IG-Worthy Photo Spots During the Almond Blossom Cruise
Every year, almond blossoms transform Modesto and the surrounding Central Valley into a pink-and-white wonderland. If you’re looking for the best places to take almond blossom photos or planning the perfect Almond Blossom Cruise, you’ve come to the right place! 🌸📷✨
This guide highlights must-visit stops along our various almond blossom routes, featuring scenic bridges, rustic farms, blooming orchards, and hidden gems. Whether you’re an experienced photographer or just looking for a dreamy backdrop for your Instagram feed, these stops will take your almond blossom road trip to the next level.
So, grab your camera, a cozy sweater, and your favorite road trip snacks and tunes—let’s chase the blossoms in Modesto! 🚗
Roberts Ferry – The Best Milkshake of Your Life, Bridge Views, & Lavender
If you’re looking for a picture-perfect mix of charming orchards, gourmet treats, and scenic views, Roberts Ferry is an essential stop on your Almond Blossom Cruise.
Start at Roberts Ferry Gourmet, where you can grab a legendary Almond Butter Milkshake. Snap a shot of your shake in the foreground with the soft pink-and-white blossoms behind—it’s a must for any almond blossom road trip photo collection!
🌸 Wander through the almond orchards right behind the shop and take in breathtaking views of the blooms. Walk a little further up the gentle hill for a panoramic view of the orchards, the river, and even the snow-capped Sierras in the distance.
Visit Roberts Ferry Covered Bridge for a stunning photo op featuring the rustic wooden bridge, the river, and seasonal wildflowers. This peaceful spot is perfect for a wide-angle nature shot with a mix of blossoms and water reflections.
End at Roberts Ferry Lavender Farm – while the lavender fields bloom later in the year, they create a stunning contrast with the almond blossoms. The rustic farm buildings and open countryside offer a gorgeous rural backdrop for your photos.
📸 Pro Tip: Hold up your Almond Butter Milkshake against the blossoms for a dreamy foodie-meets-nature shot!
Rodin Farms – A Blossoming Escape You’ll Want to Bottle Up
If you’re looking for a peaceful orchard experience where you can truly soak in the beauty of almond blossom season, Rodin Farms is the perfect place to slow down and savor the scenery.
Step into the orchard, take a deep breath, and let the soft petals and golden sunlight surround you. Every inch of this farm is a photographer’s dream, with rows of pink and white blossoms creating natural tunnels perfect for cinematic shots.
Farmstand Delights: While you’re here, check out Rodin Farms’ fresh nuts, produce, and local goods. The rustic setup of their farmstand makes for an ideal countryside aesthetic shot.
📸 Pro Tip: Capture a slow-motion video of petals drifting in the wind for a magical, fairytale-like moment.
Knights Ferry – The Bridge, the River, and the Wildflowers
If you want a mix of history, nature, and breathtaking almond blossom views, Knights Ferry is an essential stop on your Almond Blossom Cruise.
Knights Ferry Covered Bridge: As the longest covered bridge west of the Mississippi, this structure provides dramatic, rustic charm. Capture a silhouette shot inside the bridge for a moody, artistic feel, or take a wide shot of the bridge surrounded by wildflowers and orchards.
Stanislaus River & Wildflower Views: Below the bridge, the Stanislaus River winds through the hills, creating a dreamy, nature-filled setting for landscape photography. If you visit in early spring, you’ll find rolling hills blanketed in yellow and purple flowers, adding even more color to your almond blossom photos.
Scenic Hilltop Views: Take a short hike up the surrounding hills for a breathtaking view of the orchards, river, and rolling countryside. This is one of the best panoramic photo spots on the entire Almond Blossom Cruise.
Zinc House Farm – Orchards, Wine, and the Perfect Countryside Backdrop
For a picture-perfect mix of rustic charm, almond blossoms, and wine tasting, Zinc House Farm in Escalon is an absolute must on your Almond Blossom Cruise.
Walkable Orchards: This farm sits right in the middle of stunning, walkable orchards, making it one of only three immersive almond blossom experiences on this list. As you stroll through the trees, you’ll also find unique art installations thoughtfully placed throughout the property, making every turn a new photo opportunity. Whether it’s a rustic sculpture, a vintage piece, or a creative surprise, these artistic touches add a whimsical element to your orchard photography.
Clark Ferrea Wines at Zinc House Farm: For those who want to pair breathtaking views with a glass of wine, Clark Ferrea Winery’s tasting room is right on the property. Enjoy a flight of handcrafted wines while overlooking the blooming orchards or by an outdoor firepit—it’s one of the most scenic and relaxing ways to experience almond blossom season.
Organic Farm Market & Cozy Aesthetic: Zinc House Farm also has an organic market where you can stock up on farm-fresh produce, specialty goods, and unique local products. The vintage barn, open fields, and farmhouse architecture create an idyllic backdrop for both food and nature photography.
📸 Pro Tip: Capture a wine glass in the foreground, with rows of almond blossoms behind for a perfect cheers to spring moment.
Downtown Modesto Murals – A Pop of Color
Sometimes, you need a break from all the soft, pastel nature vibes, and that’s where Modesto’s vibrant downtown murals come in.
These colorful street art pieces are scattered throughout downtown and make for the perfect bold, urban contrast to the soft pink blossoms.
The Oldest Walnut Tree in California – A Giant Worth Visiting
This isn’t just any tree—it’s a legend. Standing strong for over a century, this massive walnut tree is the perfect place to reflect on nature’s beauty (and snap a photo that makes you look tiny in comparison!).
📸 Pro Tip: Get low and shoot up for an ultra-dramatic perspective.
West Modesto off Hart Road – Quick Stop, Big Views
Need a quick orchard fix without straying too far? This is your go-to drive. It’s the perfect place to pull over (safely!), roll down the windows, and soak in the sights. You have two options for a killer lunch or dinner out here – plan ahead and grab lunch from The Sandwich Shop for a roadside picnic or stop at Twin Rivers Saloon for some classic American food and a full bar!
📸 Pro Tip: Park near the blossoms, set up a little picnic on your car hood, and snap the ultimate road trip vibe photo.
Marsella Family Vineyards – Sipping with a View
Almond blossoms AND wine? Yes, please. Marsella Family Vineyards isn’t just about great wine—it’s also home to stunning views that pair perfectly with a tasting. Make sure to call Farmer John ahead of time for an appointment, then relax, sip, and snap the kind of vineyard photo that will make all your friends jealous.
Oakdale Cheese & Specialties – Say Cheese!
What’s better than stocking up for your next cheese board? A cheese shop with a side of almond blossoms. This is your chance to stock up on aged cheeses, sip some wine, and capture a laid-back countryside moment. Oh, and let’s not forget the adorable farm animals that make for the perfect photobomb.
📸 Pro Tip: A classic grilled cheese close-up with the orchard backdrop? Absolutely yes.
Highway 132 West – The Overpass That’ll Make You Gasp
On your way into Modesto via Highway 132, there’s a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment where the orchards stretch endlessly in both directions. As you approach, the landscape transforms into a rolling sea of pink and white blossoms, creating one of the most breathtaking views on the entire Almond Blossom Cruise.
Bloomingcamp Ranch – Where Blossoms and Pie Collide
Almond blossoms plus homemade goodies? Yes, please. Bloomingcamp Ranch is the definition of rustic charm, offering a delicious selection of baked goods, organic dairy products, and a peaceful, picturesque setting that makes for incredible photo ops.
Start with their famous apple dumplings, which are just as photogenic as they are delicious. If you’re craving something savory, their quiche, hearty soups, and perfectly toasted grilled cheese sandwiches make for a cozy farm-fresh lunch.
Browse their selection of fresh-baked pies, cookies, and pastries, made with seasonal ingredients and old-fashioned craftsmanship. Grab a treat (or two!) and enjoy an alfresco picnic on the grounds, where the farm and orchard views create an idyllic countryside dining experience.
📸 Pro Tip: Hold up your baked goods against the blue sky and blossoms for a foodie-meets-nature shot, or snap a flat-lay picnic spread with farm tables and orchard blooms in the background for the ultimate country escape aesthetic.
van Gogh Challenge Photo Contest
Do you think the photos you shot during your Almond Blossom Cruise are award-worthy? Submit them to our van Gogh Challenge Photo Contest for a chance to have your work displayed at the March Modesto Art Walk and win great prizes!