Lodi (California)

Lodi is a city in San Joaquin County in California's San Joaquin Valley. == Understand == Lodi is a city in California's Central Valley, about 35 miles south of Sacramento and 85 miles northeast of San Francisco. It is best known as one of California's premier wine regions — home to 85+ wineries producing over 135 grape varietals, including some of the world's oldest-producing Zinfandel vines. Lodi offers an approachable, no-reservations wine country experience at significantly lower prices than Napa or Sonoma. Beyond wine, the destination features a walkable historic downtown, outdoor recreation along the Mokelumne River and Lodi Lake, farm-to-table dining, and year-round community events. Wine Enthusiast named Lodi its Wine Region of the Year in 2015. The region is home to LODI RULES, California's first third-party certified sustainable winegrowing program, established in 2005. The official tourism website is Visit Lodi. == Get in == === By train === Four daily Amtrak trains calls at Lodi, via the Gold Runner service between Sacramento and Bakersfield. 1 Lodi station is next to the Transit Center at 24 S Sacramento St. === By bus === Greyhound also has a station at the Lodi Transportation Station. == Get around == A car is the preferred way to get around Lodi and the surrounding wine country. Most wineries are located within a 10–20 minute drive of downtown, and a vehicle gives you the flexibility to explore the seven sub-appellations at your own pace. Rideshare services (Uber and Lyft) are available in Lodi and are a practical option if you plan to taste at multiple wineries. By bicycle — Lodi's flat terrain and vineyard roads make cycling a popular way to move between tasting rooms. Several self-guided routes connect wineries within the Mokelumne River AVA, the most accessible sub-appellation for visitors. Bikes can be rented locally. By trolley — The Lodi Wine Trolley runs weekend guided tours to multiple wineries aboard a cable car-style vehicle. A convenient option for groups who want a driver and a guide included. On foot — Downtown Lodi is highly walkable. Pine Street and School Street have several tasting rooms, restaurants, and shops within easy walking distance of each other and of most downtown hotels. By bus — The Lodi Grapeline is the city's public transit system with 5 fixed routes serving most parts of the city. Useful for getting around town but not practical for reaching most wineries. == See == 1 Lodi Mission Arch (Sacramento and Pine Streets). The iconic 1907 arch is the symbolic gateway to Historic Downtown Lodi and a popular photo stop. (updated May 2026) 2 San Joaquin County Historical Museum, 11793 Micke Grove Road (99 exit Armstrong Road), ☏ +1 2093312055, info@sanjoaquinhistory.org. Thursday - Sunday 10am - 4pm. Located at Micke Grove Regional Park. Exhibits cover the region's agricultural heritage, pioneer history, and wine industry roots. (updated May 2026) 3 Lodi Lake Park. A 150-acre park on the Mokelumne River with a nature trail, kayak rentals, swimming area, and picnic facilities. Open year-round. (updated May 2026) 4 Woodbridge Ecological Reserve, 7730 W Woodbridge Rd (West to Davis Road, turn right, turn left at Woodbridge, end of road), ☏ + 1 209 234-3435. Prime viewing spot for the annual sandhill crane migration (September through March), when tens of thousands of cranes roost in Lodi's wetlands. Managed by The Nature Conservancy. (updated May 2026) 5 Cosumnes River Preserve, 13501 Franklin Blvd. Galt (Off Interstate 5 between Lodi and Elk Grove), ☏ +1 9166842816, Info@cosumnes.org. Boardwalk and lower parking lot, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM; upper parking lot, 9:00 AM–6:30 PM. A 50,000-acre preserve just north of Lodi offering birding, guided hikes, and wildlife viewing, especially during the crane migration season. No pets. (updated May 2026) 6 Lodi Wine Visitor Center, 2545 W Turner Rd (I-5 or 99 exit Turner), ☏ +12093650621. Daily 10 AM-5 PM. Operated by the Lodi Winegrape Commission. Guided tastings, retail wine selection, and an onsite demonstration vineyard. A good first stop for orienting yourself to the region. (updated May 2026) == Do == Wine tasting — With 85+ wineries, most welcoming walk-ins without reservations, Lodi is ideal for spontaneous wine country exploration. Notable stops include Bokisch Vineyards (Spanish varietals, hilltop views), Acquiesce Winery (Rhône-style whites), Klinker Brick Winery (old-vine Zinfandel), Harney Lane Winery (estate Zinfandel), and Oak Farm Vineyards (dog-friendly, riverside setting). Vineyard cycling — Self-guided cycling routes wind through the vineyards between tasting rooms. The Farmer's Breakfast Ride combines cycling with winery and farm stops. Lodi Wine Trolley — Weekend guided winery tours aboard a cable car-style trolley. No driving required. Lodi Grape Festival (September) — One of California's oldest agricultural fairs, held at the Lodi Grape Festival Grounds. Carnival rides, live entertainment, wine competitions, and the Grape Bowl Parade. Lodi Street Faire (first Sunday of May and October) — Free community event filling 14 blocks of downtown with 500+ vendors, food, live music, and kids' activities. Sandhill Crane Festival (November) — Annual festival celebrating the sandhill crane migration with guided wildlife tours and birding walks at the Woodbridge Ecological Reserve. Wine & Chocolate Weekend (February) — A Valentine's season tradition pairing Lodi wines with artisan chocolates at participating tasting rooms across the region. Hosted by the Lodi Winegrape Commission. == Eat == Pietro's Trattoria — A Lodi institution for over 40 years. Homestyle Italian in a warm, family-friendly setting in downtown Lodi. Known for pasta, pizza, and generous portions. The Café at Michael David Winery — Popular brunch and lunch spot on the winery grounds. Farm-inspired menu with seasonal ingredients from the winery's gardens. Cheese Central — Downtown artisan cheese shop with a wide selection of domestic and international cheeses, wine pairings, provisions, and tasting events. Market Tavern — Farm-to-table comfort food with seasonal ingredients in a relaxed downtown setting. Appellation Lodi — Wine & Roses — Two restaurants on the boutique resort property, helmed by Michelin-starred chef Charlie Palmer. Upscale farm-to-table dining, one of the region's premier dining experiences. == Drink == Lodi's wine scene is the main draw, with most tasting rooms concentrated within a short drive of downtown. Many are walkable from each other along Pine Street and School Street in the downtown core. Most tasting rooms welcome walk-ins with no reservation required — see the Do section for recommended wineries. Five Window Beer Co. — Craft brewery in downtown Lodi with a rotating tap list and casual outdoor seating. Idol Wine Bar — Downtown wine bar with an extensive by-the-glass list focused on Lodi producers. Lodi Wine Trolley — Weekend guided tours to multiple wineries with a knowledgeable host and no driving required. == Sleep == Appellation Lodi — Wine & Roses Resort and Spa, 2505 W Turner Rd, ☏ +1 209 334-6988. Boutique resort on 7 acres with gardens, full-service spa, and two restaurants by Charlie Palmer. Lodi's premier lodging option. Poppy Sister Inn, Downtown Lodi. A beautifully restored 1907 Victorian bed and breakfast with four rooms, wraparound porch, home-cooked breakfast, and social hour. Walking distance to downtown restaurants and tasting rooms. Bella Vino Bed and Breakfast. Wine-themed rooms in a historic Lodi neighborhood. Four rooms named for different wine varietals. Standard chain hotels (Fairfield Inn & Suites, Holiday Inn Express, Candlewood Suites) are available along Cherokee Lane and near Highway 99. == Go next == Sacramento — 35 miles north on Route 99, about 35–45 minutes. California's state capital offers the California State Railroad Museum, Sutter's Fort State Historic Park, the vibrant Midtown dining and arts district, and easy access to the Sacramento River Delta. Stockton — 10 miles south on Route 99. Home to the [University of the Pacific and Delta waterways popular for boating and fishing. Amador County — About 45 minutes east into the Sierra Foothills. Another acclaimed wine region known for Zinfandel and Gold Rush history, including the town of Sutter Creek. San Francisco — About 90 minutes west via Interstate 205 and Interstate 580. A natural pairing for a longer Northern California itinerary. Lake Tahoe — About 2 hours east via US 50. Popular four-season mountain destination.