Stockton, California

Stockton is currently the 13th largest city in California with a dynamic, multi-ethnic and multi-cultural population of over 260,000. It is situated along the San Joaquin Delta waterway which connects to the San Francisco Bay and the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers. Stockton is located 60 miles east of the San Francisco Bay Area, 83 miles east of San Francisco, and 45 miles south of Sacramento, the capital of California.

Stockton offers outstanding recreational opportunities. Stockton is within close proximity to world famous scenic attractions including the California Coast, San Francisco, Lake Tahoe and Yosemite National Park.

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Arts & Entertainment

Since the early days of Stockton’s history, the arts have played a prominent role by providing residents with a wide variety of artistic venues. Local artwork can also be viewed at one of the many art galleries throughout Stockton.

Art Galleries - Local artists are highlighted in the many galleries throughout Stockton. Great place to find unique gifts. View local artwork at the Tidewater Art Gallery, the Goodwin Gallery, Pacific’s Reynolds Gallery, and Delta’s LH Horton Jr. Gallery. Stockton also has public artwork located throughout the city.

Museums - From adults to kids, visitors will be pleased by the variety of world class museum offerings in Stockton. Stockton is also home to the Haggin Museum, which offers a unique collection of historical paintings and traveling exhibits, and the Stockton Children’s Museum which offers a variety of hands-on learning experiences for children. Also just up the road in the Micke Grove regional Park is the San Joaquin County Historical Museum.

Music - Stockton’s many professional musical organizations offer an exceptional variety of listening opportunities. Stockton is extremely proud of the Stockton Symphony which is one of the pre-eminent performing arts organizations in San Joaquin County, and the third oldest orchestra in California. We are also fortunate to have our own Stockton Civic Theatre which has delighted audiences for over 55 years. Our newly renovated historic Fox California “Bob Hope” Theatre is host to a Broadway Series, concerts, and more.

Live Entertainment - Local performances and international highlight Stockton’s busy live entertainment calendar. Wonderful live entertainment can be found at the Ballet San Joaquin, the Stockton Opera, the Stockton Chorale, the University of the Pacific Theatre Arts Department, the San Joaquin Delta College Drama Department, the University of the Pacific Conservatory of Music, the Friends of Chamber Music, the Pacific Opera Theatre and the Brubeck Institute which feature performances throughout the year.

Attractions

Clever Planetarium - The Clever Planetarium features a Spitz 512 prime sky instrument nicknamed Herman, which projects the stars on a 33 foot aluminum dome. This instrument can show the sky of any datexpast, present or futurex from any location on Earth. All the motions of the planet Earth can be simulated and accelerated so that days, years, centuries or a millennia can be made to pass before the viewers’ eyes in a matter of minutes.

Haggin Museum - The Haggin Museum, an art and history museum, has been referred to by Sunset magazine as “one of the undersung gems of California.” Its art collection features works by such noted 19th-century painters as Albert Bierstadt, Rosa Bonheur, and William-Adolphe Bouguereau, as well as many other American and European artists.

Micke Grove Regional Park and Zoo - A gem with plenty of amenities, this 258-acre oak tree park features Micke Grove Zoo, the Japanese Garden, Funderwoods Amusement Park, Tea Pavilion and Koi pond; Funderwoods Amusement Park, the San Joaquin Historical Museum; softball fields and children’s playgrounds.

Pixie Woods Amusement Park - Visit Stockton's own fairyland for the 'young in age and the young at heart.' Take a ride on the merry-go-round, or board the Pixie Express Train traveling through Indian territory -- but be on the lookout for pirates!

SJ County Historical Society & Museum - The museum has over 40,000 square feet of exhibit and work space. Our collections have grown from a few hundred items from the estate of William G. and Julia Harrison Micke to over 50,000 items representative of the development of San Joaquin County agriculture and history.

Annual Events

Stockton Asparagus Festival (April) - Recognized by Sunset Magazine as a "Best of the West Food Fest", the festival features two performing stages, an Asparagus Alley with the best deep fried asparagus found anywhere, one of the finest celebrity chef cooking demonstration kitchens, a fabulous Spear-Its of the Valley wine and beer pavilion, a craft show, exhibits by more than 70 food purveyors and 100 specialty merchandise vendors, and much more! What began in 1985 has become a premier food fest of California!

Waterfest 4th of July Celebration (July) - Beginning with the annual parade, Waterfest is an all day family event which includes great food and entertainment. The evening is finished off by a spectacular fireworks display to the sounds of the Stockton Symphony.

Festival of Lights (December) - Stockton 's annual kick-off to the holiday season, featuring a host of children's activities, vendors, and the famous boat parade.

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