5 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Stockton, California
Uncover these unique things about Stockton, California.
1. Larger than Life Statues at the Cambodian Temple
Be prepared to be amazed by the largest display of its kind in California! As seen on Huell Howser’s "Road Trip" in 2007, the Stockton, California Cambodian Buddhist Temple features over 90 brightly colored statues of the Cambodian Buddha. Larger-than-life, jewel-encrusted statues populate the temple grounds of Wat Dhammararam and tell the story of Buddha, as well as some goddesses. Visitors are welcome daily between sunrise to sunset. Entrance to the Temple is always free of charge, although each statue has a donation box next to it.
Want to get enlightened? Visit the Stockton Cambodian Temple New Year Celebrations—held in April—where an array of food, displays, and ceremonies celebrate the Cambodian New Year. The next time you plan to visit the Temple, print this guide to better understand the story behind the colorful display.
2. Stockton, California in the Movies!
Positioned just off the Miracle Mile, Stockton is home to the University of the Pacific, one of the top universities in the country, and the first chartered institution of higher learning in California. Settled on the campus is the Conservatory of Music, which is the first of its kind in the United States west of the Mississippi. Though the university has quite a reputation, you probably didn’t know the Conservatory on the Pacific campus was used as Marshall College in Indiana Jones’s franchise movie series of "Raider of the Lost Ark" and "The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull." The building offered the ideal backdrop for historical fiction films in the 1980s and then in the early 2000s.
In addition to movies, the Conservatory of Music is home to intimate performances by Pacific Opera Theatre and is best known for hosting concert bands, choirs, and music ensembles. Experience this venue first-hand by attending an upcoming event!
3. One of the Oldest and Most Successful Markets in California!
Named as one of California’s most oldest and successful farmers’ markets today can be under Highway 4 in downtown Stockton. Opened in 1979, and continues to draw thousands from across the region. This intriguing farmers’ market offers so much more than locally grown produce. The Golden Villa Farmers' Market is a year-round affair, open only on Saturday from 5:30 am to 11:00 am—or when the produce runs out—featuring the best exotic herbs and spices from Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Korea, and China. In addition to obscure ingredients, the market offers a diverse selection of seafood, tasty sweets, and a few food trucks in tow.
The amazing assortment of items landed this farmers’ market on Saveur Magazine’s Top 100 in 2007!
4. The Only Dillard’s in Northern California!
It’s good to know where the nearest Dillard’s Department Store is located. In 1998, Dillard’s opened its first California store at Weberstown Mall in Stockton—there are three in the state! The department store offers a broad selection of fashion, cosmetics, and home selections, including products sourced and marketed under Dillard’s private brand.
5. Largest Inland Port in the State!
From its early humble years in the 1930s to the maritime highway it is today, Stockton is home to the largest inland deepwater Port in California by acreage. When the Port was inaugurated in 1933, it was the first inland seaport in the State, and it is now named the second busiest inland Port after Portland in the West. The Port also operates with upwards of 50 different countries across the globe. Situated along the great California Delta, the deepwater’s winding channels make it popular among boaters and provide a rich habitat for breeding migratory birds. More recently in 2014, the seaport set a record for increased shipping activity of more than 25%.
Watch the Port of Stockton’s Ship Cam for live streaming coverage of what is getting loaded and unloaded from cargo ships.
Header photo courtesy of David H. Collier.
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