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 just-picked 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. The wide variety of live entertainment options earned the #1 ranking in “America’s Hidden Gems Live Music Scene” and international muralists are invited annually to add to the larger-than-life art collection downtown. Every June, Graffiti Summer pays homage to our hometown boy George Lucas’ classic, American Graffiti. Car shows across the city culminate with a Friday night parade of over 1,000 classic cars through downtown. In October, Modesto celebrates women’s health and wellness with MoPink. December ushers in MoCheer with ice skating, live music, parades, the Nutcracker, and other classic holiday performances. The “Almond Blossom Cruise” has become an international draw during five gorgeous weeks of millions of white and pink petals to ‘cruise’ through in the comfort of your own car.


Agriculture & Farming

Food & Beverage

Restaurants

Retail

Visit Modesto

Visit Modesto's headquarters in Modesto, United States

People (3)

Jobs (0)

Other offices