This article was created in partnership with Visit Stockton. All photos provided by Visit Stockton.
Day 1: Paddle on the California Delta & try new foods
Morning
For your first morning in Stockton youāll be anxious to get outside and see the city, but firstābreakfast. Stroll down the cityās āMiracle Mileā and try something sweet or savory at Midtown Creperie.
Stockton is located at the furthest inland point of the California Delta, an expansive inland river delta formed near the coast. What better way to see the city than out on the water? Head over the the Downtown Stockton Marina to rent a kayak or a water bike.Ā
Afternoon
After lunch at either Market Tavern or Garlic Brothers, take it easy and check out the local museum. The Haggin Museum has been referred to by Sunset Magazine as āone of the undersung gems of California.ā The exhibits focus on art and local history, including 19th-century paintings. If youāre visiting with children, check out the Childrenās Museum or even Pixie Woods Amusement Park, where kids can enjoy rides, a water play area, and playgrounds.
Stockton was recently named the most racially and ethnically diverse city in the nation. That is important for many reasons, and one of those is food! Visitors can find great food from many different countries and cultures. Try something new for dinner on your first night. Maybe go with Mexican food at Nenaās or Korean food at Seoul Soon Dubu.
Day 2: Shop the best farmerās markets & watch the races
Morning
If thereās one thing you donāt want to miss in Stockton, itās the farmers marketsāthere are three of them and they each have their own unique specialty. The biggest, and most abundant, is the Downtown Stockton Certified Farmers Market, formerly known as the Downtown Stockton Asian Farmers Market. This market is held every Saturday year-round and is considered to be one of the oldest and most successful markets in California. Locals say that there are items here that they just canāt get anywhere else.Ā
Another spot is In Season Market and Nursery. Not only can customers find unusual plants here, but they can also find organic produce as it comes in season. The market sells artisan food, olive oils, honey, jams, and even has a specialty coffee shop for folks to enjoy espresso by the garden. The third spot, The Fruit Bowl, is a 73-year-old, family-owned market and bake shop. Their specialty? Peach pies. Need we say more?
Afternoon
You donāt have to go to Napa Valley to enjoy fine wine in northern California. With lower prices and more family-owned operations, Stockton is the perfect place to enjoy an afternoon of wine tasting.
If youāre looking for something to do with kids, take the more exciting route and experience the Stockton 99 Speedway. The racetrack hosts car races, stunt bike events, and swap meets.Ā
In the evening, see whatās showing at the historic Fox Theatre in the downtown area. Built in the 1930ās, the theatre was one of the few āmovie palacesā in the Central Valley of California.Ā
Between one of the countryās most intriguing cities (San Francisco), and one of its most iconic national parks (Yosemite), Stockton is an ideal place to call home for a few days on the road between.