Modesto on a Budget: 5 Days of Fun!

Discover Modesto: Budget-friendly adventures in California's Central Valley.

22 June 2023

Modesto, located in central California, offers many affordable and free attractions for budget-conscious travelers. Visitors can explore local parks, attend farmers markets, and enjoy the city's vibrant music and arts scene. The area also features wallet-friendly dining options, making it an ideal destination for a fun and affordable trip.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Arrival and Exploration

  • Check into Modesto hotel, the Best Western Town House Lodge, for a comfortable yet budget-friendly stay.
  • Start the day with breakfast at Latif’s Restaurant, a local favorite for its delicious omelets and pancakes.
  • Take a stroll through downtown Modesto to admire the vibrant murals and sculptures.
  • Visit the McHenry Mansion, a beautifully restored Victorian home, and learn about Modesto's history.
  • Grab lunch at Commonwealth, a cozy spot offering hearty sandwiches and salads.
  • End the day at the Gallo Center for the Arts, an impressive performing arts venue showcasing music, theater and dance performances.
Day 2

Nature and Entertainment

  • Drive to the nearby Woodward Reservoir for a day of fishing, swimming, and water sports.
  • Catch a matinee at the iconic State Theater, a 1930s Art Deco cinema that still shows classic films.
  • Stop by the Modesto Certified Farmers Market for fresh produce, artisanal goods, and street food.
  • Indulge in a juicy burger and fries at the acclaimed Bauer's 66 1/2 Steakhouse.
  • Head to the Brenden Theatres for a night of bowling, arcade games, and movies.
Day 3

Cultural Excursions

  • Visit the Great Valley Museum of Natural History, featuring exhibits on local flora and fauna, geology, and archaeology.
  • Head to the McHenry Avenue Corridor for a diverse range of ethnic cuisines, including Mexican, Vietnamese, and Indian.
  • Tour the McHenry Mansion decorated for the holidays.
  • See a performance at the Modesto Community Theatre, a local institution producing quality plays and musicals.
  • Satisfy your sweet tooth with a dessert from the famous Dewz Restaurant.
Day 4

Wine Tasting and Shopping

  • Drive to the scenic nearby town of Oakdale for wine tasting at the charming Hovey Winery.
  • Stop by the Olive Oil Pantry to taste and purchase California olive oils and vinegars.
  • Dine at the lovely Victorian Rose Tea Room for a traditional English afternoon tea experience.
  • Explore the Vintage Faire Mall for a plethora of shopping options, from clothing to electronics to home goods.
  • Savor some authentic Italian fare at Bella Italia Ristorante.
Day 5

Urban Recreation

  • Rent a bike from Fun Sport Bikes and cycle along the scenic Virginia Corridor Trail.
  • Enjoy a picnic lunch at Graceada Park, a beautifully landscaped park with a rose garden and playground.
  • Check out the Modesto Arch, an iconic landmark highlighting the city's downtown district.
  • Lounge by the pool at the Best Western Town House Lodge and soak up the sun.
  • Toast to the end of your trip with craft cocktails at the speakeasy-style Ralston's Goat.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Modesto is by plane. The Modesto City-County Airport is the closest major airport, with connecting flights from several domestic airports.

Car

Driving is an easy way to get to Modesto. The city is located right off of Highway 99, which runs north-south between Sacramento and Bakersfield. Several major car rental companies can be found at the Modesto City-County Airport.

Train

Unfortunately there is no train station in Modesto.

Boat

Unfortunately there are no waterways that provide access to Modesto.

Bus

Taking a bus is a great way to get to Modesto. Greyhound has several daily routes that stop in Modesto, with departures from cities throughout California.

Destination

Modesto

Welcome to the land of farm-to-table cuisine, where cows outnumber people and the nightlife consists of watching paint dry. Just kidding, Modesto may surprise you with its quaint charm and hidden gems.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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Modesto, located in California's Central Valley, offers a perfect destination for a family-friendly trip. Experience the city's vibrant culture by exploring museums like the Great Valley Museum and the McHenry Museum. Enjoy outdoor adventures at beautiful parks, such as Graceada Park or Dry Creek Regional Park, where you can picnic, play sports, and enjoy nature with your loved ones.

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