What To Do In Stockton, California On The Way To Yosemite

A road trip to Yosemite can be enriching if you know how to make the most of your drive to the National Park. By planning the details of your trip well in advance, you will discover historical Yosemite treasures along the way, especially when you stop at these Stockton attractions and recreation areas.

Albert Bierstadt Paintings at the Haggin Museum

From fascinating history to incredible fine art, The Haggin Museum is one of Stockton’s oldest attractions. To accompany your Yosemite road trip, check out Albert Bierstadt’s fantastic collection of paintings—one in particular titled "Looking Up Yosemite Valley," which is on display full-time at the museum. This breathtaking panorama of Yosemite Valley was once loaned to the White House and hung in the Roosevelt Room during Ronald Reagan’s first term. In addition, you will be mesmerized by the stunning LED lighting, part of the $2.5 million renovation of its fine art galleries back in 2017.

Know Before You Go:
Parking near the museum is available for free. The museum is open Wednesday through Friday from 1:30pm to 5pm, and Saturday & Sunday from 12pm to 5pm. Admission to the museum ranges from $5 to $8, and visitors are admitted free of charge on the first Saturday of the month.

John Muir Documents at University of the Pacific

Discover John Muir’s history and legacy through vibrant colors of artwork, fascinating documents, and unique untold stories at the University of the Pacific’s main library. John Muir dedicated his life to preserving Yosemite Valley, and the University is similarly devoted to protecting Muir’s legacy. The University of the Pacific campus is home to the world's most extensive collection of John Muir materials. Housed in the library’s basement is a collection of approximately 17,000 pieces of the "John Muir Papers." The papers include journals, sketches, and photographs belonging to the mountaineer. You can even help the campus transcribe a few Muir journals! In addition, the campus has a rich pop culture history, featured in classic films such as the action-adventure epic "Raiders of the Lost Ark" and "Flubber," starring Robin Williams.

Know Before You Go:
Free to the public, the University of the Pacific’s Holt-Atherton Special Collections Department is open Monday through Friday, 10am to 5pm. The department encourages appointments by phone to experience the entire collection firsthand—call (209) 946-2404 to schedule an appointment today.

World Peace Rose Garden at University Park

Grab lunch-to-go at one of Stockton’s top restaurants—as ranked by TripAdvisor—then throw a blanket on the grassy area by the lakeside to enjoy a heavy dose of California sun at University Park’s World Peace Rose Garden. It is the perfect place to relax before you head back on the road. The site is situated adjacent to the CSU Stanislaus-Stockton Center and features a nearby parking lot. With expansive lawns, fragrant rose blossoms, and a charming lake, University Park boasts a relaxing atmosphere that makes it the perfect place to recharge before heading back on the road.

Know Before You Go:
Conveniently located on 102 acres in the medical and education district in Central Stockton, University Park's roses are in bloom on and off throughout the season from mid-spring to fall. The park is free to the public year-round from sunrise to sunset.

Pixie Woods Children’s Park

For kids and adults alike, excitement abounds at Pixie Woods Amusement Park! This park continues its tradition of being a wonderland for the "young in age & young at heart," and is the perfect destination for little ones to burn off all that bundled-up energy! Pixie Woods resides next to the Louis Park Softball Complex, adjacent to Interstate 5. The children’s park amenities include kiddie rides and fun-sized attractions. Imaginations can run wild with a ride on the Pixie Express, a spin on the old vintage carousel, or a float on the Pixie Queen Boat through the Pirate Lagoon. There are water and kid-themed play areas, along with picnic tables. There is no outside food or beverages permitted in the park, but you are encouraged to visit Yum Yum House for delicious and nutritious snacks. Family-friendly is a recurring theme in Stockton, so check out this list of fun things to do with the entire family!

Know Before You Go:
No outside food or drinks are allowed in the park. Weather permitting, the park is open from May to October, with hours varying from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., depending on the season. Refer to the official schedule for the hours of operation. To enter the park, adults must accompany children at all times.

Children’s Museum of Stockton

Yosemite has more than its share of stunning natural attractions, but sometimes the kids are eager for a little more than mountain vistas and a scenic drive. For children who love hopping in and out of emergency vehicles and fire trucks, this museum is a must-visit destination. Get acquainted with Downtown Stockton, where kiddos will relish the hands-on fun at the Children’s Museum of Stockton. The museum is dedicated to educational enrichment through hands-on interactive learning activities, currently housing over 40 exhibits. You can even take a virtual tour to see for yourself. The museum is situated directly across the street from the Stockton Marina, which boasts a walkable promenade and offers sweeping, picturesque views of Downtown Stockton. In addition, the Waterfront Warehouse houses several businesses, organizations, and restaurants—some of which include Nena's Mexican Cuisine, The S.H.A.W. Bar, and The House of Pita.

Know Before You Go:
Free onsite parking. The museum is open Wednesday through Friday from 9am to 4pm and Saturday & Sundays from 10am to 5pm. Closed Monday and Tuesday. Check with the museum for operating hours during exhibit removals by calling (209) 465-4386. Adults must be accompanied by children, and children must be accompanied by adults to be admitted to the museum. Adults and children (1 and older) are $10. Children under the age of 1 are admitted free of charge.

Where to Stay

Plenty of options are available for your stay in Stockton, depending on your budget. Stay at Downtown Stockton’s University Plaza Waterfront Hotel or Studio 6 Suites for a hop, skip, and a jump to Weber Point Events Center. Be sure to stop by a few of the best places for a beer or a glass of wine. Discover more accommodation options in Stockton with this list of hotels.

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