Modesto, CA

Travel 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 filmAmerican 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

Modesto featuring a garden

Downtown Modesto

If you're spending some time in Downtown Modesto, Gallo Center for the Arts and Modesto Arch are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Modesto
Growing up in Modesto one of the summer highlights was always Concert in the Park. Every Thursday from June through August at Graceada Park.

College Area

While there might not be top attractions in College Area, you can explore the larger area and discover places like McHenry Museum and Mansion and Gallo Center for the Arts.

College Area
Default Image

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
Default Image

Del Rio

While Del Rio isn't home to many top sights, Vintage Faire Mall and Boomers are some notable places to visit nearby.

Del Rio
Default Image

Woodland West

While Woodland West isn't home to many top sights, Gallo Center for the Arts and Vintage Faire Mall are some notable places to visit nearby.

Woodland West
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Modesto
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Modesto
4 out of 5
1150 9th St, Modesto, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$127 nightly
The price is $140 total per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
$140 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
Total includes taxes and fees
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,040 reviews)
"Staff was nice and helpful with my questions. Room was clean. Bed was comfy."

Reviewed on Jul 8, 2025

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Modesto
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Modesto/Salida
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Modesto/Salida
2.5 out of 5
4342 Salida Blvd, Salida, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$98 nightly
The price is $106 total per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
$106 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Salida. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Boomers and Blue Diamond Growers ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (666 reviews)
Family Stay…
"I stayed at this hotel when it was a Marriott, they renovated it, and it was a step above. I had a great experience with everything exactly how I would want and more."

Reviewed on Jul 7, 2025

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Modesto/Salida
Motel 6 Oakdale, CA
Motel 6 Oakdale, CA
2 out of 5
825 E F St, Oakdale, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$85 nightly
The price is $94 total per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
$94 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this motel in Oakdale. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (983 reviews)
"Nice clean, and affordable a little run down but besides that it was great."

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2025

Motel 6 Oakdale, CA
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.
Cozy and Convenient Entire Home For traveling professionals and families
Cozy and Convenient Entire Home For traveling professionals and families
2 out of 5
Turlock
Stay at this vacation home in Turlock. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Stanislaus County Fair and Turlock Historical ...
10/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
"We loved the house and location. Great neighborhood very quiet. We could have used extra towels, coffee pot and dusting"

Reviewed on Jun 18, 2025

Cozy and Convenient Entire Home For traveling professionals and families
Charming cottage with WiFi and AC on a Ranch setting in Oakdale
Charming cottage with WiFi and AC on a Ranch setting in Oakdale
2 out of 5
Oakdale
Stay at this cottage in Oakdale. Enjoy in-room fireplaces, air conditioning, and a hot tub. Popular attraction Oakdale Cowboy Museum is located nearby.
Great country spot
"Nice place if you want just a place to stay with a clean bed and bathroom.., it's perfect. Nice and quiet. I will stay again when in the area"

Reviewed on Apr 13, 2025

Charming cottage with WiFi and AC on a Ranch setting in Oakdale
Cozy 4 bedroom family getaway home. Pet friendly home.
Cozy 4 bedroom family getaway home. Pet friendly home.
2 out of 5
Turlock
Stay at this vacation home in Turlock. Enjoy laundry facilities, an in-room coffeemaker, and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Pedretti Park and Stanislaus ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (8 reviews)
Family reunion
"We had an amazing time in California. And coming to our home away from home. Was amazing. Definitely would book again"

Reviewed on Jun 20, 2025

Cozy 4 bedroom family getaway home. Pet friendly home.
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.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Modesto

3.6
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
71
5 - Excellent 16%
4 - Good
175
4 - Good 40%
3 - Okay
139
3 - Okay 32%
2 - Disappointing
31
2 - Disappointing 7%
1 - Terrible
20
1 - Terrible 5%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Will be stay there again soon

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Lots of homeless. Nice downtown. Lots of empty storefronts

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Not the same town I grew up in. A Little more dangerous than back in the 70's.

4/5 - Good

Diane

Modesto is my hometown and we came back for Thanksgiving. This is a nice hotel just near the mall.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Modesto is a nice town. Not a place for a vacation destination but, a nice place to live.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

It’s my hometown, always nice seeing family and friends.

Cities near Modesto

Other places like Modesto