Local

Top Modesto experiences you shouldn't miss in 2025

Stories by Modesto Bee journalists, with AI summarization

The articles highlight experiences that reveal Modesto's changing culture and community life. They show how local events, food spots, public art, outdoor activities and shopping options bring people together and give Modesto a distinct character.

One article explores how a new food truck court improves downtown and creates a gathering place for different tastes and groups. A story introduces hiking trails close to Modesto, inviting residents to explore nature and learn about local wildlife and history. Together, these examples show Modesto offering community markets, outdoor adventure and social spaces for both longtime locals and new visitors in 2025.

Step inside Village Health Foods in the McHenry Village Shopping Center with service journalism reporter Angela Rodriguez.

NO. 1: I ATE AT THIS HIDDEN MODESTO HEALTH FOOD STORE ON A $20 BUDGET. IT WAS ‘ORGANIC HEAVEN’

Step inside Village Health Foods with service journalism reporter Angela Rodriguez. | Published August 8, 2024 | Read Full Story by Angela Rodriguez

Knockout items (hot dog, fries and burger) are pictured at Scenic Drive-In in Modesto, Calif., in the 2017 photo. By Joan Barnett Lee

NO. 2: WHAT ARE MODESTO’S MOST ICONIC RESTAURANT DISHES? HERE ARE SEVERAL THAT COME TO MIND

How many of these dishes have you tried? | Published August 28, 2024 | Read Full Story by Maria Luisa Figueroa

Paradise Plaza food truck court on I Street in Modesto, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. By Andy Alfaro

NO. 3: MODESTO FAMILY’S GOAL IS TO IMPROVE DOWNTOWN WITH FOOD TRUCK COURT. HOW THEY’LL DO IT

“It should be a nice, cool, urban spot where you can walk over for lunch and feel safe,” the plaza manager said. | Published January 29, 2025 | Read Full Story by Dominique Williams Maria Figueroa

Elaine Gorman at Dry Creek Regional Park. She is the author of a new book called Valley Ventures which features 20 hikes within a few hours of Modesto. By Maria Luisa Figueroa

NO. 4: TAKE A HIKE, MODESTO AUTHOR SAYS. THREE SCENIC SPOTS TO GET OUT AND GET ACTIVE

The trails the author and avid hiker describes in her book are suitable for any skill level. | Published May 25, 2025 | Read Full Story by Dominique Williams Maria Luisa Figueroa

Lead bartender Noah Tamez makes an Old Fashioned mixed drink at Spotlight Ultra Lounge in downtown Modesto, Calif., on March 10, 2022. The nightclub is planning to open this month. By Andy Alfaro

NO. 5: CALIFORNIA’S BEST ‘PARTY CITY’ IS ... MODESTO? HERE’S WHY IT MADE THE LIST

A total of 17 California cities landed on Bonus Finder’s list of the “ultimate party destinations for 2025.” | Published April 15, 2025 | Read Full Story by Sarah Linn

The Crows Landing Flea Market in Ceres has been open since 1989. By Angela Rodriguez

NO. 6: I WENT TO A POPULAR STANISLAUS COUNTY FLEA MARKET ON A $25 BUDGET. IT WAS A VIBE

Every Friday night, El Rematito comes alive with food, drinks, handcrafted goods and more. | Published June 20, 2025 | Read Full Story by Angela Rodriguez

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.