Surrounded by picturesque views of farmland and orchards, the city of Modesto, CA, has been steadily increasing its attractiveness as a tourist destination, with several notable places that have become known during the past few years. The number of Modesto attractions has been constantly on the rise, and thanks to a trusty California limo service you’ll be able to visit them all and make the best of your trip. In this article, we have compiled a list of the best things to do in Modesto, so read on to discover what awaits you on your next trip.

Top-Rated Things To Do in Modesto

1. Gallo Center for the Arts

The Gallo Center for the Arts is home to a great number of things to do in Modesto CA, featuring numerous events throughout the whole year such as speaking series, concerts, comedy acts, or holiday specials. There are two performance venues in the building, one of which, the Mary Stuart Rogers Theater, can seat up to 1.248 people. Local, regional, and national shows are regularly featured and the theater has been going strong since 2007, completing its extensive list of offers with regular education opportunities which include a K-12 Performance Series. Whatever you might be in the mood for, there is a very good chance you’ll find it here.

2. Graffiti Summer

If you happen in the city during the warm season, then the Graffiti Summer should be at the top of your list of things to do in Modesto California. The event lasts for the whole month of June as is a full-scale celebration of the classic car culture of the Central Valley, during which the city also pays homage to its most famous son, the filmmaker George Lucas. The highlight of the event is the Classic Car Parade, which features hundreds of automobiles built before 1979 and will entertain adults and children alike. Even if no one in your family is passionate about cars, you won’t be able to resist the vintage charm of the models you’ll see rolling before your eyes.

3. Great Valley Musem

The Great Valley Museum is one of the most fun things in Modesto to visit and is especially well suited if you’re on a journey with kids. The little ones will surely appreciate the museum’s collection of live animals, as well as the numerous interactive displays that are scattered throughout the halls. The Native Californian collection delivers a wealth of information on the history of the valley, and events such as Science Saturdays are organized all year round to keep the fun coming and provide plenty of material to enrich your mind and one of your children.

4. Yosemite National Park

A day trip to Yosemite National Park is arguably the best thing to do near Modesto CA. Even if you prefer a bustling city to the calm of nature, you won’t help but be amazed by the sheer beauty of the forest and monumental size of the mountains. If you are a mountaineer, then you’ll already know all about the place and if you want to get into it this is the perfect way to start. Many campgrounds are scattered through the park and have space for tents and RVs, should you decide to extend your stay and explore further or simply recharge your batteries if you’ve been spending too much time in the urban environment.

5. McHenty Mansion

Built in 1883 for Robert McHenry and his wife Matilda, the McHenry Mansion is a beautiful example of historic Victorian architecture that is now free for the public to explore, providing you with an excellent option if you are looking for what to do in Modesto on a rainy day. Guided tours are available for free between Sundays and Fridays in the afternoon to take you through the unique history of the place and the decorations are impressive to look at. The house has had many different lives, as a private apartment or even a sanatorium, but is still in mint condition and ready for you to explore.

6. The State Theater

You’ll see it from far because of its catchy neon lights, and once you enter you’ll surely be seduced by the large auditorium and luxurious lobby, which have intrigued generations of visitors. The State Theater has been one of the top spots to watch a show in the city for over 80 years and is still today a reference point for people looking for what is there to do in Modesto. Many different movies are shown, from independent pictures to blockbusters, and several live shows fill up the calendar with speakers, comedians, and touring musicians providing quality entertainment all year round.

7. Graceada Park

Established in 1907, Graceada Park is the oldest green area in the city and was designed by the same mind that created the Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. This makes it an ideal setting to walk around and relax during your ride through all the fun things to do in Modesto CA. Inside the park, you can also find the Mancini Bowl, where many events are organized, as well as plenty of playgrounds where locals love to get some exercise or play tennis and squash. The green area is perfect to slow down during your visit to the city, and the hand of the designer, if not explicit, can be certainly felt.

8. Modesto Arch

Despite it seldom appears on lists of things to do in Modesto today, the Modesto Arch has been welcoming visitors to the city for well over a century, and is not ready to be replaced anytime soon. Passing under it in your car takes you back in time as you read the slogan of the city that is inscribed on it: “Water, Wealth, Contentment, Health” and that has served as inspiration for the locals for many years. It’s a historic landmark that is linked to the history and soul of the city and is a great spot to take a quick picture and remind yourself about the past, before moving on with the other Modesto things to do spots.

9. George Lucas Plaza

If you love the silver screen, then you won’t want to miss this small city square dedicated to the famous director George Lucas, the most famous son of the city. Sitting next to the five-way intersection known as Five Points, a small statue of a teenage boy talking to a girl while sitting on a 1957 Chevy pays homage to the 1973 movie “American Graffiti”, which started Lucas’s successful career. The spot is also one of the highlights of the Graffiti Summer celebration during the warm season, which lets you understand its significance for the locals.

10. Modesto Certified Farmers Market

Every Thursday and Saturday between March and December, the Certified Farmers Market comes to town to deliver excellent fresh food and plenty of hot and ready to eat items. It has been running for over 30 years, and by now the market has become a great community event, bringing locals and foreigners together. It is today one of the most authentic and fun things to do in Modesto, with live music providing a great and cheerful soundtrack as you mingle through the crowd. The market is also known for being one of the first to popularize the “Farm-to-table” concept in the United States.

11. Tuolumne River Regional Park

Laid all around the calm and peaceful path of the Toulumne River, the regional park is perfect for a nice, relaxing walk or a family picnic if you are looking to get away from the city for a while and replenish your energies. The park spans 500 acres and five different park areas, giving you plenty of opportunities to change the environment if you don’t manage to find a spot you like. Bird lovers are encouraged to bring their binoculars, for there is plenty to see if you are patient enough to wait, all surrounded by the beauty of the California flora.

12. John Thurman Field

No American city is complete without a baseball court, and in Modesto, it is the John Thurman field that has the honor of hosting the games of the local team, the Modesto Nuts. The arena is large enough to house 4.000 people for a sporting event but is also the home of all the large-scale concerts that come through town, stretching its capacity up to 7.500. All sorts of events are organized here all year round, so be sure to check what’s in store for when you will be coming to town. If there is nothing you like, you can still just enjoy a good old-fashioned baseball game.

13. Dry Creek Regional Park

The Dry Creek Regional Park is one of the local’s favorite spots in the city, and we recommend you keep it in mind when looking for what to do in Modesto CA. Inside the park, there are other attractions, the most notable of which is the museum that paints a clear picture of the history of agriculture in the whole region. A lot of California wildlife can be seen while walking through the park if you’re interested and have the patience to wait for it, but otherwise, you can simply decide to take a stroll and relax, there are few better places to do so.

14. Sunshine Rafting

Rafting on the Stanislaus River, a tributary to the San Joaquin, is one of the most exciting things to do in Modesto, and Sunshine Rafting is the ideal place to do it. The company has made a name for itself as one of the best rafting companies in the region, letting visitors of any skill level have a good time and enjoy themselves while discovering the river and its surroundings. If you’re curious about getting into rafting this is one of the best places to start, with a friendly staff that is always ready to help, and whatever your level of expertise you’ll be sure to have a good time.

15. Tenth Street Plaza

Reserved for pedestrian, Tenth Street Plaza is the shopping hub of the town, with plenty of boutiques and restaurants to keep you occupied for the better part of an afternoon. It is much better than your regular shopping mall because you’ll be out in the open and still in the town, without having to drive far from the center to find what you need. A huge, 18-screen movie theater can also be found there, providing the locals with everything they need for a fun weekend and visitors with a great way to pass some time.

FAQs

Q: What Is Modesto Famous For?

A: The city of Modesto is mostly famous for being the birthplace of filmmaker George Lucas, with a city square celebrating his legacy, but the city has been steadily increasing the number of attractions it offers to the visitor. Be its tasty food, relaxing parks, or exciting live shows, you’ll find here everything you need to spend a good time with friends and family.

Q: What Is There To Do In Modesto Tonight?

A: If you’re in town for the night, be sure to check out either the State Theater or the Gallo Center for the Arts. Both are excellent and busy venues whose calendar is always jam-packed with activities, so you’ll be sure to find something that clicks with your mood and lets you spend a pleasurable evening. 

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Limo Find Overview

The list of things to do in Modesto is ever-growing, and using good Modesto limo service is the ideal way to get to experience all of them. The city is home to many beautiful spots as well as several excellent performance venues, and hosts numerous other events all year round that is just waiting for you to discover them. Despite not being known for being one of the state’s hubs for fun and culture, Modesto is rapidly acquiring a reputation that is set to put it right on par with the larger and more famous cities in the area.