Lodi is a special place, and those wanting to experience wine country at its finest will discover the adventure waiting for them here. Nestled between the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the San Francisco Bay, Lodi is home to over 85 boutique wineries and is known as the Zinfandel Capital of the World.
Experience one-of-a-kind stores as you stroll through historic downtown Lodi, or rent a bicycle and ride on the beautiful country roads. Lodi is not only a haven for wine lovers; it is an oasis for outdoor enthusiasts.
Your adventure begins by experiencing the unique culture behind wine making and becomes a memorable experience for visitors of all ages. Discover why many enjoy vacationing in Lodi and why it is one of the fastest-growing wine regions in the country.
TL;DR
- Most significant landmark – The Lodi Arch
- Best park – Micke Grove Park
- Best free activity – Self-Guided Walldogs Mural Tour
- Best activity for kids – World of Wonders Science Museum
- Best activity for adults – St. Amant Winery
- Best food – The Oxford Kitchen
- Best nightlife – Blend Ultra Lounge
- Best all-around accommodation – Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Lodi
Fun and Best Things to Do in Lodi, California
1. San Joaquin County Historical Museum
San Joaquin County Historical Museum / Facebook
Address: 11793 Micke Grove Rd, Lodi, CA 95240
Lodi has a rich history and heritage dating back to the native peoples, such as the Miwok and Yokuts Indians. The San Joaquin County Historical Museum is one place in the area to walk through the history of the site, which features Native American artifacts and historical items through modern agriculture.
During your visit to the museum, you will get a closer view of how the county’s innovation, invention, and ingenuity traditions have built the area into what it is today. This museum is so much fun, especially for history buffs wanting to learn more about Lodi’s history. Discover what it means to live in the Lodi area by taking a deeper look into the many people, events, and activities that went into making one of the most visited and up-and-coming wine areas in California.
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2. Self-Guided Walldogs Mural Tour
Address: 25 N. School St., Lodi, CA 95240
The Walldogs created unique murals in the downtown area, highlighting the area’s history and celebrating Lodi’s centennial. The 11 murals were painted by 100 Walldogs and are something you want to experience when exploring Lodi’s downtown area. The different murals were created to represent and celebrate various points in Lodi’s history, including Japantown Memories, the 19th Amendment, and the Lodi Grape Festival.
Exploring the downtown area and seeing these murals up close provides you with a unique and fun way to learn more about Lodi’s past. The colorful murals are set within walking distance of the downtown area, and a map is available for a self-guided tour of the murals at Downtown Lodi’s Visitors Center. Picking up a map when you are in the downtown Lodi area gives you everything you need to know about exploring the area and some history behind the murals.
3. Micke Grove Regional Park
Address: 11793 Micke Grove Rd, Lodi, CA 95240
Micke Grove Regional Park sits on 132 acres and features Micke Grove Zoo, Wortley Lake, the Japanese Garden, the San Joaquin County Historical Museum, and more. In addition, the garden at Micke Grove Regional Park is home to a breathtaking five-story pagoda lantern donated to the park by Kofu, Japan, Lodi’s sister city.
As one of the most popular attractions in San Joaquin County, Micke Grove Park features several areas to explore and visit, including softball fields, a children’s play area, walking trails, and an 18-hole disc golf course: Micke Grove Disc Golf Course. For real golf, the Micke Grove Golf Links is situated at the southern end of the park.
There is so much to see and experience at Micke Grove Regional Park that you should consider staying nearby at the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Lodi, which will keep you close to all the excitement the park offers, including the Micke Grove Zoo.
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4. Hill House Museum
Address: 826 S. Church Street, Lodi, CA 95240
Do you want to experience the Lodi Wine Country up close and personal? Then you will want to visit the Hill House Museum, located inside the Hill House, which was home to George and Mary Hill. Built in 1901, the home has been carefully preserved, with all the original family furniture and artifacts on display. It is almost like walking into an antique store filled with many treasures, which is what makes visiting the Hill House Museum a must-experience.
Tours of the Hill House Museum are available on select days during the week and are the perfect way to see what life was like in Lodi during the early 1900s. Be sure to call to schedule your visit (775-401-1479) and you’ll have a great time learning about the history of the area. If you want to experience a more immersive Lodi Wine Country experience, you can stay right in the house itself, at the Lodi Hill House Inn.
5. World of Wonders Science Museum
Address: 2 N Sacramento St, Lodi, CA 95240
Families have the perfect place to explore science-based exhibits and participate in programs designed to stimulate discovery for all ages at the World of Wonders Science Museum. The World of Wonders Science Museum features hands-on exhibits teaching energy, magnetism, optics, electricity, and more and is dedicated to inspiring children and adults to learn more about the world around them.
When looking for a place that provides lots of family fun, the World of Wonders Science Museum is the place to go. Kids will love engaging with the museum’s many interactive exhibits and learning a thing or two in the process at the World of Wonders Science Museum.
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6. Five Window Beer Company
Address: 9 W Locust St, Lodi, CA 95240
Five Window Beer Company is all about brewing the finest craft beers in a friendly-friendly environment while welcoming visitors from around the world. This brewery is set in downtown Lodi, where you can stop for lunch to take a break during a day of exploring or playing at the Lodi Skate Park with the kids or grab a bite to eat for dinner before heading back to your hotel to turn in for the night.
Not sure what beer to try? Order the craft beer flight, offering you a little taste of the brewery’s most popular beers. The menu features many food options, including wood-fired pizza made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, non-alcoholic root beer, and wine slushies.
When dining at Five Window Beer Company, you will have many things to do, including board games, shuffleboard, corn hole, and free popcorn. The best thing about this brewery is that it is family and dog-friendly, meaning when you are traveling to Lodi with the family, you can stop here and experience the friendly service and amazing atmosphere.
7. The Mud Mill
Address: 115 S School Street, Lodi, CA 95240
Are you wondering what there is to do on a rainy day in Lodi? Look no further! The Mud Mill is the place to let your creative side out. Set in the heart of downtown Lodi, this location has more than 300 bisque designs with 70 different colors waiting to see where your creativity takes you.
You do not have to be one of the amazing local artists to get creative in Lodi. Studio sessions are two hours, and when you are done painting your bisque piece, they will fire and glaze your pottery, which you can return later and pick up. The Mud Mill is one of the local businesses visitors love to experience, especially on a dark and gloomy day.
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8. Blend Ultra Lounge
Address: 115 S School St, Suite 13, Lodi, CA 95240
Do you still have plenty of energy after a day of exploring Lodi Wine Country? Then get dressed up and put your dancing shoes on for a night out at Blend Ultra Lounge. This lounge is an upscale venue perfect for parties and dancing, providing guests with a dinner menu, drink specials, private rooms, and live music. The staff at Blend Ultra Lounge knows how to cater to visitors, and you will indeed have a fantastic evening.
The mouthwatering menu at Blend Ultra Lounge is something you want to experience before dancing the night away. The dinner menu features the Blend Burger, bruschetta, golden beet salad, beet gnocchi, and short ribs.
Menu items are crafted from locally-sourced produce and sustainable proteins, providing you with a unique menu featuring local fare. Plus, the top-notch drinks are made by professional bartenders and mixologists, with a rotating schedule of drink specials.
For easy access to Blend Ultra Lounge and other local attractions, the Poppy Sister Inn is a quaint, highly-rated bed and breakfast nearby with free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and access to a garden with a terrace.
9. Lodi Lake Park
Address: 1101 W Turner Rd, Lodi, CA 95242
Lodi Lake Park is a popular destination where visitors can spend time outdoors exploring the park, picnicking, or boating. This park features a beautiful sandy beach, a skate park, tennis courts, a boathouse (with rentals), boat tours, outdoor seating, and more. In addition, visitors can experience the beauty of the Mokelumne River and the surrounding area during their visit to Lodi Lake Park.
Lodi Lake Park is a hidden gem offering a fun day of being outdoors at reasonable prices. This park is dog friendly, with many areas for you and your pet to exercise and explore.
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10. St. Amant Winery
Address: 1 Winemaster Way # I, Lodi, CA 95240
Experience some of the best wine in the area at the St. Amant Winery tasting room, where you can drop in and sample the winery’s finest creations. Built after prohibition, the tasting room at the winery is set in an old industrial winery complex, which was once home to the largest cooperative winery in California. Today, the building houses the St. Amant Winery and a few other locally-owned businesses.
The St. Amant Winery is off the beaten path, making it quiet and the perfect place to visit, relax and enjoy local wine. The winery welcomes visitors throughout the year and, as a working winery, provides many opportunities to taste wine and be among the first to taste new wine creations.
11. Lodi Wine & Visitor Center
Address: 2545 W Turner Rd, Lodi, CA 95242
Do you need help figuring out what to see, do, and experience in Lodi? The Lodi Wine & Visitor Center offers visitors access to information and tips for their Lodi Wine Country trip.
The visitor center also features a vineyard with onsite demonstrations and wine-tasting experiences from a fine wine list that rotates weekly. Additionally, the Lodi Wine Visitor Center can provide you with all the information needed about visiting local wineries and other fun things to do in Lodi and nearby cities.
Directly next to the Lodi Visitor Center is Wine & Roses Hotel. This hotel, restaurant, and spa combination is locally owned and features a full-service spa, an outdoor swimming pool, and an on-site restaurant with a wine bar.
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12. The Oxford Kitchen
Address: 110 W Oak St, Lodi, CA 95240
Historic Lodi is home to a fantastic restaurant inspired by the energetic streets of London, mixed with the enticing flavors and aromas of the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia. The Oxford is a laid-back gastropub serving all these unique flavors and great food in a comfortable environment that plays homage to London’s cultural touchstones, such as the Beatles, Beefeaters, and Princess Diana.
The Oxford serves lunch and dinner, including small bites and main dishes, made using fresh ingredients. The restaurant’s signature meals are made using fresh vegetables and other locally-sourced ingredients. Plus, it would not be wine country if a restaurant like The Oxford did not have a wide range of wine and beer, including half a dozen beers on tap.
13. Klinker Brick Winery
Address: 15887 Alpine Rd, Lodi, CA 95240
The Klinker Brick Winery is an award-winning producer of old vine Zinfandel and other outstanding wines from Zinfandel grapes grown in the suitable climate and soil found in Lodi. In addition to the superb Zinfandel, this winery creates fabulous Cabernet and Syrah, which are also available for tasting when visiting the winery.
After six generations of winemaking, the Klinker Brick Winery has mastered the art of creating wines from the old vine Zinfandel vineyard their ancestors planted in the early 1900s. One of the more popular wines available at this vineyard is the Old Ghost wine, and once you taste it, you will find yourself bringing a bottle or two home with you.
Take the ultimate Lodi Wine Tour and experience the many fabulous wineries throughout the area, including a stop at the Klinker Brick Winery.
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14. The Lodi Arch
Address: 2 N Sacramento St, Lodi, CA 95240
The Lodi Arch is an architectural element showcased in Downtown Lodi and registered in the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. The arch, also known as Mission Arch, is one of the few remaining ceremonial structures from the Mission Revival.
Built in 1907, the arch was first meant to be a part of the Lodi Tokay Carnival, which still occurs as part of the annual Lodi Grape Festival. The Lodi Mission Arch is a state and national historic landmark that every visitor must see when enjoying a Lodi, California vacation.
What is very interesting about the Lodi Arch is that it has never been a part of a major highway and most highways pass by the arch to the east. Regardless, the arch has been a symbol of downtown Lodi, acting as a gateway, and welcoming visitors from around the world. The arch cannot be missed; it is the white structure arching over the entrance to the downtown area with giant bells at the top of the arch.
15. Lodi Farmers Market
Address: South School St, Lodi, CA 95240
The Lodi Farmers Market is the place in town to visit when looking for local produce, flavored olive oil, and food trucks. This beloved farmers market offers a place for visitors to see Lodi’s history and culture firsthand as they visit with many locals who bring their homemade and handmade goods to sell at the market.
This summer tradition in San Joaquin County runs from May through September offering a laid-back family-friendly environment, featuring live music and other entertainment options. Best sellers at the Lodi Farmers Market include fresh produce, root beer floats, red wine sorbet, and local wines.
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16. Lodi Community Art Center
Address: 110 W Pine St, Lodi, CA 95240
The Lodi Community Art Center features the work of local artists in a fun, family-friendly art gallery setting. Bring the kids or go alone to see various art mediums and discover a whole new way to appreciate art.
The Lodi Community Art Center provides visitors with a place to meet other art enthusiasts to talk about different art forms, learn from one another, and see local artists offering demonstrations, art shows, and workshops. If you love art, visiting the Lodi Community Art Center is a great place to stop for a bit and take a break from the California sun, while discovering a new way to view and appreciate art.
FAQ
Is Lodi, California, worth visiting?
Lodi is a warm, welcoming town offering many opportunities for visitors to feel like they are a part of the community. Plus, Lodi’s popular wine region offers many opportunities to have an unforgettable wine-tasting vacation.
What is Lodi, California, known for?
Lodi is known for its premium wine industry, with close to 40% of California’s wine grapes grown in the region. According to the city’s government, Lodi is known as the “Winegrape Capital of the World.”
Does Lodi, California, have a downtown area?
Lodi has a vibrant and active downtown area, featuring many locally-owned restaurants, tasting rooms, boutiques, and much more. But this downtown area is not your average downtown community, because it is very laid back, providing a relaxed vibe and opportunities to unwind while on vacation.
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