San Joaquin: Delta, Nature and Culture

The Sacramento River and the San Joaquin River meet in the San Joaquin Delta before flowing into San Francisco Bay. The waterways are a defining feature of San Joaquin: the Delta encompasses more than 1,000 miles of navigable rivers, streams and channels. Fishing, boating, camping and water sports are among the activities available there.

The season also provides a framework for your plans: San Joaquin County has a Mediterranean climate, with warm, dry summers and mild winters. Seasonal conditions may vary.

Waterways and Waterfronts

The deep Stockton Channel leads to an active port that is directly connected to the Pacific Ocean. Stockton Downtown Marina offers kayak rentals and a waterfront promenade for walking. Check the latest details before your visit.

At Mossdale Crossing Regional Park, a large two-lane boat ramp with a floating dock provides access to the San Joaquin, Middle and Old rivers. Westgate Landing Regional Park has a 0.5-mile stretch of waterfront where you can fish and picnic. Westgate Landing Regional Park has 11 sites for camping without hookups or for fully self-contained RVs. These sites have no electricity, water or sewer hookups.

Nature Parks and Trails

Caswell Memorial State Park protects one of California’s last remaining oak riparian forests. The Sunshine Trail is a living exhibit of native plant habitats that have shaped local history. A 40-foot water fountain stands at Wortley Lake, a three-acre lake. The 10-acre Oak Grove Lake is seasonally stocked with catfish and trout.

The trails offer a range of lengths and scenery: the 1.5-mile Mi-Wuk Trail winds through groves of old-growth trees. The 0.25-mile Yokuts Trail is an accessible nature trail. At Woodbridge Wilderness Area, you’ll find native flora and fauna typical of San Joaquin County, as well as a 0.25-mile stretch of waterfront along the Mokelumne River. Anglers can catch trout, black bass and catfish there. Visiting hours at Woodbridge Wilderness Area are limited to certain weekends.

Museums, Gardens and History

The World of Wonders Science Museum offers interactive, science-based exhibits and programs for all ages. It is one block north of Lodi Transit Station; check the current transit schedule before traveling. The Haggin Museum is in Victory Park at the intersection of Pershing Avenue and Rose Street, not far from Interstate 5. Check current opening hours before your visit.

The Filipino American National Historical Museum was established in Stockton because the city was historically a center of Filipino American family, community and working life. The museum houses historical artifacts collected by local chapters of the Filipino American National Historical Society and private donors. The Stockton Cambodian Buddhist Temple features more than 90 colorful, jewel-encrusted, larger-than-life statues depicting the life and history of the Cambodian Buddha. Each April, the temple hosts a Cambodian New Year celebration.

The San Joaquin County Historical Museum has eight exhibit buildings and four historic buildings. Each December, it hosts the Festival of Trees. At Micke Grove, you’ll find a Japanese Garden with cherry blossom trees, a tea house and a koi pond, as well as a zoo with native and exotic animals. Species housed there include endangered cotton-top tamarins and black-and-white ruffed lemurs. Micke Grove also has an 18-hole disc golf course. The World Peace Rose Garden showcases striking rose varieties and messages of peace from local students and people around the world.

Local Wine

The Lodi Wine & Visitor Center presents a changing selection of wines from more than 80 local wineries and offers seated tastings. Check the latest tasting details before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Stockton, Manteca, Ripon, Tracy, Lathrop, Lodi, Lockeford, Acampo, Escalon.

For the main travel overview: California.