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Lodi is a city in northern San Joaquin County in California's Central Valley, about 35 miles south of Sacramento and just north of Stockton, set beside the Mokelumne River. It grew up in the 1870s around the Central Pacific Railroad and incorporated in 1906, and from the start its fortunes were tied to farming, first wheat and watermelons, then the Tokay grapes that made the town famous. In 1907 residents built the Mission Revival Lodi Arch over Pine Street for a grape celebration, and it still stands as a California Historical Landmark.
Today Lodi is a city of around 66,000 people and the heart of one of California's busiest wine regions. The Lodi appellation is especially known for old-vine Zinfandel, and more than 80 wineries welcome visitors with tasting rooms spread among the vineyards around town. Downtown Lodi has been revitalized with restaurants, wine bars, shops and a movie theater in its historic blocks, along with landmarks such as Hotel Lodi and the Woman's Club building.
The outdoors are close at hand. Lodi Lake Park offers swimming, paddling and riverside trails on the Mokelumne, while Micke Grove Regional Park just south of town has a small zoo, a Japanese garden and shady picnic grounds. The city celebrates its farming roots with the Lodi Grape Festival each September, and in late fall thousands of sandhill cranes arrive in the nearby wetlands, bringing birdwatchers for the Sandhill Crane Festival.
Lodi Wine Country is a wine region of more than 80 small wineries around Lodi, famous for old-vine Zinfandel and family growers. Many tasting rooms sit along country roads among the vineyards and charge modest tasting fees. Pick up a winery map in town and choose a driver, since the rooms are spread out.
The Lodi Wine and Visitor Center on West Turner Road has a tasting bar pouring wines from many local producers, exhibits about the region's soils and grapes, and a demonstration vineyard. It is a good first stop for getting maps and advice. Staff can suggest wineries to match the styles you like.
Michael David Winery is a well-known family winery on Highway 12 west of Lodi, with a tasting room, a bakery cafe serving breakfast and lunch, and a fruit stand from the family farm. It is known for bold red blends. Weekends are busy, so arrive before noon if you want a table at the cafe.
Downtown Lodi centers on School Street, where the 1907 Mission Revival Lodi Arch stands as a historic landmark. The streets hold wine tasting rooms, restaurants, antique stores and shops in restored buildings. Visit on a Thursday evening in summer, when the farmers market and street fair fill the area.
Lodi Lake Park sits on the Mokelumne River with a swimming beach, a boat launch, kayak and paddleboat rentals in season, picnic areas and a nature trail along the river through oaks. It is a favorite summer spot for local families. There is a small entry fee per car on busy days.
Micke Grove Regional Park is a county park between Lodi and Stockton with tall valley oaks, a small zoo with lemurs and snow leopards, a Japanese garden, a rose garden and an amusement area for kids. It makes an easy family half day. Bring a picnic and pay the vehicle entry fee at the gate.
The World of Wonders Science Museum in downtown Lodi is a hands-on museum aimed at children, with exhibits on physics, light, sound, nature and engineering, plus a maker space and science programs. It is a good rainy or hot day stop for families. Most visits last one to two hours.
The San Joaquin County Historical Museum sits inside Micke Grove Park and covers the farming history of the region. Its buildings hold old tractors, a blacksmith shop, a one-room schoolhouse and exhibits on Native peoples and early settlers. Check its limited open days before you plan the visit.
Hutchins Street Square is Lodi's community and performing arts center, built around a former high school campus. Its Charlene Kirsten Theatre hosts concerts, plays and touring shows, and the complex also has a pool and meeting rooms. Check the event calendar for shows during your stay.
The Isenberg Crane Reserve, part of the Woodbridge Ecological Reserve west of Lodi, is a wetland where thousands of sandhill cranes gather in fall and winter. Viewing is from the roadside area on Woodbridge Road. Come at sunset from October to February to see the cranes fly in to roost.
The Lodi Grape Festival is a long-running harvest fair held each September at the Lodi Grape Festival Grounds. It features wine tasting, carnival rides, live music, grape-themed exhibits, food stands and local farm displays. Buy tickets ahead online, and expect hot afternoons, so plan the evening hours.
The Lodi Sandhill Crane Festival is held each November and celebrates the cranes that winter in the Central Valley. It offers guided tours to wetlands, talks, art shows and kids activities based in Lodi. Popular tours sell out, so sign up in advance and bring binoculars and warm layers.
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California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
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