SUP 'n' Sip

SUP in Lodi and Wine Tasting

Crowned Wine Enthusiast’s 2015 Wine Region of the Year? Lodi is hot on the vine trail. But wine isn’t the only thing flowing here: The Mokelumne River is a nature-lover’s oasis that pairs perfectly with some beginner-friendly stand-up paddling (still waters enable easy SUP gliding). Rent from Headwaters Kayak Shop—their newly upgraded fleet will keep you happy on your feet, and they’ll set you up with details and directions. You’ll launch from Lodi Lake Boathouse and paddle left out of Lodi Lake before merging sharply right onto the river’s slinking waterway. Thick reeds and lily pads fill this winding riparian marsh with solitude.

Afterwards, it’s time to get a different fill. Lodi’s 85 wineries are concentrated within a walkable downtown radius. Indulge in delectable wood-fired pizza and almond sparkling wine at The Dancing Fox (free wine bar tasting with lunch!), or venture 15 minutes outside of town to hidden gem Heritage Oak. This family-owned property has a shaded patio, wooden picnic tables beneath a towering fig tree, and a 15-minute trail through vineyards and woodland to the property’s private beach—and rope swing!—along the Mokelumne River. Bring your own picnic, or reserve a basket; for $20 Heritage rents backpacks packed with a light meal for two (including a table cloth and cheese cutting board). Bottom’s SUP!

Headwaters Kayak Shop is located within Lodi Lake Park at 1101 W. Turner Rd. in Lodi. $5 city parking fee for non-residents. Dogs allowed in park, but not on Lodi Lake Nature Trail. Kayaks, canoes, and SUPs available for rent on an hourly, half-day, and full-day basis. Lodi winery map and further information regarding tasting room hours found here. Before hiking at Heritage Oak, sign in at the tasting room. Dog-friendly!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Afternoon on the Island

    What is it about tiny islands in the middle of lakes? There’s something that just draws you in. It’s even more fun when getting there is half the adventure because you have to reach it by canoe, kayak, paddleboat, or a ranger-guided boat tour!

    View
  2. Golden Gate's Blue Heron

    Golden Gate Park’s Blue Heron Lake is home to birds of many feathers, turtles lounging on rocks, visitors from afar, and locals who love this urban oasis in San Francisco. Try the "Boats and Breakfast" rowboat or pedal boat deal.

    View
  3. Rio Del Mar-velous

    Rio Del Mar State Beach in Aptos might be one of the best places for a treasure hunt. Its location between two other beaches makes for a good stroll featuring a spectacle of wildlife as you search the sand for sea glass and seashells.

    View
  4. Hiker taking a photo of sunset at Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve

    Sunshine and Skyline

    Head to Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve for a 4-mile out-and-back hike on the Bay Area Ridge Trail that offers a front-row seat to spectacular sunsets.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

    View
  2. Walking the Los Angeles River Trail Through Frogtown

    Frogtown Strutter’s Stroll

    Don’t go dismissing the Los Angeles River as merely a 51-mile concrete channel. It’s a genuine urban artery that links real neighborhoods, and its riverside bike/ped paths endear i

    View
  3. Griffith's Golden

    With over 4,200 acres and hundreds of trails, Griffith Park is the gold standard. Opt for the lesser-hiked northwestern end of the park and visit the 2.25-mile Skyline and Oak Canyon loop from Travel Town.

    View
  4. Sponsored

    Fall for It All in Reno Tahoe

    The best kind of getaway? Less time on logistics, more time on memory-making. Jackpot! You’ve got Reno Tahoe.

    View