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A Local’s Guide to Exploring Downtown Lodi

Welcome to Downtown Lodi, where small-town charm meets big-time fun! Our historic downtown streets are buzzing with delicious eats, tasting rooms, breweries, and specialty shops. Whether taking a guided tour with a local or exploring solo, we invite you to uncover what makes us the ultimate destination for date nights, an afternoon out with friends, or a family-friendly adventure.

Below, we’ve curated the ultimate guide to exploring Downtown Lodi for weekenders and locals alike!

Downtown Eats

Downtown Lodi is a foodie’s paradise, with flavor at every corner. Come hungry, as we boast the best bites in the area—from German Pork Schnitzel to Quesabirria Tacos, your only problem will be narrowing down your choices.

Check out local American favorites like The Dancing Fox Winery & Brewery and Lodi Beer Company, where local brews and wine pair perfectly with a fresh salad or sandwich. For American classics with an Italian-American twist (think Gorgonzola Pancetta fries coupled with steak, burgers, and pasta), visit Brick House Restaurant & Lounge.

Experience international flavors without leaving Downtown Lodi at The Oxford Kitchen, where you can find London Street Food favorites like Tikka Masala next to Fish & Chips. For fresh Mediterranean flavors, Papapavlos offers exceptional Greek and Italian classics and a dessert menu to swoon over (hello, Baklava sundae!).

Skip the 14-hour flight to Germany and cozy up at West Oak Nosh with a Pork Schnitzel and Bavarian Pretzel. For more flavorful options, Thai Kitchen offers an extensive menu featuring Thai dishes like Pad Kee Mao, Yellow Curry, and Papaya Salad.

Get a taste of regional Mexican cuisine at Tequileros Cantina for a casual lunch, featuring their famous crispy cheese shell Keto Taco. For sit-down restaurant vibes, order the margaritas and enchiladas at El Pazcifico Mexican Grill & Cantina.

Don’t miss Ruby’s Bakery & Cafe for buttery croissants and quiche, and enjoy the cozy atmosphere at local coffee spots like Trail Coffee, Brew House Coffee, and Inspire Coffee.

Downtown Sips

Downtown Lodi loves to celebrate a good time any day of the week – no excuse needed! Here, you will find menus that feature creative cocktails, local brews, and award-winning wines.

Begin your Lodi wine journey Downtown where our laid-back tasting room experiences allow you to unwind and indulge. Here, you can choose from bold reds at Jeremy Wine Company, tart ciders at Scotto’s Wine & Cider, and a variety of local wines at Estate Crush and The Lounge at Lodi Crush.

Insider tip: If you want to explore more of Lodi Wine Country, be sure to book a Lodi Wine Trolley experience. This tour includes lunch and tastings at three wineries, with pick-up and drop-off in Downtown Lodi at Scotto’s Wine & Cider!

Beer lovers can enjoy local craft beers at taprooms like IDOL Beer Works, known for its laid-back vibes and live music. Pair delicious appetizers with brews at Five Window Beer Co., Lodi Beer Company, or The Dancing Fox Winery & Brewery for prime people-watching and catching up with friends.

Downtown Lodi knows a thing or two about an excellent cocktail! From familiar favorites to unique combinations, celebrate the day with exciting libations. Options include Pop the Bubbly for champagne or innovative cocktail menus at 20 North, Papapavlos Bistro & Bar, and The Oxford Kitchen, which features everything from Espresso Martinis to a San Joaquin Old Fashioned.

Downtown Shopping

Browse a selection of boutiques and specialty stores for the perfect memento from your trip to Lodi! Pick up trendy accessories from Stella Mitchell Boutique, or shop curated home and garden wares from Precilla’s Pantry and La Fleurette Garden Decor. Are you celebrating a birthday in Downtown Lodi? Be sure to check out where to score birthday freebies on your special day!

Vintage heads can venture to The Trophy Room for a unique selection of curated clothing, and collectors can spend the afternoon crate digging for records at The Rabbit Hole. In need of a gift? Head over to The Local Collective and find hand-crafted goods that look like they came straight from your favorite Pinterest board.

Foodies will love Cheese Central and Olive Crush Farms for their respective collections of snackable favorites, and be sure to visit during the summer months for our weekly Lodi Certified Farmers Market evenings, which feature live music, fresh produce, and local artisanal goods.

Explore Art & History

Take a step back in time and explore Downtown Lodi’s Wild West roots on a free Historical Walking Tour of Downtown Lodi with a local docent. Dawned in suffragette garb, your docent will take you on a journey through Lodi’s incredible past!

For an artsy afternoon out, take a self-guided Wall Dog Walking Tour to discover Lodi’s history on full display at a number of elaborate downtown mural locations. After the walk, head to the Lodi Community Art Center and Nava & Co. to browse paintings and jewelry made by local artists. End the afternoon art walk with a scoop of ice cream from Double Dip Gallery while browsing the ever-changing exhibits on display.

Family Fun

Downtown Lodi is fun for the whole family, with a range of activities for all ages! Children and adults will enjoy hands-on exhibits at the World of Wonders Science Museum that features an Illumination Lab and Moon Walk. Paint pottery and explore crafts at The Mud Mill or spend the afternoon bowling lanes and watching a game at Lodi Bowling Lounge & Bar. End the afternoon of fun at Sweet Aftrlife, a downtown candy store featuring old-school favorites and delicious taffy to bring home with you.

Getting and Staying Here

Downtown Lodi is easily accessible from Sacramento and the Bay Area via I-5, Highway 99, and Highway 12, making it a fun day trip or weekend stay! Visit here for detailed travel information via car, train, or plane! Ditch the parking hassle of the big city and enjoy free 2-hour street parking, various multi-hour lots, and free all-day parking at the Lodi Station Parking Structure (visit here for more info).

Make a weekend trip out of your visit and stay central to the fun! Choose from a selection of cozy bed and breakfast lodging options, nestled in our historic downtown district, and are always walkable to your next stop!

Come see for yourself what makes Downtown Lodi the ultimate destination for year-round fun! Grab some friends and discover the charm of our buzzy downtown streets filled with an eclectic mix of boutiques, delicious eats, creative libations, and plenty of arts and culture. Be sure to stop by the Downtown Visitor Center while in town for a visitor guide, Lodi merch, and more insider recommendations!

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