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

June 16, 2025

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 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!

Check out our blog on some great ice cream spots to help keep you cool during a heat wave—or whenever you feel like it!

Take a Dip

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 out of sight!

Splash Around

One popular spot to beat the heat has been the Weber Point Fountain. The fountain reopened just in time for summer. The fountain typically operates 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.

Note: According to the City of Stockton, construction on the fountain is estimated to be completed on June 24, 2025 and open to the public from that date forward.

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. The Haggin's fine art galleries—which include the works of J.C. Leyendecker—enhance the visitor’s experience as they stroll through its cool halls. Also, first Saturdays of the Month are especially good for families due to admission being free from 12 noon to 5 PM.

Hang out on the Delta

Whether its dining at one of the food spots or lounging on a boat, being near or in the Delta is always a great option in Stockton. Spots like Garlic Brothers and Bob's at the Marina provide beautiful patio views while you enjoy their delicious cuisine. Plus, if you or some you know has a boat, you can take it out on the water. Work on your tan and maybe take a dip to cool off—safely and responsibly, of course!

If enjoying the delta with something sweet is what you're after, Sunset Sweets has a yummy lineup of milkshakes, sundaes, banana splits, floats, shaved ice, smoothies, and more for you to add to your visit.

While you're on the Delta...

... Why not learn to sail and row?! Study the different crafts of roaming the waters here with the Stockton Sailing Club's sailing class and the Stockton Rowing Club's Learn-to-Row course. You'll gain the knowledge of mastering the waves through boat or canoe AND have a fun time doing it. Plus, that view... I mean, c'mon!