Get a feel for Stockton's natural beauty as it perfectly interplays with its commercial offerings at the Downtown Stockton Marina and Joan Darrah Promenade. You'll be immediately struck by the scenic waterfront attraction and all the boats that are docked here. Also, there is some excellent art and various other displays to enjoy at the Joan Darrah Promenade, so make sure you take the time to stop in. Plus, with all of the excellent restaurants and shops near the Marina, you'll want to plan for a day-long visit to take it all in!
Every April, Stockton presents a very tasty celebration with the Stockton Asparagus Festival. The three-day multi-event has been held every year for the past 27 years, and continues to get more popular. Enjoy over 100 arts and crafts vendors as well as plenty of food and product vendors. This is the place where the world-famous Deep Fried Asparagus Eating Championship proudly takes place. This is the largest food festival in the Central Valley, and it also holds the distinction of being the state's largest charitable event.
Even though you're on the West Coast, there's nothing like the natural spectacle of watching a river run. You can enjoy that beauty thanks to the Calaveras River. This river is situated in the Central Valley and flows roughly southwest for 80 miles from its headwaters in northeast Calaveras County into the San Joaquin River just west of the city of Stockton. The calming sound of the river and the perfect spot for an outdoor picnic awaits just a short drive away.
The Stockton Symphony has the distinction of being the third oldest orchestra in the state of California. That impressive history serves as a highly suitable background against which this talented group of musicians create the music that has delighted audiences for years. The Symphony has a busy entertainment schedule year round, and they proudly perform the best of both classical composers as well as the familiar tunes that make up their pops concert series.