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 which includes a park

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 CA $158 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
CA $158
CA $175 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! (1,065 reviews)
"Great place to stay for work"

Reviewed on Aug. 11, 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 CA $184 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
CA $184
CA $204 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
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! (1,000 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 CA $115 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
CA $115
CA $126 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! (1,005 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.
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
Cozy and Convenient Entire Home For traveling professionals and families

Cozy and Convenient Entire Home For traveling professionals and families

2 out of 5
Turlock
Stay at this vacation home in Turlock. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Stanislaus County Fair and Turlock Historical ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (5 reviews)
"We loved the house and location. Great neighborhood very quiet. We could have used extra towels, coffee pot and dusting"

Reviewed on Jun. 18, 2025

Cozy and Convenient Entire Home For traveling professionals and families
Charming 2-bedroom house in Modesto with AC and WiFi

Charming 2-bedroom house in Modesto with AC and WiFi

Modesto
Stay at this vacation home in Modesto. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Graceada Park and McHenry Museum and Mansion are located ...
Charming 2-bedroom house in Modesto with AC and WiFi
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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