15 Unique Experiences During the Almond Blossom Cruise (Updated for 2025)
There’s no shortage of things to do during the Almond Blossom Cruise – check out our top 15 can’t-miss experiences during your Cruise below and start planning for the events that you don’t want to miss – no FOMO here!
From arts experiences to food & wine experiences, there’s something to entertain anyone. Looking for more family-friendly options while you’re in town? Check out our Family Activities blog to keep the little ones entertained. We can’t wait to welcome you to Modesto!
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Food & Wine
Indulge your senses as we guide you through the top 6 food and wine tasting experiences along Modesto’s enchanting Almond Blossom Cruise. From exquisite vineyards to charming eateries, each stop promises a delightful exploration of the region’s finest flavors along with breathtaking views of blooming almond orchards along the way.
Join us on this curated culinary tour, where every sip and bite harmonize with the picturesque backdrop of nature’s floral spectacle. It’s a journey that combines the allure of almond blossoms with the exquisite taste of Modesto’s culinary treasures.
Almond Blossom Sunset Dinner
Experience an unforgettable evening of fine dining, live music, and stunning views in a blooming almond orchard. Treat yourself to local flavors, great company, and the magic of sunset among the blossoms.
Zinc House Farm
Zinc House Farm in Escalon is like stepping into a scenic wine country escape right in the middle of the Central Valley. Take a walk around the sprawling property (they encourage exploring), grab some goodies from their organic store, and get some wine tasting in in their scenic tasting room or out by one of their fire pits. This is sure to be a memorable stop on your journey!
Sciabica’s California Olive Oil
Have a once in a lifetime experience with an olive oil tasting at Sciabica’s California Olive Oil! While there, you can purchase your fav olive oil or balsamic, taste freshly brewed beer at Track 424, and grab some food from the pop-ups there every Thursday – Saturday.
Marsella Family Vineyards
Take in a wine tasting at the scenic Marsella Family Vineyards where you can enjoy your wine in their charming barn or outside with a view of the vineyard! Reservations are required for this experience, so make sure you plan ahead and give Farmer John a call.
Camp 4 Wine Cafe
Taste wines from around the world at Camp 4 Wine Cafe with a wine flight! Pro tip: order some of their in-house roasted almonds to snack on while you sip your wine.
Oakdale Cheese & Specialties
Have you ever watched cheese being made? Now’s your chance at Oakdale Cheese & Specialties! See the art of cheese making, grab some goodies (and cheese of course) in their shop, and ordered a grilled cheese sandwich to enjoy outside on their grounds.
Let’s Have Some Fun!
Embark on an enriching cultural odyssey as we unveil the top 10 arts & entertainment activities along Modesto’s captivating Almond Blossom Cruise.
From immersive experiences for the little ones at MoChiMu (Modesto Children’s Museum) to the picturesque creativity of Plein Air, the journey is an artistic tapestry waiting to be explored.
Plein Air
Local artist Barbara Gill Salerno will take aspiring and cultured artists on a journey of painting Plein Air on small canvases while ‘in the air of the orchards surrounded by blooms’ on Saturday, March 1st at Zinc House Farm. With a morning class and an early afternoon class available, you can paint depending on the light you prefer, and enjoy a glass of wine while flexing your creative muscles in the orchard.
Gallo Center for the Arts
Gallo Center for the Arts has two incredible shows planned during Almond Blossom season! Catch The Alex Lucero Band on February 28th and be ready to sing and dance in the crowd with their upbeat sounds that combine Soul, Funk, Jazz Fusion, Rock and Roots Americana – their live performances have been described as electrifying. Then NEA Jazz Master and Grammy Award winning trombonist Delfeayo Marsalis & The Uptown Jazz Orchestra will be bringing their traditional, classic, and modern compositions to life on stage on March 9th. Don’t miss out on these incredible performances!
van Gogh Challenge Photo Contest
The van Gogh Challenge Photo Contest is officially live for submissions! Whether you already have an incredible shot of the almond blossoms in Stanislaus County, or you want to capture one in the next few weeks, send it our way for a chance to win some awesome prizes (including a HUGE grand prize for the Professional Category winner).
Art Walk
The 3rd Thursday Downtown Modesto Art Walk, a free and immersive experience celebrating artistic expression, makes its spring return on February 20th! Stroll at your own pace, enjoying diverse artwork, live music, and delicious fare from downtown eateries. Explore pieces available for purchase and let the Modesto Art Walk inspire your creativity and connect you with the vibrant local art scene!
Petal to the Metal Tour
Kick back and relax as our Petal to the Metal coach tour (either with a hotel stay or without) drives you through the blossoming orchards, while playing the Audio Tour and stopping at some of the best spots on the Almond Blossom Tour – let us do the planning and driving for you!
Modesto Children’s Museum
Make a reservation with your ticket purchase ahead of time and go prepared to watch your kiddos delight in exploration and learning at the Modesto Children’s Museum! Packed with colors, fun, and activities, this stop is sure to be a hit with the entire family.
Downtown Modesto Mural Tour
Wander through Downtown Modesto’s vibrant street art with the Mural Tour! There are over 100 murals throughout Modesto to marvel at in between blossom viewing.
Roberts Ferry Gourmet
Indulge in the culinary arts at Roberts Ferry Gourmet! Indulge in lunch and milkshakes from their country store, then eat al fresco and enjoy the beautiful views of blossoms and the snow-capped Sierras.
Stanislaus Arts Council Gallery
The Mistlin Gallery in Downtown Modesto features local art, hand-made artisan items and art pieces for sale, and exhibitions that showcase different artistic mediums!
Prospect Theater Project
There’s never a shortage of one-of-a-kind events aand shows at Prospect Theater Project. This February, grab seats to the infamous Johnny Cash Birthday Bash Fundraiser (while there are still tickets!) on February 22nd or catch one of their unique Radio Cavalcade shows – The Clock is coming up on February 21st!