Stockton Day Trip Things To Do Points of Interest

The Central Valley city of Stockton is located in the middle of the rolling hills and rural vistas of the San Joaquin Valley’s farm and vineyard country. But it’s not just Stockton’s location that makes it a good fit for day-trippers in northern California.

Stockton is the hub of the California Delta. It is intersected by waterways and rivers that offer outdoor adventures, cultural centers, unique shopping and dining opportunities, and family-oriented activities that appeal to almost any taste.

During the California Gold Rush, the city was a center for prospectors on their way to mining camps in the San Joaquin Valley. Later in the 19th century, Stockton became a central shipping point for the area’s agricultural products and continues to function as the center of the Central Valley’s agricultural commerce.

Today the city of a quarter-million people and offers a myriad of activities, venues, historic sites, and attractions to the visitor.

Stockton Things To Do

Downtown Marina and Joan Darrah Promenade are dotted with stores, restaurants, and public art installations. At night, the promenade hosts various outdoor events, from concerts to movies under the stars to baseball games at the minor league stadium adjacent.

For children, there are several play areas and fountains, or watch the fishing boats coming and going as you spend a leisurely few hours enjoying the scenic main waterway.

Bob Hope Theatre

The Historic Bob Hope Theatre, 242 East Main Street: Known to locals as “The Fox,” is a fully-restored 1920s-era vaudeville theater originally built by Fox West Coast as one of its showcase theaters. Richly decorated and ornately adorned with hand-painted murals, crystal chandeliers, a marble fountain, and intricately carved woodwork, it cost half a million dollars to build. When it was completed in 1930, it was hailed as the most beautiful theater in the country.

 Children’s Museum

The Children’s Museum of Stockton, 402 W. Weber Ave, was founded by a teacher who was touched by school violence and wanted to create a safe place for play and education. This “hands-on” museum features play-based exhibits that recreate a small city. Each show is a store, a doctor’s office, a bank, or other merchants, and children can step inside and pretend they are the proprietor. Over a dozen such environments provide hours of delight for younger visitors. 402 W Weber Ave, Stockton, CA 95203

Pixie Woods Children’s Park

Pixie Woods Children’s Park is a beautiful little gem that has been around since 1954. Pixie Woods features three rides, an enjoyable train, a riverboat ride, and a classic carousel.  A water spray area is open during the summer to cool off the kids. Play areas with stuff to climb on and yum yum house snack bar. Occidental Ave And Shimizu Dr. Louis ParkStockton, CA 95203

Buddhist Temple

Stockton Cambodian Buddhist Temple, 3732 Carpenter Road, is an active temple complex with over 90 colorful, jewel-colored and jewel-encrusted statues, some of which are 50 feet high. There is truly nothing like this temple and grounds anywhere in California. If you are in Stockton in April, don’t miss the annual Cambodian New Year celebrations here. 3732 Carpenter Rd, Stockton, CA 95215.

Asparagus Festival

Stockton is a diverse and thriving community that plays host to various events throughout the year, many centered around the unique religions and cultures of the city’s residents. Among the best in Stockton”s Asparagus Festival, a three-day food and entertainment festival that celebrates everything asparagus! Over 100 vendors sell arts and crafts, food carts, asparagus eating contests, and more.

Sikh Temple Parade

The yearly parade starts and ends at the oldest Sikh temple in the United States, Stockton Gurdwara Sahib. Features music, cultural presentations, food and craft vendors, and martial arts demonstrations. April.

Nearby Activities

Stockton sits in the middle of the fertile farmland of the Central Valley. Neighboring Lodi wine country offers numerous wineries, some of the area’s best food, and the most enjoyable attractions. Enjoy pumpkin mazes, farm tours, “you-pick” farms, produce stands, and vineyard tours. For more info, check out visitstockton.org.

Getting To Stockton

By Car: Stockton is centrally located in Northern California’s Central Valley and can be reached via the north and south on Interstate 5 or State Highway 99. Highways 12, 4, 26, and 88 provide east and west access.

Northern California Day Trip Ideas

Northern California Train Rides

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