How to Experience Farms & Agriculture in Stockton, California
There are many ways to experience Stockton, California agriculture.
Whether you’re looking to show the kids what farm life is all about in or outside of town, discover the remarkable rich history of local farming, or pick the freshest fruits and vegetables around, Stockton is a destination for agriculture of all kinds.
Also, while you're here, be sure to check out the San Joaquin County Farm Trail guide. On it, you'll find over 40 beautiful spots offering an abundance of hands-on experiences including U-Pick orchards, experiential cheese tastings, and so much more!
Important tip: Be sure to call ahead for hours and directions.
Full of Farms and Farmers’ Markets
Got a hankering for farm-fresh produce? You are sure to find it at San Joaquin farms and farmers’ markets! You will encounter an abundance of the freshest and often economical way to get a taste of the Central Valley flavor.
Enjoy the region’s intriguing farm tours, get lost in a corn maze or head to a local ranch to pick your own fresh blueberries and cherries when in season. And the best part is the food you buy at a local farmers’ market is guaranteed to be seasonal from the rich, fertile grounds of the Central Valley! Seasonal produce not only tastes better but also provides higher concentrations of nutrients and anti-oxidants. Find a San Joaquin farm or ranch to visit for enjoyment and education!
Visitor tip: Request a San Joaquin County Map and Farm Guide the next time you visit! Plan ahead by calling or Facebook Message Visit Stockton and ask what’s in season. (877) 778-6258.
The Fruit Bowl - Farm Market & Bake Shop
To call this a fruit stand is an understatement! The Fruit Bowl is worth the drive from just about anywhere in the Central Valley. A hidden gem, the farm market offers an unexpected selection of impressive and delicious produce that has been grown by the Lucchetti family since 1947.
You can find this jewel just a few miles east of Stockton off Highway 88. Not only will you find pristine farm fresh produce, the market is known for their hoards of jams, nuts, a variety of sundries from locally grown produce and olive oil, to imported Italian products.
Attached to the outdoor market is a cafe/bakery, serving tasty and delicious salads, custom-made sandwiches, gelato from Berkley, California, and of course, come Fall, its freshly baked pies are a high-demand Thanksgiving must! Merely a drive down the highway, you will encounter Burge Road Farm, a u-pick-cherry ranch, and Waterloo Restaurant, known for their sweet and tangy BBQ sauce.
The Golden Villa Farmers' Market (formerly known as the Certified Farmers' Market)
Who doesn’t love an early Saturday morning stroll through a farmers’ market? This very popular market draws hundreds, if not thousands from around the region. Opened in 1979, viewed as one of California's oldest and most successful markets today.
Located in Downtown Stockton, here you will appreciate the abundance of exotic Southeast Asian ingredients, baked goods, fresh-cut flowers, seafood, and other hard-to-find produce. The likelihood of discovering a new recipe is strong. Aside from the fascinating selection of produce and goodies, you can also find several food vendors offering authentic cuisine.
The market is positioned directly under Highway 4, known to locals as the Crosstown Freeway, held every Saturday morning from 5:30 am to about 9:30 am (or if they sell out earlier).
To whet your appetite, here’s a list of farmers’ markets near Stockton, California.
Visitor tip: Visiting early is highly recommended, as items sell out quick!
In Season Market and Nursery
Imagine a plant lovers’ paradise stocked full of hard to find plants, alongside your old time favorites!
This charming nursery offers a broad spectrum of naturally-grown vegetables and plants. From garden fresh herbs to homemade jam and freshly baked bread delivered daily by the ever-popular, Genova Bakery and fresh ground coffee by Terra Coffee Roasters, make this a unique spot to visit in Stockton!
However, the nursery stands out with its extensive vegetable garden and grows nearly all of their vegetables on site with organic or non-GMO seeds in their market. Not to mention friendly expertise advise of the owners, Julie and Eric - offering quarterly events and demonstrations.
There’s even a gift shop which displays local artists original works, along with soaps and other hand balms from Old Thyme Botanicals - perfect for gift giving.
Visitor tip: Looking to fix up your yard? In Season offers landscape design and consulting!
Looking for more assistance? You can message us 7 days a week for assistance on shopping, dining, and things to do in Stockton so you can plan for the future.
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