Amgen Tour of California: Best Spots To View the Race in Stockton, California

The Amgen Tour of California Stage 5 Start kicks off in Downtown Stockton on Thursday, May 17. After an 11-year-hiatus, Stockton, California will serve as a start location for the men’s bicycle race, as riders make their way through Northern California. The race will start approximately at 11:20am next to the Stockton Arena - road closures are from 11am to 11:45am, so arrive early for the best viewing spot!

Cyclists will travel north on Madison Street, then make a sharp right on Fremont Street, then turn north on El Dorado to Harding Way. From there, cyclists turn east on Waterloo Road, over Highway 99, continue on Highway 88 where they will reach max speeds!

You’ll want to secure a great spot to witness this exhilarating and historic cycling road race, so we’ve rounded up a list of prime vantage points to view the race in Stockton, California—from VIP Experiences and restaurants to agriculture and farm.

MEN’S STAGE 5 STARTS IN STOCKTON, CALIFORNIA

Here are the best places for fans to watch the race:

Lifestyle Festival & VIP Experience - Stockton Arena

Fans have the opportunity to get up close with the cyclists, the Lifestyle Festival is held adjacent to the Stockton Arena and University Plaza Waterfront Hotel - it’s free to get in and everything starts at 9am and wraps up at 12 noon.

At the festival, you can learn all about Amgen Tour of California, interact with exhibitors and cycling vendors, and grab lunch from several gourmet trucks (or try these restaurants near the arena) along with other enthusiasts as they watch cyclists get ready. There is still a chance to enjoy VIP Experiences. Race start is approximately 11:20 am.

Festival attendees are encouraged to carpool, bike and/or utilize the San Joaquin Regional Transit. For anyone riding their bikes to the event, free bike valet provided by the San Joaquin Bike Coalition.

Race Day Festival Schedule:

• 9am - Festival opens
• 9:30am - Interact with the cyclists before the race
• 10am - Festivities begin on stage (including the Breakaway from Cancer survivor DeeDee Martinez and the National Anthem by Teana Boston featured on The Voice)
• 11am - Riders line up
• 11:20am - Stage 5 begins
• 12:00pm - Festival closes

Be sure to RSVP to our Facebook event to get the latest!

Vantage Points with Food!

America’s greatest cycling race will pass by a few popular Stockton dining destinations. If you are short on time and want grub along the race route, try these establishments.

Be sure to plan ahead, as the race starts approximately at 11:20am from the Stockton Arena, and the course route, which includes portions of Fremont Street, El Dorado Street, East Harding Way, and east on Waterloo Road will be closed from about 11am to 11:45am.

• House of Ice Cream - Special event hours - opening at 10am. You’ll scream & shout at the cyclists, with delight of course, after trying any of the ice cream parlor’s unique flavors. Don’t forget you can also belly up to a crazy milkshake while watching the race. Cyclists will pass by at approximately 11:21 am.
• Taqueria El Grullense - Opening at 9am. This Mexican eatery is churning out tacos and burritos with unbelievable flavors influenced by what their patrons know and love. If you’re looking for a suggestion, grab the Carne Asada Burrito, it’s muy bueno. Cyclists will pass by at approximately 11:24 am.
• Flip’s Burger - Opening at 11am. If you’re looking for a nice, juicy cheeseburger to sink your teeth in, while cyclists speed by, you should head over to Flip’s Burger! Prepare to pair your outrageously delicious burger with a specialty shake! Cyclists will pass by at approximately 11:25 am.
• The Waterloo Restaurant - Opening at 11am. The food is always fresh and tasty here! You will appreciate this lively, family-run establishment, as it sits on a slight bend on Highway 88 - cyclist will pass at maximum speeds! Cyclists will pass by at approximately 11:41 am.

Agriculture & Farm Experience - The Fruit Bowl

There should be plenty of prime spots for viewing the race from The Fruit Bowl - a farm market and bake shop that for 70 years has operated along Highway 88 east of Stockton, California. And if cycling action is what you are looking for, this is the stretch where the race reaches maximum speeds!

The market offers some parking (on a first-come, first-serve basis), so get there quick for an early lunch for savory salads, custom-made sandwiches, and even gelato to cool down. To be more comfortable, it is recommended that you bring sunscreen, hat, umbrella, and chair - while you’re in the area, make time to visit these U-Pick Farms. Cyclists will pass The Fruit Bowl at approximately 11:35am.

You can text us 7 days a week with your questions about Amgen Tour of California, 8am to 8pm at (877) 778-6258 and you’ll receive a live response from a member of our team. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram - and be sure to use #VisitStockton during your visit!