Discover Historic Woodbridge, California — History, Nature, Dining and Small-Town Character

Just north of downtown Lodi, Woodbridge, California, offers a compact destination shaped by the Mokelumne River, historic buildings, local restaurants, outdoor spaces and independent businesses.

A Community Founded Around a River Crossing

Woodbridge began in the early 1850s, when Jeremiah H. Woods and Alexander McQueen created a ferry over the Mokelumne River. The crossing opened a route between Stockton and Sacramento, drawing travelers and commerce to the growing settlement.

Woods replaced the ferry with a wooden bridge in 1858. The bridge became known as Woods’ Bridge, and the town established nearby in 1859 took its name from the crossing. Woodbridge is now recognized as California Historical Landmark No. 358.

The community might once have become one of the area’s leading towns, but that prospect shifted in the 1860s when the railroad passed through neighboring Lodi instead. Lodi expanded around the railroad, while Woodbridge preserved more of its small-scale, rural character.

Evidence of that history remains along Lower Sacramento Road and the nearby blocks, where 19th-century buildings continue to define the community.

Historic Structures Still in Use

Woodbridge’s historic buildings are not merely preserved relics. Many remain active parts of the community.

Woodbridge Crossing operates in a building constructed in 1865. The structure previously housed Bentley’s General Merchandise Store and a Wells Fargo stage stop. Its brick construction, original details and long history give a meal there a distinctly early-California setting.

The Exchange 1874 occupies the historic I.O.O.F. Hall and takes its name from Woodbridge history. The building began as the Lavinsky Store in 1861, then expanded in 1874 for the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.

Built in 1882, the community’s Masonic Lodge is another important surviving landmark. This Gothic Revival structure was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1989 and remains among Woodbridge’s most recognizable buildings.

Together, these places create a town center that feels like a living community shaped by its history, rather than a recreated historic district.

Dining and Drinks in Woodbridge

Woodbridge has gathered a notable range of restaurants and social spots in a relatively small area. Many are located on or close to Lower Sacramento Road, allowing visitors to explore several in one outing.

Inside its historic 1865 setting, Woodbridge Crossing is a longtime local favorite serving steaks, prime rib, classic comfort food, cocktails and live entertainment. It combines dinner with a direct connection to local history.

The Exchange 1874 presents a contemporary farm-to-fork experience in one of Woodbridge’s landmark buildings. Its seasonal menus feature local and regional ingredients, while the restored surroundings reflect the community’s agricultural heritage.

Woodbridge Inn Steakhouse brings a refreshed approach to the traditional neighborhood steakhouse. Pi Bar offers handcrafted pizzas, cocktails and an energetic setting suited to groups.

Reyes Bar & Restaurant serves Latin-inspired flavors alongside colorful cocktails and a welcoming patio. At Woodbridge Uncorked, visitors can enjoy a curated selection of Lodi-region wines and craft beer.

Restaurant schedules and menus may change. Check with each business when planning a visit.

Along the Mokelumne River

The Mokelumne River is fundamental to Woodbridge’s identity. Before modern roads and railways, it supported Indigenous communities, wildlife, agriculture and travel. The ferry and bridge across the river later helped establish Woodbridge itself.

The Woodbridge Wilderness Area protects a quarter-mile of river frontage and established riparian habitat. Birders and anglers visit the area to observe native plants and wildlife or fish for trout, black bass and catfish.

Public access is generally available during the first and third weekends of each month, subject to change. Confirm current access dates before visiting.

Woodbridge also provides a convenient base for seeing more of the Mokelumne River corridor, including nearby Lodi Lake and its nature trail.

Wildlife Around Woodbridge

West of the community, the Woodbridge Ecological Reserve is particularly notable when sandhill cranes return each year. From fall through winter, cranes, geese, tundra swans and other migratory birds gather in the wetlands around Lodi.

The reserve is outside Woodbridge’s historic center, but it carries the community’s name and contributes to the broader natural story of the area. Seasonal guided tours and viewing opportunities make it a memorable regional wildlife experience.

Sandhill crane season generally extends from late September through February. Wildlife conditions and tour schedules vary, so check current information before traveling.

Visiting the Woodbridge Masonic Cemetery

The Woodbridge Masonic Cemetery offers another way to encounter the community’s past. Established during Woodbridge’s early years, it includes the graves of pioneers, civic leaders and generations of local families.

Jeremiah Woods, the town’s co-founder whose bridge gave Woodbridge its name, is buried there. Visitors may respectfully explore the cemetery and see headstones documenting the community’s history into the 19th century.

The cemetery is open Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Visits may also be arranged by appointment by calling (209) 794-2172.

Golf in Lodi Wine Country

For more than a century, Woodbridge Golf & Country Club has been part of the community. The private club offers golf, tennis, pickleball, swimming and social amenities among mature trees in Lodi Wine Country.

The course is not generally available for public play, but the club remains significant to Woodbridge’s history and community life. People attending a tournament, private event or other hosted gathering may experience this longstanding recreational setting.

Local Shopping and Gifts

Woodbridge’s independent businesses include more than restaurants and beverage destinations. Fig and Fern Home features curated home décor, furnishings and gifts. Woodbridge Florist has served the community for decades with floral arrangements and specialty gifts.

Compared with downtown Lodi, Woodbridge has fewer shopping options. Its smaller selection is part of the town’s appeal: the businesses feel personal, rooted in the area and closely connected to local life.

Add Woodbridge to a Lodi Visit

Although Woodbridge is only minutes from downtown Lodi, it has a distinct pace and personality. Within a compact area, visitors can dine in an 1800s-era building, pass nationally recognized historic landmarks, enjoy local wine or craft beer and spend time beside the Mokelumne River.

Woodbridge fits naturally into a Lodi Wine Country itinerary and offers another way to experience what makes America’s Favorite Small Town and its surrounding communities rewarding to explore.

Before setting out, verify business hours, restaurant reservations and Woodbridge Wilderness Area access dates.

Downtown Woodbridge and Nearby Activities

Downtown Woodbridge

• Woodbridge Uncorked — Discover local wine, craft beer and live music in downtown Woodbridge. The tasting destination is Lodi Rules Certified. Phone: (209) 333-8463.
• Woodbridge Crossing — Lodi’s Award-Winning Historic Steakhouse, serving steaks, prime rib, classic comfort food, cocktails and live entertainment in its historic setting. Phone: (209) 366-1800.
• Reyes Bar & Restaurant — A Woodbridge restaurant offering Latin-inspired flavors, colorful cocktails and a welcoming patio. Phone: (209) 310-2082.
• Pi Bar — A Woodbridge destination for handcrafted pizza, cocktails and a lively atmosphere. Phone: (209) 310-6177.
• Woodbridge Inn Steakhouse — A recently reopened steakhouse offering an updated version of the traditional neighborhood dining experience. Phone: (209) 310-2190.
• The Exchange 1874 — Opened on February 18, 2024, this farm-to-fork dining venue showcases seasonal, local and regional ingredients. Phone: (209) 452-1200.
• Fig and Fern Home — A boutique featuring curated home décor, unique furnishings and gifts. Phone: (209) 598-4107.
• Woodbridge Florist — A longtime floral boutique offering arrangements and specialty gifts. Phone: (209) 333-0223.

Nearby Things to Do

• Woodbridge Golf & Country Club — A private club with golf, tennis, pickleball, swimming and social amenities among mature trees in Lodi’s wine country. Phone: (209) 334-5454.
• Woodbridge Wilderness Area — A natural area with 1/4 mile of Mokelumne River frontage. Public access is offered the first and third weekends of each month, subject to change. Phone: (209) 953-8800.
• Lodi Lake Park — An outdoor park for kayaking, picnics, wildlife viewing and an easy walk along the Nature Trail. Phone: (209) 333-6742.
• Lodi Wine Visitor Center — Recognized as the gateway to the Lodi Appellation, the center presents the diversity of the region and its wines. Phone: (209) 365-0621.
• Fields Family Winery — A family-owned boutique winery in Lodi Wine Country known for small-lot wines. Phone: (209) 327-6306.
• Rippey at Lodi Vintners — Rippey Family Vineyards draws on four generations of Napa Valley heritage and California winemaking experience. Phone: (209) 368-2019.
• Nostra Vita Family Winery — A family-owned boutique winery west of Lodi, surrounded by vineyards and shaped by generations of winegrowing experience. Phone: (209) 334-0274.
• Pondl Winery — A family-owned Lodi Wine Country winery that grew from a shared winemaking hobby. Phone: (209) 367-3672.
• The Lucas Winery — Known for vineyard-designated Zinfandels from the historic ZinStar Vineyard, a 3.5-acre block of head-trained, own-rooted vines. Phone: (209) 368-2006.

Places and Addresses

• Woodbridge Uncorked — 18911 Lower Sacramento Rd, Woodbridge, California 95258-9270. Phone: (209) 333-8463.
• Woodbridge Crossing — 18939 N Lower Sacramento Rd, Woodbridge, California 95258-9270. Phone: (209) 366-1800.
• Woodbridge Florist — 18964 N Lower Sacramento Rd, Woodbridge, California 95258-9270. Phone: (209) 333-0223.
• Woodbridge Golf & Country Club — 800 E Woodbridge Rd, Woodbridge, California 95258-9628. Phone: (209) 334-5454.
• Woodbridge Inn Steakhouse — 18878 N Lower Sacramento Rd, Woodbridge, California 95258-9284. Phone: (209) 310-2190.
• Woodbridge Wilderness Area — 301 E River Meadows Dr, Woodbridge, California 95258-. Phone: (209) 953-8800.
• Woodbridge Ecological Reserve — 11154 W Woodbridge Rd, Lodi, California 95242-. Phone: (209) 234-3435.
• Pi Bar — 18879 N Lower Sacramento Rd, Woodbridge, California 95258-9284. Phone: (209) 310-6177.
• The Exchange 1874 — 18961 Lower Sacramento Rd, Woodbridge, California 95258-9270. Phone: (209) 452-1200.
• Fig and Fern Home — 18853 N Lower Sacramento Rd, Woodbridge, California 95258-9284. Phone: (209) 598-4107.
• Reyes Bar & Restaurant — 18815 N Lower Sacramento Rd, Woodbridge, California 95258-8200. Phone: (209) 310-2082.

Related Local Guides

Additional Lodi-area resources cover Lodi Lake and the Nature Trail, downtown Lodi and the region’s wine country. Lodi offers 85+ wineries and over 135 varietals, with tasting rooms, restaurants and other experiences across the destination.

About the Author

Wes Rhea is President & CEO @ Visit Lodi. As CEO of Visit Lodi, he focuses on helping people plan memorable trips and enjoys wine tasting, quirky museums and spontaneous drives along country roads. He has nearly two decades of experience leading destination marketing in California, and his current interest is Lodi-grown Cinsault.