Stockton is not the kind of city that tourists generally visit. It is not a booming metropolis like San Francisco or Sacramento. It doesn't have the rural ambiance like the Napa Valley or the Gold Country. Most people blow through the city on their way to somewhere else. Most Stocktonians tout that one of the best things of Stockton is that it's close to everywhere (but not necessarily anything here).
Is Stockton truly a place not for a tourist? Not necessarily. Assuming that you are not expecting cable cars, an ocean, and know that you are visiting a city steeped in agricultural and sports history, Stockton can be a pretty pleasant visit.
What to do? The following paragraphs offer some suggestions. Whether you're in Stockton for an afternoon or a few days, here are some suggestions to get a flavor of the city.
Above all, find a way to get out on the water (between March and October). It's hard to believe when you're 75 miles inland and surrounded by farms that there are about a thousand miles (literally!) of waterways surrounding the area. Boats are generally available for rent at Herman and Helen's Marina (far west end of Eight Mile Rd) and a short drive away in Terminous (I-5 North to Highway 12 West). To experience Stockton is to experience the San Joaquin Delta. It's amazing that so many Stocktonians have never been out on the Delta. A day trip on the water gives you a totally different perspective of this area. Try: www.DeltaRiverCruises.com for Tours.
Take a stroll through the University of the Pacific. UOP, or Pacific as it's more commonly referred to nowadays, is the oldest charted university in California. Pacific moved to Stockton in 1924 from San Jose. The campus is filled with ivy-covered brick buildings with an incredible East Coast feel. Many movies have been filmed at Pacific when an Ivy League college look was needed. It's most notable film appearance were some of the exteriors of Raiders of the Lost Ark. Stroll the paths, take in the trees and roses...Pacific is a great place to soak up some college atmosphere.
Experience a sporting event. For a city of it's size, Stockton has recently becoming known as a sports town. Here are a few options...
- The Stockton Ports. Legend has it that "Casey at the Bat" was written about baseball in Stockton. Scholars have researched the history of the poem, its authors, and his travels. Most generally agree that Stockton is the true Mudville. The Ports were the winningest professional baseball team in the 1980's and have a brand new ballpark downtown on the Stockton Channel. It's been written up in Sports Illustrated as one of the finest ballparks in the United States.
- University of the Pacific Men's Basketball. In recent years, UOP's basketball program is becoming nationally recognized as a mid-major program to be reckoned with. Their teams have made 3 consecutive NCAA tournament appearances and were ranked as high as number 16 in the country.
- University of the Pacific Women's Volleyball. The team won back-to-back national championships in the 1980's. While no longer the powerhouse it once was, a women's volleyball match is still exciting to watch.
- University of the Pacific Men's Baseball. Now being coached by Ed Sprague, the Pacific baseball team has a brand new state-of-the-art field.
- Stockton Thunder (East Coast Hockey League), Stockton Lightning (Arena Football League 2), and California Cougars (Major Indoor Soccer League). Stockton has a sparkling new arena downtown, with 2006 being the inaugural years for these 3 teams. The Thunder, was by far the most popular but all are a great way to enjoy a sporting event without paying the big bucks in the big cities.
- Cruise the San Joaquin Delta with www.DeltaRiverCruise.com. Enjoy the Wonders of the Delta starting from the Beautiful Downtown Stockton Waterfront. Cruise 1 1/2 hours, 2 1/2 hours up to 7 hours. This Tour can go all the way to San Francisco making it a "Day Trip" Cruise and Rail = One way Boat and One way Train. Check them out at the Asparagus Festival!!
- Go golfing at one of the many courses...Brookside Country Club, Stockton Gold and Country Club, Elkhorn Country Club, The Reserve at Spanos Park, Micke Grove, and Swenson are some of the choices.
Learn a little about Stockton history. The Haggin Museum and The San Joaquin Historical Museum (at Micke Grove) offer great pieces about agricultural past. A stroll through Oak Grove Regional Park gives you a feel of what the land was like when it was discovered by the Europeans.
Take in some culture. The Stockton Symphony is the 3rd oldest orchestra in California. Led by Maestro Peter Jaffe, the symphony is a great diversion. Stockton Civic Theatre is one of the oldest community theatres in California. The Bob Hope Theatre downtown is a beautifully restored auditorium offering touring Broadway productions, concerts, and dance shows.
Enjoy the Farmer's Market. Not in a permanent site, Farmer's markets are located at Weberstown Mall on Thursdays and Sundays, downtown on Fridays, and under the freeway on Saturdays. Each offer something a little different. Nothing's better than enjoying the bounty of the great Central Valley picked fresh that day.
If you are in Stockton the 4th weekend of April, the Stockton Asparagus Festival is a must attend. Attended by about 100,000 people each year, the Asparagus Festival is your opportunity to try Stockton's most famous crop. Try it all...asparagus pasta, asparagus burritos, their signature dish, deep fried asparagus, and if you're adventuresome, the asparagus margaritas and even asparagus ice cream.
