Run Oregon Road Trip to Appellation Lodi – Wine & Roses Resort and Spa

At Run Oregon, we obviously love running — no surprise there. But we also love the Pacific Northwest and everything that makes this corner of the world such an incredible place to explore. Running is a big part of who we are, but it doesn’t define us entirely.

That’s where our Road Trip features come in: they celebrate the best of both worlds by spotlighting great local lodging while also highlighting nearby routes, trails, and race opportunities to help you make the most of your adventure.

This latest installment of our series ventures south of Oregon to one of the West Coast’s most underrated wine regions, featuring the Appellation Lodi – Wine & Roses Resort and Spa – the city’s premier luxury lodging.

First the Running:

As visitors to the area, we’re probably not the world’s foremost authority on running locations in town. That being said, obviously, we found a few nearby spots to explore.

Lodi Lake Loop

The Appellation Lodi – Wine & Roses Resort and Spa sits on the north end of town, which makes running at Lodi Lake simple and easy. The lake is less than a mile east of the hotel, making it an ideal starting point for post-travel shakeout runs, early morning miles, or a relaxed evening loop. While it’s not the longest route in the world, the area offers a mix of accessible and scenic trails that are easy to stitch together.

For a simple loop, we recommend starting at the Lodi Lake Exercise Trail access point on Lower Sacramento Road, running through the parking lot and onto Laurel Road, before connecting with the lake’s trail system. From there, runners can link into the Lodi Lake Nature Trail, a series of interconnected loops ranging from approximately 0.6 to 1.2 miles.

It’s easy to double back and mix in additional loops to build mileage. These trails are flat and wind through riparian habitat shaded by towering oak and cottonwood trees.

All things considered, it’s a simple and accessible 4–5 mile round-trip run from the resort, making it an easy and enjoyable option.

Mokelumne Coast to Crest Trail

For those looking to step things up with a true trail experience, the Mokelumne Coast to Crest Trail at Comanche Lake can absolutely scratch that itch. Located about 30 minutes east of Lodi, this 29-mile, one-way trail offers a wide range of access points and difficulty levels, making it easy to tailor the experience to your schedule and fitness. Many sections provide sweeping views of Comanche Lake below, adding a scenic payoff to the effort.

The flexibility of the access points allows runners to make the trail whatever they want it to be. If you’re in the mood for a long point-to-point adventure, it’s there for you (just plan on having a ride back). Short on time because wine tasting is calling? Pick an access point, out-and-back your desired distance, and still get a quality trail run in.

Overall, its a beautiful spot to run.

Note: A day-use permit is required for $3.

Races to Plan Around

Lodi itself isn’t ripe with races, nor is nearby Stockton. However, the resort is just a simple 40-minute drive from Sacramento, which opens up the calendar significantly—including access to the famed California International Marathon, one of the most iconic road races on the West Coast.

---

The Spot:

I’ll say this up front—if you’re heading to this part of Northern California, there is no better spot to stay. I feel confident in that conviction, as I’m not sure you could find a more amazing location in a wine country setting than this one. It screams luxury, yet still feels accessible and non-pretentious for those of us who aren’t luxury travelers by habit.

As always, we recommend getting out and exploring cities on foot and seeking local experiences when traveling. But in this case, we also suggest taking full advantage of staying put. Appellation Lodi – Wine & Roses Resort and Spa isn’t just a place to lay your head at the end of the day—it’s a basecamp for your journey, letting you experience everything the property has to offer.

Sure, there are excellent restaurants, thoughtful amenities, and a restorative spa on-site, but this isn’t just an indoor experience. Spread across over six acres of botanical gardens, the resort gives you outdoor space to get grounded, with shaded groves, quiet courtyards, paths and tropical birds that make lingering outside just as rewarding as venturing into town.

Our Room:

Appellation Lodi – Wine & Roses Resort and Spa features 66 rooms—large enough to offer variety, but not so big that it feels impersonal.

The property is accessibly upscale, with handcrafted oak furnishings, local touches, and plenty of natural light. Rooms are varied to suit different tastes and experiences: you’ll find accommodations as part of the Historic Inn, quiet Wine & Roses Spa rooms, and even garden-view rooms.

Options range from Queen and King Rooms up to full suites, giving plenty of flexibility whether you’re on a solo getaway, a runcation, or a more indulgent stay.

We stayed in a 2-queen room which provided everything we needed and made us feel right at home. The bed was comfortable and the room felt enormous – more than enough space and larger than the square footage would seem.

Refueling:

Food:

On a runcation, nothing beats a solid meal to refuel with—and Appellation Lodi – Wine & Roses Resort and Spa delivers with two on-site dining options that let you spend more time running and exploring and less time searching for a place to eat.

Americana House leans into a progressive American cooking philosophy centered around hyper-local ingredients. Expect offerings like housemade pastas, sustainable seafood, and shareable plates designed to linger over. You can call it thoughtfully curated if you want—I just call it tasty.

They have dinner at 5pm most nights, and you can also grab some bar bites for happy hour at 330pm. These aren’t your mom’s happy hour offerings, but instead offer great cheese and meat boards, surf and turf skewers, and upscale casual options.

Maison Lodi is an artisanal café and bakery that tastes as good as it looks. If bakeries are your love language, this one hits the mark, blending French baking techniques with California wine country flair. Think fresh pastries and breads alongside sandwiches and sides, with plenty of healthier grab-and-go options that are perfect post-run. There’s also a daily happy hour from 4–6 pm, which never hurts.

Together, the two make it easy to refuel without ever leaving the resort—exactly what you want on a running-focused getaway.

Drink:

If you weren’t aware, Lodi is a relatively underrated wine region in Northern California. While many people immediately think of Napa, Healdsburg, or even Paso Robles, Lodi more than holds its own. The area is home to roughly 85 wineries, with a casual count putting 8–10 within just a 3–5 mile radius of the resort. There’s even a few (Jessie’s Grove and Nostra Vita – both of which we visited) sitting a straight 2.1 miles away—perfect for a run and sip, if you’re so inclined (or brave).

Tastings are also a fraction of the cost as those larger California locations, and even in Oregon – with most running between $10-$15.

The Lodi Wine Visitor Center is also connected to the hotel, making it an easy stop if you’re looking for recommendations, want a flight of wine from local spots, or just want to map out a tasting itinerary before heading out.

Chill:

Now that you’ve put in your miles and filled your belly with local food and drink, there’s only one thing left to complete the well-rounded experience: relaxation and recovery—and the on-site Wine & Roses Spa has you covered.

After all, you’re on a runcation. Half of that word is “vacation,” which means leaning into recovery is not just allowed—it’s encouraged.

Yes, there are massages, but the spa offers a full slate of recovery-focused options beyond that. We’re talking aromatherapy, herbal foot baths, and quiet hot tubs, all wrapped into what they call a Sensory Retreat—and the name fits.

After logging about 20 miles over the weekend, I took my own advice and opted for a massage, and I couldn’t have been more pleased. The entire setup is incredibly soothing and restorative, making it the perfect way to reset before the next run—or the next glass of wine.

Overall:

Our runcation to Lodi was absolutely elevated by staying at Appellation Lodi – Wine & Roses Resort and Spa. Traveling somewhere new can always come with a bit of uncertainty—wondering if the neighborhood feels right, if the property will be clean and comfortable, or if it can truly accommodate your needs. This place checks every one of those boxes. In fact, it’s easily the nicest hotel for miles (and miles!) in any direction.

What we loved most is how seamlessly it supports a running-focused getaway: comfortable accommodations, solid nearby running options, on-site fitness and relaxation amenities, and the ability to do all of it without overthinking logistics.

It’s the kind of place that lets you focus on the miles, the meals, and the moments—exactly what a proper runcation should be about.