Stockton Tourist Traps

Many visitors take the March Lane exit and see the string of corporate restaurants and the Radisson, and they think this is Stockton--another bedroom suburban community. Far from it. Stockton is a gritty old industry city steeped in California history. The tractor was invented here, but now most of the food processing plants have moved south. What's happening is the redevelopment of downtown, especially along the waterfront, and the expansion of a variety of ethnic communities in satellite development areas. Some of these areas are some distance from each other while the downtown and uptown areas are all pretty continguous. Wander around if you want to see the real Stockton at its best. While Stockton can be dangerous place (it has a high per capita murder rate and car theft rate), most of the danger is within certain neighborhoods after dark. There are no daylight danger neighborhoods that I know of, unless you are the one asking for trouble.

Unique Suggestions: The Radisson may be the logical choice for some who need access to the businesses in this area, but don't be tempted to stick with Applebees, Outback, and the other brand name restaurants. Be a little adventuresome and examine my tips for the ethnic and other restaurants in town. They aren't that far away, especially if you have a rental car.

Fun Alternatives: Walk east from Radisson to the Venician Bridges shopping center. There are a number of interesting small restaurants there Also, at Pershing and March, in the John's Pizza shopping center, tucked around the corner are very two very good Asian restaurants--a Cambodian and Japanese. But, the best are elsewhere in the city. If you have a rental car, the area south of hwy 4, the crosstown freeway, is the best area to browse for authentic Mexican restaurants. Otherwise, a large number of ethnic restaurants from many nations are scattered throughout the city. For those with more old fashioned American tastes, Stockton has a number of great traditonal steak and potatoes type restaurants too, a tradition that has its basis in the fact that Stockton is also a big trucking and rail town. So, skip the corporate fat and salts, and head for authentic food.