VISIT MODESTO, CALIFORNIA
Located halfway between San Francisco and Yosemite National Park sits Modesto — a vibrant, year-round city with every reason to stop. No matter which direction you are traveling through Northern California, the fields of crops and orchards call out, tempting you with the lure of farm-fresh goodness. Packed into your trunk or plated on the table, the harvest of each season brings tasty delights. Spring and summer yield juicy stone fruits like peaches, nectarines, and apricots, along with berry picking experiences at local farms. Farm stands and farmers markets offer locally grown produce, nuts, jams, honeys, and even fresh almond butter to add to your picnic basket, long into the autumn months. Winter means gift shopping and fresh Christmas trees, too. The region truly shines in February and March when the almond orchards blossom, ushering in another year of harvests. Our fruits and veggies bring a diverse restaurant culture that incorporates justpicked ingredients, from BBQ joints, breweries, and global cuisine to over 40 food trucks serving ‘local fresh,’ too!
But the lure of Modesto goes far beyond the fields as you learn inside. So fill your trunk up with our homegrown goods — but also stop for an affordable foodie getaway, basecamp for outdoor excursions to the Sierras, familyfriendly road trip, or top-notch concert weekend. Modesto can’t wait to show you everything we’ve got to offer!
DISCOVER ALL THAT AWAITS YOU IN THE HEART OF CALIFORNIA
Start planning your visit at visitmodesto.com.
@VISITMODESTO
This brochure is supported in part by a grant from the City of Modesto’s Pandemic Recovery Strategy, “Modesto Forward,” to support local recovery from the pandemic in its publicity and promotional materials.
Mo Famous Faces
George Lucas
You might know him from “Star Wars”, but Modesto knows him as a hometown kid who made it big. His first hit, “American Graffiti”, was based upon his high school experiences in his hometown of Modesto.
Mo Famous Places
Before he starred in popular shows like “Damages”, “Justified”, and “The Santa Clarita Diet”, he was cruising the streets of Modesto and frollicking in the orchards in the town where he grew up.
Another hometown hero, Modesto was the perfect setting for her to grow up before landing her gig on Hulu’s pop culture show “The Morning After”. After that came roles in “SheHulk” and “True Lies”.
Gallo Center for the Arts
A California gem that’s hosted Tony Bennett, John Legend, Bonnie Raitt and Daughtry as well as Jersey Boys, West Side Story and Waitress.
Mo Famous Things
Mural Alley
Modesto boasts over 100 displays of public art created by artists from around the world. Renowned Mural Alley is a centerpiece of the
Designed to welcome travelers in the early 1900’s the city’s motto is now illuminated by 696 LEDs. The city motto, “Water Wealth, Contentment, Health” signifies the bounties of Modesto.
Live Entertainment
Modesto was voted the #1 Hidden Gem Live Music Scene in the US! Truth be told, we weren’t surprised.
An annual must do and see! Over 80% of the world’s almonds are grown in the Central Valley.
American Graffiti Parade & Car Show
The annual classic car show draws over 1,000 classic cars!
Olive Oil Tasting at Sciabica
Check out the tasting room at the oldest olive oil producer in the U.S. and recipient of multiple gold medals.
Fruits & Roots Tours
From award winning Gouda cheese to almond butter milkshakes to fresh berry picking to farmers markets, there’s a ‘fresh’ stop for every season!
Almond Blossom Cruise
At California’s heart, Modesto and the region are literally ripe with fresh fruits and vegetables…the rainbow of sweet, juicy, and crisp products are impossible to miss. You can sample and savor the fruits of our farmer’s labor on your own or take the Fruits and Roots Audio Tour.
What’s Fresh Now?
Blend fun, wellness, and charity into an unforgettable experience throughout October during Modesto’s annual MoPink celebration. Score deals, grab pink drinks and attend activities that not only uplift your spirits but also support local small businesses with proceeds going to local women’s programs and charities.
Tis’ the Season to Celebrate
- Enjoy live holiday radio classics
-Find the perfect gifts at Vintage Faire Mall’s 100+ shops
-Ice skate and enjoy snowfall on the streets of downtown
-Attend parades and much more!
Every June, Graffiti Summer pays homage to hometown boy George Lucas’ classic, “American Graffiti.” Car shows across the city celebrate classic cars of the era, such as Chevy Bel Airs, Impalas and Corvettes, Ford Thunderbirds and Mustangs, plus Pontiac GTOs and Firebirds, culminating in a Friday night parade of over 1,000 classic cars through downtown and a weekend festival.
IT’S ALL ABOUT KEEPING THIS CULTURE ALIVE! THIS IS OUR STORY.
Explore vibrant street art culture by following the Modesto Murals itinerary. You’ll get a visual taste of the over 100 public murals, each with a unique spin stemming from the artists who brought their creations to life. Take the audio tour where you can spend an hour walking downtown and let the walls ‘talk’ to you while wandering from restaurant to coffee shop to gallery and a downtown fruit stand!
The “Almond Blossom Cruise” is an international draw during five gorgeous weeks in late February to midMarch. Cruise through millions of white and pink petals in the comfort of your own car. Two distinct routes take you deep into the heart of the Central Valley, where 80 percent of the world's almonds are grown. Just minutes from downtown Modesto, these scenic country roads lead to perfect IG-worthy selfie stops and places to savor the local bounty.
Dine in Modesto
Modesto’s abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables make their way to dishes featuring justpicked ingredients, from BBQ joints to breweries to food trucks.
Freshness For You
There’s always something fresh at a ranch stand or farmers market. From stone fruit like peaches and nectarines or veggies from tomatoes to pumpkins.
Performing Arts Flourish
Culture is in the fabric of Modesto. Central West Ballet, The Modesto Symphony and Opera Modesto all flourish in this vibrant city.
See it All in Modesto
From the historic State Theatre to the black-box Prospect Theater and from the clubs of downtown to the Gallo Center for the Arts there’s live music and theater 12 months a year.
