Stockton
A city on the sea that is teeming with cultural treasures, museums, and festivals
Stockton, which is 90 minutes east of San Francisco, offers a flavor of classic California combined with the energy of a thriving events scene, a multicultural population, and surprising sights. Visit year-round farmers’ markets, fruit kiosks, and wineries to experience its rich agricultural heritage. The calendar is jam-packed with festivals and special events from April to October, such as St. Basil’s Greek Festival, the vibrant Cambodian New Year Celebration, and the Stockton Asparagus Festival. A hidden treasure in the San Francisco Bay Area, Stockton has near-perfect weather year-round, reasonably priced lodging, and a handy location.
Examine the Waterfront and Downtown
Some of the most well-liked attractions in the city are located in the downtown area of Stockton and along the waterfront of the San Joaquin Delta canal. See the Stockton Heat hockey club play at Stockton Arena or watch the Stockton Ports play minor league baseball at Banner Island Ballpark. Visit the Bob Hope Theatre to see a movie or a concert. Complete with vintage elements, it was constructed in 1930 and is recognized as a National Register of Historic Places.
The largest collection of artwork by J.C. Leyendecker, whose recognizable paintings adorned more than 300 covers of the “Saturday Evening Post,” is housed in the elegant brick Haggin Museum in midtown. Pixie Woods Amusement Park and the Children’s Museum of Stockton offer healthy entertainment for families.
Unique Attractions in Stockton
More than ninety hand-carved, jeweled, and painted statues depicting the life of Buddha and the Cambodian religion can be seen on the temple’s grounds, which are open for free exploration by guests of Wat Dhammararam Cambodian Buddhist Temple. Make sure you take a picture of the Buddha in a reclining position; he is almost 15 meters long. The temple holds the well-known Cambodian New Year Celebration in April each year.
Two beautiful university campuses are worth visiting. Take a stroll along the 1.6-kilometer University Park Discovery Trail at California State University Stanislaus to witness hundreds of roses and peace-related messages at the World Peace Rose Garden. California’s oldest accredited university is University of the Pacific. A setting for Hollywood movies such as “Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” and “Raiders of the Lost Ark” from the Indiana Jones series, the old trees and brick buildings are reminiscent of East Coast Ivy League campuses.
Where to Shop and Eat
Rich in agricultural heritage, Stockton is a sensory extravaganza. There are farmers’ markets and fresh produce stands all over the place. Two of the oldest outdoor markets in the state are the Downtown Asian Farmers’ Market and Weberstown Market, which are both well-known for their locally grown fruits, vegetables, and baked goods. Both markets offer a huge selection of both domestic and Asian produce at very competitive prices.
Visit the neighboring Oakdale Cheese & Specialties to observe the cheese-making process, then visit Sorelle Winery for a wine tasting. The Miracle Mile in Stockton, which was the center of city life in the 1950s and 1960s, is becoming more and more well-known. Charming stores, galleries, pubs, and restaurants offering everything from sushi to craft beer can be found along pedestrian-friendly city blocks. Later, visit Lincoln Center to browse among about 100 shops and restaurants. While there are a few well-known names, most of the stores are tiny boutiques that are ideal for discovering that unique keepsake.