23 Best & Fun Things to Do in Stockton (CA)

In search of the best and most fun things to do in Stockton, CA?

Stockton is nestled on the San Joaquin River in Northern California. It is a city surrounded by mile after mile of waterways.

The city has a population of more than three thousand according to the last census, making it the 13th largest city in California.

Stockton is a lively and vibrant city with several amazing attractions and fun activities that will surely exceed your expectations.

Some of the fun places to visit in Stockton include Bob Hope Theatre, Banner Island Ballpark, Louis Park, the Haggin Museum, Stockton Certified Farmers’ Market, Swenson Park Golf Course, Angelinas Spaghetti House, Regal Stockton City Center & IMAX, and lots more.

Are you planning an exploration of Stockton? Here are the top things to do in Stockton, CA.

Things to Do in Stockton

1. The Haggin Museum

Haggin Museum
Credits: rocor / Flickr
Haggin Museum

The Haggin Museum was established in 1928 but officially opened its doors to the public in 1931, and the museum is located within Stockton in victory park.

The museum is committed to local arts and history, with its galleries fully packed with exhibits and artifacts, including artwork donated by Louis Terah Haggin.

The Haggin Museum features about two hundred and forty artworks, seventy-five of which are always on display for the public to see.

You’ll find the largest collection of paintings by Albert Bierstadt and illustrations by J.C Leyendecker in this museum.

The Haggin Museum contains several collections of illuminated manuscripts, Japanese woodblock prints, and paintings by American illustrations.

As a city with a rich agricultural and industrial history, the museum features a restored combine harvester, a Holt tractor, and more.

Address: 1201 N Pershing Ave., Stockton, CA 95203 United States

2. Barkleyville Park

Barkleyville Park
Credits: New Africa / Shutterstock

A special place for your furry friend in Stockton is the Barkleyville Park; it is a beautiful four acres park that your pet will always cherish.

Barkleyville Park has separate areas for small and big dogs; there is an obstacle course if you’re looking for something challenging for your dog; it comes with benches and drinking fountains.

The park is always lively and vibrant, packed with many dog owners and their dogs; make sure you don’t miss it, so plan to visit.

Barkleyville Park features a small parking area and waste bags for more convenience; the park is well maintained and clean.

Address: 5505 Feather River Dr, Stockton, CA 95219, United States

3. Banner Island Ballpark

Banner Island Ballpark
Credits: Thaninee Chuensomchit / Shutterstock

For an amazing family experience, add visit Banner Island Ballpark to your list of things to do in Stockton.

Banner Island Ballpark is located beside the waterfront in the downtown district of Stockton, it is often called Banner Island Ballpark by locals, but its official name is Stockton.

The park was founded in 2005 with a seating capacity of almost five thousand two hundred people with several amenities.

Banner Island Ballpark features four luxury suites, two beautiful picnic areas, and a club seating area open to everyone.

Visit Banner Island Ballpark during the game season and watch a wonderful match with your travel companions.

Address: 404 W Fremont St, Stockton, CA 95203 United state

4. Oak Grove Regional Park

Oak Grove Regional Park
Credits: Diego Trabucco / Shutterstock

Whenever you are in the mood to get outside to have fun, spending the day at Oak Grove Regional Park is one of the fun things to do in Stockton, CA.

Oak Grove Regional Park spreads to a whopping one hundred and eighty parks with several exciting facilities and activities.

The park features a 10-acre lake called Oak Grove Lake packed with seasonal Catfish and trout; paddle boats and aqua cycles are available for rentals.

Oak Grove Regional Park comprises two nature trails, a 1.4 mile handicapped accessible trail, and a 1.5 mile walk among old grove trees.

The 18-hole disc golf course is top-notch, with play areas for children and a youth campground open for youth group camping.

Oak Grove Regional Park also features an Oak Grove Nature Center that offers educational programs and exhibits relating to the flora and fauna native to the Park, the San Joaquin Valley, and San Joaquin County.

There is an indoor boathouse, horseshoe pits, and picnic shelters with bbq grills and several picnic tables.

Address: 4520 W. Eight Mile Rd., Stockton, CA 95209 United States

5. Children’s Museum of Stockton

Children's Museum of Stockton
Credits: Iwaew / Shutterstock

The Children’s Museum of Stockton opened in 1984 in Stockton, although it had been in existence long before it was opened.

This is a non-profit organization; the idea was the brainchild of Janet Geng, founding Director, after a bad incident.

In 1989 there was a shooting at Cleveland School, where the founding director was wounded, so Janet decided to set up the Children’s Museum of Stockton.

Her idea was to create a safe place for children and families to come together to learn and play; the museum is a 22, 00 square foot facility.

Children’s Museum of Stockton features more than forty interactive exhibits, which serve as a way to motivate children to think, create and explore.

There are exhibits like the Lego Deeby Area, Dr. Barker’s Pet Clinic, the Reptile Display, an Agricultural farm, the Nature Station, and the CMS News Station. In addition, children’s Museum of Stockton hosts many kinds of events throughout the year for people to attend.

Address: 402 W Weber Ave, Stockton, CA 95203, United States

6. The Wat Dhammararam Buddhist Temple

Wat Dhammararam Buddhist Temple
Credits: bumihills / Shutterstock
Wat Dhammararam Buddhist Temple

The temple was built in 1982 by Cambodian refugees who dwelled in Stockton to escape their war-torn homes.

The Cambodian refugees continued to live in the American society and rebuilt their lives; they decided that it was important to preserve their culture, which led to the construction of the temple.

The Wat Dhammararam Buddhist Temple has consistently played a vital role in the Cambodian Community in and outside the city.

It is open to everyone all year round and offers meditations, programs, and other events. The Wat Dhammararam Buddhist Temple also accepts donations, and admission is free.

The major highlight of this temple is the fact that it is filled with more than one hundred colors, larger-than-life jewel encrusted statues that illustrate and celebrate the life and story of the Cambodian Buddha.

If you ever need some form of quietness and a place to meditate and reflect, do well to visit this temple.

The Wat Dhammararam Buddhist Temple is a beautiful place to behold and should be on your list of things to do in Stockton, CA.

Address: 3732 Carpenter Rd, Stockton, CA 95215, United States

7. The Valley Brewing Company

Valley Brewing Company
Credits: Nejron Photo / Shutterstock

Whenever you want to hang out with your friends and family, visiting the Valley Brewing Company is one of the best things to do in Stockton, CA.

The Valley Brewing Company is a great place to watch a live match, eat a meal, or drink some hand-crafted ales.

This brewery is the oldest in Stockton, with one of the oldest restaurants in the city that serves delicious meals perfect for the entire family.

The Valley Brewing Company offers an impressive selection of beers with great taste and uniqueness to match the meals.

Its restaurant serves meals suitable for lunch and dinner, great for all ages, such as fresh salads, appetizers, hot sandwiches, pizzas, burgers, and more.

Check out their calendar for special deals, events, and shows when visiting the Valley Brewing Company.

Address: 157 W Adams St, Stockton, CA 95204, United States

8. The Fruit Bowl

Fruit Bowl
Credits: mahc / Shutterstock

Of course, it is highly important you inculcate the habit of taking fruits regularly, and one of the best things to do in Stockton, CA, for that is visiting the Fruit Bowl.

The Fruit Bowl has been in business since 1947 in Stockton and has continually offered the locals and visitors with fresh fruits.

The owners of the fruit bowl, Frank and Lucchetti, began the business by selling fruits near the road on the edge of their ranch on a table.

It was named the fruit bowl as there is always a bowl of fruit as samples for passersby to glance through. Over the years, the business grew and flourished, with several of their friends bringing fruits from their Orchards.

The Fruit Bowl has been inherited by the next generation and has continued providing fresh fruits and vegetables, including freshly baked pies.

Address: 8767 E Waterloo Rd, Stockton, CA 95215, United States

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9. University Park World Peace Rose Garden

University Park World Peace Rose Garden
Credits: Suratn Sridama / Shutterstock

If your definition of a day well spent is being surrounded by nature, add a visit to University Park World Peace Rose Garden to your list of things to do in Stockton, CA.

University Park World Peace Rose Garden is the realization of the idea Grupe Commercial Company who partnered with the international World Peace Rose Garden in 2015 to bring a rose garden to the university park.

The garden began with Kevin and Sandy Huber, who started potting two hundred and fifty bare roots in their own barn in 2015 before it was later transferred to the Rose Garden.

University Park World Peace Rose Garden is a beautiful one hundred and two acres open to visitors all year round.

Immediately you step in, you will be welcomed by the garden’s lovely fragrance and gorgeous colors; the roses have exclusive names like peace, our lady of Guadalupe, firefighter, Coretta Scott King, and more.

University Park World Peace Rose Garden features shady oak trees, a cooling fountain, and a pond with paddling turtles and ducks.

Address: 599 E Magnolia St, Stockton, CA 95202, United States.

10. Regal Stockton City Center & IMAX

Regal Stockton City Center & IMAX
Credits: Jacob Lund / Shutterstock

Purchase your movie tickets at Regal Stockton City Center & IMAX and be sure of having a great movie experience.

Regal Stockton City Center & IMAX features a beautifully designed theater with comfortable seats and excellent sound system.

The theater was recently refurbished in 2016 with multiple screens showing newly released films, 3D movies, INAX, and live Metropolitan Opera broadcasts.

Regal Stockton City Center & IMAX also features many concession stands surrounding the theater serving nice tasty meals.

There is a new cozy lounge seating and also a bar that serves a wide variety of beer and wines; there are parking garages.

Address: 222 N El Dorado St, Stockton, CA 95202, United States

11. Stockton Certified Farmers’ Market

Stockton Certified Farmers’ Market
Credits: KREUS / Shutterstock

Your number one shopping location is the Stockton Certified Farmers’ Market, which has existed for more than forty years.

Stockton Certified Farmers’ Market was established in 1979 and consists of several merchants who set up booths for the community to easily access food items under the downtown freeway.

The markets offer freshly sourced local vegetables and fruits at affordable prices that you can’t get elsewhere.

Stockton Certified Farmers’ Market is one of the biggest Southeast Asian Farmers’ Markets in North Carolina, with more than eighty merchants.

You can also purchase seafood, plants, eggs, baked goods, flowers, honey, and several other delicious foods.

Stockton Certified Farmers’ Market offers you an opportunity to meet with locals and ask questions about how their meals are made.

Address: 2707 E Fremont St #9, Stockton, CA 95205, United States

12. Miracle Mile

Miracle Mile
Credits: Ivan Kurmyshov / Shutterstock

For a memorable experience, add a visit to Miracle Mile to your Stockton list of things to do; the area was founded in 2007.

The property owners and vendors in the region came together with one goal to beautify the area, improving its appearance and also its security and economic growth.

Miracle Mile is a popular spot in Stockton that offers the best dining, entertainment, and shopping experience.

It features several outdoor dining, boutiques, shops, coffeehouses, and an energetic nightlife with a high show of hospitality, treating visitors like family.

Miracle Mile is a venue for numerous exhilarating annual events, car shows, wine walks, sidewalk sales, and more.

Address: 200 W Harding Way, Stockton, CA 95204, United States

13. Limitless Escape Games

Limitless Escape Games
Credits: HAKINMHAN / Shutterstock

Limitless Escape Games house in Lincoln Center offers visitors a unique experience, especially when visiting with their family and friends.

You are given one hour to solve the puzzles and clues to escape the room in time or pull off million dollar bank heists.

Limitless Escape Games features four separate rooms: Wizard school, Sherlock Holmes, Bank Heist, and Pirate Adventure.

This place is a family-friendly center great for all ages, with fantastic staff available to ensure you have a good time.

Limitless Escape Games is a perfect place for Unique Date Nights, Offbeat Corporate Events, Unusual School Excursion, Night Out With Friends, Gift Certificates, Special Occasions,

Address: 280 Lincoln Center, Stockton, CA 95207, United States

14. Swenson Park Golf Course

Swenson Park Golf Course
Credits: Bohbeh / Shutterstock

You can never go wrong with golfing, especially when you golf at one of the best golf facilities in the city.

Golfing at Swenson Park Golf Course is one of the best things to do in Stockton, CA. It was constructed in 1952 as a traditional parkland-style golf course.

This renowned golf course was designed by a prominent golf course architect from North Carolina, Jack Fleming.

Swenson Park Golf Course features two greens which include an 18-hole par-72 championship golf course and an executive 9-hole par-3 course.

The golf courses are perfect for all offers, both beginners and experts, offering them a challenging and fun time.

Swenson Park Golf Course, on a regular basis, hosts many golf tournaments, and it features a beautiful Valley Oaks, some of which have been in existence for more than two hundred years.

Address: 6803 Alexandria Pl, Stockton, CA 95207, United States

15. Bob Hope Theatre

Bob Hope Theatre
Credits: Syda Productions / Shutterstock

Looking for a great place to spend the day? Add a visit to Bob Hope Theatre to your checklist of places to visit in Stockton, CA.

Bob Hope Theatre is one of the most popular locations in the city and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The theater recently went through a renovation process with top-notch state-of-the-art sounds, rigging systems, and lights.

Bob Hope Theatre features approximately 2, 0e2 velvet seats that are comfortable for optimal relaxation.

This theater offers numerous tours throughout the property, where you can check out the beautiful architectural wonder.

Bob Hope Theatre offers an impressive selection of shows, including classic movies and dance shows that are highly family-friendly.

Address: 242 E. Main Street, Stockton, CA 95202, United States

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16. Dave Wongs

Dave Wongs
Credits: Dave Wong’s Restaurant / Facebook
Dave Wongs

Here is something for the foodies, Dave Wongs is a fantastic restaurant that serves exquisitely delicious meals in Stockton.

Dave Wongs welcomes you with nicely fitted contemporary and classic art pieces that make you feel like you just traveled to the Asian continent.

The restaurant has been open since the 70s and has grown into a successful business that serves mouth-watering Cantonese cuisine and other Asian dishes.

Dave Wongs serves meals like chicken lettuce wraps, Mongolian beef, sweet & sour soup, crab rangoon, beef chew fun, pork fried soup, kung pao chicken, Chow Mein Tin Foil Chicken Sweet N Sour Pork, garlic prawns, and more.

Dave Wong’s staff is professional and friendly, offering the best customer service and ensuring everyone is satisfied.

Address: 2828 W March Lane, Stockton, CA 95207, United States

17. Stockton Arena

Stockton Arena
Credits: Robert Cutts / Flickr
Stockton Arena

Stockton Arena is a venue for major concerts in the region. Founded in December 2005, it welcomes hundreds of tourists and locals every year.

It also hosts many sporting events like the NBA G League’s Stockton, the American Hockey, and League’s Stockton Heat.

Stockton Arena has a seating capacity that can accommodate twelve thousand spectators, and this arena hosts many events every year.

They host other major events like the Smackdown, ArenaBowl, and many MMA events. Stockton Arena offers a lively and terrific atmosphere that sports fans look forward to.

 Address: 248 W Fremont St, Stockton, CA 95203 United States

18. Pixie Woods – Louis Park

Pixie Woods - Louis Park
Credits: Robert Cutts / Flickr
Stockton Arena

For families with kids, pixie Woods is a place children cherish, and it holds lots of fun things to do in Stockton with kids.

Pixie Woods’ launched in 1954; it consists of a magnificent forest and beautiful pathways; you will be mesmerized the moment you step in.

This place is great for kids of all ages; the park features various attractions with kid-themed play areas such as the Dragon Watse Play area and Miner’s Cove

There are many things for the children to do, including Floating on the Pixie Queen Boat through Pirate Lagoon, spinning on the carousel, or a train ride on the Pixie Express.

Pixie Woods is available for reservations for birthday parties, school trips, and picnicking with loved ones.

This place is extremely beautiful and a must-visit for you and your family; you will be fascinated.

3121 Monte Diablo Ave, Stockton, CA 95203, United States.

19. Market Tavern

Market Tavern
Credits: Market Tavern / Facebook
Market Tavern

If you’re searching for a place that serves high-quality and tasty food, add a visit to Market Tavern to your chcklist of things to do in Stockton, CA.

Market Tavern opened its doors to the public in 2013 and serves food made from scratch, always delicious and fresh.

The restaurant provides a family-friendly and welcoming atmosphere for customers to hang out and create new memories.

Market Tavern offers an extensive food menu that serves meals like fish tacos, skirt tacos, bone marrow, mt deviled eggs, beef stroganoff, braised short ribs, chicken wings, charcuterie board, Apple pie with vanilla, cioppino, wedge salad, halibut, and so on.

They are also known for their well-prepared wood-fired pizzas which come in various toppings like the smoked Escarole and peppers pizzas topped with pine nuts, vegan cheese, and wild mushrooms.

Address: 236 Lincoln Center, Stockton, CA 95207, United States

20. Stockton Marina and Joan Darrah Promenade

Stockton Marina and Joan Darrah Promenade
Credits: the STOCKMARKET / Facebook
Stockton Marina and Joan Darrah Promenade

Stockton Marina and Joan Darrah Promenade is located in the downtown region, where you will find attractions like Banner Island Ballpark, Stockton Arena, and the Weber Points Events Center.

This Center gives you the opportunity to explore and enjoy the amazing beauty of the Delta waterways and its surrounding.

Sixty-six slips, uncovered and covered characterize Stockton Marina and Joan Darrah Promenade, that can hold anywhere from 50-foot berths to 80-foot berths, restrooms facilities, guests docks, a winding promenade, and a large parking lot.

Address: 333 Tuleberg Levee, Stockton, CA 95203 United States

21. Stockton Memorial Civic Auditorium

Stockton Memorial Civic Auditorium
Credits: Koridas [CC BY-SA 4.0], Wikimedia Commons
Stockton Memorial Civic Auditorium
Visiting Stockton Memorial Civic Auditorium, which is one of the most popular performance venues, is one of the best things to do in Stockton, CA.

Stockton Memorial Civic Auditorium was constructed by W. J. Wright, Glenn Allen, and Ivan C. Satterlee, local architects, in 1925.

Visitors get to see inscriptions made in honor of the people of Stockton who lost their lives during World War I while serving in the Armed Forces.

Stockton Memorial Civic Auditorium is uniquely designed with a proscenium-style arch hovering over the stage, and cement plaster imitates the look of Indiana limestone around it.

The Auditorium has been a venue for many popular events such as performances by Blue oyster cult, Carlos Santana, Rush, and the Grateful Dead.

Stockton Memorial Civic Auditorium can accommodate up to five hundred people the structure of the balcony and roof is built with reinforced concrete.

Address: 525 N Center St, Stockton, CA 95202, United States

22. Angelinas Spaghetti House

Angelinas Spaghetti House
Credits: Angelina’s Spaghetti House & Catering / Facebook
Angelinas Spaghetti House

Angelinas Spaghetti House is a fantastic restaurant established in 1976 right at the center of Stockton.

The restaurant was built through the driven passion of Angelina and Nick, her husband, for serving the public delicious foods.

Angelinas Spaghetti House is famous for its signature spaghetti, offering thirteen spaghetti dinner options for you to choose from.

They also serve dishes like seafood alfredo, chicken sandwiches, lasagna, Deep Fried Calamari & Choice Of Pasta, Eggplant Parmesan & Choice Of Pasta, Ravioli, Chocolate Suicide Cake, Home Made Cheesecake, Deep Fried Zucchini, and more.

Angelinas Spaghetti House prepares every meal using locally sourced ingredients by professional and passionate chefs.

Address: 1563 E Fremont St, Stockton, CA 95205, United States

23. Little Manila

Little Manila is a region in Stockton that is largely occupied by Filipino Americans right from the 1930s.

The Filipino Americans were initially interested in agricultural jobs in Stockton and Central Valley, which later became their home.

The region became their own community as the Filipinos began to set up businesses and organizations to cater to their needs.

Little Manila is filled with nice hotels, shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and other essential businesses dedicated to offering excellent services to the Filipino community.

This district was listed by the National Trust for historic preservation as one of the nation’s most endangered historical places, although it is being restored.

Address: 2154 S San Joaquin St, Stockton, CA 95206, United States

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Plan a Trip to Stockton

Stockton offers a diverse mix of attractions with fantastic entertainment and relaxation services.

If you’re a history lover, explore the historical sites, visit some of the nice museums, and carefully glance through the displayed exhibits.

Stockton assures you and your dear ones an amazing experience, as there is always something that you love and want to try out.

Where else is better to go on that special vacation than Stockton’s city.