Lodi is a hidden gem located in the heart of the San Joaquin County in central California. With its charming downtown, picturesque vineyards, and unique attractions, it is a perfect destination for a day trip or even a weekend getaway, whether you’re a wine enthusiast, a foodie, or an outdoor adventurer.
History buffs will appreciate the rich history of Lodi, which dates back to the mid-19th century. The city was founded in 1869 and was named after the Italian city of Lodi. The history runs deep in this town and many families were the original families in the area.
» Looking for more wine regions in California to visit? We personally love the Paso Robles area, as well as the classics Sonoma County, Napa Valley, Santa Barbara County, and even Lodi!
Today, Lodi is known for its award-winning wines, which are produced by over 85 wineries in the region. You won’t believe how much of the land is covered in vines – 110,000 acres to be exact! Visitors can explore the vineyards, taste the wines, and learn about the winemaking process at the various wineries in Lodi.
While Lodi is mostly about the wine, it also has nice outdoor activities to engage in, some great breweries, and lovely outdoor spaces. So while you might primarily go there for a wine tasting trip, you can find other things to do there to fill your itinerary.
In this article, we’ll show you all the great things to do in Lodi, from wine tasting to outdoor parks.
Key Takeaways
- Lodi is a charming destination with lots of wine tasting, outdoor activities breweries, and parks.
- The city has a rich history dating back to the mid-19th century.
- Visitors can explore the vineyards, taste the wines, and learn about the winemaking process at the various wineries in Lodi.
A Brief History of Lodi
Lodi has a rich history and heritage that is celebrated and preserved by the Lodi Historical Society. If you are interested in learning more about Lodi’s history, you can visit the San Joaquin County Historical Museum, located inside Micke Grove Regional Park. The museum reveals the fascinating history of the region, from the Yokuts and Miwok through Captain Charles Weber (founder of Stockton and first farmer in the area) and the development of modern agriculture.
Lodi was first called Mokelumne. It was founded in August 1869 when the Central Pacific Railroad chose the site for a station on its new route. The town consisted of a store/post office, hotel, and the station.
In the spring of 1870, people from neighboring towns moved to Mokelumne until, by October, there were 56 houses. In March 21, 1874, Assembly Bill 639 changed the town’s name from Mokelumne to Lodi.
Lodi Wine Region
Lodi is also known for its American Viticultural Area (AVA), which was established in 1986. In 2006, 7 sub-AVAs were defined. They grow more than 125 winegrape varietals in the area.
The Lodi AVA is one of California’s oldest wine regions and is home to more than 85 wineries. The area is known for producing high-quality old-vine Zinfandel, among many other varietals.
The oldest grapevines were planted in 1886 by Joseph Spenker. They are 131-year-old Cinsault vines in Bechthold vineyard (part of Jessie’s Grove Winery).
In the past, Lodi’s grapes went to blending at large wine houses in the region, but these days the local farmers have started keeping a large part of their fruit to make their own wines, which are a much better representation of the terroir and quality of the grapes than they ever were before.
So if you’ve heard of Lodi before but always equated it to unknown commercial wine, now is the time to rethink that notion and start exploring the real Lodi.
Things to Do in Lodi
Lodi Wine and Visitor Center
One of the best places to start your trip in Lodi is the Lodi Wine and Visitor Center, on the property of the Wine & Roses Hotel. Here, you will find information, as well as maps and brochures to help you navigate the area. The friendly staff is always happy to answer any questions and provide recommendations based on your interests.
We stopped in at the Wine & Visitor Center before we went anywhere else and it was a great introduction. You can do a tasting there from 10am until 4pm every day, or enjoy a glass or bottle until 5pm. They carry hundreds of bottles of bottles from producers in the area.
Lodi’s Wine Tasting
As we’ve already mentioned, Lodi is known for its world-class wine, and there are plenty of opportunities to sample some of the best the region has to offer. The best way to do this is to plan a little itinerary for yourself, including the wineries that have the type of wines you prefer.
There are over 80 wineries in Lodi, so you have your work cut out for you here. We were able to make it to 15 wineries over 4 days, but that’s a very big feat.
The standout wineries we visited were Harney Lane for their Old Vine Zinfandel from the historic Lizzy James Vineyard, Jessie’s Grove Winery for their Old Vine Cinsault (and enthralling family history), Intercoastal Vineyards, Acquiesce Winery for their lovely white wines, St. Amant for their characterful red wines, and Lucas Winery (also a fascinating history). But these are just a handful of the amazing wineries you can visit.
See our full guide to the best Lodi wineries to visit for more information.
Historic Downtown Lodi
Another great place to start your exploration of Lodi is with a stroll through its historic downtown. Downtown has a variety of shops, restaurants, and galleries, as well as beautiful historic architecture. You can also take a self-guided tour of the area’s many murals, which showcase the city’s rich history and culture.
You’ll find the Lodi Chamber of Commerce downtown as well, in case you want to stop in for more information. We spent many of our evenings downtown, enjoying the restaurants, breweries, and laid back feel.
During the summer months, there is a downtown farmer’s market from 5pm to 8pm on Thursdays, featuring over 65 growers, producers, art & craft and food vendors.
The Lodi Arch
One of the most iconic landmarks in Lodi is the Lodi Arch. Located in the heart of downtown, the arch is a beautiful example of Mission Revival architecture and serves as a symbol of the city’s history and community spirit.
We enjoyed seeing it at night, in particular, because it’s lit up and makes quite a statement in the otherwise subdued atmosphere. There’s not really anything to do at the arch, but it had to be represented on the list, so you’re sure to stop by and check it out.
Breweries and Distilleries in Lodi
Whenever we go somewhere new, we like to check out the local breweries, most of which have tasting trays you can customize to try the beers that you like most, and some of which also have food options that can make a great casual dinner option.
Lodi is home to several breweries and distilleries, each with its unique flavors and styles. We visited quite a few of them, including the Lodi Beer Company, IDOL Beer Works, High Water Brewing, Five Window Beer Co., Dancing Fox, and Brix and Hops.
Many of these are located downtown (with exception of High Water Brewing), so you can do a beer crawl if you’re so inclined. IDOL Beer Works is next door to a burger place, Five Window serves pizza, and Lodi Beer Company has a full menu.
Downtown Lodi Murals
As mentioned earlier, downtown Lodi is home to many beautiful murals. In celebration of Lodi’s 100th birthday, 100 Walldogs painted 11 murals depicting Lodi’s history, culture, and natural beauty, and are a must-see for any visitor to Lodi, though you will have to look around a bit to find them.
You can take a self-guided tour of the murals or join a guided tour for a more in-depth experience. For a map of the locations to the downtown murals, visit the Downtown Lodi Visitors Center at 25 N. School Street. They are open daily from 10am to 5pm.
Lodi Lake Park
For outdoor enthusiasts, Lodi Lake Park is a must-visit destination. The park features a beautiful lake, hiking trails, picnic areas, and plenty of opportunities for boating and fishing. You can also rent kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards to explore the lake up close.
There is a $5 daily parking fee. In the summer months, you can swim in the designated area at Lodi Lake Beach, which is open May to early September. The cost is $3.
Micke Grove Regional Park
Another great outdoor destination in Lodi is Micke Grove Regional Park. The park features a zoo, a Japanese garden, a historical museum, and plenty of hiking and biking trails. It’s a great place to spend a day with family or friends, or to take a break from wine tasting.
We spent an afternoon walking around the park and exploring it’s different parts, then had a nice picnic under the shade of a huge oak tree. It’s quieter on the weekdays than weekends, but there are plenty of parking spaces and tables. There is a $5 parking fee due at the gate when you arrive.
Micke Grove Japanese Garden
One of the highlights of Micke Grove Regional Park is its beautiful Japanese garden. The garden features a koi pond (with enormous koi swimming around), a tea house, and a variety of plants and trees, all arranged in the traditional Japanese style.
The garden was conceptualized in 1959 by “Duke” Yoshimura, who worked in the park and wanted to create a special area for the city’s Japanese residents. It was designed by Nagao Sakurai, who was a landscape architect at the Imperial Palace in Japan for 20 years before coming to the states to design gardens.
You can stroll through the gardens between 9am to 2pm on weekdays or 9am to 1pm on Friday through Sunday and holidays.
San Joaquin County Historical Museum
If you’re interested in local history, be sure to check out the San Joaquin County Historical Museum. The museum features exhibits on the region’s Native American history, the California Gold Rush, and the area’s agricultural heritage.
The museum is open 10am to 4pm Thursday to Sunday and is closed for all major holidays. It costs $7 for adults, $5 for youth, and is free for children under 5. There is also a $5 parking fee to enter the park.
Top Bike Routes
For cyclists, Lodi offers some of the best bike routes in the region. You can take a leisurely ride through the city’s historic downtown or explore the beautiful countryside on one of the many scenic routes in the area.
Check out this website for the top routes with full information.
Where to Stay in Lodi
Wine & Roses Hotel
Lodi offers a range of hotels to suit any budget, but we highly recommend the Wine & Roses Hotel, Restaurant, and Spa as the best option in town. Not only is it a locally owned Lodi business, it offers a very comfortable luxury stay, and it has every amenity you might want, including a pool, restaurant, spa, easy access to the wine visitor center, the Towne Corner Cafe & Market, beautiful grounds, and a few EV charging spots.
We stayed for 5 very lovely days. We had everything we needed. We got breakfast and coffee at Towne Corner, did some wine tasting at the Lodi Wine & Visitor Center on site, swam in the afternoons, and had a great dinner at Towne House Restaurant. I can’t see staying anywhere else in Lodi.
Where to Eat & Drink in Lodi
Lodi offers a wide variety of dining options to satisfy your cravings, whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner or a casual lunch. Here are a few recommendations on where to eat and drink in Lodi.
Towne House Restaurant
If you’re looking for an upscale dining experience, go to Towne House Restaurant, located in the Wine & Roses Hotel. The restaurant offers a farm-to-table menu featuring fresh and local ingredients. The menu changes seasonally. Don’t forget to pair your meal with a glass of wine from their extensive wine list.
You can sit inside or outside, with a nice garden landscape. They even have a large group table you can reserve under the massive oak tree. During our late summer visit, we had halibut, corn soup, and a lovely heirloom tomato salad. The food was delicious and the service was outstanding.
Towne Corner Cafe & Market
For breakfast every day, we stopped at the Towne Corner Cafe for a breakfast burrito or salmon on toast. We also picked up sandwiches to go to have a winery lunch. In the afternoons, we stopped by for iced coffee after a long day of wine tasting. They have a great selection of sandwiches, salads, breakfast, and pastries.
Fiori’s Butcher Shoppe
We like to spend the day touring around the wineries, and that leaves very little time to get back into town for a restaurant lunch. The absolute best thing we did was pick up sandwiches and other picnic supplies at Fiori’s Butcher Shoppe. The menu is enormous so be prepared to spend some time deciding. We had an amazing Roast Beef sandwich with sweet mustard dressing on their fresh-baked Dutch Crunch bread.
Pietro’s Italian Restaurant
If you’re in the mood for Italian cuisine, head to Pietro’s Italian Restaurant for classic dishes like spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna, or creamy potato gnocchi. This place gets pretty busy, so either make a reservation, or give yourself time to wait to be seated before you get too hungry. I was pretty impressed with the food, as I often find Italian food outside of Italy isn’t great. Pietro’s doesn’t disappoint.
Guantonio’s Wood Fired
Another really popular restaurant that often has a waiting line is Guantonio’s, which serves freshly made woodfire pizzas, salads, and sides. We sat at the woodfire bar table and saw so many Pepperoni pizzas done “Nick’s way” with ricotta and hot honey going out. We also ordered the Skins & Ins fried potato appetizers. Everything was very tasty. They don’t take reservations, so be prepared to wait up to 45 minutes at busy times.
The Oxford
A newish restaurant is The Oxford, which brings London classics to Lodi. You’ll find traditional fish & chips alongside Shephard’s Pie and a pretty impressive Beef Wellington. It’s also one of the best places in town to go for a cocktail. The Gins & Roses is a favorite.
Delicious Boards
Another great option for lunch while doing wine tasting in Lodi is to order a charcuterie board from Delicious Boards. We were able to order one at Klinker Brick Winery to eat alongside our wine tasting. They have to be ordered in advance through the winery. You can also order them directly through Delicious Boards and take them with you. We had the small box for 2 and it was plenty of food for a light lunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some free things to do in Lodi, California?
There are plenty of fun and free activities to explore in Lodi. You can visit the Lodi Lake Park, which offers a beautiful lake, picnic areas, and hiking trails. You can also explore the Downtown Lodi area, which features a variety of shops, restaurants, and art galleries. Additionally, you can visit the Lodi Farmers Market, which is open on Thursdays and features a variety of fresh produce, artisanal products, and live music.
What are some kid-friendly activities in Lodi, CA?
Lodi offers a variety of fun activities for kids. You can visit the World of Wonders Science Museum, which features interactive exhibits and hands-on activities for children of all ages. You can also explore the Micke Grove Zoo, which features a variety of animals, including tigers, monkeys, and birds. Additionally, you can visit the Lodi Splash Park, which offers a fun way for kids to cool off during the summer months.
What are some fun facts about Lodi, California?
Lodi is known as the “Zinfandel Capital of the World” due to its production of high-quality Zinfandel wine. The city is also home to the famous Lodi Arch, which was built in 1907 and serves as the entrance to the Downtown Lodi area. Additionally, Lodi is home to the San Joaquin County Historical Museum, which features exhibits on the history of the area.
What is Lodi, California famous for?
Lodi is most famous for its production of high-quality Zinfandel wine. The city is also known for its beautiful parks, charming downtown area, and rich history. Lodi has been featured in several movies and TV shows, including “American Graffiti” and “Big Love”.
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Laura is a travel fanatic who loves seeing and doing new things. She lives in Ventura, CA, and spends a lot of time exploring California’s cities, beaches, and national parks.