Seaport - Stockton, CA

The extensive network of waterways in and around Stockton has long been a draw to the area. Before Europeans came to the Americas, the Miwok tribe fished and navigated these rivers for centuries. Centuries later, the river was also huge for gold miners during the California Gold Rush. Starting in the mid-19th century, Stockton became the region's transportation hub, dealing mainly with agricultural products.

Next to the port, Rough and Ready Island served as a World War II–era naval supply base. The Naval Reserve Center operated until September 1996. The island's facilities served as a major communications outpost for submarine activities in the Pacific during the Cold War.

The area has since transformed into a modern commercial city. The Children's Museum of Stockton host summer camps and teaches kids about history. The Haggin Museum houses exhibits on local history as well as notable 20th-century artists.

Most of the neighborhood's best restaurants collect around Weber Point, the waterfront area where the San Joaquin River meets its end. Of those, Xochimilco Cafe stands out from the rest. Head there for authentic Mexican cooking, starting with the homemade salsa and tortilla chips. While common among such eateries, its chicken burritos are incredible. The vibe remains festive and lively, creating an enjoyable experience.

Head south on El Dorado Street to reach the El Dorado Market. This little market sells Mexican food in the grocery store format, but it also has a small kitchen where it cooks up fantastic dishes. The tamales in particular demand to be tried. The homemade tortillas bring out the best in anything you order, whether you choose the tamales, enchiladas or burritos.

Back along the waterfront, Misaki Sushi & Bar creates a great spot both for its sushi as well as its wide drink selection and fun atmosphere. When hunger hits you, order the rock 'n roll and the mama roll.

For a more lively night out, head to Chitiva's Salsa & Sports Bar. Whether they go there to salsa dance or watch the game, locals always have fun at Chitiva's. The outdoor patio also creates a great place to cool down and get some fresh air after hours on the dance floor.

Seaport maintains a predominantly car-dependent culture. However, a couple public transportation options exist. Amtrack services the Stockton San Joaquin Street Station at the north end of the neighborhood, providing transportation throughout California, and RTD buses stop at many places throughout the neighborhood. These buses only operate within San Joaquin County.

Few of the neighborhood's roads have bike lanes, but a few of them remain friendly to cyclists. In the commercial areas, especially around the waterfront, walking presents itself as a decent option. However, much of the neighborhood remains residential, so walking and biking aren't usually the most convenient options for travel.

Uber cars also operate in the area. The company's Sacramento branch stretches as far south as French Camp, just south of Stockton, so don't rely on it to go any further south. However, it remains a great option within the city or up north toward Sacramento. For the same rates as regular metered cabs, Uber sends a driver to your exact location after a few taps on your smartphone.

Still, driving remains king. Three major roadways run through the neighborhood: I-5, Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and the Lofthus Freeway. Just east of the neighborhood, the Golden State Highway presents yet another option for drivers to get in and out of the neighborhood quickly. Within the neighborhood, most homes have driveways, so street parking doesn't really become an issue. Locals find that street parking required remains free in the residential areas, but commercial areas, such as the waterfront, maintain metered parking spaces.

A few parks on the south end of the neighborhood, including Taft Park, Mattie Harrell Park and McKinley Park, provide nice open green spaces with well-maintained fields for kids to run around in, to have a picnic or to organize a fun pickup game of touch football or soccer. The north end has even nicer parks with a lot of trees for shade. Columbus Park, Gleason Park and Liberty Square are all common places to find people hanging out in on the weekends with a blanket and a book.

Just north of Seaport, Family Day in the Park takes place each September, bringing the whole community together for festivities, fun and games for the whole family. Between the live music, face painting and clowns, everyone has a good time.

The affordable cost of living remains one of Seaport's biggest selling points. For around $622 per month, you can rent a one-bedroom apartment in the neighborhood, which is 34 percent lower than the Stockton average of $946 per month.

However, Seaport locals pay a little more than the national average at the pump. Local gas prices tend to come in about 16 percent higher than those across the country. When riding the RTD buses, the regular adult fare for a one-way ride costs $1.50. Frequent riders can get a month pass for $65, which helps save a little per ride. Cheaper rates for students and seniors exist.

When heading out to a local restaurant, expect to pay about $10 for a meal and another $4 for a beer.

Unique shopping opportunities within Seaport start at the Stockton Flea Market. This indoor/outdoor market remains a local landmark and a celebrated part of the community. Locals trade in traditional flea market items such as cellphones, accessories, shoes, clothes, house wares, auto accessories and custom-made jewelry. The farmers market section also provides locals with a bunch of fresh produce.

Valhalla Hobbies & Games welcomes one and all to its open gaming nights. For traditional board games, role-playing games, Eurogames or miniatures, Valhalla provides a vast inventory and plenty of table space for gamers to set up and play.

Major commercial shopping takes place in the Lincoln Village neighborhood north of Seaport. Target, Office Depot, Old Navy, Pac Sun, Express, Best Buy, REI, Ross, Loft, T.J. Maxx and Pier 1 maintain locations among the many major retailers there.

In addition to El Dorado Market, ethnic speciality stores operating in Seaport include Foo Lung Deli. For catch-all grocery shopping, locals head to the Safeway on Country Club Boulevard.