The Best Road Trip: Enjoy Farms & Markets In & Around Stockton, California

Surrounded by rich, fertile land, Stockton produces high-quality crops shipped across the country; the best, however, stay close to home for the benefit of lucky locals and savvy visitors. From asparagus to cherries to blueberries, numerous agricultural businesses located in and around the city offer a diverse range of delicious fruits and vegetables, along with other fine selections cultivated through years of hard work and skill. Read on for a few favorites that should make your list the next time you take a drive.

For a full list, along with a handy map, check out SanJoaquinFarms.com.

The Fruit Bowl

Found along Waterloo Rd (Hwy 88), The Fruit Bowl is home to some of the freshest, locally-grown produce in the area. If it's large varieties of fruit, nuts, jams, local honey, olive oils, and some Lodi wine you're looking for, Fruit Bowl has you covered. And if that wasn't enough, the bake shop creates delicious pastries, cookies, and muffins, as well as fruit and cream pies. Moreover, you can savor all of the delightful treats you score here while relaxing at one of their outdoor picnic tables.

If you’re looking for a recommendation on pies, The Fruit Bowl pie is our favorite!

In Season Market & Nursery

Just a block away from Oak Park, on Alpine Ave., In Season Market & Nursery was founded by native Stocktonians with a dream of offering a wide range of locally grown, organic, and naturally fresh produce, as well as artisanal foods, along with the best nursery plants. Everything inside In Season is fresh produce and foods that are currently "in season." This local favorite specializes in keeping its shelves stocked with a variety of products, including olive oils, balsamic vinegar, honey, mustard, nuts, almonds, and jams. However, it doesn't end there. This spot also offers locally made soaps and gardening supplies, as well as delicious espresso and specialty coffee, along with rare and unusual plants.

Pro Tip: Enjoy your coffee to-go while taking a stroll through their beautiful garden... and follow them on Instagram, too!

Calivirgin Olive Oil & Calivines Winery

The home of delicious, award-winning olive oil resides 5 minutes north of Stockton in our neighboring city of Lodi. Owned and operated by the Coldani family, Calivirgin offers mouth-watering varieties of oils and vinegar, as well as a variety of wines. Whether it's tasting their oils or sipping a glass of Old Vine Zinfandel, Calivirgin offers a festival for your palate, complete with behind-the-scenes information and education on the olive oil-making process. It is truly a fascinating thing to learn.

Follow them on Instagram for the latest updates on classes and events!

U-Pick Farms & Specialty Shops

A1 AG Farmers' Market

Located in Lathrop, just 15 min south of Stockton, A1 AG Farmers' Market offers a HUGE variety of produce for you to scour through. Delicious, locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables can be found here, including red Russian kale, blue kale, chard, collard greens, tomatoes, various onions, peaches, nectarines, and apricots - the list is almost endless! From June to September, visitors also have u-pick opportunities throughout the property, as peaches, plums, and nectarines are prime for picking.

Stay updated on A1 AG's latest produce by clicking here.

Alpine Blue Farms

Situated right off of Hwy 26 here in Stockton, Alpine Blue Farms specializes in providing a great u-pick experience, especially if you're looking for blueberries. However, that's not all they have. You'll also enjoy a lineup of fantastic fruits and vegetables, including apples, apricots, blackberries, peaches, raspberries, cherries, strawberries, and walnuts. Come prepared to walk through their orchard and nab some tasty treats.

Keep tabs on what they have in stock by clicking here!

Burge Road Farm

If you're looking for some delicious Bing cherries, then you should make a stop at Burge Road Farm. This veteran-owned micro farm prides itself on producing an organic and sustainably grown cherry crop. Using techniques that promote public health and protect the environment while producing exquisite fruit, this Stockton spot is bound to make you fall in love with its product.

Keep in touch with their stock (available mid May thru mid June) by following them here!

Golden Villa Farmers' Market

We don't just throw the term "legendary" around. When we use it, we mean what we say. And in this case, it is warranted. The legendary Golden Villa Farmers' Market (formerly known as the Downtown Stockton Farmers' Market) has been a staple in Stockton dating back to 1979. Considered one of the longest-running farmers' markets in California, it draws nearly 3,000 customers every Saturday morning. Take a walk-through and relish the diversity of unique produce on display. You'll witness the cultures of Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Korea, China, Filipino, and India in one fantastic visit. You need to add this to your trip.

Keep up with what they have for you by clicking here! Also, check out the brand new Golden Villa Farmers' Market #2 over on Michigan Ave.

Edible Schoolyard

Edible Schoolyard is known for its organically grown produce right in the heart of Stockton. You'll also find farm-fresh eggs, honey, and other products that will be fresher than you ever thought possible. Proving that urban farming isn't just a gimmick but an effective way to grow food, you can schedule visits or volunteer. It is gratifying to see the community take the time to come together to share food.

Stay connected with them everyday by following them here!

Lodi Blooms

If life is a bowl full of cherries, then they came from Lodi Blooms. Located right at the midpoint between Stockton and Lodi, this beautiful farm offers several varieties of u-pick cherries. They're only open during the cherry season while supplies last, so be sure to take advantage of this opportunity when you can. They generally open around the second week of May and remain so for three to four weeks. Be sure to bring a camera as well; you'll get some great photo ops with the family while you're here.

Follow Lodi Blooms here for what's new!

Cheese Central

Who doesn't love cheese? Cheese Central, located on School Street in Downtown Lodi, offers over 100 varieties of cheese from around the world. This shop is no joke. The owners are well-educated and can help you find the perfect flavors for every palate. Whether it's on its own or paired with oils, preserves, or wine, Cheese Central will increase your knowledge of cheese while leaving a great taste in your mouth.

Bonus: Cheese Central also offers group classes and demonstrations for those looking to venture down this tasty road.

Lockeford Meats and Sausage

If you're a fan of sausage and other meats, Lockeford Meats and Sausage is a must-visit. Breakfast, smoked teriyaki, British bangers, and just about any other sausage you can think of are available here. Lockeford Meats and Sausage is no ordinary grocery store meat counter; this is the old-school butcher that was once much more common but, for some reason, has become a rarity. That makes it all the more special and explains why there is often a line going around the corner. Bring your patience, appetite, and a vehicle with a large trunk; you'll want to stock up.

Pro-tip: If you can, try to visit them during the week because the line gets only longer on the weekend!

Why not stay the night during your road trip? Stockton is home to numerous fantastic hotels located in key parts of the city that make it easy for visiting these farms as well as shopping sprees and savoring delicious cuisine. Learn more about the outstanding hotels in our city by clicking here!

Looking for more? You can message us 7 days a week for assistance, and check out our pages on shopping, dining, and things to do in Stockton. Find more farms and markets at SanJoaquinFarms.com along with a helpful map to guide your trip. We look forward to seeing you soon.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, & TikTok - and be sure to use #VisitStockton during your visit!