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 State Theatre of Modesto and McHenry Museum and Mansion.

College Area
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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
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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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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
$115 nightly
The price is $127 total per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
$127 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
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! (1,070 reviews)
"Great location"

Reviewed on Aug 17, 2025

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Modesto
Motel 6 Oakdale, CA

Motel 6 Oakdale, CA

2 out of 5
825 E F St, Oakdale, CA
$85 nightly
The price is $94 total per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
$94 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
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! (1,001 reviews)
"Room was big and everything was clean. Staff was friendly"

Reviewed on Aug 17, 2025

Motel 6 Oakdale, CA
Best Western Plus Rama Inn & Suites

Best Western Plus Rama Inn & Suites

2.5 out of 5
1450 E F Street, Oakdale, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$118 nightly
The price is $130 total per night from Aug 28 to Aug 29
$130 total
Aug 28 - Aug 29
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Oakdale. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (969 reviews)
"We checked in a little late but the front desk staff was super helpful and got us checked in right away. Indoor pool was nice, AC cooled us down and breakfast was plentiful and good."

Reviewed on Aug 10, 2025

Best Western Plus Rama Inn & Suites
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.
Sunny Turlock Cottage: Walk to Downtown!

Sunny Turlock Cottage: Walk to Downtown!

3 out of 5
Turlock
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Turlock. Enjoy free parking and air conditioning. Popular attractions Turlock Historical Society Museum and Carnegie Arts Center ...
Sunny Turlock Cottage: Walk to Downtown!
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! (24 reviews)
"This is the second time at this residence. I plan to stay here in the future when we visit Turlock. Any issues or concerns are always answered by the owner. We are very happy that we have a place to come to when we visit family in Turlock. Thank you Jose"

Reviewed on Aug 3, 2025

Nicely setup studio with FAST Internet
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.
10/10 Exceptional! (5 reviews)
2 short days
"There was a bit of a hiccup with our booking but thanks to the quick thinking and great communication from our host everything worked out just great. We enjoyed using the hot tub while being guarded by one of the super friendly cats on the property. There’s a few friendly cats, some chatty yet indifferent ..."

Reviewed on Jul 30, 2025

Charming cottage with WiFi and AC on a Ranch setting in Oakdale
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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