Lodi, California Travel Guide

When considering a visit to California's wine country, Sonoma and Napa might be the first places that pop into your head. Truth is, the Zinfandel Capital of the World is Lodi, a charming town situated in the northern part of Central Valley in San Joaquin. With miles of vineyards and over 100 wineries to choose from, Lodi is the perfect place to wine and dine in California.

Things to Do in Lodi, California

If you love wine, visit the Bokisch Winery, which specializes in Spanish varietal wines and is set on 2,000 acres of the countryside, as well as the Lucas Winery, an organically farmed winery that specializes in chardonnay and zinfandel. One of Lodi’s most beautiful wine estates is Oak Farm Vineyards, which is based out of a revived colonial home that sits on 70 lush acres of grape vines, lawns and gardens. Teleport to Portugal at St. Jorge Winery, which offers Portuguese red and white wines and traditional Spanish paella dinners.

For some Central Valley history, top attractions include the San Joaquin County Historical Society and Museum, the Hill House Museum for a little Central Valley History, and the Queen Anne Victorian House.

For the nature lover, visit the Isenberg Crane Reserve to watch birds flock and fly, and visit the Micke Grove Zoo.

For family activities, visit the World of Wonders Science Museum, where kids can learn about science while having fun, and visit the Fun Town Amusement Park for some thrills.

Best Places to Stay in Lodi, California

The best place to stay is Lake Park, which is close to a variety of wineries and the Lodi Wine & Visitor Center. The lake serves as a charming backdrop for a relaxing vacation.

Best Time to Visit Lodi, California

The best time to visit Lodi is August through October, when wine harvest season is in full swing.

Food in Lodi, California

One of the most appraised restaurants in Lodi is the Town House Restaurant at Wine & Roses, a hotel eatery that offers live jazz, and relies on locally sourced ingredients, as well as a variety of wine to perfectly pair with your meal. Another favorite is Pietro’s Trattoria, a farm-to-fork eatery that offers a family-style Italian menu. And for the beer lover, Lodi Beer Company is an old-fashioned tavern that offers a range of house beers and delicious comfort food.

Best Events in Lodi, California

In September, join San Joaquin locals in celebrating the annual grape harvest at the Lodi Grape Festival, an annual fair and carnival that offers great entertainment, food, art exhibits and, of course, wine tasting. If you’re visiting in the spring, stop by the Wine & Food Festival, which showcases the area’s 50+ award-winning wineries. If you’re a beer lover visiting in April, be sure to stop by Beer Fest, a celebration of craft beer from national and local breweries, which is held in junction with the State BBQ Competition, where more than 30 BBQ teams compete for a variety of prizes.