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

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Can’t take the summer heat? From city pools to ice skating and ice cream parlors, beat the heat by visiting one of these Stockton, California destinations to keep cool this summer.

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 is 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.

Stay cool in the Stockton heat with a few of these fun ideas:

Indulge in Frozen Treat

The Port City is stocked full of intriguing and tasty ice cream parlors to keep you cool during the sweltering heat. Whether it's vanilla bean and asparagus ice cream, or tequila (don't worry, there's no alcohol!), cool off from the inside out at one of these seven 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!

Splash around 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 you are out of options, you'll have to settle for the nearest public pool. Kids will frolic during the peak of the heat five public pools throughout Stockton. The City of Stockton's Community Service Department contracts with the local nonprofit organization, YMCA of San Joaquin County. The public pools operate Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day Weekend and admission varies between $2-$3 per person 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!

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 features 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.

Go Ice Skating

What better place than an ice rink to escape the heat. No matter what level of skater you are, Oak Park Ice Arena caters to everyone who walks in its doors. The ice arena opened its doors in 1970 and is one of Stockton's fun attractions during the summer months. It aims to offer something for everyone with public skating, drop in hockey, and learn to skate classes for all ages and skill levels. You may even spot a competitive figure skater polishing their toe loop jumps or a team member of the Stockton Heat! Take a look at public skate sessions scheduled here.

Contemplate on 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.

Find yourself in need of even more ideas? You can message us 7 days a week for assistance on shopping, dining, and things to do in Stockton.