Modesto Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Photo provided by Visit California
Photo provided by Visit California
Modesto
Photo by Mary Stason
Photo by Ashlie Thornburg Freeberg
Relive the excitement of 1960s America during the Graffiti Summer celebration or take a daytrip to Yellowstone National Park from this San Joaquin Valley city.

Feel at home as soon as you arrive in this northern Californian city, home to 200,000 residents. If there’s something eerily familiar about Modesto, it might be that you’ve seen its streets on the silver screen. Think back to George Lucas’ 1973 classic film, American Graffiti, which immortalized the city’s streets.

The cozy city is surrounded by some of California’s most fertile farmland, responsible for large crops of nuts as well as poultry and dairy production. Sample California’s most succulent produce at a weekend farmers market before you set off to explore Modesto’s many sites or take a daytrip to the surrounding regions.

Modesto is conveniently located in the heart of California’s major tourism area. Drive a short distance to reach the state capital, Sacramento, the stylish San Francisco and its Bay Area, the incomparable wilderness of Yellowstone National Park and many other major attractions. Don’t feel compelled to leave Modesto, however. There’s plenty to see and do in the city itself.

If you’re staying in the downtown area, walk to reach the city’s shopping and entertainment precincts. Browse through antique stores and pick up local handicrafts before settling down for a long lunch in the sun and a glass or two of award-winning California wine.

Visit Modesto in June when the town comes alive for Graffiti Summer, a celebration of Lucas’ landmark film and one of the United States’ best-known directors, who was born in the city. Watch as classic hot rods parade down the streets and 1950s rock ’n’ roll echoes through the town.

Even if you don’t come for summer, rest assured that you’re probably in for good weather since Modesto enjoys a mild climate year-round. Revel in the chance to get outside and follow one of Modesto’s walking trails as it weaves past the city’s most cherished sites, like the McHenry Museum and the Vintage Faire Mall.

Where to stay in Modesto

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Northwest Modesto

Northwest Modesto might not have many top sights, but Vintage Faire Mall and Boomers are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Northwest Modesto
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Woodland West

While there might not be top attractions in Woodland West, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Gallo Center for the Arts and Vintage Faire Mall.

Woodland West
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La Loma

La Loma might not have many top sights, but E and J Gallo Winery and Gallo Center for the Arts are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

La Loma
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Del Rio

When in Del Rio, you can plan a visit to Vintage Faire Mall and Boomers, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Del Rio
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Modesto
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Modesto
4 out of 5
1150 9th St, Modesto, CA
The price is AU$184 per night from 8 Dec to 9 Dec
AU$184
includes taxes & fees
8 Dec - 9 Dec
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Modesto. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
Amazing and comfortable
"It was nice clean everyone was friendly I got help taking my kids and luggage up the room service was super nice they wanted our food up too"

Reviewed on 19 Nov. 2024

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Modesto
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Modesto Salida
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Modesto Salida
2.5 out of 5
4909 Sisk Rd, Salida, CA
The price is AU$138 per night from 24 Nov to 25 Nov
AU$138
includes taxes & fees
24 Nov - 25 Nov
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Salida. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
"best hotel of the last 3 or 4 we stayed in for the price we paid."

Reviewed on 14 Nov. 2024

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Modesto Salida
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Manteca - Ripon
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Manteca - Ripon
2.5 out of 5
1524 Colony Road, Ripon, CA
The price is AU$158 per night from 22 Dec to 23 Dec
AU$158
includes taxes & fees
22 Dec - 23 Dec
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Ripon. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,005 reviews)
"Good hotel that was totally fine with a dog. Front desk staff were excellent, very accommodating. Would stay there again."

Reviewed on 15 Nov. 2024

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Manteca - Ripon
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The COZY SPOT - Oakdale!
The COZY SPOT - Oakdale!
Oakdale
Stay at this vacation home in Oakdale. Enjoy private pools, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Mike's Card Casino and Oakdale Cowboy Museum are located ...
Beautiful home
"Very nice, clean and quiet neighborhood."

Reviewed on 30 Aug. 2024

The COZY SPOT - Oakdale!
Modern Ripon Home: Whole 4 bedroom House!
Modern Ripon Home: Whole 4 bedroom House!
Ripon
Stay at this vacation home in Ripon. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Antique Warehouse and Auctions and Sweet Serenity are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
Great house!!
"Overall great!!"

Reviewed on 30 Sep. 2024

Modern Ripon Home: Whole 4 bedroom House!
Nicely setup studio with FAST Internet
Nicely setup studio with FAST Internet
Turlock
Stay at this apartment in Turlock. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and balconies. Popular attractions Stanislaus County Fair and Turlock Historical Society Museum ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (22 reviews)
Great spot!
"Here for college volleyball and needed nice place near Stanislaus. Basic and easy! Know that entrance is on the side of the garage!"

Reviewed on 14 Sep. 2024

Nicely setup studio with FAST Internet
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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