GET MO OUTDOORS!
GET MO OUTDOORS!
If you like to be active, Modesto will keep you busy! With several reservoirs, lakes and rivers in the area you can raft, jet-ski, kayak, fish, or sun bathe. We also have over 70 public parks to take the family to, with playgrounds, splash parks, pools, and pickleball courts. The first new California State Park in nearly a decade officially opened in Modesto this summer! Check out Dos Rios State Park for hiking, bird watching, or an outdoor picnic. We have something for every level of outdoors enthusiast, not to mention we are less than 90 miles away from Yosemite National Park, making Modesto your perfect basecamp!
Yosemite National Park
An icon of America’s majestic natural beauty, California’s Yosemite National Park welcomes millions of visitors each year—drawn to its dramatic waterfalls, giant sequoias, abundant wildlife, and awe-inspiring cliffs. Whether you’re looking for the adventure vacation of a lifetime, want to immerse yourself in the stillness of nature — or simply hike, backpack or ski in one of the most beautiful places on earth, Yosemite is a can’t-miss stop. Stay in Modesto and experience our amazing restaurants and theaters after your long day of exploring – our very own Camp 4 Wine Cafe has extra special ties to Yosemite and the climbing community.
Photo provided by Levi Aaronson Photography
Photo provided by Levi Aaronson Photography
Photo provided by Levi Aaronson Photography
Are you specifically coming to see the iconic Yosemite Firefall this February? Find everything you need to know to plan for your stay on this blog, or visit the official National Parks page on the extraordinary phenomenon.
Dos Rios State Park
Dos Rios invites visitors to step back in time as they meander through a restored floodplain forest to explore the remarkable connection of water, wildlife, conservation, and ranch life. Located a few minutes west of Modesto and on the confluence of the Tuolumne and San Joaquin Rivers, Dos Rios is more than just a park; it’s a massive ecological restoration project. Once farmland, it has been transformed into a thriving floodplain habitat for a variety of threatened and endangered species. This makes it a crucial area for wildlife conservation – thank you to River Partners for their efforts in this project!
The Modesto Marathon
Our very own Modesto Marathon is a Boston and NY qualifier! There are different levels on race day for all levels of runners – from a full marathon to a 5k, and everything in between, you can take a look at the courses HERE. The Modesto Marathon is run by Shadowchase Running Club, a local nonprofit dedicated to promoting running and fitness related activities in the greater Modesto area, and the proceeds from the marathon benefits Teens Run Modesto.
Local Parks, Rivers, and Hiking
Whether you want a place to play for the kiddos, basketball or pickleball courts, or some fun in the water on a hot day, Modesto has it all! In November, you can witness a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle when the Chinook salmon spawn hits the Stanislaus River. If you prefer to use your time in the water to do some fishing, you’ll find a variety of fish species in our rivers, just check out the CA Department of Fish and Wildlife to ensure you follow all regulations (and to see a map of what fish you can find where). Get outdoors and have some fun!
Modesto was named one of the top fishing destinations for Veterans Day weekend in FishingBooker – check out the article HERE! And make sure you check out the Knights Ferry Salmon Festival on November 11th!
Local Parks
Rivers & Lakes
Hiking & Trails
Don’t Miss Out on Paddling with the Salmon!
Join the Tuolumne River Trust for their annual Paddle with the Salmon! For thousands of years, every fall, the Chinook Salmon return to the Tuolumne and Stanislaus Rivers to spawn. TRT’s paddle event honors the incredible ecological tradition of Chinook salmon—one of the most important keystone species on the West Coast. Join fellow nature lovers and river advocates for a profound and educational journey on these beautiful rivers.
Paddle with the Salmon is led by expert river guides and supported by TRT staff who will share a short educational program about the lives of salmon and the surrounding Tuolumne and Stanislaus ecosystems. Each paddler will be outfitted with a sit-on-top kayak, paddle, and life jacket.
Spots are expected to fill up quickly, so register ASAP!
Baseball, Soccer, and More!
Baseball, soccer, and softball fields abound in Modesto! Whether you’re looking to play a friendly game at a local park, catching a soccer game at Mary Grogan Park, or planning a trip for a tournament at Rainbow Fields or Bel Passi Baseball, there’s plenty to keep you active and busy while having fun. Are you more of a sports spectator as opposed to participating in the games? Check out our Single-A baseball team The Modesto Nuts at John Thurman Field. Are you more of a golf fan? Check out either Creekside Golf Course or Dryden Park Golf Course in Modesto and enjoy a day on the green. If Yellowstone has piqued your cowboy interest, don’t miss out on the annual Oakdale Rodeo in the “Cowboy Capital of the World”. We have something for all types of sports fans, and we can’t wait for you to experience Modesto and all we have to offer!
PACK MO ADVENTURE INTO
YOUR VACATION
