Nestled in California’s Central Valley, Lodi is a sun-drenched city renowned for its wine production. It is particularly noted for its Zinfandel, as well as its commitment to sustainability in the wine industry. Lodi rose to fame in 1969 with the release of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s song “Lodi”.
Things to do in Lodi
You can delve into the past at the San Joaquin County Historical Society and Museum, which is located in Micke Grove Regional Park. It’s home to the largest collection of tools west of the Mississippi River and boasts artefacts belonging to the Yokuts and Miwok tribes, as well as exhibits about the ecology of the Sierra Nevada and San Joaquin Valley.
Travelling with kids? Don’t miss a visit to the World of Wonders, an interactive science museum modelled on the San Francisco Exploratorium. It features more than 70 hands-on exhibits that explore the worlds of energy, electricity, magnetism and optics, as well as light in the Jim Pyers Illumination Lab Exhibits. The Wow Science Store is well-stocked with educational gifts and games.
Before setting out to tour the wineries of the Lodi appellation, pay a visit to the Lodi Wine Visitor Center. It was established in 2000 by a group of local winegrowers on the picturesque grounds of the Wine & Roses Hotel. Wander through the demonstration vineyard, pick up maps of the surrounding vineyards or settle in for a guided tasting of the rotating wine list.
Getting around Lodi
Lodi is around 40 minutes’ drive from Sacramento and an hour from Sacramento International Airport, which has flights to destinations across North America. San Francisco International Airport is 1.5 hours away. Trains connect to Lodi railway station and buses travel throughout the city.