Stockton, California is a unique city in California’s Central Valley with a rich history and many attractions for visitors to enjoy. From museums and historical sites to parks and recreation, Stockton has something for everyone.
| Attraction | Description |
|---|---|
| Weber Point Events Center | A multi-purpose arena hosting various events, with outdoor courtyard and art sculptures. |
| Bob Hope Theatre | Historical theatre offering live performances and guided tours of its Spanish Baroque architecture. |
| Stockton Cambodian Buddhist Temple | Cultural religious site with ornate decorations, offering tours and insights into Cambodian Buddhism. |
| Mexicali Rose Media and Event Center | A concert venue in a historic building showcasing regional and local performances. |
| Stockton Arena | A 12,000-seat arena, home to the Stockton Heat hockey team, hosting sports events and concerts. |
| San Joaquin County Historical Society and Museum | Museum with exhibits on local history, including Native American and agricultural history. |
| University of the Pacific | Historic private university with beautiful campus, offering tours, art galleries, and botanical gardens. |
| Stockton Sports Hall of Fame | Honors local athletes and teams with exhibits of memorabilia and interactive displays. |
| Oak Grove Regional Park | A large park for outdoor activities with fishing, boating, camping, and special events. |
| Pixie Woods | Children’s amusement park with fairy tale themes, playgrounds, and various kid-friendly activities. |
| Haggin Museum | Art, history, and science museum with diverse collections, hosting events and educational activities. |
| Stockton Port | Major deep-water seaport with tours of its operations, shipyard, and cargo handling. |
| Victory Park | Downtown park with walking trails, sports fields, and community events, located along the waterfront. |
Here are 12 of the top attractions and things to do in Stockton:
Weber Point Events Center
Name and Location: Weber Point Events Center is located in downtown Stockton, California.
History and Significance: The events center opened in 2005 and hosts various concerts, sports events, conferences, and community events. It’s a significant part of Stockton’s downtown revitalization efforts.
What to Expect: The events center can accommodate up to 5000 people. Visitors can expect to attend concerts, sports games, conventions, and more in a modern facility. There is stadium-style seating.
Visitor Information: The box office is open on event days, hours vary. Tickets for events can be purchased online or at the box office. Parking is available in surrounding lots and garages.
The Weber Point Events Center is a multi-purpose arena located downtown right along the Stockton Channel waterfront. The arena has hosted sporting events, concerts, family shows and more ever since it opened in 2005. Visiting the Event Center allows you to be right in the middle of downtown and experience various events throughout the year. There’s also a nice courtyard area outside the venue with a white sail shade structure, art sculptures and a large fountain.
Bob Hope Theatre
Name and Location: The Bob Hope Theatre is located in downtown Stockton, CA.
History and Significance: Originally built in 1930 as the Fox California Theater, it was later renamed after comedian Bob Hope. It is significant as a historic theater that has hosted vaudeville, films, and performances for decades.
What to Expect: The theater seats over 2,000 people and hosts concerts, comedy shows, touring Broadway productions, and more. Visitors can expect an elegant, historic setting.
Visitor Information: Ticket prices and showtimes vary. The box office is open 90 minutes prior to showtime. Public parking garages are nearby.
The Bob Hope Theatre is a beautiful historical theatre in downtown Stockton that opened in 1930. The theatre has an elegant interior with Spanish Baroque architecture and an intricate ceiling mural. The theatre hosts concerts, comedy shows, Broadway plays and other live performances year-round. Taking in a show at this historical theatre is a wonderful way to experience the arts in Stockton. Guided tours are also available if you want to learn more about the architecture and history of the Bob Hope Theatre.
Stockton Cambodian Buddhist Temple
Name and Location: The Stockton Cambodian Buddhist Temple is located at 6720 Kelly Drive, Stockton, CA.
History and Significance: Founded in 1989, it is the oldest Cambodian temple in Stockton. It serves an important cultural and religious role for the local Cambodian community.
What to Expect: Visitors are welcome to attend religious ceremonies and cultural events. Shoes must be removed before entering the temple. Photos allowed with permission.
Visitor Information: Open daily 8am-5pm. Modest attire recommended. Visitors can contact the temple to arrange a tour.
The Stockton Cambodian Buddhist Temple is a unique religious and cultural site found on the south side of Stockton. The ornate temple is decorated with bright colors, Buddhist iconography, palm trees and mosaic tile floors. Visitors can tour the temple, see the monks, light incense and learn about Cambodian Buddhism. The temple grounds also include a meditation hall, garden, and statue of Buddha. Experiencing the temple is a great way to learn about Stockton’s sizable Cambodian community.
Mexicali Rose Media and Event Center
Name and Location: Mexicali Rose Media and Event Center is located at 1665 Moffet Road, Stockton, CA.
History and Significance: Formerly a restaurant, it was renovated into an event venue in 2005. It hosts various community events and private parties.
What to Expect: The space features a dance floor and full bar. Visitors attend private events or ticketed concerts and shows in an intimate setting.
Visitor Information: Hours vary by event. Tickets for public events can be purchased online or at the door. Parking lot onsite.
For live music and entertainment, the Mexicali Rose Media and Event Center is a popular choice. This concert venue in downtown Stockton hosts various musical acts and performances in an intimate setting. The building was once a historic movie theater that closed during the 1950s before being renovated into an event center. Today, the Mexicali Rose draws regional and local bands, comedians, artists and more. It’s a great place to catch a show and experience Stockton’s arts scene.
Stockton Arena
Name and Location: Stockton Arena is located at 248 W Fremont St, Stockton, CA.
History and Significance: Opened in 2005, the arena hosts sporting events, concerts, and community events. It is home to the Stockton Heat ice hockey team.
What to Expect: The arena seats over 10,000 for concerts and sporting events. Fans can expect a lively atmosphere for games and events. Concessions and amenities available.
Visitor Information: Box office hours vary by event. Tickets available online or at box office. Parking in surrounding lots and garages.
Home to the Stockton Heat ice hockey team, the Stockton Arena is a top spot to catch sporting events and concerts. This 12,000-seat arena hosts hockey games, indoor football, concerts, family entertainment and more. The arena first opened in 2005 and has been a major draw to downtown Stockton ever since. Sports fans will definitely want to catch an exciting Stockton Heat hockey game at the arena. The arena is modern and has great amenities for fans.
San Joaquin County Historical Society and Museum
Name and Location: The San Joaquin County Historical Society and Museum is located at Micke Grove Park, 11793 N Micke Grove Road, Lodi, CA.
History and Significance: Founded in 1954, the museum covers the history and culture of San Joaquin County through exhibits and educational programs. It preserves important artifacts and stories.
What to Expect: Visitors can explore exhibits on early settlers, agriculture, transportation, and more. The grounds also include historic buildings and a blacksmith shop.
Visitor Information: Open daily 10am-4pm, closed major holidays. Admission fee adults $6, seniors $5, children $2. Micke Grove Park offers picnic areas.
To learn about the history of Stockton and San Joaquin County, spend some time at the San Joaquin County Historical Society and Museum. The museum has exhibits on topics like Native American history, agriculture, immigration and local businesses/industries. There is also an art gallery, research library and a blacksmith shop building. Through the historical artifacts, photos, and displays, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Stockton’s unique history and heritage.
University of the Pacific
Name and Location: University of the Pacific is located at 3601 Pacific Ave, Stockton, CA.
History and Significance: Founded in 1851, UOP is the oldest chartered university in California. It is known for its liberal arts and professional programs.
What to Expect: Visitors can tour the 175-acre park-like campus and architecturally significant buildings. Sports, music, and cultural events open to the public.
Visitor Information: Campus is open daily. Tours can be scheduled through the admissions office. Public events calendar online. Free parking available.
The University of the Pacific is a private university located in Stockton with a beautiful campus to explore. The university was established in 1851 as the first chartered university in California. Visitors can tour the campus and its many landmarks like the Rose Garden, Morris Chapel, Faye Spanos Concert Hall and more. The university also offers art galleries, botanical gardens, performance venues and sporting events open to the public. Foodies will also want to check out the popular Pacific Food Truck Alley.
Stockton Sports Hall of Fame
Name and Location: The Stockton Sports Hall of Fame is located at Stockton Arena, 248 W Fremont Street, Stockton, CA.
History and Significance: Founded in 2012, the Hall of Fame recognizes athletes, coaches, and contributors to sports in Stockton. It honors the city’s rich sports history.
What to Expect: Visitors can view plaques and memorabilia honoring inductees. The Hall of Fame induction ceremony is held annually.
Visitor Information: Open during Stockton Arena box office hours. Free admission. Event and exhibit information on their website.
At the Stockton Sports Hall of Fame, visitors can learn about local Stockton athletes and teams that have made their mark in the world of sports. Located within the Stockton Arena, the Hall of Fame honors over 100 athletes, coaches and teams that have achieved greatness through photos, trophies, memorabilia and interactive exhibits. Some of the athletes highlighted include golf pro Tiger Woods, boxer Ken Norton, swimmer Summer Sanders and NBA player Gary Payton. Sports fans of all ages can appreciate Stockton’s stellar sports history showcased at the Hall of Fame.
Oak Grove Regional Park
Name and Location: Oak Grove Regional Park is located at 4520 W Eight Mile Rd, Stockton, CA.
History and Significance: Established in 1946, it was one of the first parks operated by the East Bay Regional Park District. Covers over 1,200 acres.
What to Expect: Visitors enjoy picnicking, hiking, biking, fishing, and boating. The park hosts interpretive programs and festivals.
Visitor Information: Open daily from 5am-10pm. Entry fee is $5 per vehicle on weekends, free on weekdays. Leashed dogs permitted.
For outdoor recreation, Oak Grove Regional Park is a top choice with over 1,000 acres to explore along the Calaveras River. The park has fishing areas, boating facilities like boat ramps and docks, picnic sites, playgrounds, biking and hiking trails. The park often holds special events like fishing derbies for kids and outdoor concerts. Visitors can also go camping. Nature lovers will find scenic beauty along the river and majestic oak trees found throughout the park.
Pixie Woods
Name and Location: Pixie Woods is located inside Oak Grove Regional Park at 4520 W Eight Mile Rd, Stockton, CA.
History and Significance: Built in 1957, Pixie Woods is a beloved children’s fairy tale theme park inside Oak Grove Park. Generations have enjoyed the storybook sets.
What to Expect: Visitors walk through miniaturized fairy tale sets like Alice in Wonderland. There are also play structures, train rides, and a puppet theater.
Visitor Information: Open daily 10am-4pm, closed in winter. Admission is $2 for kids ages 2-12, free for adults. Part of Oak Grove Regional Park.
Pixie Woods is a beloved children’s amusement park that has been operating since 1955. The park has charming fairy tale sets and playground structures for kids to explore and play on. Some of the features include a miniature train ride, slides, tunnels, forts, push/pull carts and more. The whimsical park is aimed at younger children under 12 and provides a safe place for imaginative and active play. Pixie Woods hosts special events like Fairytale Land, Pixieland Parade and Pixie Palooza for added enchantment.
Haggin Museum
Name and Location: The Haggin Museum is located in Victory Park at 1201 N Pershing Ave, Stockton, CA.
History and Significance: Founded in 1931, the museum houses fine art, artifacts, and rotating exhibits. Its collection includes works by Rodin, Renoir, and other notable artists.
What to Expect: Visitors can explore the museum’s two floors of galleries, including Western American art, ceramics, and more. Guided tours offered.
Visitor Information: Open Wed-Fri 1pm-5pm, Sat-Sun 12pm-5pm. Admission is $8 for adults, $5 for students/seniors. Free parking onsite.
The Haggin Museum is a major art, history and science museum centrally located in Victory Park. The museum’s collections include fine art, artifacts from around the world, photographs showcasing Stockton’s history and documents from the city’s founders. Visitors can view paintings by famous artists, see Egyptian mummies, or learn about natural history through animal specimens and meteorites on display. The museum also hosts events, lectures, children’s art activities and rotating exhibitions.
Stockton Port
Name and Location: The Port of Stockton is located off of W Washington St on the Stockton Deep Water Channel.
History and Significance: Founded in 1929, it is now one of California’s major inland deepwater ports. It handles bulk and general cargos.
What to Expect: Visitors can see port operations and large ships along the waterfront. Boat tours of the port available seasonally.
Visitor Information: Port is open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Boat tour tickets can be purchased online or at the port office.
The Stockton Port located on the San Joaquin River is one of California’s major deep-water seaports. Visitors can learn about the port’s operations and history through the visitor center. Narrated boat tours are also available to explore the waterways, shipyard and docked vessels. The port exports many agricultural and mining products from the Central Valley. With over 20 million tons of cargo handled each year, the Stockton Port is the fourth largest port in California. Seeing massive ships pass along the river is an impressive sight.
Victory Park
Name and Location: Victory Park is located in downtown Stockton, CA bounded by N Pershing Ave, E Park St, and E Main St.
History and Significance: Laid out in 1847, it is Stockton’s oldest existing park. It hosted rallies, picnics, and celebrations through the years.
What to Expect: Visitors enjoy green lawns, rose gardens, and historic buildings like the Haggin Museum. Outdoor events held year-round.
Visitor Information: Open daily sunrise to sunset. Free admission. Public parking available along streets and in parking garages.
Victory Park is a gorgeous green space located downtown along the Stockton Channel waterfront. The 66-acre park has walking trails, playground structures, sports fields, rose gardens and grassy areas for picnicking. The park often hosts community events like the Asparagus Festival, Earth Day celebration, farmer’s markets and summer concert series. Visitors can rent kayaks and stand-up paddle boards to get out on the water as well. With its proximity to the water, Victory Park is one of Stockton’s most scenic downtown parks.
Conclusion
Stockton has a diversity of attractions and activities that make it a unique California destination. From historic sites that reflect the city’s roots, to family-friendly recreation, to an appreciation of arts and culture, Stockton offers rewarding experiences for visitors. The city’s inland waterways, legacy of innovation and multiculturalism are integral parts of its fabric. Whether you’re interested in sports, the outdoors, history, or entertainment, Stockton has something for you. The top attractions highlighted here showcase some of the best ways to connect with the local heritage and spirit of Stockton, California.