Stay Healthy With These 6 Activities in San Joaquin County

Craig Kohlruss

The health-and-wellness scene in San Joaquin County has something for nearly everyone. From a wide variety of outdoor recreation opportunities to delicious offerings from area farmers markets to boutique fitness facilities, the region offers numerous ways to maintain a robust lifestyle to enhance body and spirit. Here are six activities in San Joaquin County. 

1. Go for a Hike

The easiest way to both get exercise and enjoy the beauty of San Joaquin County is simply to go outside and start walking. 

Plenty of pathways can be found throughout the county, many of which are flat and family friendly. Options include Oak Grove Regional Park in Stockton (with a nature center and a nearly 2-mile-long trail that winds through – appropriately enough – an oak grove), Caswell Memorial State Park in Ripon as well as nearby Army Corps Park (which has a trail that includes a beautiful bridge stretching across the Stanislaus River). Lodi Lake Nature Trail in Lodi is a 2.5-mile route that runs alongside both the lake and the Mokelumne River. 

2. Shop the Market

Fresh food is as common as fresh air in San Joaquin County, with 920,000 acres of agricultural land that generates $3 billion in produce annually. As a result, there are 80 Certified Producers in the area, and the county hosts eight California Certified Farmers’ Markets. 

The Golden Villa Farmers Market in Stockton is the oldest and largest. It has been in operation for nearly 45 years and attracts approximately 3,000 visitors every Saturday. Seasonal farmers markets also are held in Lathrop, Lodi, Manteca, Mountain House, Tracy and Weberstown Mall in Stockton. 

3. Take a Swing at Golf

With an abundance of sunshine and temperatures that usually remain pleasant throughout the cooler winter months, golf is an ideal outdoor activity in San Joaquin County. That is one of the reasons there are 21 golf courses spread throughout the county, providing options for novice players to skilled veterans. 

All levels of play are accommodated at Swenson Park Golf Course in Stockton, which has both a championship-length 18-hole course and a 9-hole par-3 course. There are seven more golf courses in Stockton, along with other courses in Acampo, Escalon, Farmington, Lodi (the Micke Grove course is surrounded by scenic wine vineyards), Manteca, Ripon, Tracy and Woodbridge. 

4. Wade Into Water Sports

San Joaquin County might not be on the Pacific Coast, but the California Delta is filled with hundreds of miles of waterways that pass through the county. The highlight, of course, is the San Joaquin River, which provides ample opportunities for such high-energy activities as waterskiing and wakeboarding. 

For those who prefer a more relaxing outing, kayak rentals are available at Lodi Lake. This includes the popular Full Moon Paddle, a guided excursion from Lodi Lake down the Mokelumne River that takes place under moonlight. Sunrise and sunset paddle tours also are available. 

5. Stay in Shape Indoors

Sure, there are plenty of reasons to be outside in San Joaquin County. But sometimes, you need the extra motivation that can be found from exercising in a class or formal workout area. 

San Joaquin has residents covered there as well with a wide range of facilities designed to get (and keep) you in shape. These include such national names as Planet Fitness and Orangetheory, as well as local boutique facilities such as Savage Elite Fitness in Lathrop and World Gym in Tracy. And for an adventurous workout, scale the tall walls at Alpine Climbing Adventure Fitness in Ripon. 

6. Join the Community

While there are numerous ways to stay active individually in San Joaquin County, taking part in group events also can be conducive to health and wellness. Some of the options in the county include the Almond Blossom Festival in Ripon (which has been held for more than 60 years), the Sandhill Crane Festival in Lodi, the Pumpkin Maze and other activities at Dell’Osso Family Farm in Lathrop, and the Music in The Park Concert Series in Mountain House.