Things to do in stockton?

February 14, 2007 10:39 AM

Things to do in Stockton, CA?

So, I'm in beautiful Stockton, CA for today and tomorrow - my girlfriend's here on business, and I came along. She's going to be working for the bulk of both days, and I'm left to fend for myself. So, what (if any) fun things are there to do in stockton by yourself? I've never been in this part of california before, and really don't know much about it. I don't have a ton of money I can spend, so things that aren't terribly expensive would be preferable. Any cool places to walk around / shop / hang out?

posted by clcapps to Travel & Transportation around Stockton, CA (10 answers total)

Not sure I've ever heard Stockton called beautiful before, but my wife went to school there at University of the Pacific, so I've been there a few times. The University campus isn't bad, and there are some beautiful old houses nearby that might be worth walking around. Stockton is a pretty rough town, though, from what I've been told, so I'd recommend caution with just walking around.

Do you have access to a car? The mountains east of Stockton are nice, but they are definitely a ways out of town.
posted by sbrollins at 11:25 AM on February 14, 2007

Response by poster: yeah, the 'beautiful' part was mostly sarcastic. I do have a car, though - the mountains might be a pretty nice idea.
posted by clcapps at 11:29 AM on February 14, 2007

Go check out the downtown area around the river.
Drive an hour north into downtown Sacramento.

Things to do in Stockton.
posted by drstein at 11:34 AM on February 14, 2007

Stockton's not exactly know as a tourist destination. But drive about 50 minutes northeast on 88 to Sutter Creek. The area up and down 49 there in the gold country is beautiful. Jackson is a pleasant little town, Amador City and Sutter Creek are cutesy tourist spots.

All around that area the foothills is some excellent wine; Renwood in the Shenandoah Valley (NE of Plymouth) is one place to go. Or if you want to go wine tasting closer to home, some of the wineries around Lodi are getting to make passable wine.
posted by Nelson at 11:34 AM on February 14, 2007

You could make a little pilgrimage to 9361 Cole Drive.

At least, that's what I'd do.
posted by koeselitz at 12:03 PM on February 14, 2007

I grew up between sotckton and sacramento, and stockton isnt a place I ever associated with "things to do". I second Nelson recommendation to head out to Jackson, the drive out there is gorgeous, I used to go out there and take pictures of the rolling hills and oak trees a lot. Theres a few little farmers market type places on the way there too that are fun to stop in, although its winter so Im not sure if theyll be open. I always liked stopping at the Meiss Road Bridge too.

You can also head west to napa or carmel or moneterey for a full day trip, its maybe only 2 hours from stockton, and if you havent been has a lot of pretty sites.

Depends all on what youre into and how far youre willing to drive, theres a lot of cool stuff in the area, but as far is IN stockton, I cant think of many beyond the mini golf place :P
posted by skrike at 12:32 PM on February 14, 2007

Head out to Highway 49 as suggested. Lots of little gold rush type stuff. Tour a gold mine.
posted by Big_B at 3:51 PM on February 14, 2007

I just did the drive down 49 during an extended weekend roadtrip in December. It was pretty mellow. Enjoyed it a lot. We started in SF, did Napa, had a nice dinner in Old Town Sacramento, had a nice time in Tahoe & Gold Rush Country. Made it all the way to Virginia City, Nevada & played some Texas Hold 'Em in Reno even. Then headed back. If you don't want to stay in Stockton there's a lot of stuff in drivable distance, really.
posted by miss lynnster at 5:35 PM on February 14, 2007

If anyone is looking for a testament to the ingenuity of MeFites, look no further: 10 posts on truly engaging things to do in Stockton! Well done, all.
posted by coolhappysteve at 9:28 PM on February 14, 2007

"10 posts on truly engaging things to do in Stockton!"

Yeah, but most of them say "LEAVE." ;-)
posted by drstein at 2:05 PM on February 25, 2007