Fun Ways to Sail (and Chill) on the Delta in Stockton, California

June 16, 2025

Whether it's setting sail, launching your boat, or simply taking in the view during a meal, Stockton has plenty of options for you to experience our beautiful Delta.

The sun is high, the temperature is up, and the best place to be in those conditions is near the water. Being "Port City," Stockton makes that experience possible and easy with our treasured delta running through our downtown area. With numerous possibilities for launching your boat, renting a kayak, or choosing a great food spot, Stockton is a perfect spot for you to bask in the summer sun while on the water. So, read on and take notes!

Learn to Scull & Sail!

Imagine hopping into a canoe and rowing down the Delta in the morning, or setting sail with the wind guiding your vessel across the water. Consider taking a moment to sit back and enjoy a tour of the area. You can do all of that right here in Stockton! Here are a few spots offering you the skills and tools to learn to handle yourself on the Delta while enjoying the beautiful surroundings.

Captain Ray's River Tours: One of Stockton's only custom tour and charter boats, Captain Ray's offers private tours on the San Joaquin and Sacramento River Delta. Captain Ray himself has been boating since the age of 14 back in 1966, and his "Victoria's Seacret" river boat will take you on a two or three-hour cruise upriver. Additionally, from May to October, you can enjoy the Golden Hour tour, which allows you to unwind and relax as you watch a stunning sunset over the water.
Stockton Sailing Club: Providing a safe and pleasant environment for all its guests, the Stockton Sailing Club offers easy access to the deep water channel and beautiful grounds. Aside from a calendar of special events they hold, they also offer classes on sailing for youth and adults. Plus, every year, typically in June, they have their Delta Ditch Run, one of the funnest sailing events on the West Coast!
Delta Sculling Center: Known as a diverse and inclusive spot "where everyBODY sculls," the Delta Sculling Center shares the joy of sculling with all in the greater Stockton community, providing health, fitness, and leisure to everyone who participates. For the younger crowd, they offer classes for first-timers and sculling camps, while their Master Program is custom-made for adults. Additionally, they offer their Freedom Rows, a special class designed for veterans and active-duty military personnel of all abilities.

Launch Your Boat!

Being the Port City that we are, Stockton has multiple spots for you to pull up, unhitch your boat, and ride the relaxing current. Here are two of the more popular places to choose from:

Stockton Downtown Marina: If you're already on the water with your treasured ship, you have the option to dock at the Stockton Downtown Marina. Here, you can dock your boat for a bit while you enjoy the shops and food spots in Downtown Stockton. If you're looking to stay overnight, you can also arrange a more extended stay for your vessel on the dock.
Village West Marina: Conveniently located a mile west of Interstate 5 on Benjamin Holt Drive, the Village West Marina provides direct and easy access to California Delta waterways. Whether you want to ride the Delta or head to San Francisco and beyond to the Pacific, your journey can start right here.

For the delicious food spots around the Stockton Downtown Marina and Village West Marina, scroll down to the Delicious Eats On & Near the Water section.

Here's a number of other spots in and around Stockton where you can launch your boat from or dock at:

Delicious Eats On & Near the Water!

What's a great addition to being near the water? Eating something delicious while you're near the water, that's what! Here are just a few great food spots for you to savor while enjoying the view:

Bob's at the Marina (Village West Marina): Stop in and enjoy their "almost world famous hamburgers" before or after your fun on the Delta. For breakfast, they offer delicious blueberry hotcakes, breakfast sandwiches, and tasty omelettes. As for lunch, they have the Bob's Giant Bacon Cheeseburger, spicy chicken sandwich, and chili fries.
Garlic Brothers (Village West Marina): If it's an outdoor view of the Delta you're looking for, then this spot has you covered. Their outdoor patio is a prime spot to enjoy a beautiful sunset while savoring every bite of what they have on their menu. Some garlic bread, followed by a plate of shrimp and asparagus rotini, while looking out over the water, is a great idea.
Nena's Mexican Restaurant (Stockton Downtown Marina): If you've just docked your boat at this marina and are looking for some excellent Mexican cuisine nearby, you're just a few feet away. Located inside the Waterfront Warehouse, Nena's has a mouthwatering lineup of tacos, burritos, quesadillas, enchiladas, and so much more. Wash it down with a variety of drinks before you check out the rest of downtown or head back to your boat.
King Island Marina Resort Bar & Grill: Located off Eight Mile Road west of Interstate 5, this fantastic spot serves up outstanding breakfast and lunch plates that will fill you up. Choose from their "Big Country Breakfast," rib eye steak & eggs, "BIG" breakfast burrito, the Double Delta Burger, Chuck's chicken club, fish & chips, French dip sandwich, and plenty more to make it difficult to get out of your seat and hit the water... but you should try!

For any and all food spots in Stockton, click here!

Extra Fun!

Right in the heart of downtown is the Weber Point Events Center, a vast and beautiful spot that has housed many of Stockton's exciting live events. Rented out for annual events, festivals, concerts, and more, Weber Point sits in downtown Stockton, where the Delta circulates the magnificent property. Plus, you're steps away from Janet Leigh Plaza, where you can enjoy a coffee at Empresso or savor some tasty rolls at Misaki. Additionally, Windmill Cove Resort & Marina hosts its "Summer Sounds" Free Music Series from May to September each year. Enjoying live music with food and a drink while chilling on the water is a great way to spend your summer nights.

Make it a weekend on the water and check in somewhere. Stockton is home to numerous fantastic hotels located in key parts of the city, making it easy to chill by the water, enjoy shopping sprees, and savor delicious cuisine. Discover the outstanding hotels in our city by clicking here!

Need more recommendations throughout the Stockton region? You can message us 7 days a week for assistance on shopping, dining, and things to do in Stockton.