Experience An LGBTQIA+ Getaway to Stockton, California

Empresso Coffeehouse

If you love an early morning cup of coffee, then Empresso is an excellent spot to consider, with three locations on El Dorado Street, San Joaquin Street, and at College Square. They serve up deliciously brewed drip coffee, creative specialty beverages, and some tasty tea. Plus, if you’re ready to eat, they have some hearty dishes to pair with your morning drink.

Other LGBTQIA+ friendly coffee spots:

• Terra Coffee
• Trail Coffee Roasters (Main Street)
• Trail Coffee Roasters (at UOP)
• Plaza Perks

Heirloom Kitchen

If you’re looking for a larger plate for your morning, this spot in Lincoln Center has what you’re looking for. This spot offers a delicious breakfast and brunch menu that you’re sure to love. With plates like their oatmeal griddle cakes, peach pie French Toast, the Heirloom Loco Loco, and chilaquiles, suffering from a food coma is a possibility, but it’s so worth it.

Other Lincoln Center food spots:

• Market Tavern
• Bud’s Seafood & Grille
• Midgley’s Public House
• Papapavlo’s Bistro & Bar
• ShoMi Japanese Cuisine
• La Mesa Mexican Kitchen

Cast Iron Trading Co.

Enjoy the sights and sounds of Downtown Stockton with a delicious sandwich and beer at Cast Iron. Known for their “local goods,” this spot develops unique specialty dishes every week that will intrigue your mind and tantalize your tastebuds. Mushroom Swiss burgers, pulled pork sandwiches, chicken Caesar wraps, and many more creations are lined up just for you. Plus, with a wide variety of beers for you to choose from, there’s no wrong choice here.

Other downtown food spots:

• FED
• Nena’s Mexican Restaurant
• Misaki Sushi & Bar
• Ah Huevo!
• Papa Urb’s Grill

Weber Point / Waterfront

Take a walk down the beautiful waterfront as you take in the view of the delta. You can start at the Waterfront Warehouse, where many locally owned businesses reside, and make your way east. Eventually, you'll end up at Weber Point Events Center, the site of many of Stockton's large-scale events and gatherings. Whether attending an event or simply taking a walk, the view from Weber Point is one you won't want to miss.

Other outdoor spots:

• Shumway Oak Grove Regional Park
• Victory Park (Haggin Museum)
• University Park Discovery Trail & World Peace Rose Garden
• University of the Pacific

If you happen to be a plant lover, you should take a memento from Stockton home with you by stopping in at In Season Market & Nursery.

Bob Hope Fox Theatre

Known as “Stockton’s Crown Jewel,” the Bob Hope Fox Theatre is a century-old theatre, one of only two Fox theatres in the entire state of California. This beautiful venue hosts concerts, comedy shows, classic cinema, and a variety of other live events for the community to enjoy. Whether you’re here for a show or a tour of the structure, this spot is worth a visit.

If you're a big fan of the theatrical or a thespian yourself, check out the Stockton Civic Theatre and see if they have any performances happening during your trip.

BellaVista Rooftop & Events

Located in the heart of downtown, BellaVista Rooftop provides a perfect spot to enjoy great food and dance the night away. Given its location and setting, your experience offers a stunning view of downtown and the delta. Are you looking for a phenomenal shot at sunset? Then this is the spot you want. Check out our directory page for them and see what they have coming up for you to enjoy.

Paradise Nightclub

Stockton's only gay bar and dance club provides a fantastic setting for the LGBTQIA+ community. Nights at Paradise can feature tasty drink specials, talented DJs and emcees, live karaoke, and epic drag shows that will keep you moving throughout the night. Additionally, the dress is casual, allowing you to spend the night in comfort if you prefer.

If you're looking for a nearby dinner spot before hitting up Paradise, Fired Pizza is right across the street for you.

If you're staying in Stockton for longer than a day, this gives you time to check out the nearby cities in the area. One of those areas is Modesto, which is home to The Brave Bull. First established in 1973 and now known as one of the oldest gay bars in California, The Brave Bull features cocktails, dancing, drag shows, & guest djs in a friendly and lively setting. With about a 45 minute drive there and back, this makes for a fun side quest while you're here.

While you're visiting, feel free to stop in on spots providing information and community services to the LGBTQIA+ community. The San Joaquin Pride Center and Central Valley Gender Health & Wellness provide that, as well as special events and fundraisers that provide both fun and education for all who attend.

Also, if you're visiting us in October, plan your getaway for the first weekend of the month so you can attend Stockton PRIDE with the San Joaquin PRIDE Center!

Stay the night and check in somewhere! Stockton is home to numerous fantastic hotels located in key parts of the city, making it easy to attend events, enjoy shopping sprees, and savor delicious cuisine. Discover the outstanding hotels in our city by clicking here!

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