Stockton, California

Dedicated to local Californian history and the arts, the Haggin Museum can be found within Stockton’s popular Victory Park. The museum was founded in 1928 but didn’t physically open to the public until 1931. The museum’s galleries are filled with artifacts and exhibits including the largest collection of illustrations by J. C. Leyendecker and paintings by Albert Bierstadt in the area. While there, you’ll also see paintings by Jean-Leon Gerome, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Rosa Bonheur among other artists. Galleries dedicated to Stockton’s history have an eclectic mix of items that are both artifactual and archival and are displayed in the form of recreations of rooms and businesses which would have been typical in San Joaquin early on.

1201 N Pershing Ave., Stockton, CA 95203

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Bob Hope Theatre in Stockton is one of the area’s most renowned venues dedicated to the arts. You can go on one of the many tours of the theatre which will take you through the stunning architectural marvel. The theatre is fitted with state-of-the-art sounds, light, and rigging systems, and houses 2,042 red velvet seats. Just walking through the beautiful lobby and performance space will take your breath away. Some of the theatre’s noteworthy aspects include the marble mosaic floor of the lobby and an extremely well preserved 1928 Robert Morton theater organ.

242 E. Main Street, Stockton, CA 95202, Phone: 209-373-1400

Recommended Activities for Families

Banner Island Ballpark is located in Stockton’s gorgeous downtown area, beside the waterfront and other sites such as the Stockton Arena. Its official name is actually Stockton Ballpark, but the name Banner Island Ballpark is much more popular with locals and fans in the area. Having been established in 2005, the baseball stadium can seat nearly 5,200 people and has an elevated club seating area, four luxury suites, and two picnic areas. It is the home of the California League’s minor league baseball team, the Stockton Ports. Prior to moving to their new home, the Stockton Ports have played in Billy Hebert Field in Oak Park since the 1950s - visit them during the season to watch a memorable game!

404 W Fremont St, Stockton, CA 95203

The Children’s Museum of Stockton is a non-profit organization which was developed long before it opened in 1994. The idea was the brainchild of Founding Director, Janet Geng, who was a teacher wounded in the tragic 1989 Cleveland School shootings. As a way of healing, Janet wanted to create a safe place where children and their families could come together to learn and play, and the Children’s Museum of Stockton was born. Today, there are over 40 interactive exhibits in the 22,000 square foot space which inspire children to explore, imagine, and create. Some of the most popular exhibits include the Galaxy Room, Dr. Barker’s Pet Clinic, the Nature Station, an Agricultural Farm, the CMS News Station, the Lego Derby Area, and the Reptile Display. In addition to the exhibits, the museum also has several events which people can attend throughout the year.

402 W Weber Ave, Stockton, CA 95203, Phone: 209-465-4386

The Stockton Marina and Joan Darrah Promenade can be found in the city’s vibrant downtown area, on the waterfront, surrounded by renowned venues such as the Weber Points Events Center, Stockton Arena, and Banner Island Ballpark. The marina and promenade allow you to explore and take in the beauty of the of Delta waterways and its surroundings. Features of the marina include 66 slips, covered and uncovered, which can hold anywhere from 50-foot berths to 80-foot berths, guest docks, extended parking lot, private restroom facilities, and a winding promenade which lets you walk through it all.

333 Tuleberg Levee, Stockton, CA 95203

Attractions for Couples

The Wat Dhammararam Buddhist Temple was established in 1982 as the Theravada Buddhist Temple by Cambodian refugees who resettled in Stockton to escape their war-torn homes. As they integrated into American society and rebuilt their lives, there was a need for them to preserve their culture and so, the temple was created. Since its formation, the Wat Dhammararam Buddhist Temple has continued to serve the Cambodian community in and around Stockton with programs, meditations, and other events. The temple, which is open to everyone throughout the year, is filled with nearly 100 colorful, larger-than-life jewel-encrusted statues which depict and celebrate the life of the Cambodian Buddha.

3732 Carpenter Rd, Stockton, CA 95215, Phone: 209-943-2883

The Fruit Bowl has been providing the residents and visitors of Stockton with fresh fruits and vegetables since it was established in 1947. Frank and Ina Lucchetti started the endeavor by selling fruit on a table they placed near the road on the edge of their ranch. There would always be a bowl of fruit from which passers-by could sample from, hence the name, The Fruit Bowl. The business grew exponentially over the years, with many of their friends bringing fruits from their orchards for a shared business experience. Still thriving after seventy years of business, the family establishment has passed on to the next generation. In addition to purchasing new fruits and vegetables, you’ll also be able to feast on their freshly baked pies during your visit there.

8767 E Waterloo Rd, Stockton, CA 95215, Phone: 209-931-1196

A pioneer in the industry, the Stockton Certified Farmers’ Market was founded in 1979. For a few hours every Saturday morning, a dozen vendors would set up stalls under the Downtown Freeway so that the community would be able to easily access fresh fruits and vegetables directly from the source. Today, nearly 40 years later, the market continues to thrive at the same exact time, in the same exact place, but now with over eighty vendors. It is one of the largest Southeast Asian Farmers’ Markets in Northern California. In addition to farm-fresh produce, you’ll also be able to purchase eggs, honey, seafood, baked goods, plants and flowers, and a number of delicious freshly-cooked foods.

2707 E Fremont St #9, Stockton, CA 95205, Phone: 209-943-1830