25 Things to Do: A Lodi, California Bucket List

Whether you are visiting for the first time or a local looking for something new, Lodi has plenty of ideas to inspire your next adventure. From wine country experiences and outdoor recreation to local food, art, and community events, here are 25 must-try things to do in Lodi, California.

1) Wine & Food Pairing

Elevate your wine-tasting experience by reserving a wine & food pairing at a local winery. Wine & food pairings offer a unique experience that makes wine tasting more memorable and fun. It allows you to understand and appreciate both the food & wine. You can find wine pairings at Calivines Winery, Acquiesce Winery, Harney Lane Winery, and Bokisch Vineyards. (Photo credit to Bokisch Vineyards)

2) Attend Wine & Chocolate Weekend

This two-day event combines the romance of wine, chocolate and Valentine’s Day to create the perfect Lodi Wine Country Weekend. You’ll taste award-winning wines paired with chocolate treats all weekend. Learn all details about Wine & Chocolate Weekend and start planning your trip.

3) Kayak on the Mokelumne River

The Mokelumne River flows through Lodi, offering calm waters for kayaking and paddleboarding for all levels. You can launch right out of the Lodi Lake from the Lodi Boathouse. Take in the beautiful scenery and keep an eye out for wildlife. You may run into deer, beavers, foxes and more!

4) Visit the Japanese Tea Garden

This hidden gem is located at Micke Grove Park and offers visitors a tranquil setting filled with traditional Japanese landscaping and cultural elements. The garden is a glimpse into Japanese Heritage. You’ll find wooden bridges, stone lanterns, and a full koi pond.

5) Live Music at a Winery

Looking for fun activities on a weekend? You can find live music events almost every weekend in Lodi. Stay up to date by checking out our events calendar.

6) Attend Lodi Art Hops

The Lodi Arts Foundation holds quarterly Lodi Art Hops in Downtown Lodi. This free, family-friendly event brings the community together to celebrate local artists. Enjoy live music, shop local artists, and more.

7) Visit the Lodi Arch

This iconic Lodi Arch was built in 1907 to celebrate the first Lodi Tokay Carnival Festival, highlighting the region’s grape-growing industry. Over the years, the arch has undergone many restoration efforts to preserve its structure and historical integrity. Today, it remains a centerpiece of downtown and is located on Sacramento St. and Pine St.

8) Attend the Lodi Wine Festival

The Lodi Wine Festival is an annual celebration showcasing the best wines from Lodi Wine Country. Over 40 wineries from the area pour more than 200 varieties of wine, making it one of the best ways to explore everything the Lodi Wine region has to offer in one place. Check the events calendar for the current year's date and ticket information.

9) Attend the Lodi Beer Fest and State BBQ Championship

Not only do we have great wine, but Lodi’s craft beer is also something to rave over! You’ll find over 50 local and national breweries here. Find your new favorite beer, toss a game of cornhole, or enjoy live music. Learn about the Lodi Beer Fest.

10) View the Sandhill Cranes

Lodi is a fantastic destination for birding, particularly for those interested in spotting sandhill cranes. The cranes migrate each year from November through February. You can also attend the Sandhill Cranes Festival in early November.

11) Ruby’s Bakery

This local favorite bakery is a MUST-VISIT when in Lodi. Ruby’s Bakery gives Lodi that extra Hallmark feel with homemade baked goods and a warm, inviting atmosphere. They pride themselves on using high-quality, local ingredients, ensuring the freshest products. You’ll also find Ruby’s sourdough bread on the menu at many other local businesses in Lodi.

12) Schedule a Wine Tour

Experience the Lodi Wine Region in style. We have a handful of different tours to check out. You can schedule your own private tour through Coche Vino or the Vintage Limo. Or hop on the Lodi Wine Trolley that runs every Saturday and Sunday.

13) Neighborhood Night at Americana House

Head over to Americana House on Sunday & Monday evenings Neighborhood Nights. You’ll experience a three-course meal with seasonal ingredients from local farms for only $50. You can also add wine pairings to each course.

14) Spa Day

Relax and unwind in Lodi at one of our full-service spas. Wine & Roses Spa and Perfect Balance Day Spa both offer a wide variety of services and have an outdoor garden/oasis for an extra touch of relaxation.

15) Birthday Freebies

Coming soon! The downtown businesses are ready to celebrate you! Many local businesses offer a birthday freebie to celebrate your special day. Come visit downtown Lodi during the week of your birthday to pick up all your free gifts.

16) Paint Pottery

Tap into your creative side and paint pottery! We have two great options for pottery painting. The Mud Mill is located in downtown Lodi and has pottery ready to paint. At Meet the Maker, you can build your clay pottery from scratch.

17) The Lodi Street Faire

This biannual event occurs on the first Sunday of May and October. More than 500 vendors sell antiques, arts and crafts, and retail items. Whether you’re looking for a fun family outing, antique shopping, or looking to satisfy your appetite, the Lodi Street Faire’s got you covered.

18) Downtown Historical Walking Tour

Discover the rich history of downtown Lodi with a historical walking tour. Stroll through the area while Lodi’s Docent, Alane Dashner, educates you on the history of Lodi, California. From prohibition to Lodi’s 1905 Opera House, you’ll leave with so much knowledge to share!

19) Check out the Downtown Farmer's Market

This event celebrates the local community and falls on each Thursday evening throughout summer. Stop by Downtown Lodi, shop local vendors and grab some fresh produce.

20) Check out the Visitors Center

Stop by our office at 25 N. School St. Come with questions and leave with all your answers and more! You’ll be able to shop for souvenirs including postcards, keychains, T-shirts, and our very popular Lodi Arch Ornament.

21) Attend a Wine Maker’s Dinner

With over 85 wineries in Lodi, you’ll have the opportunity to attend a few winemaker’s dinners. Keep an eye on our event calendar during harvest season for dinners held at various wineries such as Stonum Vineyards, Lucas Family Winery, and more!

22) Performance at Hutchins St. Square

Catch a show at Charlene Powers Lange Theater at Hutchins St. Square. The theater hosts various performances throughout the year, from plays to musicals and theatrical productions from local and visiting talent.

23) Olive Oil Tasting

Add on olive oil tasting to your itinerary at Calivines Winery. This family-owned winery and olive oil company is known for producing high-quality olive oils. You’ll find delicious, infused varieties like galic, basil, lemon and more.

24) Create the Perfect Cheese Board

Did you really taste wine if you didn’t have cheese with it? Order a board from Delicious Boards for a pre-made charcuterie board to bring with you. Feeling creative? Stop at Cheese Central and allow cheese mongers to guide you through 80 varieties of cheeses. Grab your favorites and create your own board!

25) Enjoy the Holiday Season

During the holiday season, Lodi transforms into the perfect Hallmark Christmas movie town. With lights illuminating School Street, festive events, and horse carriage rides, Lodi makes the holidays brighter. Lodi offers something for everyone — from exploring its picturesque vineyards and rich history to enjoying unique local experiences like wine tasting, outdoor adventures, and community events. Plan your trip and 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 a wide range of experiences for every type of visitor. Top things to do include wine tasting at one of 85+ wineries, kayaking on the Mokelumne River, exploring the Japanese Tea Garden at Micke Grove Park, visiting the World of Wonders Science Museum, taking a free Downtown Historical Walking Tour, watching the Sandhill Crane migration, and attending events like the Lodi Wine Festival, Lodi Street Faire, and the Sandhill Crane Festival.

How many wineries are in Lodi, CA?

Lodi has more than 85 wineries producing over 135 grape varietals, making it one of the most diverse wine-growing regions in the United States. Most tasting rooms welcome walk-ins, making it easy to explore at your own pace without advance reservations.

Is Lodi worth visiting?

Yes. Lodi is one of California's most underrated travel destinations — close enough for an easy day trip from Sacramento or the Bay Area, yet distinctive enough to feel like a real getaway. It offers 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, home to some of the oldest producing Zinfandel vines in the world. It is also known for its historic downtown, the annual Lodi Grape Festival, the Sandhill Crane migration, the Lodi Wine Festival, and its approachable wine country culture where reservations are rarely required and winemakers frequently pour their own wines.

What is there to do in Lodi for free?

Several of Lodi's best experiences are free or low cost. The Downtown Historical Walking Tour is free, the Walldog Mural Walk is self-guided and free, the Oak Grove Flower Garden at Jessie's Grove Winery is free to visit, and much of Lodi Lake Park is free to enjoy 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 — about a 35-minute drive. From San Francisco and the broader Bay Area, it's roughly 90 minutes depending on traffic and your starting point. Amtrak also stops at the Downtown Lodi train station, making it accessible without a car. Get more info on our Getting Here page.

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Jessica Hasal

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 capturing golden-hour vineyard shots or highlighting local bites, Jessica’s mission is simple: make everyone want to visit Lodi—again and again. When she’s not behind the camera or crafting the perfect caption, you’ll find her traveling with her family of 5, finding new local restaurants or supporting California wine one glass at a time.

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