Modesto, CA

Water Wealth Contentment Health

“Water, Wealth, Contentment and Health” is the motto for the city of Modesto, and nothing could be truer for visitors and residents alike. Modesto is in the northern portion of California’s Central Valley and just over an hour away from the San Francisco Bay area. Modesto’s roots lie in agriculture due to its location in the middle of the some of the most fertile farmland in the world. Until the turn of the century, Modesto was mostly a sleepy farm town. Since the early 2000’s, however, the downtown area has gone through a revitalization that saw the addition of Downtown Square. The pedestrian friendly tree-lined streets are filled with specialty boutiques, fine eateries and quaint cafes. At the new Downtown Plaza, local wine giant E&J Gallo opened the Gallo Center for the Arts. This center honors the history and people of the Central Valley that focuses on arts, education and entertainment. The Modesto Symphony Orchestra calls the Gallo Center home, with performances throughout the year.

Modesto is no stranger to live music and festivals, with downtown events such as SummerFest, which has seen music superstars such as Hootie & the Blowfish, Styx and Chris Isaak. X-Fest is the wild, 21-and-over festival that has grown into 15 city blocks and is the world’s largest disco with a Mardi Gras atmosphere. Modesto is also a great place for guests to base their trips to the nearby natural attractions. Yosemite National Park is under an hour away and draws visitors to its massive redwood trees, towering waterfalls and incredible views. Being set in such an agriculturally rich region means that the farm-to-table movement is thriving in Modesto. The restaurants range from gourmet eateries with the freshest local ingredients to some of the best authentic Mexican food in the state. While Modesto may not have the sprawling resorts seen elsewhere, every major hotel brand is represented in town and all provide excellent accommodations.