Surviving Summer in Stockton, California: How to Beat the Heat

When summer temperatures skyrocket into the triple digits, a big topic on everyone’s mind is how to stay cool in Stockton, California. The heat of summer can be unbearable at times throughout the Central Valley, and finding ways to keep cool while out and about becomes a necessity.

Below are great options for beating the heat during the Stockton summer—from family-friendly fun to the great sweet tooth reliever: Ice cream.

Indulge in Frozen Treats

The Port City is stocked full of intriguing and tasty ice cream parlors to keep you cool during the sweltering heat. No matter the flavor you're into, cool off from the inside out at one of these flavorful sweet spots in Stockton! Just be sure you snap a photo and then hashtag #VisitStockton on Instagram for a chance to be to get featured on Visit Stockton’s official Instagram page!

Take a dip in the public swimming pools

Nothing beats relaxing in or next to the pool on a hot, summer day. Maybe you’re lucky enough to have a friend with a pool. However, if no one in your circle has that option, you can choose the nearest public pool. Kids will frolic during the peak of the heat at five public pools throughout Stockton. The City of Stockton’s Community Service Department contracts with the local nonprofit organization, YMCA of San Joaquin County, to make these pools available. The public pools operate Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day Weekend and admission varies between $3 per person and $5 for family time for daily enjoyment!

Pool Locations (click below to get turn-by-turn directions):

PRO-TIP: Book a room at a Stockton hotel. Swim in the pool, order room service, and pretend that home and all the responsibilities of everyday life are minutes away!

Splash around at the Weber Point Fountain

One popular spot to beat the heat has been the Weber Point Fountain. The fountain reopened just in time for summer. The fountain will operate daily from May 25 through September 2, 11 am to 6:30 pm. It will run for 20 minutes on the hour and half-hour with breaks in between to allow each group to exit and allow another group to enter the splash zone.

Hit the water with H20 Excursions

If you're up for a little adventure, head out to Village West Marina and find H2O Excursions. They offer several ways you can get out on the water. You can charter a cruise or rent a pontoon boat, kayak, stand-up paddleboards, or even hydrobikes. If you have good balance, try out the paddleboards. Or better yet: Maybe you don't have good balance so that way, you fall in the water a lot and keep cool. After all, cooling off is the point, right?

Read a book at the local library

The Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library is an ideal place to learn, take the children for an afternoon storytime, and enjoy some summer reading programs in a cool and quiet environment. Whether it’s meeting for the book club or just browsing the aisles for a new book, the library is perfect to beat the heat. Even better, the library offers a reading challenge every summer, where you read as many books between June 1-July 31 for a chance to win amazing prizes! Find a Stockton library near you.

Contemplate art & history

The Haggin Museum or a visit to the San Joaquin County Historical Society and Museum alike are enjoyable spaces to relax and cool off in a quiet environment. Contemplate on art collection works by noted 19th-century painters or learn about the fascinating San Joaquin County farming history. In 2017, the Haggin Museum underwent a $2.5 million historic renovation, which restored its fine art galleries to enhance the visitor’s experience. First Saturdays of the Month are especially good for families, featuring free admission from 12 noon to 5 PM.