Things to do downtown before a Stockton Ports game

1. Haggin Museum

Simply called "The Haggin" with a soft "a" by locals, the Haggin Museum is an art and history museum in Victory Park. The museum opened back in 1931, so it's got a bit of history itself. You'll find permanent exhibits showcasing works from 20th century masters of painting and sculpture.

The Haggin also has rotating exhibits throughout the year. One example, on display from June 2 to July 31, is the Victor Vasarely Collection. Vasarely is considered the leader of Op Art (optokinetic art), a mathematically-themed form of abstract art developed in the early 1960s with an aim to stimulate the eye through the radical use of shapes and colors.

1201 N. Pershing Ave. check them out on IG: @hagginmuseum

2. Children's Museum of Stockton

You're already going to be a hero in your kids' eyes taking them to a ball game. Why not achieve legendary status and go to the Children's Museum of Stockton as well? The museum is more than 22,000 square feet of educational fun. In fact, there are more than 40 exhibits that not only keep a child's attention for hours on end, but they'll also want to go back again and again. It's a fantastic way to get them to burn off some of that pent-up energy while doing so in a constructive manner that benefits their young minds as much as it does your sanity.

402 West Weber Ave. Check them out on IG @childrensmuseumofstockton

3. Grab a Bite to Eat

Stockton has a killer food scene, and downtown is right in the heart of it. There are some amazing options here to fuel up before the game. Looking for something spicy? Head over to Blazin Cajun Restaurant where you'll revel in the flavors of the bayou. The options are numerous, but the seafood is what brings people back. Want to experience true Americana? Nash + Tender can bread and fry chicken like no one else, and the mac and cheese is the textbook definition of comfort food. If you're feeling a bit tropical, then head over to Sunshine Hawaiian BBQ for some authentic Hawaiian flavors. Spam musubi is something that needs to be tried by everyone on the mainland so they can see why this delicious creation is such a fixture in Hawaiian kitchens.

Since there are so many more options, you can plan your menu on the Downtown Stockton Alliance restaurant page.

4. Downtown Stockton "Walk with Weber" Walking Tour

As one would imagine of a city incorporated more than 170 years ago, Stockton has a lot of history. The city has grown and changed a lot in that time, but you can see it's historic origins if you look hard enough. The Downtown Stockton Walking Tour guides you through that history and shares the little-known stories about how the city came to be. The tour has 24 separate points of interest, so bring some comfortable walking shoes and be prepared to learn things you hadn't even imagined when it comes to the city's past.

110 N San Joaquin St., 5th Fl. check them out on IG: @downtownstockton

5. Arté del Café/Mexican Heritage Center

The Mexican Heritage Center gives an amazing glimpse into Mexican culture. The Heritage Center showcases the culture through art, music, and dance. Both on display and available for purchase, the works here celebrate the art and the artists who keep the rich heritage alive. Meanwhile, Arté del Café provides a taste of that culture with Mexican-styled mochas, lattes, and other drinks. Better yet, its coffee is for a cause as proceeds from sales go back to the Heritage Center.

111 S. Sutter Street; check them out on IG: @arte.del.cafe and @mexicanheritagecenter

6. Golden Villa Farmers' Market

The Golden Villa Farmers' Market is one of the oldest markets in all of California, once again proving the history that's alive and well here. Held every Saturday from 5:30 to 11 am, you'll find a huge selection of some of the freshest produce you can imagine; oftentimes picked just a few hours before. The only way you could get fresher is if you were literally standing in the field.

The market also has a huge selection of Asian products, making it a go-to destination for restaurant owners and home chefs who love some Asian flair in their cooking.

333 E. Washington St.

Looking for more suggestions? You can message us 7 days a week for assistance on shopping, dining, and things to do in and around Stockton.

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