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Best 10 Tourist Attractions in Modesto CA

California's most fertile agriculture envelops Modesto, which is located in the state's center. The city's name, which translates to "modest" in Spanish, accurately describes this tiny city's current state of peaceful American pop and automotive culture. It is surrounded by breathtaking scenery and is teeming with museums and parks. In addition, George Lucas was born and raised there, serving as the inspiration for "American Graffiti," one of the most well-known movies about teenage life in the 1960s. The movie's legacy indeed endures in the city, and Graffiti Summer is a special celebration of the film, but there are plenty of other reasons to visit Modesto. Here is a list of the top 10 things to do in Modesto CA to make your trip to the city a memorable one.

Downtown Modesto

Renowned for being the beating center of the city, downtown Modesto offers an enormous array of captivating activities. In addition to having a plethora of culinary options, the downtown region is the place to go for nightlife, with a variety of cafés and pubs that frequently include live music throughout the night. Another popular feature of downtown Modesto is the Art Walk, which offers self-guided tours that highlight murals, art installations, and other unusual displays while also providing an overview of the area.

Gallo Center for the Arts

Since its opening in 2007, this arts center has emerged as a top venue for performances. It features national touring acts as well as local and regional talent. And now, with several eateries close by, it serves as a downtown community pillar. Two performance spaces, including the 1,248-seat Mary Stuart Rogers Theater, are located within the facility. Gallo Center for the Arts hosts comedic acts, musical productions, seasonal parties, and national tour lecture series in addition to Broadway blockbusters. Moreover, it also offers educational programs, such as a K–12 Performance Series.

Graffiti Summer

The Central Valley's car culture is honored during Graffiti Summer, a month-long event. With classic cars, live acts, and festivals going on, it takes over June in Modesto. The occasion also admires local director George Lucas, whose movie American Graffiti was inspired by his early 1960s teenage years spent in Modesto. This event also includes the annual Graffiti Classic Car Parade, and it is one of the main draws of Graffiti Summer. Along the Modesto Historic Cruise Route and downtown, you can see hundreds of pre-1979 cars cruising by.

The State Theatre

One of the best attractions Modest has to offer, the State Theatre of Modesto, with its marquee lighting up the street, has been a great venue for over 80 years. After entering the luxurious lobby, you'll find a 550-plus-seat auditorium that offers an excellent ambiance for watching a movie or live performance. Part of the fun of any show is the historic vibe that radiates throughout the theater.

McHenry Mansion

If you are searching for historic places to visit in Modesto, then check out this mansion. Known as Modesto's crown gem, the McHenry Mansion was meticulously renovated a few years ago to preserve its heritage.  Despite its lengthy history as a family residence, sanatorium, and apartment complex, much of the mansion's Victorian architecture still stands. On weekends, visitors usually enjoy a free guided tour of this lavishly furnished downtown mansion with a docent. Inside are antiques and vintage pieces that will give you a fascinating look at Victorian-era Modesto life.

Modesto Certified Farmers Market

The Modesto Certified Farmers Market boasts a distinguished 30-year heritage in the community. From March through December, this market takes place in downtown on Thursdays and Saturdays, offering fresh fruit, baked goods, and vegetables. Handmade artisan products and hot, ready-to-eat culinary items are also available for purchase. This community gathering frequently features live music as a backdrop, and there are always new options each week due to varying growing seasons.

Graceada Park

Modesto's oldest city park is Graceada Park. Known for its extensive array of summertime activities, the park features athletic facilities including volleyball, basketball, and soccer courts, as well as water features and fountains for kids to enjoy. The neighborhood surrounding the park is notable for its high concentration of historic homes from the 1920s, making it an ideal location for a stroll and a history lesson about Modesto's past.

Modesto Arch

Modesto Arch is the city's actual welcome sign and is among the most famous attractions in Modesto CA. It was created in 1912 and has been welcoming visitors and locals alike for over a century. Situated near the Gallo Center for the Arts, the arch spans a busy junction in the downtown area. It is likely to catch your attention if you spend time nearby. Its historical significance is a primary reason for admiration, beyond just passing by and taking pictures from street corners.

John Thurman Field

A trip to John Thurman Field, home of the Modesto Nuts, the local baseball club, is a must-do when in Modesto. This venue features a stadium that can hold approximately 4,000 spectators for baseball games and up to 7,500 for concerts and other large events. With a variety of activities hosted here year-round, be sure to check what's happening while you're in town. It is among the best things to do in Modesto for sports lovers.

George Lucas Plaza

Located at the Five Points intersection, this small plaza honors local filmmaker George Lucas and his 1973 film "American Graffiti." A bronze sculpture of a young man and woman seated on the rear of a 1957 Chevy symbolizes the connection between George Lucas and Modesto, marking the beginning of his successful film career. It's enjoyable to stop by the plaza for a quick visit and take pictures. Every summer, Modesto hosts the month-long Graffiti Summer Festival, a true celebration of "American Graffiti." Cinephiles and George Lucas fans should make time to visit this tribute to Hollywood's cinematic history.

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