Things To Do
Viaggio Estate & Winery
Set along the Mokelumne River, this sprawling estate evokes the Tuscan countryside and invites leisurely exploration across its sprawling grounds. Enjoy a flight, glass, or bottle of one of Viaggio’s award-winning wines on a courtyard patio or pull up an Adirondack chair above the riverbank to watch the river—and day—drift lazily by. With live music on weekends and a welcoming atmosphere that feels worlds away from everyday life, Viaggio is the perfect place to begin your own Lodi adventure.
Downtown Lodi
Lodi's historic downtown centers on School Street, where tasting rooms, restaurants, and independent retailers occupy early-20th-century storefronts. The walkable district invites a relaxed approach: a tasting at Jeremy Wine Company or Scotto's Wine & Cider, browsing at The Rabbit Hole (records and curios) or Stella Mitchell Boutique, an impromptu lunch at The Oxford Kitchen or Papapavlo's. The Lodi Community Art Center and several murals throughout the district offer cultural interludes, while the World of Wonders Science Museum provides an engaging option for families with children. Free parking is abundant; the mood is unhurried.
Oak Farm Vineyards
Founded on a historic 19th-century estate studded with ancient oaks, Oak Farm Vineyards embodies the cultivated ease that defines Lodi at its best. The property's agricultural heritage informs every aspect of the experience—from the estate-grown wines to the thoughtful kitchen, which serves breakfast, brunch, and lunch daily on the shaded patio. Wander the grounds before settling in for a tasting flight; the mature trees and vineyard views create a setting that encourages lingering. For those extending their stay through Sunday, the evening dinner service offers an occasion worth planning around. Reservations are advised, particularly for weekend visits.
Michael David Winery
Five generations of farming inform everything at Michael David Winery, where the Phillips family has cultivated these soils for more than 150 years. Their approach to winemaking matches the land's character: bold, distinctive, and unapologetically Lodi. The Freakshow and Earthquake labels have garnered devoted followings, but tasting at the source offers a fuller picture of their range. The property itself functions as a kind of agricultural village—there's a working farm stand, a café serving breakfast and lunch with ingredients from the property and local 4H programs, a weekend bistro with wood-fired pizzas, and a bakery producing pies from the family matriarch's recipe. The pond and gardens provide ample space to settle after a tasting, turning a brief stop into an afternoon. Open daily.
Delta Farmers Market by the Tower
Along Highway 12, midway between Lodi and the river towns of the Delta, a white water tower rises above the surrounding farmland. The Delta Farmers Market operates beneath it, offering a carefully curated selection of local produce, artisanal goods, and prepared foods. On weekends, the kitchen serves homestyle fare while craft beer and wine tastings accompany live music from afternoon into early evening (March through December). The pies have developed something of a reputation; arrive with intention. The market is open daily, with extended weekend hours.
Isleton
Time moves differently in Isleton. Founded in 1874 along the Sacramento River, this small Delta town reached its zenith during the asparagus boom of the 1920s, when Chinese and Japanese cannery workers established distinct ethnic districts along Main Street. Both districts remain on the National Register of Historic Places, their wooden boardwalks and early-20th-century architecture creating an atmosphere that feels genuinely preserved rather than retrofitted. The town rewards unhurried exploration: the Isleton Museum documents the area's multi-ethnic heritage, Peter's Steak House has served the community for decades, and the surrounding marinas offer access to some of the Delta's finest water recreation. A half-day here feels complete; a full day feels indulgent. About 30 minutes from Lodi via Highway 12.
Mei Wah Beer Room
Isleton's Main Street preserves a rare continuity with its past, and nowhere is this more palpable than at Mei Wah Beer Room. The building has worn many identities since its construction in the late 1870s—Chinese gambling hall, brothel, opium den—before its current incarnation as a craft beer destination. The renovation honors that history rather than erasing it: an antique opium bed serves as seating, vintage photographs line the entryway, and the 24-tap draft tower stands atop a Chinese altar dating to the 1800s. The retro diner counter, incidentally, was built for the 1992 film Basic Instinct. The beer selection rotates through local and regional craft offerings, with kombucha and nitro coffee for non-beer drinkers. "Mei Wah" translates as "beautiful place." It is. Order a sandwich at The McBoodery a few storefronts down and bring it in! Open Thursday through Sunday.
Tower Park Marina
For those seeking a more extensive water experience, Tower Park Marina on the Delta offers kayak and paddleboard rentals alongside 18-foot fishing boats and pontoon boats accommodating up to 10 passengers. The Delta's 1,000 miles of waterways create one of California's distinctive landscapes—a place where the state's interior rivers meet tidal influence, where levee roads connect agricultural islands, and where the pace of travel by boat feels like a different century. October's mild temperatures make this an ideal season for exploration. The marina operates year-round.
Micke Grove Golf Course
Micke Grove Golf Links occupies a setting that could only exist in Lodi: fairways bordered by centuries-old grapevines, with the vineyards of the "Zinfandel Capital of the World" visible from every hole. The course offers a satisfying challenge for experienced players while remaining approachable for casual rounds with friends. A driving range and practice facilities allow for abbreviated visits, and the clubhouse provides a convenient spot for post-round refreshments. Tee times can be booked online.
Lodi Lake
Lodi Lake Park offers the most accessible entry point to the Mokelumne River. The Lodi Boathouse rents kayaks and stand-up paddleboards by the hour or day, with both solo and tandem options available. The 1-mile Nature Trail loop through the adjacent wilderness area provides a contemplative walk through riparian habitat—early morning offers the best light and wildlife viewing. The lake itself is calm enough for beginning paddlers, making this an ideal outing for those new to water sports. The park also features a sandy swim beach, shaded picnic areas, and a playground. Vehicle entry requires a modest fee; the boathouse operates Tuesday through Sunday, 10am-5pm.
Lodi Wine Trolley
For those preferring to leave the driving to others, the Lodi Wine Trolley offers a curated tour of three wineries with lunch included. The vintage-style trolley departs from Scotto's Wine & Cider in downtown Lodi, eliminating navigation and allowing guests to focus entirely on the experience. It's an efficient introduction to Lodi wine country, particularly useful for visitors with limited time or those seeking a structured itinerary.