Things to do

20 Delightful Things To Do In Modesto, California

Source : facebook

Modesto is a friendly town located in the Central Valley of California. It is associated with fertile farmland and a warm climate. Modesto has a great history and was also depicted in the popular movie American Graffiti.

People can attend country concerts, support local artists, and buy fresh produce from farmers' markets. Do not miss Gallo Center for the Arts when finding great shows.

Here we have listed some more things to do in Modesto, so read the article till the end:

1. Enjoy Shopping At Vintage Faire Mall

Source : instagram

It is a huge mall with plenty of shopping and eatery places. There is a huge furniture store known as the Furniture City and fun places like David and Bursters.

You will also find premium shops like Macy's, and Victoria's Secret. The holidays are the best with festive decorations for each. The Disney store is fun to go inside and look around. Food courts serve typical standard-style meals.

It is a relief to be able to shop from different stores under the same roof and have a variety of stores to choose from without having to drive all over the town.

2. Spend Family Fun Day At Boomers Modesto

Source : facebook

This is a Modesto fun place for a family outing. First things first, buy your ticket online from the Boomers Park website before you go. It saves a ton of money and time in line.

Once you have your wristbands and cards, make sure to take a picture of the back of the card. This way if you lose them the staff will give you another one for free.

They have mini golf, an arcade, bumper cars, a flamethrower, laser tag, and a few other amenities to try. Arrive early, get the all-day pass, spend the day, get some food, and have plenty of fun.

3. Take A Tour Of McHenry Mansion

Source : instagram

An interesting old house, with a lot of local history attached. You go to the visitor center first, just two houses down on 15th Street, where they show you a short video with some of the basic history.

Then a volunteer guide takes you to the house and walks you through. You will learn the story of the McHenry family and how it is so intertwined with the history of Modesto.

There are no set tour times - they just take you as soon as you've watched the video. There is no charge for the visit or the tour, so be sure to leave a decent donation.

4. Watch A Baseball Game At John Thurman Field

Source : instagram

This is one of the things to do in Modesto California mostly for a baseball lover or someone who enjoys the game atmosphere. Watch the Modesto Nuts play excellent minor league baseball followed by a wonderful fireworks show.

The place is filled with many parking spaces, gender-neutral restrooms, a concession area, and a children's play area. Moreover, visiting here is a great family entertainment at an affordable price.

There are many nearby restaurants to get a good meal before the game. Even the snack bar which has a decent menu isn't as expensive as major league parks. You should consider this venue when you plan your next outing with friends or family.

5. Attend Show At Gallo Center For The Arts

Source : instagram

The Gallo Center is one of the best attractions in Modesto California to see a play or concert. Laugh until you cry at comedy shows and sit in awe of the talented actors and musicians.

Most of the students visit during their school field trips or dress up for the Nutcracker ballet each winter. The place itself is really pretty and is kept clean and looks newer than it is.

Seats are comfortable and the rates depend upon the show you are interested in. You can park on the street or in a lot about a half block away.

6. Stop By Great Valley Museum and Planetarium

Source : instagram

Take some time out from the town and take a trip to this museum. The museum is on the first floor of the Modesto JC West campus.

It is a fine, modest-sized museum dealing primarily with the flora and fauna and habitats of California Central Valley. The entire museum can be enjoyed within 30-45 minutes and try to introduce kids to science and nature very well.

It is a good way to spend a couple of hours if natural history appeals to you. There is also a gift shop next to the entrance. If time permits look at these best things to do in Modesto.

Source : facebook

This is an artist coop and has a lot to offer to the public and its members. The gallery changes its shows every month or so. Admission is free, and most of the art you can buy features quilts, ceramics, sculptures, drawings, and paintings.

Members enjoy huge benefits including Wednesday night live figure drawing for $10, a gift shop, monthly shows, contests, classes, and more.

Membership fees are reasonable, especially for students. 18 and older are also accepted as members. Check it out on the third Thursday from 5 pm to 8:30 pm where free food and wine are often accompanied by free music.

8. See Events At 10th Street Plaza

Source : facebook

This particular plaza is on Tenth Street between J and K Streets, making it completely centralized. The events are easily one of its greatest strengths.

All year round different shows such as concerts, fundraising activity as well, and candlelight vigils are found. Throughout Fridays from May to October, the plaza organizes the Music in the Plaza festival where local bands perform.

The Plaza is designed as a public venue that also offers opportunities for rental to host an event. All you need to remember is that for some using loudspeakers or selling or serving alcohol you may need permits.

9. Watch Movies At The State Theatre

Source : instagram

The State Theater shows quality films that other venues do not show. It is a beautiful old theater with an Art Deco design, comfortable seats, and a warm atmosphere.

They serve wine, beer, and popcorn with real butter. However, you can purchase many other snacks as well. This local theater offers interesting choices of the new Modesto movies.

Check the State Theater of Modesto website for what is running this week and book a ticket. The theater boasts good acoustics and comfortable seats. In addition to films, the cinema hall also caters to a variety of live performances.

10. Play Games At Funworks Modesto

Source : facebook

This is another exciting thing to do in Modesto CA with friends and family. There are go-carts, batting cages, virtual reality, bumper cars, and a variety of games in the arcade.

Kids will love it here. Many people argue that the venue charges high rates. But they also have special deals on their website. Visit Wacky Wednesday and have a fun playground for the younger kids and get 4 tokens worth $2.

Most of the games usually start with four tokens. There are also scattered benches and picnic tables for the ones watching. If you are hungry, vending machines and a snack bar are available for food and drinks.

11. Get Fresh Produce At Modesto Certified Farmers' Market

Source : facebook

The farmers market in Modesto runs every Thursday and Friday from 7 am to 1 pm. They have a variety of vegetables and fruits with music, and some clothing to purchase, and E.B.T. is accepted.

One can even try the food trucks and a delicious variety of healthy drinks. There is plenty of parking and shade, especially on those hot days. With plenty of green near the library, your little ones can run around and have fun.

The farmstands and vendors offer so many choices to enjoy the day and support the small business. So, even if you are someone new to the town, come and get fresh seasonal produce throughout the year.

12. Join The Modesto Almond Blossom Cruise

Source : instagram

This is an annual festival that usually takes place in late February. It marks the almond blossom that covers the entire region in gorgeous colors of pink and white.

This is one of the things to do Modesto CA that helps to enjoy the scenic beauty of Central Valley along with soaking in some local culture. The cruise includes a relaxing drive around the almond orchards, where you can take Instagram-worthy pictures.

If you are planning a winter trip to this town, check the specific dates and any activities at the Visit Modest California website. They offer different cruise packages including the joy package, family fun package, and petal to the metal package.

13. Dine In At Papachino's

Source : facebook

Located in downtown Modesto, Papachinos serves good Mediterranean food. It is a place you can count on for a small bite to a full plate during the workweek.

The restaurant is casual and reasonably priced and the food is delicious, especially the hummus, pits, and the soups. Moreover, the staff is friendly and the atmosphere is warm and pleasant.

Also, they deliver one of the best salads in town. It comes with oil and vinegar dressing accompanied by white cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, olives, and cucumber. Although this might be considered a fast-food restaurant because the food is served in the just, the food is usually healthy and nutritious quality.

14. Plan A Rafting Trip With Sunshine Rafting Adventure

Source : facebook

This trip is not just about thrills and fun but also beauty and memories. It covers the area of the Stanislaus River, which is one of the clean water rivers and tributary to the San Joaquin River.

Someone who has never been rafting before will enjoy this trip. At the same time, it is a great experience for those rafters who have probably been rafting severally.

Sunshine Rafting Adventures offers guided rafting so you do not have to worry about getting swept off a rapid. The beauty of the sun is available for you to fully appreciate it.

15. Try Your Hands At Creekside Golf Course

Source : facebook

If you are in the mood for something as challenging as your skills, then the Creekside Gold Course is for you. It is an 18-hole par 72 that consists of 3 beautiful lakes and contoured bunkers.

One will enjoy the fast and expansive greens of this place. It is best for those looking for a bit of a challenge. Some of the included facilities are a fenced driving range, a large practice putting greens, as well as a shop for your equipment.

It does not matter if one is searching for a perfect day outing or planning to practice his or her swing, it is a course for all.

16. Design And Paint At Pottery Magic Modesto

Source : instagram

Pottery Magic Modesto is a great place to let out that creative talent of yours. The store is open every day except Tuesday.

To begin with the session, one has to first pick a pottery. They have hundreds of pieces that get rotated regularly. Each piece costs $ 5 and more. The studio fee is only $5 per day and it covers your paints, tools glazing, and firing.

After that, you design and paint the piece you have chosen and let it reach the final stage. You can pick it up once the pottery has been glazed. Also, check out their discount days.

17. Stay At Modesto Days Inn

Source : facebook

Whether you are visiting the town for the Almond festival or to explore, there are plenty of great places to stay. The Modesto Days Inn is one such place near downtown.

It is just a walk away from McHenry Village where you can taste wine at Stewart and Jasper. Also, one can have dinner at Verona's Cucina Italiana and drive 5 minutes to catch a show at Gallo Center for the Arts.

The rooms are super clean and they have a balcony. The area is family friendly and everything around the room is very convenient. Some of the amenities include free parking, wifi, a pool, pets allowed, BBQ facilities, and more.

18. Visit The Stewart and Jasper Orchards Company Store

Source : facebook

Right in the heart of McHenry Village, this is a wonderful place to stop and have a glass or two of wine to end the day or to meet friends.

Stewart and Jasper have the best selection of wines and offer wine tastings as well as scheduled "paint and sip" nights. A free sample dish of almonds is always given when tasting and a 10% discount on any merchandise if you've bought a $12 tasting.

One side of the shop is filled with prepared gift baskets and merchandise to purchase such as flavored and unflavored almonds, mustards, dressings, and so many other delightful goodies. The other half is a wine shop.

19. Hike The Tuolumne River Trail

Source : instagram

This is a two-mile paved trail for bikes and walkers. The multi-use path is a part of a park with some restrooms, picnic tables, and playground facilities available.

You will come across large oak and walnut trees. The trees keep the area shaded, pleasant, and a haven for wildlife due to the Tuolumne River. You will find the trail only 10 minutes off the 99 freeway.

It is a quiet place to have a leisurely walk, enjoy some conversation with a friend, or get a good run-in for exercise. If you are still wondering what to do in Modest, check out the nearby river and try out some water activities such as fishing or boating.

20. Drive Through Yosemite National Park

Source : instagram

The park which is almost 2 hours drive from Modesto has plenty to explore and hike. There is more to hiking than to see, so if you are an avid hiker, you will love it.

Still, for those with more interest in the view, some of the sites can be accessed through the car. This is among the most popular national parks in the United States for good reason. The view, the feel, and the whole experience are amazing and would take our breaths away.

It should be ascertained whether reservations are made at the time of the visit and should try to use the shuttle bus that is within the park. Here are unusual things to do in Yosemite National Park.