Modesto

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
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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
The price is P6,548 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
P6,548
P7,248 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
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! (1,070 reviews)
"Clean room and very friendly staff. Overall great experience"

Reviewed on Aug 8, 2025

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Modesto
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Modesto

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Modesto

3 out of 5
1901 W Orangeburg Ave, Modesto, CA
The price is P7,650 per night from Sep 11 to Sep 12
P7,650
P8,468 total
Sep 11 - Sep 12
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Modesto. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
Nice hotel
"Very friendly and welcoming staff entire stay. Pool is nice and private. Room was very nice and sleeping on sifa bed was actually comfortable."

Reviewed on Aug 10, 2025

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Modesto
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Manteca - Ripon

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Manteca - Ripon

3 out of 5
1524 Colony Road, Ripon, CA
The price is P4,757 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P4,757
P5,232 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Ripon. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
"It is a sufficient place to stay if you’re visiting Ripon"

Reviewed on Aug 10, 2025

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Manteca - Ripon
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!
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
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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Things to do