Blake Walsh

20 Best Things to Do in Stockton, CA

  • Published 2023/03/08

Stockton is situated in Northern California and is surrounded by numerous water bodies.

The city is mainly famous for its fertile agricultural lands and historical attractions.

Travelers usually visit Stockton to relish the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

What’s noteworthy is that this charming city is home to the University of the Pacific, California’s oldest university.

Interested to know more about this stunning place?

Here are the 20 best things you can do in Stockton, California, to create long-lasting travel memories:

Drop by theHaggins Museum

Exterior of Haggins Museum

Bluelight999, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Deemed a Stockton treasure by vacationers, Haggins Museum will surely win the hearts of history buffs.

Located within the city’s Victory Park, the museum was made accessible to the public in 1931.

The museum houses galleries dedicated explicitly to the history of Stockton.

Also, Haggins Museum boasts excellent decor.

Here, you will find a wide range of historical displays, artifacts, and beautiful exhibits.

Art lovers are bound to fall in love with this place because Haggins Museum features paintings by famous French artists like Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Jean-Leon Gerome.

In addition to eye-catching art galleries, you may also come across manuscripts and Japanese woodblock prints during your visit.

Spend a Luxurious Night at University Plaza Waterfront Hotel

University Plaza Waterfront Hotel has long been a luxury in Stockton, California.

This modern hotel offers guests an unforgettable experience of the San Joaquin River.

The hotel features an unrivaled combination of opulent rooms, spacious meeting facilities, and first-rate services that provide a special visit with a spectacular city view.

It encompasses 179 guest rooms and suites, first-rate dining at the Delta Bistro and Lounge, and over 11,000 square feet of stylish function space.

Guests can also enjoy complimentary breakfast in the morning before exploring nearby attractions.

Admire the Interiors of Stockton Memorial Civic Auditorium

Exterior of the Stockton Memorial Civic Auditorium

Koridas, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Stockton Memorial Civic Auditorium was designed by local architects, namely Glenn Allen and Ivan C.Satterlee.

This massive auditorium opened in 1925 and has grown in popularity since then.

Renowned for its incredibly stylish interiors, the auditorium can also serve the purpose of a performance venue for hosting live events.

Rock bands such as Blue Oyster Cult and Rush have performed at this venue.

The structure of the balcony and roof is made of reinforced concrete.

Moreover, the memorial features numerous inscriptions atop the exterior walls.

The inscriptions commemorate Stockton inhabitants who sacrificed their lives during World War I while serving in the Armed Forces.

The Stockton Memorial Civic Auditorium is pretty extensive so it can seat up to 500 people at a given time.

Hit the Stores at Weberstown Mall

Weberstown Mall in Stockton is an iconic shopping destination for all.

It has been around since the 1960s and is a well-liked site for locals and visitors to find something special.

Whether you’re looking for fashion, home goods, or a bite to eat, Weberstown Mall has everything you need all under one roof.

This beloved mall offers an array of entertainment options and services.

The mall’s walls range from clothing stores and beauty salons to fast food joints and cafes.

With such an attractive blend of shopping opportunities and entertainment venues, it’s no wonder Weberstown Mall attracts so many people daily!

Play a Friendly Round at Swenson Park Golf Course

When the Swenson Park Golf Course was established in 1952, it immediately became famous among resident golfers.

Despite being a long-time establishment, the course has been maintained nicely over the years.

The idyllic and calm atmosphere of this golf course can lift your spirits and instantly eliminate mundane worries.

Swenson Park Golf Course has profuse greenery, ideal for golfers of all skill levels.

This picturesque park also hosts golf tournaments regularly that you can enjoy with your friends and beloved family members.

Catch a Theatrical Performance atBob Hope Theatre

If you have a penchant for live theatrical performances, Bob Hope Theatre will surely stand up to your expectations.

Built in 1930, this theater features everything from dance shows and classic movies to fun-packed concerts for music lovers.

Refurbished recently, Bob Hope Theatre boasts a fantastic interior design and over 2000 visually appealing red velvet seats.

Above all, the vivid lighting inside the theatre is charming enough to mesmerize visitors in the blink of an eye.

The best part about this theatre is that it is spacious, and the restrooms are clean and easily accessible.

Since the air conditioning system of the Bob Hope Theatre is pretty efficient, your summer visits will be more comfortable than you expect.

The venue also stocks affordable cocktails and mouth-watering snacks to double your enjoyment.

Play Games All day at Luv 2 Play Stockton

Luv 2 Play Stockton, a family entertainment center, is a fantastic place for children and adults alike to have fun.

It is filled with activities that excite and engage guests of all ages.

The sky’s the limit regarding entertainment at this family amusement center!

In addition to these thrilling experiences, guests can enjoy delicious food from the snack bar or shop in the retail store for souvenirs.

Children and their families celebrating milestones should check out the Party Rooms for the most extraordinary party experience.

Drop by the Stockton Marina and Joan Darrah Promenade

Stockton Marina and Joan Darrah Promenade in Stockton offer a variety of attractions for the whole family.

Visitors to the marina can participate in recreational activities such as fishing and boating or simply relax and enjoy the beautiful views of the waterfront.

The Joan Darrah Promenade is a scenic walkway along the Delta with plenty of benches and picnic areas.

The Stockton Marina has been growing steadily over recent years.

New amenities include a full-service restaurant, gift shop, public docks, and boat rentals for visitors who wish to explore some of California’s waterways.

With its proximity to downtown San Francisco and Sacramento, this popular spot has become an ideal destination for weekend getaways or day trips.

Feel the Adrenaline at West Lane Bowl

Visit the West Lane Bowl, a historic bowling alley and entertainment center.

It is the go-to spot for family fun, league bowling, and birthday parties.

With its modernized lanes and classic arcade games, West Lane Bowl offers something for everyone.

The facility features automatic bumpers on all its alleys to accommodate even the youngest bowlers.

The popular Cosmic Bowling events feature colorful lighting effects and upbeat music, adding an exciting twist to traditional bowling.

Guests can also challenge each other at one of the numerous retro arcade games like Pac-Man or Skee Ball while enjoying a snack from the snack bar.

Wander around thePixie Woods

Founded in 1954, Pixie Woods is nothing less than a wonderland for children as it boasts incredibly scenic pathways.

The park houses kid-themed play areas where children can partake in a wide array of interesting activities.

There are amusement rides that aim to give gentle thrills to children to make their trips memorable.

Adults must bring along children to gain entry into the park, or else they will not be allowed inside.

The brilliant scenery of this park is a feast for the eyes, and it can enter anyone.

Pixie Woods can also be reserved for picnics, birthday parties, and school field trips.

Taste Chinese Cuisine at Dave Wong’s Restaurant

If you are a foodie who loves to delight in diverse flavors, you must visit Dave Wong’s Restaurant at least once.

This restaurant specializes in traditional Chinese cuisine and serves delicious dishes like egg foo yong and lemon chicken.

Other delicacies include Mongolian beef, crab rangoon, chicken lettuce wraps, etc.

You can dine inside the restaurant or choose a takeaway based on your preferences.

Dave Wongs features a wide-ranging menu that can satisfy the palate of any food lover.

It is guaranteed that this restaurant’s sleek ambiance and cool interiors will captivate you in a flash.

Moreover, contemporary art pieces are fitted across the restaurant, which adds to its overall appeal.

Ideal for birthday celebrations and family get-togethers, the pricing here is also quite economical.

A weekend getaway to Dave Wong’s Restaurant will satiate your appetite like never before.

Dine at Market Tavern

Market Tavern is an American restaurant that boasts a pleasant atmosphere.

The staff here is quite attentive and helpful.

All the meals in this restaurant are cooked to perfection and served quickly to save customers’ valuable time.

Considering that this restaurant was established in 2013, it has achieved tremendous popularity quickly.

Market Tavern is always bustling with activity, and customers uplift its charm.

For a memorable experience, you should come here with your friends to ensure a lively ambiance.

Also, don’t forget to order a giant hamburger and some french fries upon your upcoming visit to Market Tavern.

Grab a Drink atValley Brew

Valley Brew is the go-to place for travelers interested in knowing about beer production in a microbrewery.

Valley Brew was a local favorite until prohibition caused the brewery to shut down.

Things changed over the years, and Valley Brew has come back to life.

Here, you can take a brewery tour and enjoy ales and local beers whose uplifting effect you will never forget.

Besides enjoying potent drinks, you can order nachos, roast beef, etc.

Once you are done with appetizers and drinks, you can end your day with a flavorful dessert.

Visit Stockton Arena

Exterior of the Stockton Arena

prizkita, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

With a large seating capacity of 12,000 people, Stockton Arena is an indoor arena with plenty of major sporting events annually.

The arena opened to the public in December 2005.

Sports enthusiasts are bound to love this indoor arena as it boasts an energetic and enthusiastic ambiance.

Wrestling fans would be surprised to know that Stockton Arena hosted WWE house shows for Raw and SmackDown in 2008.

In 2015, the Stockton Arena hosted ArenaBowl, which included the San Jose Sabercats and Jacksonville Sharks, with the former winning the match.

This place regularly witnesses a heavy influx of sports buffs from around the globe owing to the vast range of sporting activities that take place here.

If you plan to visit Stockton Arena for a particular sporting event, you should book your seats beforehand to avoid any last-minute inconvenience.

Experience the Vibrant Nightlife atMiracle Mile

People who are fed up with their monotonous schedules and want to have some fun must visit Miracle Mile.

Whether looking for entertainment or specialty shops, this favorite local neighborhood will not disappoint you.

Deemed a thriving shopping and dining district, Miracle Mile is humming with excitement around the clock.

The district is pedestrian-friendly and boasts a vibrant nightlife best suited for party-goers.

View the Interactive Exhibits at the Children’s Museum Of Stockton

When traveling with kids, you cannot afford to miss out on an attraction like the Children’s Museum of Stockton.

The museum has over 40 playful interactive exhibits to keep children engaged for hours.

There is also a miniature city, known as Kidsworld, within the museum that includes everything from banks, post offices, and art centers to grocery stores.

Kidsworld has been turned into a permanent exhibit that enables kids to gain hands-on city experience.

There is also a picnic area at the back of the museum to enjoy tasty lunchtime meals with your family.

Here, children will also get the golden opportunity to socialize with like-minded young visitors of the same age group.

Therefore, a visit to the Children’s Museum Of Stockton can provide kids with a fun-filled educational experience and boost their social skills to a great extent.

Check Out Fresh Products at the Fruit Bowl

Nothing is healthier and more satisfying than devouring a bowl of freshly cut fruits amid city hustle.

The service standards of The Fruit Bowl are outstanding, and the staff is also quite friendly.

This extraordinary place stocks various delicious and unique fruits, from white peaches to ripe watermelons.

Be it fresh farm fruits, organically grown vegetables, or Italian groceries, the Fruit Bowl will surely fulfill all your needs.

Dine at Angelinas Spaghetti House

If you are in the mood to pep up your taste buds with some tasty spaghetti, this is the place you need to explore with your buddies.

Angelinas Spaghetti House is located in the heart of Stockton, frequented by foodies all day.

Angelina and Nick’s passion for delectable food brought this restaurant into existence in 1976.

Despite being so old, the restaurant has never witnessed a decline in popularity so far.

Angelinas Spaghetti House is an excellent choice for couples looking to indulge in a romantic weekend over some spaghetti.

The restaurant offers 13 different types of spaghetti, all served with a choice of salad and garlic bread.

If you are not a diehard fan of spaghetti, Angelina has other options ready for you.

You can pick from seafood alfredo, roasted turkey sandwich, and the legendary lasagna.

Have Fun at Banner Island Ballpark

A big favorite among baseball fans worldwide, Banner Island Ballpark is situated in the beautiful downtown area of Stockton.

This baseball stadium is quite large and can provide seating for up to 5,200 fans.

Surprisingly, the official name of this stadium is Stockton Ballpark; however, not every baseball fan is aware of this fact.

Banner Island Ballpark was built in 2005.

It has a formal seating arrangement and four luxury suites to boost the fun of ball game lovers.

You can celebrate the victory of your favorite baseball team by spending on toothsome food and drinks.

If luck works in your favor, you can claim significant discounts on food and beverages during the match.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Soak in the Scenery at the Japanese Garden

Japanese Garden at Mick Grove Park

William Mahn / Shutterstock.com

Located inside Mick Grove Park, the Japanese Garden has its own charm.

It is a paradise for travelers looking to break away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

The park is famous for its picturesque scenery and tranquil atmosphere, attracting tourists from around the world.

Seeing beautiful cherry trees planted across the garden will allow you to discard worries and cultivate a peaceful mind.

No matter where you look, you will see abundant greenery on almost all park corners.

Pond and bridge at the Japanese Garden

Oleg Alexandrov, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Also, there are picturesque lanterns that further contribute to the beauty of the garden.

You will find koi fish in the pool, known to have a long lifespan of 200 years.

The most incredible thing is that you will not have to spend a penny as there are no entrance charges.

So, if you are looking to breathe a sigh of relief after an exhausting day at work, make sure Japanese Garden is at the top of your travel bucket list.

Tea house at the Japanese Garden

Oleg Alexandrov, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Final Thoughts

Make sure to add Stockton to your bucket list of places to visit.

Make the most of your trip by taking advantage of the unique city it offers.

From outdoor activities to indoor entertainment, there’s something here to satisfy any traveler.

Explore nature, visit museums, or try new restaurants, name it, and Stockton has it all!

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