Stockton | Visit California (2024)

The ocean-bound freighters dottingStockton’s waterways seem a bit out of place in this middle-of-California town, but they’re part of the landscape here. Even though it’s 70 miles from the coast, Stockton lies on a winding channel that carves its way inland from San Francisco Bay. At California’s largest inland deepwater port, massive ships carry the region’s agricultural crops out to the Pacific and around the globe.

Things to Do in Stockton

First time in Stockton? The downtownStockton Marina should be at the top of your list of places to visit.You’ll find a wide range of things to do here, including boating, fishing, and waterfront dining, and the views of the waterfront make for a picture-perfect backdrop for it all. The marina also has plenty of shops and entertainment options, making it a bustling hub for locals and tourists alike.You can also catch live music, baseball, or ice hockey at the side-by-sideStockton ArenaandBanner Island Ballpark, then spend the night at the stylishUniversity Plaza Waterfront Hotel..

Landlubbers can stroll among the colorful grandeur of the Cambodian Buddhist Temple, also known as theWat Dhammararam. The grounds of this working Buddhist temple are adorned with more than 90 vividly painted Buddha statues made of chicken wire and concrete.The templehosts a three-dayCambodian New Year celebrationevery April.

More artistry can be found at theHaggin Museumin Victory Park. The 1930s red-brick building houses an intriguing mix of 19th-century European paintings, including a Renoir, and agricultural marvels like the first mud-worthy tractor treads. Don’t miss the collection of Albert Bierstadt’s Yosemite landscapes.

Fun for Kids in Stockton

Traveling with kids? For year-round entertainment, theChildren’s Museum of Stocktonmixes fun and exploration throughout more than 40 play-based, hands-on exhibits. During the warmer seasons, experience Stockton’s very own fairyland,Pixie Woods Amusement Park. For generations, this shady park has been a go-to in Stockton for families with small children, who love the merry-go-round, water play area, Pixie Express Train and other fanciful attractions. Funded primarily by the city and private donors, this sprawling—and very affordable—getaway will offer hours of fun for everyone.

Stockton Farmers’ Market

Stockton is prime salad-bowl country. On Saturday mornings, browse theDowntown Farmers’ Market, wheremore than 80 vendors peddle an array of Chinese, Indian, Cambodian, Vietnamese, and Korean groceries—seafood and soy products, plus mountains of vegetables.Stop atThe Fruit Bowlon Waterloo Road for a bucket of peaches, nectarines, or apricots, or sit down for a slice of fresh peach pie.

Where to Eat in Stockton

When it comes to dining out, the options here are head-spinning. Stockton was named the most diverse city in the country byU.S. News & World Reportin 2020, and this is reflected in its wide variety ofcuisine from around the globe. Head to the neighborhood eateries along Pacific Avenue’sMiracle Milefor everything from Korean to BBQ, Middle Eastern, and Greek, or try the classy small plates atAVE on the Mile, sushi atCoCoro Bistro, or crepes atMidtown Creperie. Vegetarians—or anyone looking to go lighter on their consumption of red meat—should drop byCast Iron Trading Co. to sample their famous veggie burger, made froma Beyond Meat patty, caramelized onions, pesto arugula, house-made 'bama sauce, and mouth-watering artisan buns. Show up on a Thursday or Saturday between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. and you'll be treated to live music too.

A good way to pair excellent food with a little exploration is the city’sStockton Taco Trail.Discover more than 50 local restaurants, taco trucks, and food markets that have earned the city a reputation as a mecca for Mexican cuisine. With the trail’s free app, hungry participants can rack up points with every eatery visited and cash them in for prizes.

Entertainment in Stockton

After dining on Stockton’s bountiful restaurant offerings, nighttime cultural attractions beckon. Catch a concert or a classic film at the 1930sBob Hope Fox Theatre; cross the lobby’s Italian marble floor, then take your seat in one of 2,042 refurbished red velvet chairs. Or take in a performance by theStockton Symphonyat its concert hall on the campus ofSan Joaquin Delta College.

Insider tip: If you’re a comics fan, you may know Stockton as thehometown of the Fantastic Four, but do you know how that came to pass? Until 1986, the comic world’s most famous quartet were known as hailing from the fictional “Central City, California.” It was only after Marvel Comics was lobbied that year by Stocktonians to adopt their city as their official home that it became “fact.” Fast forward to 2023: with an upcoming Fantastic Four film in the works, there’s a petition to bring the Marvel Studios production to Stockton. (Sign the petition here.)

[[ crowdriff-gallery-id: 062f316d-2799-4320-a470-86211a486704 ]]

Stockton | Visit California (2024)

FAQs

Is Stockton, CA a good place to live? ›

With affordable homes and California's oldest university, Stockton is a good place to live for growing families and those seeking a low cost of living in Northern California. It has a high crime rate compared to the rest of the US and has a reputation for being dangerous.

Why is Stockton famous? ›

Stockton and environs have long been known in the entertainment industry as location-rich, both as fore and background. Stockton has built an impressive directory of civic and commercial buildings. It also is the home of the University of the Pacific since 1924, after moving from San Jose.

What is the majority race in Stockton CA? ›

The 5 largest ethnic groups in Stockton, CA are Asian (Non-Hispanic) (20.3%), White (Non-Hispanic) (17.6%), Other (Hispanic) (15%), Two+ (Hispanic) (14.3%), and White (Hispanic) (13.7%). None of the households in Stockton, CA reported speaking a non-English language at home as their primary shared language.

Is Stockton considered the Bay Area? ›

The city is located on the San Joaquin River in the northern San Joaquin Valley. It lies at the southeastern corner of a large inland river delta that isolates it from other nearby cities such as Sacramento and those of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Is Stockton safer than Sacramento? ›

Crime and high cost of living are two of the biggest drawbacks to living in Sacramento. Although not as high as Stockton's crime rates, the crime rate in Sacramento is 46 percent above the national average. Violent crime is 76 percent above the national average in Sacramento.

What is Stockton's reputation? ›

While Stockton's long had a reputation of being one of America's most miserable cities (thanks, Forbes), U.S. News & World Report is shining a positive light on Mudville. In its 2023-2024 report, Stockton ranked among the best places to live in California.

Is Stockton a low income city? ›

High poverty rates: In 2018, nearly a quarter of Stockton's 300,000 residents lived below the poverty line, and the city was 18th nationally in child poverty. The city's median income was $46,033, 34 percent lower than the state average.

What famous people are from Stockton CA? ›

Famous Stocktonians
  • Ace Andres - Singer/Songwriter/Lead Guitarist.
  • Warren Atherton - Lawmaker/Presidential Adviser.
  • Darrin Atkins - Author.
  • Dave Brubeck - Jazz Musician (attended Pacific)
  • James H. ...
  • Carol Corrigan - Jurist.

What is Stockton obesity rate? ›

Stockton, CA—which was also recently crowned Most Miserable US City by Forbes—has the highest obesity rate, with 34.6 percent of residents being overweight. This compares to a national average of 26.5 percent obesity, up from 25.5 percent in 2008.

What is the crime rate in Stockton CA? ›

According to the latest FBI crime data, Stockton's overall crime rate remains significantly higher than both the state and national averages: Stockton Crime Rate: 4,259 crimes per 100,000 people. National Crime Rate: 2,346 crimes per 100,000 people. California Crime Rate: 2,581 crimes per 100,000 people.

Why is Stockton called Mudville? ›

There's no doubt, however, that Stockton's "Mudville" moniker was well-earned. "Like so many cities, the streets weren't paved until relatively late," he said. "We also have unique properties. The mud in this area, it's an adobe mud so it's particularly sticky.

What is the safest neighborhood in Stockton CA? ›

Spanos Park Stockton CA (East & West) | Beautiful Safe Haven in Stockton. Spanos Park Stockton CA, divided into the East and West sections by the West Side Freeway, stands as a beacon of tranquility as what many hail as the safest neighborhood in Stockton.

Why are people moving to Stockton, CA? ›

As the cost of living rises in larger metropolitan areas, people are looking for other areas to live in, and that's where Stockton comes in. With affordable neighborhoods, plenty of places to visit, and an excellent weather, here's more to know about the city if you're considering living here.

Is Stockton a wealthy area? ›

Downtown Stockton

With a median home price of $704,331 and a median rent of $1,059, Downtown Stockton is the most expensive neighborhood on our list. Based on the growth in home prices in Downtown Stockton over the last 3 years, it ranks No. 1 among all the neighborhoods in Stockton.

Is Stockton California expensive to live? ›

Stockton, California's cost of living is 19% higher than the national average. The cost of living in any area can vary based on factors such as your career, its average salary and the real estate market of that area.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Kieth Sipes

Last Updated:

Views: 5359

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (67 voted)

Reviews: 82% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Kieth Sipes

Birthday: 2001-04-14

Address: Suite 492 62479 Champlin Loop, South Catrice, MS 57271

Phone: +9663362133320

Job: District Sales Analyst

Hobby: Digital arts, Dance, Ghost hunting, Worldbuilding, Kayaking, Table tennis, 3D printing

Introduction: My name is Kieth Sipes, I am a zany, rich, courageous, powerful, faithful, jolly, excited person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.