Five thriving neighborhoods that put Stockton on the map
Just like any diverse city, Stockton has tons of culture and pockets of personality expressed by its distinct neighborhoods. Each has a unique vibe where business and recreation come together, each embodying the best parts of living in Stockton and the Central Valley—amazing food, abundant shopping, and awesome weather.
If you live in San Francisco or Sacramento and you’ve ever wanted to peek over the fence and see what your neighbors are up to, then check out what’s going on around the corner in Stockton. We break down what’s good in the neighborhood for when you’re next on the move in Mudville.
Its enormous golf course, well-manicured lawns and ranch-style homes distinguish this gated neighborhood, for sure. There are several small recreational parks that give this bedroom community a high score among families with young children.
Brookside is close to lots of great Stockton attractions, including more than 20 restaurants like Mezzo, and Dave Wong’s Restaurant.
This neighborhood located just north of Civic Center is vastly popular and one of the best places to enjoy a day of shopping in Stockton.
Pacific thrives on its lively food and pub scene, so it has a ton of bars and restaurants, including Thai Me Up, with an amazing spread of both Thai and Lao's cuisines; The Black Rabbit, offering a range microbrews, burgers, and great cocktails; and Midtown Creperie, which serves, you guessed it, delicious crepes.
If you visit this neighborhood with children, take a short drive south to Pixie Woods and enjoy kid-friendly rides and attractions, as well as themed playing areas. Check seasonal hours for availability.
The famous Miracle Mile shopping district houses some of the area’s finest boutiques and restaurants where you’ll discover everything from fashion and jewelry to home goods and fine art.
In addition to eating, drinking and shopping, the Stockton Empire Theatre and the University of the Pacific Conservatory of Music are best known for hosting music concerts, comedy shows and theater performances.
Located northeast of downtown, Valley Oak is one of the largest neighborhoods in Stockton and combines big-city living with surrounding farmland. Rich in Asian-American influence, the food scene in this neighborhood has a great selection of pan-Asian offerings, including foods from Cambodia, Vietnam, China, Japan and Korea.
Valley Oak also enjoys close proximity to University of the Pacific, the oldest chartered university in California. The university puts on several events throughout the year for students and residents to enjoy, like sporting events, live musical performances and film screenings.
While the local diversity makes for great eating in Valley Oak, if you’re looking to get a little closer to Stockton’s entertainment scene, head south toward Stockton’s Seaport and Civic Center neighborhoods.
This beautiful waterfront village north of downtown offers a refreshing glimpse of solitude away from the city, but with convenient access to it.
The Village West Marina is the heart of this area’s rural charm. Tucked alongside a basin, the marina is a hotspot for boating and fishermen because of its direct access to the California Delta waterways.
Marina restaurants like Bob’s at the Marina and Garlic Brothers Restaurant & Bar are hugely popular among the locals. They are adjacent and offer gorgeous marina views, stiff cocktails and delectable bar grub and seafood.
Head up Benjamin Holt Drive to Lincoln Center, the area’s premier shopping and dining district. Over the last year, Lincoln Center has thrived, adding 10 new businesses, most recently McCaulou’s Department Store and remodled Podesto’s Market & Deli, all of which are locally owned and operated.
You’ll find plenty of fun at Civic Center in Stockton, including great dining, family-friendly museums and community culture centers.
The Children’s Museum of Stockton has been providing a safe and educational learning experience for children since 1994. Here educators, parents and community leaders can help kids discover the world around them through themed activities, exhibits, programming and workshops.
In addition to fostering leadership in Stockton’s Filipino community, Little Manila Foundation offers dance and musical programs focused on traditional Filipino culture. The foundation recently expanded its programming to include Kulintang, an ancient music composed on laid gongs.
Also in Civic Center, The Haggin Museum is the largest art collection in the Central Valley. Here you’ll discover rotating exhibits that include local collections, as well as world-class traveling exhibits.
Anywhere you look in Stockton you’ll find unique character, diversity and charisma, whether it’s the people who comprise the neighborhoods or the businesses that make them thrive.
Check out Visit Stockton’s Facebook page for information on what to do in and around the bustling Stockton area.
