1. The Sunsets Are Truly Awe-Inspiring
If you can imagine a pink and orange sky, the silhouettes of black trees and the shimmering reflection of the sorbet sky in the pristine waters of the delta, than sure, don’t visit. But we’re gonna bet that it’s better in person.
2. Ports Games Are Way Better Than Watching Those Major-League Guys
Let’s face it—the A’s and the Giants may be major league, but it’s a major hassle to get out to the Bay when you have a great team in your own backyard in Stockton. The Ports have a beautiful stadium and since it’s minor league, you know the night is going to be all about the fans!
3. And Stockton’s Hockey Team Brings Plenty Of Thunder
The San Jose Sharks aren’t the only hockey franchise in NorCal—Stockton’s very own ECHL team and affiliate of the Islanders, the Thunder—regularly drops the gloves on the ice, providing a good show and sound walloping of their unfortunate opponents. Plus, their fans are the most hardcore out of any minor league team.
4. Basking Boatside Is The Key To Good Living
The City by the Delta has a huge port, and if you have a boat, you’re going to be popular. Most everyone in Stockton wouldn’t mind spending a relaxing day out on the water.
5. Stockton Is Basically Date Night Central
Stockton has an array of upscale options to show your Sig O how much you care. Whether you’re trying to show off with your excellent gastronomic know-how (think Market Tavern or Centrale Kitchen and Bar) or just revisiting your personal favorite, Stockton has you covered for date night.
6. This Is What Farm Fresh Really Tastes Like
Stockton lies at the northern end of California’s Central Valley—where a lot of the country’s food comes from. Between all the festivals in the surrounding cities (there's Lodi's Grape Festival right next door, and a little ways down you have the Gilroy Garlic Festival and Castroville Artichokes on parade), Stockton’s dinner plates are 100 percent USDA-certified fresh and delicious.
7. Hansel And Gretel Would Be Envious Of Pixie Woods
Pixie Woods is a huge park that looks like Narnia in the springtime. It could be mistaken for a botanical garden if it weren’t for the candy house at the front, the kid-sized castle, merry-go-round and fountain park (very popular in the summer).
8. Your Biggest Problem Is Choosing From All The Fantastic Taquerias
This is a challenge many Stocktonians know: When you’re craving something with tortillas, frijoles and sweet, sweet arroz, the question becomes where to go? It’s a pretty big one. But come on, it’s a pretty awesome problem to have. Some quick suggestions so you can quit that craving sooner: Xochimilco, Tepa Taqueria and El Forastero.
9. The Best Place To Relax Is On The Waterfront
The grand Hotel Stockton overlooks the pristine and gorgeous view. The spot is so nice the city council used to have their meetings here.
10. A World-Class Education: Priceless
The University of the Pacific has had many illustrious graduates, and the campus itself is gorgeous (one of the historic rooms in Morris Chapel was used in “Raiders of the Lost Ark”) and the programs are seriously competitive (especially if you want to be doing root canals for a while). Go Tigers!
11. The Haggin Museum Is Spectacular
Sunset, taste-making magazine for the entire Pacific coast, called The Haggin Museum “one of the undersung gems of California.” Where else can you see beautiful art and discover interesting history in the same place? The Yosemite panorama, which was once loaned to the White House, is reason enough to visit.
12. You Really Can Inherit The Wind
Sailing is another big hit in Stockton because of the boating culture and the strong winds in the area. Take advantage of these powerful gusts and take a race down the beautiful Delta! Even if you’re not into the sailing game, these cool breezes definitely help with the heat factor.
13. That The Miracle Mile Is Really Well-Named
Now nearly a century old, Stockton’s Miracle Mile has made a big comeback thanks to the Miracle Mile Improvement District and the general support of the fantastic citizens of Stockton. The area now hosts huge events regularly and most of the shops are locally-owned. Basically, it’s Stockton’s resurgence on display.
14. Dropping Everything For A Vacation Is Easy
Whether you want to take a scenic drive through the Sierra foothills to the Bay Area, or hit up the snow towards Tahoe or Yosemite, Stockton has no shortage of fantastic vacations. Go on ALL of the road trips!
15. Stockton Is Powering The Future Of Automobiles
Keep your fingers crossed, because Stockton may soon be the center for Tesla’s battery factory—and that’s a big responsibility for the company whose flagship automobile is both luxury and electric.
16. There’s A Big Market For Markets
There is no shortage of farmer’s markets in Stockton, most likely because the farmers practically fall into the city after getting out of bed. The farm-to-table movement is easier here than anywhere else in the country, so get on it!
17. Stockton Beer Week Is Seven Days Of Awesome
When Stockton Beer Week rolls around and at the end of August, you’ll want to invest in some good walking shoes, because venues all over town (including local restaurants and shops) will be participating in the hoppiest seven days of the summer!
18. The Bob Hope Theater Is Next-Level Entertainment
The Bob Hope Theater brings entertainers and performances as good, if not better, than it’s famously talented namesake. Seating over 2,000, you’ll still want to run for tickets whenever the next big touring musical comes through, or a big headliner decides to grace the fair city.
19. Everything In Stockton Is Hot, Hot, Hot Pretty Much All The Time
Break out the sunblock, don’t forget your hat and invest in some nice polarized sunglasses because every day in Stockton is the kind of summer most other places just dream about.
20. The Best Family Vineyard Around Is Right Here
Stockton imports much of its fine wine from its backyard (you know that movie Bottle Shock? That happened only a few hours away). Nearby Lodi also has a wine map that you can just follow! It’s pretty tough to not stumble into a cask of fermented grapes up here.
21. The Pancakes At Chuck’s Are Bigger Than Your Face
Chuck’s Hamburgers doesn’t advertise how great their food is, so I’m going to do their work for them. Chuck’s takes hash browns, steak, pancakes and triple-sizes them, and your coffee comes in it’s own quirky mug. This family-run business is a true Stockton staple.
22. Stockton Is Full Of “Happy”
Source: Youtube channel Visit Stockton
If you need any more evidence that people love living in Stockton, just look at the smiles it puts on their faces!
What’s something you learned living in Stockton? Tell us in the comments below!
