Fun Things to do in Central Valley Modesto California

Yosemite National Park Stanislaus River San Francisco McHenry Mansion Grande Vineyards Modesto Golf Courses Central Valley Universities

Modesto, California is a popular vacation destination offering a variety of fun family attractions and exciting things to do, from spectacular state parks and historic monuments to kid’s activities, fishing, boating, festivals, shopping, and dining. The Holiday Inn Express is centrally located just minutes away from the most popular attractions and things to do in Modesto, CA. Enjoy the charm of historic downtown Modesto with its tree-lined streets, parks, historic buildings, specialty shops, restaurants, and coffee shops, then relax at the Holiday Inn Express for a stress free, budget friendly vacation in the heart of California’s Central Valley.

Modesto, California Attractions

Yosemite National Park.

Established in 1864, Yosemite is a National Park that is famous for its awe inspiring granite cliffs, spectacular waterfalls, groves of giant sequoia trees, and stunning landscapes. The 1,200 square-mile park was one of the first wilderness parks in the United States, and features hiking trails, lakes, streams, camping, biking, fishing, and wildlife. Formed by glaciers about one million years ago, the Yosemite Valley is best known for its impressive Half Dome mountain, El Capitan mountain, Yosemite Falls and Bridalveil Falls. www.nps.gov/yose/.

Patterson, CA.

Known as the “Apricot Capitol of the World,” Patterson, California is a rural town that yields about 95,000 tons of the fruit each year. Patterson apricots are well known because of their high yield and delicate flavor. Visitors flock to the popular Apricot Fiesta held in Patterson each May. www.patterson-ca.com/fiesta/fiesta1.htm

Stanislaus County Fair.

Established in 1911, the Stanislaus County Fair is a ten-day long source of family fun and entertainment held in Turlock, California. The fair features hundreds of exhibits, rodeo events, live music, broadcast horse racing, food concessions, and souvenir vendors. www.stancofair.com [Top]

Stanislaus River.

The Stanislaus River offers serene landscapes, white-water rafting, fishing, canoeing, hiking, and camping as well as a historic covered bridge and nine beautiful parks dotted along its banks. www.spk.usace.army.mil/organizations/cespk-co/lakes/stanislaus.html

Altamont Raceway Park.

Altamont Raceway Park, located in Tracy, California, features exciting Super Stock, Modified, Midget, and Sprint racing on two oval tracks. Races are held on Friday nights, Saturday nights, and Sunday afternoons. www.altamontraceway.com.

Skiing.

California’s Central Valley is just a short drive away from a variety of top skiing destinations. From small, family friendly snow play parks, to large ski resorts, winter sports enthusiasts have a wide variety of winter activities to choose from. Badger Pass, Dodge Ridge and Mammoth are just a few of the fabulous ski areas that are open for wintertime fun. www.yosemite.com/tripplan/thingstodo/skiing.html [Top]

San Francisco.

San Francisco is a charming city offering visitors a wide range of fun attractions and interesting things to do. From the famous Golden Gate Bridge to Chinatown, Pier 39, Fishermen’s Wharf, and Golden Gate Park, San Francisco is a destination that offers something for everyone. San Francisco is also a cultural Mecca, offering a wide range of museums, live theatre, opera and ballet performances, galleries, and more. No matter what you’re looking for, San Francisco has it all. www.onlyinsanfrancisco.com

San Luis Reservoir.

San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area is a popular multi-use recreation area offering boating, sail boarding, fishing, camping, hiking, horseback riding and picnicking for day and overnight use. www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=558.

Modesto Farmers Market.

The Modesto Farmers Market offers produce, flowers, organic foods, and more for shoppers looking for fresh, organic food. The market is open 7am-12:30pm each Saturday and Thursday, May through November. www.modestofarmersmarket.com. [Top]

McHenry Mansion.

Built in 1883, the McHenry Mansion is a beautiful Victorian residence that was originally the home of rancher and banker Robert McHenry. The home was restored in 1976, and is decorated and furnished with period antiques. Open Tue-Thur and Sun 1-4pm; Fri, Noon-3pm. Free admission. www.mchenrymansion.org.

McHenry Museum.

Located in Modesto, CA just one block away from the McHenry Mansion, McHenry Museum features exhibits, photographs, and artifacts detailing the history and culture of Modesto and Stanislaus County from pioneer days through the mid-20th century. Open Tue-Sun, noon-4pm. www.mchenrymansion.org/museum/index.html [Top]

 

Central Valley Wineries & Vineyards

Diablo Grande Vineyards.

Covering 36 acres, the Diablo Grande Vineyards grows Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Barbera, Merlot, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes adjacent to Diablo Grande's Ranch and Legends West Golf Courses, and produces a variety of unique Estate Bottled wines each season. www.golfdiablogrande.com/golf/proto/diablogrande/winery/winery.htm

Delicato Vineyards.

Delicato has been growing and producing fine wines for more than 75 years, creating distinctive wines and serving them up in their Manteca tasting room. Visitors can taste a variety of wines and purchase a selection of gift and gourmet items in their tasting room, open daily. www.delicato.com

Lodi Appellation.

Located between the San Francisco Bay Area and the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, the Lodi Appellation is a unique wine growing region that has a history of hand crafted, fine family wines since the Gold Rush era. The area features several vineyards and numerous wineries offering wine tasting, winery tours, festivals, and more. www.lodiwine.com [Top]

Golf Courses

Diablo Grande Winery & Resort.

Located just six miles from Patterson, Diablo Grande Golf Course offers scenic beauty and stunning natural terrain on two award-winning golf courses that meander through rolling hills, stands of native oaks, green vineyards, and canyons. The resort also features a pro shop, a restaurant, lounge, and banquet facilities. www.diablogrande.com

Stevinson Ranch Golf Club.

Known as one of the top golf courses in California, the Stevinson Ranch Golf Club features an award-winning course surrounded by acres of natural wetlands and beautiful natural terrain, plus a state-of-the-art putting green, a clubhouse, a pro shop, restaurant, a saloon; and an outdoor barbeque and party pavilion. www.stevinsonranch.com [Top]

 

Central Valley California

Universities

University of the Pacific (UOP).

Established in 1851, UOP is the oldest chartered university in California and is a private university offering small class sizes, excellent teachers and a variety of undergraduate and graduate/professional programs in more than 80 majors and programs of study. www.uop.edu

California State University Stanislaus.

CSU Stanislaus is a public university that offers an excellent, personalized education with small classes at its two campus sites in Turlock and Stockton, and via distance learning courses. CSU Stanislaus is best-known for its business administration, teacher education, and nursing programs, but offers 64 other undergraduate programs and master’s programs, graduate certificate programs and school credential programs.www.csustan.edu. [Top]