Sandwiched Between San Jose And Yosemite Is California's Scenic City With Unique Museums And An Unsung Wine Scene

What happens when you combine impressive museums with wine, Star Wars, and Indiana Jones? You get legendary filmmaker George Lucas' hometown, Modesto, tucked in the Central Valley of the Golden State. This unassuming destination has that quintessential small-town charm that's completely different from the tourist attractions located on California's coast. If you've ever been on a road trip in the region, you've definitely passed by its arch and historic downtown. Modesto is all kinds of iconic, minus the flashiness that comes with the title. It was the inspiration behind the cult classic "American Graffiti" — get acquainted with the city on the silver screen before hitting the road to Stanislaus County.

The name "Modesto" honors San Francisco banker, investor, and director of the Central Pacific Railroad, William Chapman Ralston. Thanks to his efforts to bring the railroad to the area, it experienced exponential growth. As a result, people proposed it be named "Ralston." While he appreciated the gesture, Ralston was against being glorified — thus, it bore the legacy of his modesty.

An hour-and-a-half drive from San Jose will bring you to Modesto, while Sacramento is a few minutes closer. Fresno, an underrated Central Valley city with quirky attractions, is also an hour and a half away. Modesto isn't exactly the gateway to Yosemite since it's a two-hour journey — but it's totally worth rewarding yourself with wine for a couple of days after completing the soul-satisfying Half Dome hike in the national park. You're spoiled for choice when it comes to hotels. Some of the top picks include the three-star SpringHill Suites Modesto, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Best Western Palm Court Inn, and Spark by Hilton. Days Inn by Wyndham Modesto is ideal for those traveling with families, as it's within walking distance of Sky Zone Trampoline Park.

There's plenty of cultural sightseeing in Modesto, starting with the McHenry Museum. This downtown landmark preserves the city's heritage, from the Yokuts who originally inhabited the area to how it was founded. You'll find exhibits on its agriculture, gold mining, irrigation district, scenes from the average domestic life in Modesto in the 1950s, and even an old-school barbershop display. Next stop is the Great Valley Museum and Planetarium, situated on the Modesto Junior College campus. With more than 200 taxidermied specimens and an extensive plant life exhibition, visitors can learn about creatures from riparian, grassland, and other habitats. The Discovery Room allows you to observe tarantulas, snakes, and more live animals. Whatever you do, make sure to swing by the planetarium on your way out.

One of the most unique places in Modesto is the Graffiti USA Classic Car Museum. Whether you're interested in classic cars, pop culture, or rock and roll, this museum will take you back to the 1950s, '60s, and '70s. Admire displays like the 1967 Ford Mustang Pro Touring, 1922 Ford Model T Roadster Pickup, and other vintage automobiles.

The Modesto Children's Museum is a fun spot for kids, as they can ride a storytelling train, clamber up a two-story climber, and experiment with lights and shadows at the Light Lab. The interactive museum is a great way to promote creativity and improve critical thinking skills in a colorful environment. From there, make your way to VanderHelm Farms. Everyone can handpick their favorite fruits and enjoy them after the mental workout at the museums. The U-pick farm grows everything from blueberries and cherries to peaches and apricots. Grab a wagon (or bring your own) and gather whichever is in season.

While Napa Valley's wineries ooze Tuscany vibes, Modesto can be equally immersive with its offerings. E. & J. Gallo Winery, for instance, is actually a leading distributor of California wines, headquartered in the city. Its merlot is a full-bodied wine best paired with meat, and the pinot grigio goes well with seafood and fresh salads. Camp 4 Wine Café is the perfect place to sample a wide variety of vino. They have bottles from all over the world — France, Italy, Spain, Germany, New Zealand, Oregon, and, of course, California. Order a burrata bruschetta, smoked whipped feta, or a charcuterie board to snack on with your glass.

Discover more blends at Stewart & Jasper and order a glass of Orin Swift Mannequin Chardonnay, which boasts notes of white peach and caramel apple. The Daou Vineyards Rosé is ideal for a hot summer afternoon, with hints of peach, mango, and apricot. For a bolder flavor, opt for the Treana Cabernet Sauvignon to indulge in toasted coffee and black cherry richness. The Terrace is another cool spot for a wine night, with a wide selection of bottles from Argentina, Italy, and local bottles from California.

Don't forget about exploring Modesto's nature — the Tuolumne River Trail is a wonderful introduction. Whether you hike or bike along the path, you'll enjoy the views of dense forest and the flowing river on the 2.3-mile route. The Dry Creek Trail, on the other hand, stretches for 5.6 miles. This path is a birdwatcher's haven — you might catch glimpses of yellow-billed magpies, western scrub jays, and American goldfinches. If you can't get enough of the Central Valley's slow-paced lifestyle, drive 30 minutes north to arrive at Stockton, a breathtaking town full of farmers markets.