So many places to see and things to do in Modesto, California
Modesto is off the 99 freeway in Central California. However, most people driving by likely don’t think much about it. Unless maybe you are familiar with the presence of the Gallo Family businesses, including the Gallo Winery. If you haven’t heard about what is unique in Modesto, I will give you a list of unique things to see and do here.
However, before we get to those details, I’ll let you know that Modesto is known to most residents as the place where Director George Lucas was raised. He wanted to be a race car driver one day, but after a near-fatal crash in his Fiat, he changed his plan. His inspiration for the movie American Graffiti, his first big film, was from his youth in Modesto, when he spent time cruising McHenry with his friends. The movie is set in Modesto, but none of it was filmed there. Modesto had vintage and customized cars driving up and back McHenry Avenue on Saturday nights until 1993 when cruising was banned.
Fast facts about Modesto: Modesto is a Tree City USA. The largest winery and wine bottle manufacturer in the world are E & J Gallo Winery and The Gallo Glass Company, both locally owned by the Gallo family. The population continues to grow, with a current estimate of 215,000 people. Modesto is home to The Gallo Center for the Arts, which opened in 2007. The city is heavily invested in agriculture, including dairy cows, walnut, pistachio, almond trees, vineyards, and peaches.
Modesto is known as a central location to so many other places
Modesto provides a central location to many areas for day trips. These include, but aren’t limited to:
- Yosemite National Park
- Lake Tahoe
- Winter Skiing: Bear Valley, Dodge Ridge, Badger Pass Ski Area, Kirkwood Mountain Resort, Lake Tahoe
- San Francisco
- Sacramento, the capital of California
- Columbia – a gold rush town with the most extensive collection of gold rush structures in California
Modesto Nostalgia
Modesto Arch: The Arch has been a part of Modesto since 1912. It is our welcome to Modesto. A contest was held to create a theme to write on the new arch at the corner of Ninth and I Streets. First place was Nobody’s Got Modesto’s Goat. Thankfully, they went with the second-place winner: Water, Wealth, Contentment, Health.
In the 1960s, the city almost decided to remove the arch, but they kept it. The arch is most visible at night when the lights are on. Eventually, this switched the 696 lightbulbs to LED lights in 2013.
McHenry Museum: Here, you can learn the history and heritage of Modesto and Stanislaus county. Hands-on displays and displays of the historical significance of the area. Some permanent exhibits include a dentist’s office and a general store. Items from gold mining and original fire-fighting equipment are also on display. It was established as a museum in 1972. Before that, in 1912, it was built as a library. Location: 1402 I Street. Phone: 209-577-5366.
The State Theater: This is an Art Deco-era decorated theater. It is a classic theater that shows old, foreign, and independent films. They also host concerts and events. It was built in 1934. Some of their upcoming features include Mary Poppins, Beauty, and the Beast, The Searchers (John Wayne,) Eraserhead, Facing Nolan (new release,) Paul Thorn Concert, and Stroll Down Penny Lane (Concert celebrating the life of Paul McCartney.) Located at 1307 J St. Phone: 209-527-4697.
McHenry Mansion: This is a beautiful place to spend your day. It’s a restored Victorian, which in the early 1900s was owned by the Robert McHenry family. It is a Historic Landmark, which opened to the public in 1983. In addition, the Museum has guided tours available. It is located at the corner of 15th and I streets in downtown Modesto. Phone 209-549-0428 for hours and tour availability.
Cruising in Modesto
American Graffiti statue: This is in a tiny park called George Lucas Plaza. It is at a location known to locals as 5-Corners, where McHenry Ave., Needham St., J St., 17th St., and Downey Avenue intersect. The guy statue is a likeness of young George Lucas.
A & W Root Beer: Located at 1404 G St. This is an original A & W with American Food like hamburgers, hot dogs, fries, shakes, and Root beer floats. It is the perfect place to eat and hang out while cruising in Modesto.
Historic Graffiti Cruise Route: The Cruise Walk of Fame is in the 10th Street Plaza. 1010 10th Street. Phone: 209-526-5588. There are signs located along the actual Cruise Route.
American Graffiti Festival
The Kiwanis Club of North Modesto puts on the Festival. It is an annual event that is held in June. The 2023 dates are not yet set, but it is often held on the second weekend in June. So if you are into cars and having a great weekend revolving around cars, you might want to arrange your vacation to Modesto, around the American Graffiti Festival.
The Festival is started on Friday night with a Car Parade in downtown Modesto on J Street and part of McHenry Avenue. Cars must be registered to cruise in the parade. Residents line the streets in lawn chairs to watch the cool cars cruise by them. The streets are closed down for the parade. On Saturday there is live music, and on Sunday there is a Car show. These two events are held at 2201 Blue Gum, in the Modesto Jr. College West Campus parking lot.
The festival includes special guests, live music, and great food. For more about the next Festival, call 209-447-5962 or check out their website: americangraffitifest.com. The website includes many photos of the previous year’s Festival and even pictures of the winning cars from the car show.
Modesto – Indoor Activities
Great Valley Museum: This museum is a great place to bring children and grandchildren. It is located on the first floor of the Science Community Center on the West Campus of Modesto Jr. College. There are Biology-based and Science exhibits and a Planetarium. In addition, there is a Discovery Room with hands-on activities, live animal displays, and shows. Plus, collections of natural history and various habitats of the Central Valley. It is located at 2201 Blue Gum Avenue. Phone: 209-575-6196.
Mistlin Gallery: This art gallery is located in Downtown Modesto at 1010 J Street. Phone: 209-529-3369. They display permanent and rotating exhibits. Many regional artists display and sell their artwork in the Gallery. In addition, the Art Gallery offers educational programs and workshops for artists of all ages.
Gallo Center for the Arts: This is a multi-use building with two theaters, the 1248-seat Mary Stuart Rogers Theater and the 440-seat Foster Family Theater. The front plaza is the location of the Modesto Rotary Music Garden. A wide variety of arts, entertainment, and education can be found at the Gallo Center. Upcoming events include Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Annie, Judy Collins, Amy Grant, George Lopez, Belinda Carlisle, To Kill a Mockingbird, Frankie Valli, and The House at Pooh Corner. The building was completed in 2007 and is located at 1001 I St. Phone: 209-338-2100.
There are concessions on the first and second levels of the Marie Damrell Gallo Grand Lobby. They serve snacks, coffee, soda, and bottled water. A selection of premium wines and beers are also available.
Sciabica’s Family California Olive Oil & Gourmet Foods: Tasting Room and Gift Shop. They started producing in Modesto in 1936 with cold-pressing Marsala Brand Olive Oil. Marsala is the oldest continuously produced California Olive Oil. Monday – Friday 8 am-5 pm. 2150 Yosemite Blvd. Phone 1-800-551-9612.
E & J Gallo Winery: There are no public tours or wine tastings at the Gallo Winery. The Winery is the largest wine company in the world. They produce over 3% of the world’s annual supply. The Winery is located at 600 Yosemite Blvd., in case you want to drive by the main office. It is near downtown Modesto.
Modesto Outdoor Activities
John Thurman Field: The Modesto Nuts baseball is played yearly to local Modesto crowds at the John Thurman Field, named after Assemblyman John Thurman in 1955. Location: 601 Neece Dr. There are many family-oriented activities before and during the game. The team is a California league minor league Single-A team affiliated with the Seattle Mariners. The team name Nuts is in honor of Modesto producing almonds, walnuts, and pistachios. Interesting fact: Modesto produces 80% of the world’s almonds and 99% of the world’s pistachios. The team mascot is an almond. For tickets and information, call 209-572-4487.
Vander Helm Farms: This is a great place to take your family and pick fresh fruit and vegetables. They have a Tractor Ride (Donation), a playground with a few pieces of equipment to climb on, swings, and a teeter-toter. Plus some photo ops. Items available in season: Cucumbers, squash, and zucchini are priced per item. Blueberries, cherries, strawberries, peaches, nectarines, and apricots are priced per pound. Location: 1678 Albers Rd. Phone: 209-614-8307. Be sure to check what is currently available. Website: vanderhelmfarms.com. Their hours vary by season. They are closed on Sundays.
Tuolumne River Regional Park: This includes a 3.4-mile hike and biking trail. Beautiful views along the Tuolumne River. The best time to go is May through October. Location: Tioga Drive and Legion Park Drive.
Other Cities Nearby
Oakdale Cowboy Museum: It is at 335 East F St. in Oakdale. Oakdale is known as the “Cowboy Capital of the World.” The museum is open Wed.-Sat. 10-3. Closed Sunday – Tuesday. Phone: 209-847-7049. The Oakdale Rodeo has been held on the 2nd weekend in April since 1954. In addition, there is a parade on Saturday that starts at 9:00 am at Oakdale High School.
Delicato Family Wines Tasting Room: This Winery is in Manteca at 12001 CA-99, exit #246. Open seven days a week from 9 am to 5:30 pm for purchases and wine tasting.
Cruising Modesto, a bit Farther Out
Stanislaus River Rafting: In the summertime, this is a popular past-time. The best know rafting company is Sunshine Rafting Adventures. They are located in Knights Ferry. Phone: 1-800-829-7238. If you are interested, you should book reservations ahead. Check-in is located at 800 North Yosemite Ave. in Oakdale. There is a bus ride to Knights Ferry for the 7-mile float back to Oakdale. More details and prices at raftadventure.com.
Hilmar Cheese Company Visitor Center: Multiple kinds of cheese, ice cream, and gifts can be purchased at the Hilmar Cheese Factory Store. They have cheese tasting in the Store, and they offer self-guided tours. And special tours, like their ice cream-making tours, at a small cost ($3 currently.) Call for tour times – offered Spring break, Summer June 1 – August 28, weeks of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. They are closed on major holidays. In addition, they have a Cafe serving soup, chowder, salads, flatbread pizza, and sandwiches. Plus desserts, including Cream Cheese Brownies. Location: 9001 Lander Ave, Hilmar. Phone: 209-656-1196. Hours Monday – Friday 7 am to 6 pm.
Vacationing in Modesto
There is so much to do in the Modesto area. You might need to extend your trip a little longer than planned. There are plenty of hotels and restaurants in Modesto and nearby. Did this spark your interest in Modesto? Please let me know in the comment section below. Have a great vacation wherever you go.
