48 Hours of Adventure in Lodi Wine Country

Nestled in California’s Central Valley, Lodi offers a mix of world-class wineries, charming downtown streets, historical landmarks, and outdoor adventure.

Whether you’re a wine connoisseur, history buff, or nature enthusiast, this 48-hour itinerary will ensure you experience the best of our charming city.

Lodi has much to be explored by prospective travelers, and our 48-hour Lodi Wine Country guide details a taste of what our region has to offer. Enjoy a bottle of wine on a lush family-owned estate, explore the sights of the Mokelumne River, or take in live music downtown with delicious food and great company. Lodi truly has something for everyone!

Day One

Start your morning at Ruby’s Bakery & Cafe, a beloved local spot where fresh baked pastries and breads steal the show. Pastry chefs whip up treats such as the Everything Poblano Croissant, Sugar Bun, and Hazelnut Coffee Twist. Did we mention that they also bake fresh sourdough and baguettes daily? Perfect for a day of wine tasting!

Discover Downtown Lodi by stopping at the Visitor Center for a guide, snap a photo under the Lodi Arch, and check out our gorgeous wall-dog murals and boutiques along the way. When it’s time for a tasting, downtown’s seven wine rooms are calling. Jeremy Wine Co. is a great place to start—let their team pour you through a flight, then take your favorite bottle out to the patio. For lunch or dinner, The Oxford Kitchen delivers bold London-inspired flavors with a street market twist. Think bold international flavors leading the way. The menu includes ricotta lemon flatbread, golden fish and chips, creamy mushroom ravioli, and a British Tikka Masala that’ll make you want seconds.

If you’re craving more vineyard charm, head to Durst Winery just outside of town. Their manicured gardens, friendly hosts, and crisp Amada Mia white wine make for the perfect afternoon escape.

Cap off your day at Papapavlo’s, where Mediterranean flavors shine. From fresh seafood to classic Greek favorites like Moussaka and Gyros, it’s the perfect finale to your first taste of Lodi.

Day Two

Kick off your Saturday at Corner Scone Bakery, where the smell of buttery scones and fresh pies makes getting out of bed totally worth it. Sweet or savory, this cozy spot has everything you need for a perfect start to the day.

If you’re up with the sun, head to Lodi Lake for a peaceful nature walk. Spot local birds, take in the morning calm, or rent a kayak from Lodi Boathouse and paddle your way into adventure.

When afternoon rolls around, climb aboard the Lodi Wine Trolley for a one-of-a-kind tour through wine country. You’ll visit three wineries, enjoy lunch, and soak up plenty of local flavor—literally. It’s a fun, laid-back way to experience the best of Lodi’s vineyards, so snag those tickets early!

End your day at Guantonio’s Wood Fired, a local favorite where the pizzas are hot, the wine list is stellar, and the desserts are impossible to skip. Try the mushroom dip, a seasonal salad, and that famous pesto pizza. Then treat yourself to a cannoli or a caramel-drizzled buffalo milk sundae—you’ve earned it.

Day Three

Begin the day with a hearty breakfast from The Café at Michael David Winery, for homestyle cooking with a fresh twist.You can’t go wrong with a hefty helping of their delicious corned beef hash, a seasonal omelet special, or stuffed french toast. After a short walk on the extensive property, find yourself at the Michael David tasting room, where you can opt for an early afternoon wine tasting. On your way out, be sure to purchase a famous berry pie from The Café - trust us, you won’t regret it!

Conclude your weekend in Lodi with an early afternoon at Calivines Winery and Olive Mill. Their beautifully designed tasting room is the perfect place to spend an afternoon sipping on fantastic wine, tasting incredible Lodi-grown olive oil, and enjoying a curated small-plate snack menu. Be sure to check out our events page to see what live music they will feature in their tasting room and patio!

Stay

Plan your stay in Lodi Wine Country at one of our fantastic lodging options. Book your stay today to begin a journey through one of California’s oldest wine regions.If you are searching for a quaint bed and breakfast near bustling Downtown Lodi, look no further than Poppy Sister Inn. This delightfully renovated 4-bedroom 1907 Victorian home (one of the original houses in the Downtown area) exceeds travelers’ needs in hospitality, history, and relaxation. Wake up to a home-cooked breakfast, meet other guests at social hour, or relax with a glass of wine on the porch and enjoy the sights and sounds of beautiful Lodi. When relaxation is your main priority, book a two-night stay at Appellation Lodi – Wine & Roses. Once checked into the property, you can explore their extensive spa treatment menu and gorgeous spa facility, relax by the pool, taste wine at the Lodi Wine & Visitor Center, and plan a farm-to-fork dinner at Americana House.

Brand loyal customers who prefer familiar stay lodging as their base for trips will find that Lodi is home to a number of larger hotel properties, including Fairfield Inn & Suites, Candlewood Suites, or Holiday Inn Express, just to name a few.

That’s a Wrap!

Whether you are searching for an approachable wine destination with a premium selection of heritage wines, passing through the Central Valley, or visiting another California wine country, make Lodi your next destination to visit! Once you get a taste of the good life in Lodi, you will be sure to plan your return to our beautiful wine region for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you spend 48 hours in Lodi, California?

A well-rounded 48 hours in Lodi starts with a morning at Ruby's Bakery & Cafe and a walk through downtown to see the Lodi Arch, Walldog murals, and boutiques. Day one wine tasting works well starting at Jeremy Wine Co. downtown before heading out to Durst Winery in the afternoon, capping the evening at Papapavlo's. Day two starts at Lodi Lake for a morning walk or kayak, then the Lodi Wine Trolley for a guided afternoon through wine country, finishing with dinner at Guantonio's Wood Fired. Day three is perfect for brunch and tasting at The Café at Michael David Winery followed by an olive oil and wine tasting at Calivines Winery.

Is 48 hours enough time to see Lodi?

Yes — 48 hours is enough to get a genuine feel for Lodi. You can cover downtown, wine country, the waterfront, and local dining without rushing. Lodi's compact geography means nothing is far from anything else, which makes a weekend trip feel full without feeling exhausting. If you want to go deeper into wine country or spend more time outdoors, a three-day visit is even better.

What is the best time of year to visit Lodi for a weekend trip?

Lodi is worth visiting year-round, but spring and fall are especially good. Spring brings fresh greenery, active birdlife, and cherry blossom season at local farms. Fall brings harvest season in the vineyards, cooler temperatures, and the Sandhill Crane migration. Summer weekends are lively with outdoor events and live music, though afternoons can be hot — plan wine tasting and outdoor activities for mornings and evenings. Winter is quieter and a great time for cozy tasting room visits.

Do you need a car to visit Lodi for a weekend?

A car is helpful for getting to wineries outside downtown, but not strictly necessary if you stay downtown. The Lodi Wine Trolley provides guided transportation between wineries on weekends and includes lunch. Downtown Lodi itself is very walkable, with several tasting rooms, restaurants, and boutiques within easy walking distance of each other. Amtrak also stops at the Downtown Lodi train station for car-free arrivals from Sacramento and the Bay Area.

Where should I stay for a weekend in Lodi?

Top options include Appellation Lodi — Wine & Roses Resort and Spa for a full resort experience with spa, pool, and on-site dining at Americana House. Poppy Sister Inn is a charming B&B in a renovated 1907 Victorian home near downtown. For familiar brands, Fairfield Inn & Suites, Candlewood Suites, and Holiday Inn Express are all solid options with easy access to downtown and wine country. Vacation home rentals near downtown are also a great choice for groups or families.

How many wineries should you visit in a Lodi weekend?

Three to five wineries over a weekend is a comfortable pace that lets you actually enjoy each stop rather than rushing between them. Lodi's walk-in tasting culture means you don't need to book everything in advance, so you can adjust your plan as the day unfolds. The Lodi Wine Trolley handles transportation and visits three wineries in a single afternoon, making it an easy way to cover ground without designating a driver.

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Natalie Morlino

Author

Natalie Morlino

Community Engagement & Communications Manager

Natalie is a natural storyteller eager to make authentic connections with her community. An avid world traveler, she’s always ready to pull up a barstool at a cozy restaurant, meet new people, and spot a Lodi wine on the menu. Since trading city life for wine country, you’ll find her in Lodi shopping the farmers market, hunting for antiques, or exploring a new winery with her fiancé, son, and their pug — glass of Zin in hand, of course.

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