19 Best Things To Do In Modesto, California

Established in 2007, Gallo Center For The Arts has become a cornerstone of the city's cultural scene, offering a diverse range of artistic experiences for the community. The Center boasts two distinct theaters.

Mary Stuart Rogers Theater hosts a variety of large-scale productions, including Broadway shows, musicals, concerts, and dance performances. Foster Family Theater provides a more personal setting for smaller productions, such as plays, chamber music concerts, and lectures.

This historic mansion was built in 1882 and is now a museum that offers tours of the home and grounds. It is a fine example of Victorian Italianate architecture, characterized by its ornate detailing, tall windows, and symmetrical design.

Surrounding the mansion are beautifully landscaped gardens, adding to its charm and elegance. The gardens feature manicured lawns, vibrant flower beds, and serene pathways, providing a tranquil escape from the bustling city streets.

Begin your day with an early start at this national park, to witness the Sunrise at Tunnel View. Descend into Yosemite Valley, the heart of the park, and marvel at the towering granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and lush meadows. 

Among the many things to do in Modesto California, embark on a short and easy hike to the base of Lower Yosemite Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in North America. The mist from the falls creates a refreshing ambiance, and the views from the base are truly mesmerizing.

Farmers from the surrounding region bring a diverse array of fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers to the market, showcasing the rich agricultural bounty of the Central Valley.

In addition to produce, visitors can find locally sourced honey, nuts, olive oil, cheeses, baked goods, and other specialty items. The market offers more than just shopping; it provides a lively and convivial atmosphere where people can socialize, listen to live music and enjoy a sense of community. 

This museum houses exhibits on the history, culture, and natural history of the Central Valley. This attractions in Modesto California is a must-visit, also has a planetarium that offers shows on a variety of topics, including astronomy, space exploration, and the natural world.

The Great Valley Museum has a variety of permanent and temporary exhibits. Some of the permanent exhibits include The Hall of California Dinosaurs, The Central Valley Gallery, The Native American Gallery, and The Discovery Room.

Graceada Park is a picturesque and beloved park with lush greenery, mature trees, and a serene ambiance, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing picnic. The park offers numerous shaded areas under the canopy of large trees, as well as open grassy fields perfect for spreading out a picnic blanket.

Take breaks between bites to appreciate the scenery, perhaps taking a leisurely stroll around the park to explore its various attractions, including the charming rose garden, playgrounds, and meandering pathways.

Built in 1927, State Theatre has a capacity of 570 seats. It is a beloved landmark and attractions Modesto has to offer. It has a capacity of 570 seats and hosts a variety of events, including movies, concerts, and live performances.

The theatre is a beautiful example of Neo-Classical architecture, with a grand lobby, ornate balconies, and a richly decorated ceiling. It is also home to the Modesto Film Society, which screens classic, foreign, and independent films.

Vintage Faire Mall first opened its doors in 1977, and over the years, it has undergone several renovations and expansions to keep up with the evolving retail landscape and growing customer demands.

The mall boasts a diverse mix of anchor stores, department stores, and specialty retailers, offering shoppers a wide range of options. In addition to shopping, it offers a variety of things to do Modesto California including dining and entertainment options.

Go on a leisurely walk, jog, or bike ride along this scenic trail that winds through parks, residential neighborhoods, and natural areas, offering beautiful views of Modesto's landscape. This spot offers tons of things to do in Modesto CA for a weekend getaway.

The Dry Creek Trail is 4.7 miles (out and back) with a minimal elevation gain. The trail starts at Moose Park on North Morton Boulevard and ends at Claus Road and Creekwood Drive.

Take a tour of one of the world's largest wineries, located just outside of Modesto. Learn about the winemaking process while sampling a selection of award-winning wines.

The tour starts with an introduction to the history of the E & J Gallo Winery, which dates back to 1933. One of the highlights of the tour is a guided walk through the vineyards, where you can see the grapes up close and learn about the different varietals grown on the estate.

Attending a Modesto Nuts game is more than just watching a baseball game; it's an experience that captures the essence of community spirit, family fun, and the thrill of witnessing future stars in the making.

The players take the John Thurman Field, their crisp uniforms gleaming under the spotlights. The crowd erupts in cheers as the familiar mascots, Al the Almond, Wally the Walnut, and Shelley the Pistachio, waddle out to greet the fans, high-fiving outstretched hands and posing for pictures

One of the unmissable things to do Modesto CA is the Graffiti Summer. This event typically takes place during the month of June and serves as a tribute to Modesto's most famous native, George Lucas.

Graffiti Summer is an homage to the heyday of American cars and cruising culture. The event showcases classic cars from the 1950s and 1960s, which line the streets of Modesto. Enthusiasts from all over gather to display their meticulously restored vintage automobiles.

Experience the rich cultural heritage of Modesto with a performance by the Modesto Symphony Orchestra, which presents a diverse repertoire of classical and contemporary music throughout the year.

The MSO presents a diverse season of concerts, featuring classical masterpieces, pop programs, and special community events. Their repertoire encompasses a wide range of musical styles, from beloved classics by Beethoven and Tchaikovsky to contemporary works by living composers.

Skydive California offers a variety of jump options to cater to different preferences and skill levels. Tandem skydiving, where you're harnessed to an experienced instructor, is a popular choice for beginners looking to experience the thrill of freefall without extensive training.

For those interested in becoming certified skydivers, the center typically offers Accelerated Freefall (AFF) programs or static line progression courses, allowing individuals to progress toward solo jumps at their own pace.

Moaning Caverns offers two zipline experiences. Regular Seated Zipline is a solo ride where you would be harnessed in a seated position and zip down the line. Tandem Zipline allows you to zip down the line with a partner, harnessed together in a seated position.

The zip lines are known for offering scenic views of the surrounding area. Moaning Caverns also offers other exciting activities like cave tours and a climbing wall.

The best thing about jet skiing on Woodward Reservoir is the opportunity to explore its scenic beauty. With miles of shoreline and various coves to discover, there's always something new to see. You also have the chance to spot birds such as herons, egrets, and ducks.

Whether you're zipping across the water or taking a leisurely cruise, you'll be treated to stunning views of the surrounding landscape. For those who don't own their jet ski, there are rental facilities available near Woodward Reservoir. 

The Stanislaus County Fair is the largest event in Stanislaus County, California. It is held annually in Turlock, California, and typically takes place in mid-July. The fair lasts for 10 days and attracts over 220,000 visitors.

The fairgrounds encompass 72 acres and feature a variety of attractions, including nightly celebrity concerts, live music on five stages, over 30 food concessionaires, carnival rides, livestock exhibits, and more.

Boomers Modesto is a family entertainment center, offering a variety of attractions for all ages. It boasts exciting go-kart tracks suitable for both adults and children. 

From high-speed adult tracks to slower kid-friendly options, there's a track for everyone to race and enjoy. Experience the classic thrills of bumping and splashing with friends and family in the bumper car and boat arenas.

Blue Diamond Almonds is a well-known brand that produces a variety of almond-based products, including whole almonds, almond snacks, almond milk, almond butter, and more.

They offer a variety of flavors including classic, bold, thin dipped, XTREMES, nut-thins, and more. It has a retail store, where you can learn more about its products and the almond industry. The store also offers a 20-minute video about the almond growing process.