Halfway between San Francisco and Yosemite National Park lies Modesto, California. A place where your tour can spend several nights and visit Yosemite, take a Mural Tour, visit Central California wine country, cheese factories, olive oil producers and even go to U-pick farms for fresh fruit! Plus your groups will be able to spread out, safely and in a healthy manner, while enjoying the variety of restaurants, live theater and incredible shopping.
As the birthplace of George Lucas, Modesto is home to the only official American Graffiti Car Show and Parade every June. If you can make it between February and March, your group may enjoy the Almond Blossom Cruise when hundreds of thousands of acres blossom in pink and white! The lodging facilities in Modesto have been working with international and domestic tour groups for years and are ready to welcome your groups in a safe and healthy environment.
Visit Modesto
Todd Aaronson, CEO
209-526-5588
todd@visitmodesto.com
visitmodesto.com
Murals
With over 100 public works of art, Modesto offers visitors both walking and driving experiences to tour. In downtown alone there are over 50 works of art you can enjoy within a few blocks while surrounded by coffee shops, restaurants and art galleries. DoMo walls features public alleys where each year internationally acclaimed mural artists convene and ‘decorate’ this part of the city.
Farm and ag stands
At the very heart of California, Modesto is the center of California’s agricultural bounties. Hundreds of thousands of acres of almonds bloom from mid-February through March offering most memorable vistas! Then stone fruit season begins from apricot, plums, nectarines and peaches (not to mention strawberries sweeter than candy). Stop at one of the dozens of fruit or nut stands, tour a cheese factory, peruse the farmers market and take in an olive oil tasting too!
MoCertified restaurants
Everyone has to eat … and Modesto offers MoCertified safety conscious restaurants from Italian to Chinese to kababs and authentic Mexican delights. The abundance of fresh fruit grown locally allows local restaurants to follow the seasons with variety all year long. Don’t forget your coffee and pastries while visiting. Downtown and the north end offer local roasters and unforgettable bakeries. If you prefer a cold beer, there are local brew pubs and gastro pubs to enjoy too.
Outdoor adventure
Sitting in the valley below the Sierra Mountain Range and Yosemite National Park, Modesto is perfect for outdoor recreation options. Golf and tennis … got that. Just outside downtown there is kayaking, fly fishing and trails along the Tuolomne River. Birding? Modesto is on the Western flyway. If you run, ride or cycle then Modesto offers long open roads and moderate terrain. Plus there’s the lakes and reservoirs for sailing, wake boarding, water skiing and more!
