Modesto

Modesto is a city in California's San Joaquin Valley.

History
Modesto began in the mid to late 1800s as a stop along the railroad between Sacramento and Los Angeles. At the time, it was surrounded by sprawling farmlands. Over time, as the city grew, they began to build dams and canals throughout the neighboring foothills to help irrigate the farmland. After World War II, suburban areas expanded, and Modesto was no exception: by 1980 the city had 100,000 people, and by 2000 it had 200,000. The proximity to the Bay Area and relatively cheap real estate helped the city become a popular city for commuters to live in.

Today, Modesto is one of a few large cities in the San Joaquin Valley, and is home to a unique blend of Bay Area and farming cultures.

By train
Modesto is served several times a day by Amtrak and its San Joaquin route, which runs south to Bakersfield and north to either Sacramento or the Oakland. is located about 5 miles east of downtown, at 1700 Held Dr. Bus number 25 connects with the city center.

By car
Modesto is on California State Route 99, the major north-south arterial between Sacramento and Bakersfield.

Sleep
Additional lodging options can be found in the neighboring town of Salida.



Go next

 * Sonora- 108 East. About 1 hour 15 minutes away.
 * Yosemite National Park- 132 East to J132 East to 120 East. About 2 hours away.
 * Sacramento- 99 North. About 1 hour 15 minutes away.
 * San Francisco- 99 North to 120 West to 5 South to 205 West to 580 West to 80 West. About 2 hours away to 3 hours away, depending on traffic.
 * Fresno- 99 South. About 1 hour 30 minutes away.