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
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

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

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
The price is NT$3,440 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
NT$3,440
NT$3,808 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & 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! (1,066 reviews)
"Great place to stay for work"

Reviewed on 2025/8/11

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Modesto
Motel 6 Oakdale, CA

Motel 6 Oakdale, CA

2 out of 5
825 E F St, Oakdale, CA
The price is NT$2,294 per night from Sep 7 to Sep 8
NT$2,294
NT$2,528 total
Sep 7 - Sep 8
includes taxes & 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! (1,000 reviews)
"It’s suprising nice"

Reviewed on 2025/8/13

Motel 6 Oakdale, CA
Motel 6 Modesto, CA - Downtown

Motel 6 Modesto, CA - Downtown

2 out of 5
807 Needham Street, Modesto, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NT$2,159 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
NT$2,159
NT$2,386 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Modesto. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
6.8/10 (1,001 reviews)
"Good customer service front desk Shane help me make reservation this morning because my phone wasn’t working"

Reviewed on 2025/8/14

Motel 6 Modesto, CA - Downtown
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.
4 Mi to San Joaquin River: Peaceful Patterson Home

4 Mi to San Joaquin River: Peaceful Patterson Home

3 out of 5
Patterson
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Patterson. Enjoy free parking, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Floragold Park and Patterson Westley Historical ...
4 Mi to San Joaquin River: Peaceful Patterson Home
Modesto Home w/ Deck - 2 Mi to Vintage Faire Mall

Modesto Home w/ Deck - 2 Mi to Vintage Faire Mall

3 out of 5
Modesto
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly cottage in Modesto. Enjoy free parking, in-room fireplaces, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Vintage Faire Mall ...
Modesto Home w/ Deck - 2 Mi to Vintage Faire Mall
Quaint Hughson Vacation Rental, Walk to Downtown!

Quaint Hughson Vacation Rental, Walk to Downtown!

3 out of 5
Hughson
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Hughson. Enjoy free parking and air conditioning. Popular attractions Creekside Golf Course and Tuolumne River are located ...
Quaint Hughson Vacation Rental, Walk to Downtown!
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

Cities near Modesto