Modesto’s location in the Central Valley puts it within easy reach of small towns, farmland, and one of California’s newest state parks, all without needing a full day just to get there and back. None of the options below require more than a short drive from the city.
These trips work well as a change of pace from downtown Modesto, especially if you’ve already covered the city’s main sights and want something quieter for a morning or afternoon.
Here’s where to head if you have a car and a few extra hours. For attractions inside Modesto itself, see the full Things to Do in Modesto guide.
Oakdale Cheese & Specialties
About a 30 minute drive from Modesto, this working dairy farm produces award-winning Gouda in the Dutch tradition. Visitors can watch cheesemaking through viewing windows, sample and buy cheese, and feed goats, sheep, and alpacas in an on-site mini-zoo.
Dos Rios State Park
Roughly eight miles west of Modesto near Grayson, this 1,600 acre state park opened in 2024 at the confluence of the Tuolumne and San Joaquin rivers. It’s currently open Friday through Sunday, with hiking trails, picnic ramadas along a pond, and strong birdwatching.
Tuolumne River Regional Park
If you’d rather stay closer to town, this developing riverside park system runs along nearly seven miles of the Tuolumne River through Modesto itself. It pairs naturally with a Dos Rios trip if you want more river time without the full drive out to Grayson.
Dos Rios currently has no entrance fee and operates on a limited weekend schedule, so check the day of the week before building a trip around it.
A car is necessary for all three of these, since none are within walking distance of downtown Modesto. Pack water and sun protection regardless of season, since the Central Valley heat builds quickly even on an overcast morning.