Tracy, CA Area Guide

Tracy originated through the mid-19th century construction of Central Pacific Railroad lines, named after railroad director Lathrop J. Tracy. Over the next few decades, agriculture fueled the growth of the town while residents of the Bay Area migrated to the city in search of more affordable housing. Soon after, the distribution industry began replacing agriculture as the town's most prosperous source of revenue, providing an ideal location for a number of businesses.

Tracy houses a small collection of museums, including the Tracy Historical Museum, which thoroughly depicts the history of the town in the form of various exhibits, displays and memorabilia. Residents also travel to The Haggin Museum in Stockton, referred as "one of the under sung gems of California." The facility contains an expansive collection of 19th and early-20th century American and European artwork, serving as a hub for the area's arts scene and culture.

A heavy concentration of independently run specialty restaurants populate Tracy, while a small collection of nationally recognized chain establishments add to the town's restaurant district, defining the dining experience. Most restaurants sit between the areas surrounding Tracy Boulevard and 11th Street.

Town & Country Cafe serves a unique blend of fresh homemade Italian-style dishes from breakfast till brunch. The restaurant makes nearly every item on their menu from scratch, using only natural high-quality gluten free ingredients. From fluffy pancakes and flavorful omelettes to the "best burger and fries in town," Town & Country Cafe has you covered. With outstanding customer service, a clean and welcoming atmosphere and pleasantly affordable prices, it's no wonder locals love this neighborhood cafe so much. Try the eggs Benedict with a side of biscuits and gravy for a satisfyingly wholesome breakfast.

Papa Urb’s Grill functions as a Filipino fusion restaurant, serving an impressive assortment of authentic Filipino cuisines. Acting as a go-to spot for repeat customers, the restaurant holds a reputation for its graciously large portions and inexpensive prices. From adobo quesadillas to vegetable lumpias, Papa Urb's crafts all of the Filipino classics with a modern day twist. Customers enjoy sitting in a spacious and casual atmosphere, complemented by eclectic yet simple decor. Try the restaurant's signature sigic fries, loaded with a creamy and savory sauce, along with your choice of chicken or beef.

Nightly entertainment in Tracy consists primarily of an ample spread of bars, pubs, lounges and pool halls. MJ's Bar and Lounge combines the best aspects of the lounge, pool hall and cocktail bar environments to create an upbeat and engaging environment in a spacious, music-filled atmosphere. Meanwhile, Ralph's Club provides an ideal setting for those who enjoy a more laid-back and neighborly vibe, complete with cheap yet strong drinks and great company.

Locals who love both delectable full-flavored pizza and great drinks head over to Rusty's. The restaurant promotes a community-oriented dive bar atmosphere, where guests enjoy welcoming and inviting company from staff and restaurant goers alike. Rusty's serves as both a choice restaurant and hangout where customers enjoy a few rounds of drinks on a Friday night with friends or sing to their hearts' content during karaoke. Grab a fresh pizza pie with an ice cold beer, kick back and relax at this hip neighborhood gem.

Automobiles serve as Tracy most common means of transportation, but residents heavily utilize public transit. Both Tracer and the San Joaquin Regional Transit District stand as primary public transportation options, providing a number of routes within the city and throughout neighboring areas. The town features a limited number of taxi services, but residents usually opt for more widely used services like Uber. Interstates 205, 580 and 5 serve as Tracy's main thoroughfares, along with Business Loop 205. The Interstates surround the city in the shape of a triangle, explaining the city's motto, "Think inside the triangle." A combination of on-street residential parking in addition to garages, metered spaces and lots, including Park & Ride lots, comprise public parking in the city. Meanwhile, the neighborhood presents a moderately pedestrian-friendly atmosphere, and cyclists enjoy over 44 miles of bicycle routes in Tracy alone.

A respectable spread of recreation-centric attractions populate Tracy, from playgrounds to open-field style parks. Joseph Ceciliani Park presents a spacious and nature-filled atmosphere, where visitors enjoy long walks through the park's open trails, in addition to other amenities including tennis courts and picnic tables. Lincoln Park offers a similar environment that's especially great for kids. Amenities include a large playground, grills and a large gazebo. Both parks are great for long walks with your furry friend, but if you're feeling adventurous, bring them to El Pescadero Dog Park.

While you're at it, catch the Annual Independence Day Balloon Rally held at Lincoln Park, a festival style celebration featuring over eight hot air balloons.

Living in Tracy incurs a cost of living 13 percent higher than Stockton, while traveling to the city center typically costs $1.50 via public transit. One-bedroom residences rent at an average cost of $1,337 a month, while gas prices hover around 15 percent higher than the national average. Cool off, relax and grab yourself an ice cold for beer at local pub for about $6.

A number of specialty stores and boutiques, in addition to a light spread of big box retailers and nationally recognized stores populate Tracy's commercial district, defining the town's shopping experience. From florists and furniture stores to home goods and sporting goods shops, Tracy presents a truly diverse selection of commercial outlets along West 11th Street and Tracy Boulevard.

Silva’s Bicycle Service functions as a local bicycle service and repair shop, selling a respectable supply of service related products. The store owner makes it clear that he puts his customers first. As a highly skilled bike mechanic, he regularly goes the extra mile to ensure that customers receive the level of service and attention they deserve. The store operates under a flexible schedule catered to work schedules of customers. Everyone from recreational bike riders to professional cyclists come here for all of their repair and servicing needs.

A store fueled by the creative minds of store owners Rachel and Gail, The Owl Box sells a range of antique, vintage and contemporary furnishings in addition to a number of unique accessories and gifts. From scented candles, jewelry and wall art to intricately designed rugs and rustic dressers, the store presents a truly diverse and dynamic inventory. The store specializes in selling re-purposed vintage furniture, typically obtained from auctions, estate sales and flea markets. Customers love the unique selection of merchandise found only at The Owl Box, making it a hidden gem within the community.

WinCo Foods serves as a highly frequented grocery store in Tracy, providing a clean, well-organized and well-stocked product selection, where customers can buy in both small quantities or in bulk. Raley’s functions as a combination bakery, drugstore and grocery outlet. The store sells a large collection of natural and organic foods, including locally grown produce, fresh meat and seafood. Stop by the Downtown Tracy Farmers’ Market to enjoy an ambient atmosphere where you can purchase farm fresh produce and goods while relishing the friendly company.