Lodi, California, sits in the heart of San Joaquin County and right at the center of the Central Valley.
Because of this location, the city has been blessed with beautiful sunny days, fertile lands, and an arid climate that’s perfect for winemaking.
There’s an emerging wine industry in the area, which, in the past, was deemed less prestigious than the ones in Napa and Sonoma Valleys.
But today, the Lodi Appellation is now respected for its Zinfandel grapes and other fine varieties, bringing many wine connoisseurs to sample the premium bottles.
Aside from the famous drinks, the city has other attractions in store for curious and adventurous travelers.
There’s something for everyone in this charming city, so make it your top choice for an upcoming weekend getaway.
Here are the 15 best things to do in Lodi, CA:
Chantarat / Shutterstock.com
At the northern borders of Lodi, the Mokelumne River widens to create the panoramic Lodi Lake.
It’s an artificial body of water created as a seasonal attraction for the city’s residents, eventually growing into the expansive destination that it is today.
Jean Matuska / Shutterstock.com
And even though you’re not a Lodi local, you’re still welcome to visit the place and go swimming, kayaking, and picnicking beside the banks.
There are also many charters that let you explore the farthest ends of the lake and into the river itself.
Towards the eastern sections, the woods remain undisturbed by human development.
Chantarat / Shutterstock.com
So when you explore the trails, you might spot some of the local wildlife like turtles, deer, a variety of waterfowl, and small mammals.
The whole lake is closed during winter, but you can visit, hold events, and join festivals during the rest of the year.
Jean Matuska / Shutterstock.com
Oleg Alexandrov, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Micke Grove Regional Park is a 132-acre attraction that once served as farmland before William G. Micke, a Lodi farmer and the previous owner, gave it as a gift to the town.
Today, this destination is considered one of the most visited and famous spots in the whole of San Joaquin Valley.
And it’s no surprise since the park has many iconic attractions that will have you wanting to stay all day.
One of these is the Japanese Garden, with koi ponds, bonsais, scenic bridges, and a tea house.
Oleg Alexandrov, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
When the cherry blossom trees bloom with delicate pink flowers during spring, this section of the park becomes a favorite photoshoot and wedding spot.
There’s also a waterpark with a fun splash pad, a well-equipped disc golf course, and Wortley Lake, a three-acre attraction with its own fountain.
And lastly, these last three places deserve their own items in the list, as they have taken an identity of their own distinct from the park itself: Micke Grove Golf Course, Micke Grove Zoo, and the San Joaquin County Historical Society and Museum.
Almost half of Micke Grove Regional Park is occupied by the Micke Grove Golf Course, a scenic sports facility that welcomes players of all skill levels.
So whether you’re an amateur or a professional, you’re guaranteed a fun and memorable game here.
It’s often called the best-kept secret of the San Joaquin Valley, owing to the sweeping views, magnificent woods, and verdant grounds that cover most of the park.
And with the skill of architects Garrett Gill and George B. Williams, the facility blends seamlessly with these natural features.
There are 18 holes in the course, and the layout is fairly mild except for a few tough spots.
Since the gameplay is easy for the most part, the whole family can join in and practice their putting and shooting skills.
Chantarat / Shutterstock.com
Every summer, residents and local businesses gather in downtown Lodi to showcase their farm-fresh products.
The Lodi Farmers Market is a seasonal event open only from May to September.
So if you want to partake in the bountiful harvests from the city’s farms and gardens, then make sure to visit in between these months.
Chantarat / Shutterstock.com
You’ll find many stalls offering fresh vegetables, various fruit cultivars, and premium root crops.
In addition, there are vendors offering preserved goods, artisanal furniture, cured meats, baked goods, and many other products.
And with a laid-back atmosphere and friendly stall owners, the market offers a relaxing shopping experience.
Don’t forget to mingle with the locals to make new friends or get new recipes during your visit.
Chantarat / Shutterstock.com
While it might be small, Micke Grove Zoo has earned a reputation as a beloved attraction that kids and the kids at heart shouldn’t miss!
That’s because the facility focuses on having unique animals instead of having many.
This way, visitors will find something rare during their visit, and the caretakers can focus more on each animal’s individual needs.
While visiting, you can get up close and personal with golden lion tamarins, Southern pudus, spotted thick-knee, and marbled teals.
You might have never heard of these threatened or endangered animals, but the biologists of the zoo are so attuned to these species that they’ve managed to breed them in captivity.
There are still other birds, reptiles, insects, and mammals thriving here, so get ready to see something truly unique when you visit this zoo.
San Joaquin County Historical Museum, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The county of San Joaquin is steeped in history, and the San Joaquin County Historical Society and Museum aims to preserve and showcase this colorful past.
Set in an 18-acre section of Micke Grove Regional Park, the complex is home to museums, several historical structures, beautiful trails, and lots of natural attractions.
Within the buildings are exhibitions and collections that showcase various eras and industries of the county.
These include the life of the first settlers, agricultural practices, the emergence of viticulture, and early earthmoving equipment.
Outside, you’ll see historical buildings relocated to the site, including an old schoolhouse, a blacksmith shop, and a picturesque cottage.
You’ll need more than a few hours to explore all these curious attractions, so make sure to schedule your time properly.
Chantarat / Shutterstock.com
Being an emerging wine hotspot in California, Lodi and the rural areas surrounding it is teeming with vineyards and wineries that produce premium bottles.
Lodi Wine Visitor Center is the place to be if you want a guide of the nearby facilities or try samples of the drinks they offer.
This destination was established in 2000 by the city’s winegrowers to bring their products together and expose them to travelers.
Chantarat / Shutterstock.com
That’s not the only thing to see here, as the facility has an on-site demonstration vineyard where you can see the growing and harvesting process.
If you want to have a taste of the latest bottles, you can join a sampling tour and try the fruity, aromatic, and robust drinks made by local wineries.
It’s a rotating selection, so there are new ones every week!
Chantarat / Shutterstock.com
A&W Root Beer is a well-known brand throughout the country, and you’d usually see their cans on grocery store shelves and convenience store fridges.
While most people have had a can or two for parties or lazy weekends, few would have wondered about the brand’s history.
Well, it all began here in Lodi.
A&W Root Beer of Lodi is where you’d find the colorful history of the business, from its humble beginnings to nationwide recognition.
While there are no traces left of the original establishment, a new one stands downtown to welcome those curious about the brand’s past.
Here, you’ll find memorabilia and artifacts from the company’s first days, such as vintage mugs, bottles, news clippings, and even their mascot.
The attraction also doubles as a restaurant, so you can chug a mug of their beer and eat fries while browsing their displays.
Originally called ZinFest, RowXRow is a vibrant and highly anticipated community event in Lodi.
The festival happens on a three-day weekend in May, bringing together townsfolk, local businesses, and visitors from all over.
It’s where you can enjoy the best of the city’s wines as well as dishes made with freshly harvested ingredients.
One of the festival’s highlights is the Vintner’s Grille, a dinner that invites renowned chefs to cook and serve signature meals that will tickle your tastebuds.
There are, of course, wine sampling events where you can sip and enjoy fine drinks made by Lodi’s wineries.
It’s an iconic experience that you definitely shouldn’t miss during your trip!
Thomas A. Peterson Park is another family-friendly outdoor destination with sprawling grounds and many modern amenities.
It’s often visited because of the sports facilities where residents and visitors can work up a sweat.
These include well-equipped basketball and tennis courts, soccer fields, and baseball and softball diamonds.
For kids who simply cannot join organized games yet, let them have fun on the playground with other children!
But if sporty activities are not what you’re looking for, the park has many shady spots, picnic shelters, and grilling areas where you can hang out with the whole family.
You can even join the various events held in the park if you happen to be there when they’re conducted.
Calibas, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Starting from the pristine Sierra Nevada mountains, the waters of the Mokelumne River travel for more than 95 miles before finally emptying into the San Joaquin River.
Along the way, it passes the northern borders of Lodi, creating a meandering path that’s perfect for nature-related activities.
From Lake Lodi, you can board a boat, kayak, or canoe and paddle toward the forested segments of the river.
It’s an exhilarating activity with plenty of opportunities to see the wildlife thriving in Lodi.
And you can also go fishing.
Under the careful guidance of a local angler, you can visit the best spots and try catching steelhead, trouts, and Chinook salmon.
If these activities prove too strenuous for you, you’re welcome to explore the riverside trails on foot and take stunning photos along the banks.
When the love month comes and romance is in the air, the Wine and Chocolate Weekend comes in full swing as well.
This much-anticipated event is an open-season tour of Lodi’s wineries, with more than 50 businesses joining in every year.
After buying a ticket, you’d get a pass to visit all city’s wineries and try their drinks and chocolates.
It’s the perfect way to sample the many varieties created from the lush farms around the city.
So bring a car, a bike, or any convenient mode of transport and tour Lodi’s many vineyards and wineries.
Don’t forget to bring your significant other for a memorable pre-Valentine’s Day experience.
Whether you’re a kid or an adult, you’re still going to learn many new things while visiting the World of Wonders Science Museum.
This educational facility offers hands-on experiments and engaging programs for all ages.
And since they are designed to stimulate thinking and encourage discovery, the exhibits will blow your mind with unusual effects and amazing experiences.
Most of these focus on STEM, so you can expect cool lasers, shadow shows, plasma balls, and brain-teaser exhibits.
Your inner child will thank you for all the wonders you’d see inside the museum.
Once you’ve had your fill of Lodi adventures, check out these other places just a few minutes away.
Large swaths of the San Joaquin Valley once served as the home to ancient oaks.
One of the places where the original trees still stand is at Oak Grove Regional Park, a 180-acre attraction in Stockton.
It’s less than 20 mins away from Lodi, so you can easily drive to the destination and enjoy the views.
Aside from the majestic trees, the park has a disc golf course, a grand lake, an interactive nature center, and many well-paved trails for exploring.
At the heart of Stockton lies another educational attraction, this time targeted towards kids: the Children’s Museum of Stockton.
Their playful and interactive exhibits are designed to stimulate the imagination and curiosity of young minds.
By playing with scientific displays, musical instruments, art materials, and various other collections, your child will discover new ideas and lessons.
It’s a great supplement to regular classroom studies, especially now that hands-on learning is seen to have many benefits for young minds.
Chantarat / Shutterstock.com
As wineries abound in Lodi, there are so many excellent choices that you might devote your whole trip to wine tasting.
If you’re looking for somewhere to dine with your significant other, check out the family-run Dancing Fox Winery and Brewery.
Its ancient brick structure dating back a century adds a romantic flare to the experience.
An array of sweet, dry, and sparkling wines that have won prestigious awards are available at the winery.
The variety of flavors and aromas from the different combinations is quite remarkable.
Its wood-fired pizza is unrivaled, so pair it with a glass of wine or a pint of beer!
The Parkwest Casino is a great nighttime option if you’re searching for something to do in Lodi.
This casino offers all your favorite games in a smoke-free, relaxing environment, free of the distractions of noisy slot machines.
Poker, Blackjack, Pai Gow Tiles, and Baccarat are some table games you may play.
Parkwest Casino sets a new benchmark for high-end gambling with its exciting layout and refined, high-quality service.
There are tournaments every week, and the on-site restaurant provides a wide range of food, from salads to burgers.
If you want to satisfy your ice cream need and interest in local art, go no further than Double Dip Gallery.
In addition to being an ice cream store and art gallery, this Lodi gallery is also retro-themed.
This gallery supports local painters. Danine Segale has meticulously selected the Arcane Collection, which includes vintage jewelry, antique furniture, and works of art.
Whether you’re shopping for others or yourself, you’ll love these one-of-a-kind items.
In any case, you should see what’s new in the collection as soon as possible.
Indulge in delicious frozen desserts such as milkshakes, sorbets, and even red wine sorbet!
Hutchins Street Square Box Office is a neoclassical design and a magnificent presence on Hutchins Street.
This 90,000-square-foot performing arts, conference, and community center lies in the 10-acre site of the former Lodi Union High School, abandoned following a tragic fire in 1974.
It has a range of recreational opportunities for people of all ages, including a performing arts center, an art gallery, a convention hall, a pool, and a theater.
Thousands of people from all over the United States and Canada attend the annual Sandhill Crane Festival, held at this venue.
It also hosts anything from a stage of the Amgen Tour of California bicycle race to concerts by national recording artists.
DreamArt123 / Shutterstock.com
Woodbridge Ecological Reserve, also known as the Isenberg Crane Reserve, is a great place to go bird watching.
Don’t forget to bring your binoculars and favorite birding book.
Watching sandhill cranes and other migratory birds in their natural habitat is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for birders in the fall and winter.
Visit the preserve between October and February, known as the “Season of the Sandhill Crane.”
Simon Edge / Shutterstock.com
Experience the joy of the Lodi Sandhill Crane Festival, held annually in November.
The Woodbridge Ecological Reserve’s south location is accessible at all hours.
Discover the many facets of this area by taking in a sunrise or sunset.
Sandhill cranes and other birds call this Woodbridge Ecological Reserve home.
DreamArt123 / Shutterstock.com
With its up-and-coming wine scene, beautiful natural attractions, and community festivals, Lodi has become a haven for curious travelers and adventure seekers.
There’s something for every preference, whether you want to go kayaking on a quiet river, sample fine drinks, or stroll in a Japanese zen garden.
Reference this list when making your itinerary so you won’t miss the top spots.
Discover the world.
© All rights reserved.
