Modesto on a Budget: A 3-Day Adventure

Explore California's heartland without breaking the bank: Modesto on a budget.

21 June 2023

Modesto is a charming city in California that offers affordable options for those traveling on a budget. Visitors can enjoy exploring the city's historic downtown area, full of unique shops and restaurants, or take a walk through the lush parks and gardens. For those looking for a bit of culture, Modesto also has several museums and art galleries to explore.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Get Your Bearings

  • Check in to the Budgetel Inn and Suites
  • Start with a cuppa at the quirky Queen Bean Coffee House
  • Wander around the McHenry Mansion learn about old Modesto
  • Don't miss the McHenry Museum, packed with historical artifacts
  • Take in a movie at the charming State Theatre
  • Enjoy some dinner and drinks at the Redwood Café
Day 2

Dive into Nature

  • Head up to the Tuolumne River for some fishing or kayaking
  • Stroll through the 19-acre Graceada Park, great for a picnic
  • If you're visiting in summer, check out the McHenry Recreation Area pool
  • Visit the Modesto Certified Farmers Market for fresh produce
  • Grab lunch at Grocery Outlet and set up a picnic in one of Modesto's many parks
  • Take a drive to the Don Pedro Reservoir and take in the scenic views
Day 3

Explore the Arts

  • Start your day with a breakfast burrito from Taqueria Vallarta
  • Visit the Great Valley Museum of Natural History at Modesto Junior College
  • Check out the Carnegie Arts Center and be blown away by Californian art
  • Visit the Gallo Center for the Arts and enjoy a performance
  • Enjoy a dinner at the Statehouse and feel like you've stepped into a time capsule
  • Grab a drink at the legendary Ridgway's Bar and Grill and make some new friends!

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

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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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