A Lodi, California Bucket List: 25 Experiences to Try

From vineyard trolley rides and river kayaking to downtown walks and cheese boards, Lodi offers 25 experiences worth checking off. Visitors and locals alike can find inspiration for their next adventure among wine country activities, outdoor recreation, local food, art, and community events.

1. Pair Wine with Food

Make a winery visit more memorable by booking a wine & food pairing. These experiences help you better understand and appreciate how food and wine complement one another. Wine pairings are available at Calivines Winery, Acquiesce Winery, Harney Lane Winery, and Bokisch Vineyards. (Photo credit to Bokisch Vineyards)

2. Take Part in Wine & Chocolate Weekend

Wine & Chocolate Weekend is a two-day celebration that brings together wine, chocolate and Valentine’s Day for a Lodi Wine Country Weekend. Throughout the event, you can enjoy award-winning wines alongside chocolate treats.

3. Kayak the Mokelumne River

The Mokelumne River passes through Lodi and provides calm water for kayaking and paddleboarding at every experience level. Launch from Lodi Lake at the Lodi Boathouse, enjoy the scenery, and watch for wildlife such as deer, beavers, foxes and more.

4. Explore the Japanese Tea Garden

At Micke Grove Park, this hidden gem offers a peaceful environment shaped by traditional Japanese landscaping and cultural elements. The garden provides a glimpse into Japanese Heritage, with wooden bridges, stone lanterns, and a full koi pond.

5. Hear Live Music at a Winery

Live music is available at Lodi wineries almost every weekend, making it an easy way to add entertainment to a weekend visit. Check the events calendar for current listings.

6. Join Lodi Art Hops

The Lodi Arts Foundation presents quarterly Lodi Art Hops in Downtown Lodi. This free, family-friendly gathering celebrates local artists and includes live music, local shopping, and more.

7. See the Lodi Arch

Constructed in 1907, the Lodi Arch commemorated the first Lodi Tokay Carnival Festival and the area’s grape-growing industry. Restoration work over the years has helped protect its structure and historical integrity. The arch remains a downtown centerpiece at Sacramento St. and Pine St.

8. Attend the Lodi Wine Festival

The annual Lodi Wine Festival brings together the best wines from Lodi Wine Country. More than 40 wineries pour over 200 varieties of wine, offering one of the best ways to experience the Lodi Wine region in one location. The events calendar has the current year's date and ticket information.

9. Go to the Lodi Beer Fest and State BBQ Championship

Lodi’s craft beer is another local favorite alongside its well-known wine. More than 50 local and national breweries participate, giving visitors the chance to discover a new favorite beer, play cornhole, and listen to live music.

10. Watch the Sandhill Cranes

Lodi is a fantastic destination for birding, especially for visitors hoping to see sandhill cranes. Their annual migration takes place from November through February. The Sandhill Cranes Festival also takes place in early November.

11. Visit Ruby’s Bakery

Ruby’s Bakery is a MUST-VISIT for anyone spending time in Lodi. Its homemade baked goods and welcoming atmosphere add to the city’s Hallmark feel. The bakery takes pride in using high-quality, local ingredients for its fresh products. Ruby’s sourdough bread is also served by many other local businesses in Lodi.

12. Book a Wine Tour

See the Lodi Wine Region in style with one of several available tour options. A private tour can be arranged through Coche Vino or the Vintage Limo, or you can ride the Lodi Wine Trolley, which operates every Saturday and Sunday.

13. Experience Neighborhood Night at Americana House

Americana House hosts Neighborhood Nights on Sunday & Monday evenings. The experience includes a three-course meal made with seasonal ingredients from local farms for only $50. Wine pairings can be added to each course.

14. Spend a Day at the Spa

Unwind at one of Lodi’s full-service spas. Wine & Roses Spa and Perfect Balance Day Spa each provide a broad selection of services, along with an outdoor garden/oasis for additional relaxation.

15. Collect Birthday Freebies

Coming soon! Downtown businesses are ready to celebrate you, and many local businesses offer a birthday freebie for your special day. Visit downtown Lodi during the week of your birthday to collect all your free gifts.

16. Paint Pottery

Bring out your creative side with a pottery-painting activity. The Mud Mill, located in downtown Lodi, has pottery ready for painting. At Meet the Maker, you can create clay pottery from scratch.

17. Browse the Lodi Street Faire

Held biannually on the first Sunday of May and October, the Lodi Street Faire features more than 500 vendors selling antiques, arts and crafts, and retail items. It offers a family outing, antique-shopping opportunity, and plenty of ways to satisfy your appetite.

18. Take a Downtown Historical Walking Tour

Learn about downtown Lodi’s history while walking through the area with Lodi’s Docent, Alane Dashner. The tour covers subjects ranging from prohibition to Lodi’s 1905 Opera House and leaves visitors with plenty of knowledge to share.

19. Visit the Downtown Farmer's Market

Held each Thursday evening throughout summer, this event celebrates the local community. Stop in Downtown Lodi to shop with local vendors and pick up fresh produce.

20. Stop at the Visitors Center

Visit the office at 25 N. School St. Bring your questions and leave with answers and more. The Visitors Center also sells souvenirs, including postcards, keychains, T-shirts, and the very popular Lodi Arch Ornament.

21. Attend a Wine Maker’s Dinner

With over 85 wineries in Lodi, visitors have opportunities to attend several winemaker’s dinners. During harvest season, watch the event calendar for dinners at wineries such as Stonum Vineyards, Lucas Family Winery, and more.

22. See a Performance at Hutchins St. Square

Charlene Powers Lange Theater at Hutchins St. Square presents a variety of performances throughout the year. Programming includes plays, musicals and theatrical productions by local and visiting talent.

23. Sample Olive Oil

Add olive oil tasting at Calivines Winery to your Lodi itinerary. This family-owned winery and olive oil company produces high-quality olive oils, including infused varieties such as galic, basil, lemon and more.

24. Build the Perfect Cheese Board

Wine and cheese make a natural pairing. Delicious Boards can provide a pre-made charcuterie board to take with you. For a hands-on option, visit Cheese Central, where cheese mongers can guide you through 80 varieties of cheeses so you can select favorites and assemble your own board.

25. Enjoy Lodi During the Holiday Season

During the holidays, Lodi takes on the feeling of a Hallmark Christmas movie town. Lights brighten School Street, festive events fill the calendar, and horse carriage rides add to the atmosphere. From picturesque vineyards and rich history to wine tasting, outdoor adventures, and community events, Lodi offers something for everyone. Plan a visit to discover why this charming city is a must-visit destination in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best things to do in Lodi, CA?

Lodi offers experiences for many different kinds of visitors. Popular choices include wine tasting at one of 85+ wineries, kayaking on the Mokelumne River, seeing the Japanese Tea Garden at Micke Grove Park, visiting the World of Wonders Science Museum, joining a free Downtown Historical Walking Tour, viewing the Sandhill Crane migration, and attending the Lodi Wine Festival, Lodi Street Faire, or Sandhill Crane Festival.

How many wineries are in Lodi, CA?

Lodi has more than 85 wineries and produces over 135 grape varietals, making it one of the most diverse wine-growing regions in the United States. Most tasting rooms welcome walk-ins, so visitors can explore at their own pace without advance reservations.

Is Lodi worth visiting?

Yes. Lodi is one of California's most underrated travel destinations. It is close enough for an easy day trip from Sacramento or the Bay Area while still offering the feel of a genuine getaway. Visitors can enjoy approachable wine country, a walkable historic downtown, outdoor recreation on the Mokelumne River and Delta, farm-to-fork dining, and a genuinely welcoming small-town atmosphere.

What is Lodi, California known for?

Lodi is best known as California's Zinfandel capital and is home to some of the oldest producing Zinfandel vines in the world. The city is also recognized for its historic downtown, the annual Lodi Grape Festival, the Sandhill Crane migration, the Lodi Wine Festival, and an approachable wine country culture in which reservations are rarely required and winemakers frequently pour their own wines.

What is there to do in Lodi for free?

Several Lodi experiences are free or low cost. Visitors can take the free Downtown Historical Walking Tour, follow the self-guided and free Walldog Mural Walk, visit the Oak Grove Flower Garden at Jessie's Grove Winery at no cost, and enjoy much of Lodi Lake Park, including the nature trail. The Lodi Certified Farmers Market on Thursday evenings throughout summer is also free to attend.

How far is Lodi from Sacramento and San Francisco?

Lodi is approximately 35 miles south of Sacramento, which is about a 35-minute drive. From San Francisco and the broader Bay Area, the trip takes roughly 90 minutes depending on traffic and your starting point. Amtrak also stops at the Downtown Lodi train station, allowing visitors to arrive without a car.

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Author

Jessica Hasal

Social Media Manager

Jessica Hasal is the Social Media Manager at Visit Lodi, where she turns everyday moments into scroll-stopping stories about California’s wine country charm. Whether she’s photographing golden-hour vineyard views or featuring local bites, Jessica’s goal is to make everyone want to visit Lodi—again and again. Away from the camera and caption writing, she travels with her family of 5, seeks out new local restaurants, and supports California wine one glass at a time.

Related

Calivines Winery & Olive Mill

13950 Thornton Rd,
Lodi, California 95242
(209) 210-3162

Acquiesce Winery

22353 N Tretheway Rd,
Acampo, California 95220-9716
(209) 333-6102

Harney Lane Winery

9010 E Harney Ln,
Lodi, California 95240-0000
(209) 365-1900

Bokisch Vineyards

18921 Atkins Rd,
Lodi, California 95240-9715
(209) 642-8888

Ruby’s Bakery & Café

11 Church St, Ste B,
Lodi, California 95240-2106
(209) 400-7972

Vintage Limousine

(209) 969-5466

Lodi Wine Trolley

(209) 900-9463

PO Box 2732
Livermore, California 94551-2732
United States

The Mud Mill

115 S School St,
Lodi, California 95240-3559
(209) 365-9900

Historical Walking Tours of Downtown Lodi

24 S Sacramento St,
California 95240-2150

Japanese Garden at Micke Grove Regional Park

11793 N. Micke Grove Rd.,
Lodi, California 95240