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

Stockton, California is surrounded by rich, fertile land that produces quality crops shipped across the country, and the best stays close to home for lucky locals and smart visitors. From asparagus to cherries to blueberries, there are a number of agricultural businesses located in and around the city that offer delicious fruits and vegetables, along with other fine selections, that are born from years of 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, muffins, along with fruit and cream pies. Moreover, you can savor all of the delicious 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 local organic and naturally-grown fresh produce and artisan foods along with the best nursery plants. Everything inside In Season is literally that: fresh produce and foods that are currently "in season." This local favorite specializes in keeping their shelves stocked with olive oils, balsamic vinegar, honey, mustard, nuts, almonds, and jams. However, it doesn't end there. This spot also serves up locally made soaps and gardening supplies, delicious espresso and specialty coffee, as well as rare and unusual plants.

Pro Tip: Enjoy your coffee to-go while taking a stroll through their beautiful garden.

Calivirgin Olive Oil

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 provides a festival for your palate with behind the scenes information and education on the olive oil making process. It is truly a fascinating thing to learn.

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 & vegetables can be found here, like red Russian kale, blue kale, chard, collard greens, tomatoes, varieties of 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 the picking.

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

Lodi Blooms

If life really 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 and while supplies last, so be sure to hop right on 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.

Corn Poppy Produce and Edible Schoolyard

This is a twofer as Corn Poppy Produce and Edible Schoolyard are located across the street from each other. Each are known for their 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 to see or to volunteer at each. It is truly rewarding to see the community come together to produce food for each other.

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 can be found here. This is no grocery store meat counter, this is the old-school butcher that used to be much more common and 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 and your appetite and a vehicle with a large trunk, you'll want to stock up.

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.

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.

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