transit District.
Our Top Hotel Picks for Stockton, CA
Stockton CA Travel and Tour Packages
Searching for the best hotels, resorts, and affordable flights in the nearby Cities? Check out our list of cheap Stockton CA hotels and resorts via Agoda, Booking, or you may also see available Airbnb properties in the city.
