If you’re looking for the perfect location with exciting activities and tourist attractions for a weekend getaway, you might want to consider visiting the city of Lodi, CA.
Lodi is an incredible city to explore in California. Lodi is a tranquil city full of adventures, serenity, and fantastic things to do in California.
Situated at the heart of San Joaquin County and the center of the Central Valley, Lodi is a beautiful city with a population of 67,000.
Lodi, popularly known as the birthplace of A&W Root Beer, is famous for its excellent weather and being one of the fastest-growing wine regions in the country.
The city features many restaurants, cultural attractions, wineries, vineyards, and shopping areas like the famous Lakewood Plaza, Subwest Plaza, and Vineyard Shopping Center.
Notable fun activities to do in the city include hiking along the scenic back roads in the town and checking out the beautiful fall foliage.
Other festivals and events occur all year round, including the Lodi Street Faire, Zonfest, Lodi Grape Festival, Golden State Pinball Festival, Lodi Cyclefest, and The Sandhill Crane Festival.
Interested in all Lodi has to offer? Here’s a list of the best and most fun things to do in Lodi, CA.
Things to Do in Lodi, CA
1. Eat Gourmet Cuisine at the Towne House Restaurant at Wine & Roses

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If you need a place to dine in Lodi, you should consider eating at Towne House Restaurant.
Towne House Restaurant is a Wine & Rose Hotel diner specializing in Gourmet American dishes.
Each dish at the eatery is an inventive creation made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Towne House Restaurant takes care of your breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The restaurant has an enticing menu with various mouth-watering dishes such as appetizers and salads.
They also serve main course meals like Citrus herb marinated swordfish, roasted Coleman pork chop, and Cavatelli pasta.
The restaurant has patio dining and hosts live music at the eatery.
Towne House Restaurant is best for relaxation as guests can relax in the area while taking a glass of fine wine or their signature cocktail.
Location: 2505 W Turner Rd, Lodi, CA 95242, United States
2. Spot Animals at Micke Grove Zoo

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Are you a lover of the wild?
Would you like to visit a place where you can spot rare animals in Lodi? If so, Micke Grove Zoo is the perfect fit for you.
Micke Grove Zoo is a highly reputable zoo home to many animals. The zoo is relatively small but focuses on having rare and unique animals.
A visit to Micke Grove Zoo is one you wouldn’t forget in a hurry as the animals you’ll spend there are unlike those found in any other place in the world.
Visitors get a chance to get up close and personal with Southern pudus, golden lion tamarins, marbled teals, and spotted thick knees.
Animals bred at Micke Grove Zoo are so rare that you might have never heard of them, but biologists at the zoo are so attuned to these species that they’ve managed to breed them in captivity.
Micke Grove Zoo is also home to several species of birds, insects, reptiles, and other mammals.
There’s always something to see and do for everyone at Micke Grove Zoo. Make sure you come with your camera to take snaps and capture the moment.
Location: 11793 Micke Grove Rd, Lodi, CA 95240, United States
3. Drink Wine at Dancing Fox Winery & Brewery

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If you’re a lover of fine wine, you’ll appreciate a visit to Dancing Fox Winery & Brewery.
Dancing Fox Winery & Brewery is a family-run winery with an ancient brick structure that dates back to a century.
The winery features an array of sweet, dry, and sparkling wines that have won a series of prestigious awards for the winery.
They combine various flavors and aromas from several combinations to produce delicious and fantastic wines that stand out in the city of Lodi.
Aside from serving chilled and delicious wine, Dancing Fox Winery & Brewery stands out for its signature wood-fired pizza, unrivaled in the city.
Head to Dancing Fox Winery & Brewery, grab a glass of wine, and enjoy a lovely evening with your loved ones.
Location: 203 S School St, Lodi, CA 95240, United States
4. Watch Art Performances at Hutchins Street Square Box Office

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Lodi is a city with different art and entertainment centers, but the feel and vibe Hutchins Street Square Box Office gives is second to none in the town.
Hutchins Street Square Box Office is a neoclassical design and a significant center on Hutchins Street.
The center is a 90,000-square-foot performing art, conference, and community center that lies inside the famous 10-acre site of the former Lodi Union High School abandoned in 1974 following a tragic fire outburst.
Hutchins Street Square Box Office features a performing art center, a convention hall, a theater, an art gallery, and a pool.
Hutchins Street Square Box Office hosts several events all year round. One notable event at the center is the famous Sandhill Crane Festival, which attracts people from across the United States and Canada.
It’s also the venue for the Amgen Tour of California bicycle race and other concerts by national recording artists.
You can’t get bored at Hutchins Street Square Box Office as there’s always something fun for everyone at the center.
Location: 125 S Hutchins St # A, Lodi, CA 95240, United States
5. Go Swimming at Lodi Lake

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Swimming helps the body relax and keeps you refreshed. If you need a place to unwind and showcase your swimming skills in Lodi, you should consider adding Lodi Lake to your itinerary.
At the Northern borders of Lodi lies the Mokelumne River that widens to create the Panoramic Lodi Lake.
Lodi Lake serves as a seasonal attraction to locals and tourists in Lodi. The open area is perfect for swimming, kayaking, and picnicking.
The area is quite scenic as visitors can relax beside the river banks and enjoy lovely views of the environment.
There are also several charters at the site that allow guests to explore the deep ends of the lake and the river.
If you’re lucky, you may spot local wildlife like waterfowl, deer, turtles, and other mammals.
The lake opens all year round except during winter, and you can visit and plan your events, birthdays, festivals, and other social events at the site.
Location: Lodi, CA, United States
6. Bird Watching at Woodbridge Ecological Reserve

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If you’re a lover of birds, you’ll appreciate a visit to Woodbridge Ecological Reserve.
Woodbridge Ecological Reserve, famously known as the Isenberg Crane Reserve, is a wildlife haven perfect for animal sightseeing and bird watching.
If you have a birding book, bring it along with you. Watching migratory birds in their natural habitat is a once-in-a-lifetime experience you won’t forget in a hurry.
The best time to visit the preserve is during the ”Season of the Sandhill Crane” usually during October and February.
Location: 7730 W Woodbridge Rd, Lodi, CA 95242, United States
7. Explore the Wonders of Micke Grove Regional Park

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Micke Grove Regional Park is a recreational park that spans over 132-acre of land in Lodi.
The park once served as farmland before its previous owner, William G. Micke, gave it to the town as a gift.
Micke Grove Regional Park currently ranks as the most famous and visited territory in the San Joaquin Valley.
The park comes highly recommended by locals and other guests and features lots of attractions that would keep you returning to the spot.
Micke Grove Regional Park has a Japanese Garden with a tea house, scenic bridges, bonsai, and koi ponds.
If you’ve never visited a Japanese Garden, here’s your chance to see one.
The garden is perfect for social events, weddings, and photo sections. Kids can also enjoy playing at the park’s waterpark.
Other exciting features at the park include a well-equipped disc golf course, Wortley Lake, and a three-acre facility with its fountain.
Spending time at Micke Grove Regional Park is like killing two birds with one stone.
Aside from being a place of fun and recreation, the park is home to three of Lodi’s significant attractions: Micke Grove Zoo, Micke Grove Golf Course, and San Joaquin County Historical Society and Museum.
Location: 11793 Micke Grove Rd, Lodi, CA 95240, United States
8. Grab Chilled Ice Cream and Explore Art Pieces at Double Dip Gallery

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If you need a place to satisfy your ice cream cravings and explore artworks from international and local painters, go no further than Double Dip Gallery in Lodi.
Double Dip Gallery is a retro-themed dual-service shop that serves as an ice cream shop and an art gallery.
The gallery features works from both foreign and local painters.
Operated by Tony Segale, Double Dip Gallery combines regional and world-class arts and pairs it with Gunther’s Quality Ice Cream, a Sacramento favorite since 1940.
The idea of combining an ice cream shop and an art shop is unimaginable, but that’s the feeling Double Dip Gallery leaves in the heart of its guest.
The gallery showcases an extensive array of artworks, such as pastels, silver gemstone jewelry, reverse gold leaf glass, lettering arts, and watercolors.
Most art pieces in the area are available for purchase, so do well, along with enough money to buy any work you fancy.
If you also feel famished, you could try out their delicious milkshakes, sorbet, and red wine sorbet.
Location: 222 W Pine St, Lodi, CA 95240, United States
9. Play Golf at Micke Grove Golf Course

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If you’re a golf lover looking to catch some tees and showcase your golfing prowess, you’ll appreciate a visit to Micke Grove Golf Course.
Situated in Micke Grove Regional Park, Micke Grove Golf Course covers almost half of the entire area.
The area is a scenic sports facility open to golfers of all skill levels. It doesn’t matter whether you’re an amateur or professional golfer; you’re guaranteed a fun and event time at the park.
Micke Grove Golf Course is one of the hidden gems of San Joaquin Valley. It’s often called the best-kept secret of the San Joaquin Valley because of its verdant grounds, sweeping views, and magnificent woods that cover most of the park.
Architect Gareth Gill and George B. Williams built the facility to blend seamlessly with these natural features.
Micke Grove Golf Course is an 18-hole golf center with a reasonably mild layout and few tricky spots.
Location: 11401 Micke Grove Rd, Lodi, CA 95240, United States
10. Relax at the Scenic Mokelumne River

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If you need a place to relax and unwind, the Mokelumne River is the perfect spot.
The waters of the Mokelumne River start from the pristine Sierra Nevada mountains and cut across more than 95 miles into the San Joaquin River.
The waters create a meandering path along the northern borders of Lodi. The course is perfect for nature lovers and nature-related adventures.
Visitors searching for a bit of an adventurous tour can either board a boat or go kayaking along the dense forest areas of the river.
If you’re lucky, you may spot wildlife in the area. Guests who love fishing can also explore their skills at the river and try catching trout, steelhead, and Chinook salmon.
If you aren’t a fan of the activities mentioned above, you can decide to take a walk and hike along the Riverside trail.
Ensure to bring your camera alongside to take snaps and capture the moment.
Location: Lodi, CA, United States
11. Shop for Local Produce at Lodi Farmers’ Market

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Lodi Farmers’ Market is a famous shopping location among locals and tourists in downtown Lodi.
The market opens from May to September, and merchants across Lodi gather to showcase their fresh farm produce.
If you wish to shop at the Farmers’ Market with other locals in the city, then endeavor to plan a visit during these months.
Many stores at the mall sell fresh vegetables, premium root crops, and fruit cultivars.
Many other merchants also sell artisanal furniture, baked goods, cured meats, and preserved goods.
With the friendly merchants, and cozy environment, shopping at Farmers’ Market is worthwhile and deserves a place on your list of things to do in Lodi, CA.
Many locals visit here every time, so the market is also an excellent place to mingle with the city’s locals and make new acquaintances.
12. Learn About Lodi’s Wine at Lodi Wine Visitor Center

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Lodi is a city with numerous wineries and vineyards that produces premium wine.
If you need a guide on where to try new wine samples, Lodi Wine Visitor Center is the best and perfect fit for you.
Founded in 2000, Lodi Wine Visitor Center is a winery operated and formed by local winegrowers who want to showcase their product to vacationers in Lodi.
Unlike other wineries that only feature a tasting room, Lodi Wine Visitor Center has an onsite demonstration where guests can observe winemaking’s growing and harvesting process.
If wine sampling is your thing, you can try partaking in a sampling tour where you’ll get a chance to try different fruity and aromatic drinks made by local wineries.
New wines are added to their menu frequently, so there’s always something new to try out at the winery.
Location: 2545 W Turner Rd, Lodi, CA 95242, United States
13. Learn Past History at San Joaquin County Historical Society and Museum

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San Joaquin is a county with rich history, and the San Joaquin County Historical Society and Museum seeks to preserve and showcase the county’s early days.
Like other attractions, San Joaquin County Historical Society and Museum is an 18-acre section in Micke Grove Regional Park.
The park is home to several historic structures, beautiful trails, excellent museums, and other fantastic attractions.
The building houses collections and exhibits that showcase San Joaquin County’s history.
Exhibits at the museum contain information on historical eras like the life of early settlers, the emergence of viticulture, agricultural practices, and earthmoving equipment.
San Joaquin County Historical Society and Museum also feature a blacksmith shop, an old schoolhouse, and a picturesque cottage.
Location: 11793 Micke Grove Rd, Lodi, CA 95240, United States
14. Take Your Spouse on a Date Tour Around Lodi’s Vineyards during the Wine and Chocolate Weekend

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If you need a place for a weekend getaway, you should try visiting Lodi’s Vineyards during the Wine and Chocolate Weekend.
When the love month comes, and romance is in the air, the Wine and Chocolate Weekend also comes full swing.
The tour features an open-season time where you get a chance to visit Lodi’s finest wineries.
More than 50 businesses take part in the tour every year—the time creates the perfect platform to sample different varieties created from lush farms all across the city.
All you need to do is to purchase a ticket, and you’ll get a pass to visit the different wineries in the city and also try their wines and chocolates.
Ensure to come along with your bike, car, or any means of transport you desire and enjoy a lovely day touring around different vineyards and wineries.
Location: Lodi, CA, United States
15. Learn New Concepts at the World of Wonders Science Museum

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If you are a fan of learning new things during vacations, then the World of Wonders Science Museum is one place you’ll enjoy visiting.
The museum is open to all, regardless of age or status. World of Wonders Science Museum is an educational facility that offers engaging and hands-on programs for people of all ages.
The founders created the museum to encourage discovery and stimulate thinking. As a result, the museum has lots of exhibits that will leave you stunned.
Many exhibits focus on STEM, so visitors expect to find shadow shows, cool lasers, brain teasers, and plasma ball exhibits.
Kids love spending time here, so don’t miss out on a chance to give your kids an experience of a lifetime when you visit this fantastic museum.
Location: 2 N Sacramento St, Lodi, CA 95240, United States
16. Relax at A&W Root Beer of Lodi

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A&W Root Beer is one of the best and most fun places to visit in Lodi.
The brand is famous all across the city as its products are in grocery stores and convenience store fridges.
A&W Root Beer dates its history back to Lodi, the city where it all began.
At A&W Root Beer, you’ll find exhibits and learn about the history of this beer pub, from how it all began to its fame across different nations.
A&W Root Beer contains memorabilia and artifacts from the brand’s early days, such as bikes, mascots, news clippings, and vintage mugs.
Aside from being a place to learn and improve your knowledge, A&W Root Beer serves as a restaurant that serves lovely dishes.
Whenever you visit Lodi, do well to stop by A&W Root Beer to either eat fries or order chilled drinks.
Location: 216 E Lodi Ave, Lodi, CA 95240, United States
17. Take Kids to the Children’s Museum of Stockton

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If you need something fun to do with kids in Lodi, you might consider adding a trip to the Children’s Museum of Stockton to your bucket list.
Children’s Museum of Stockton is an educational center at the heart of Stockton.
The museum contains interactive and playful exhibits designed to help stimulate the curiosity and imagination of young kids.
Kids learn by interacting with musical instruments, scientific displays, art materials, and other collections.
Location: 402 W Weber Ave, Stockton, CA 95203, United States
18. Sample Wines During RowXRow

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Initially known as ZinFest, RowXRow is a popular and highly anticipated community event in Lodi.
Among all other festivals in the city, RowXRow attracts the most crowd from Lodi and its environment.
RowXRow occurs on a three-day weekend in May. The event brings locals, townsfolk, and visitors together in one atmosphere.
If you are a wine lover, this is the perfect place to enjoy Lodi’s best wine and dishes.
Guests at the event look forward to seeing the Vintner’s Grille, a dinner where renowned chefs Cook and serve fantastic meals that will leave you wanting more.
Visitors can also partake in wine-tasting events and sample some of the best wines from the best wineries in Lodi.
19. Play Your Favourite Sports at Thomas A. Peterson Park

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Thomas A. Peterson Park is a family-friendly outdoor fun center perfect for sports lovers in Lodi.
The park has numerous modern facilities and sprawling grounds, making it a perfect sports center.
Outstanding facilities at the park include a well-equipped basketball and soccer field, tennis court, softball, and baseball field.
There’s also a vast playground with different facilities where kids can play with other kids at the park.
If you aren’t a sports lover, you can try out other fun things like picnicking with family and friends or sitting under the different shady spots in the area.
The park also hosts several events throughout the year so do well to check their website to know events are happening during your time of the visit and plan accordingly.
Location: 79 Evergreen Dr, Lodi, CA 95242, United States