Best spots for food, views & fun — your go-to guide for weekends in Modesto. Here are 10 hometown favorite spots.
Sections
5
Outdoor Activities
Restaurants
Other Food & Drinks
Arts & Entertainment
Local Favorites
Outdoor Activities
Places to get fresh air, snap photos, and make memories.
Great park for family outings. Huge grassy area with tables for eating. They have barbecue pits and playground equipment and best of all, Stanislaus river runs right through it. There’s a sandy/beachy area for kids to play andsplash in the water. ...
Jacob Myers Park
Every Saturday rain or shine. Great deals on local, organically grown fruits, and vegetables.
Located in Modesto’s downtown, you won’t want to miss it.
Modesto Certified Farmers' Market
Goes from miles and miles. A nice safe, walking experience or jogging experience. The trailer is paved and very busy with walkers and joggers.
Virginia Corridor Trailway | Modesto, CA
Nice fenced area to take dogs.
Elk Park / Modesto Dog Park
Such a fun park for kids and adults. Offers outdoor seating, barbecue pits, and grassy fields. The best part is there’s a huge duck pond with geese and ducks and carp fish. There’s a great playground for kids and there’s a playground that all parents...
Donnelly Park
Oldest park in Modesto. Large green space, iconic landmarks like the Mancini Music Bowl, perfect for a relaxing outing.
Graceada Park
In spring, the almond blossoms are dreamy. Great for drives, photo shoots, seasonal festivals.
Almond Blossom Cruise
Downtown streets turned into art-hubs: murals, live art, local artisans. Always IG-friendly.
3rd Thursday Art Walk — Stanislaus Arts Council
A short drive will get you into nature: river floats, rafting, scenic backroads, orchards. Great for weekend trips.
Sunshine Rafting Adventures Knights Ferry
Restaurants
Local area favorites
Italian fine dining — house-made pastas, wood-fired meats, elegant setting.
Galletto Ristorante
Comfort food with flair. Known for great burgers and warm ambiance.
Heart of downtown.
Harvest Moon Farm and Orchard
Other Food & Drinks
A downtown local favorite. Great ambience!
The Fox Pub
Arts & Entertainment
Local theaters and event venues
Big venue for concerts, theater shows, and free community events. Upcoming: Family Fun Festival, Opera Modesto performances.
Gallo Center for the Arts
Part restaurant, part event venue, part country escape—The Fruit Yard has it all.
The Fruit Yard
Explore science, history, and hands-on fun! 🦖🔬 Perfect for family outings or a fun day of learning in Modesto.
Great Valley Museum and Planetarium
Local Favorites
Only in Modesto…local favs
Street murals, boutiques, art galleries, food & nightlife. First Fridays are always buzzy.
DoMo First Fridays — Downtown Modesto
Historic Victorian mansion + museum tours—good mix of culture & quiet charm.
McHenry Mansion: Victorian Mansion | Modesto, CA
When weather’s not great or you want indoor fun: shopping, games, food court vibes.
Vintage Faire Mall (2025) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Reviews)
