The best things to do in Modesto

43 things to do we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

Browse another shelf: all of Modesto’s best · Restaurants · Beauty · Shopping · Bakeries & Sweets · Nightlife · Arts & Culture · Antiques, Thrift, & Vintage · Home & Garden · Hobbies, Books, & Crafts · Cafes · Sporting Goods · Health & Wellness · Pets · Services · Parks & Outdoors

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Entertainment · 43 places · showing the latest additions first

San Jose Municipal Golf Course is a classic William P. Bell 18 that blends rolling fairways with sneaky-fast greens, plus a driving range…

1560 Oakland Rd (San Jose)

San Jose Municipal Golf Course is a classic William P. Bell 18 that blends rolling fairways with sneaky-fast greens, plus a driving range for tune-ups. Play a round, take a lesson if your slice needs therapy, then refuel on the patio at Muni Bar & Grill...

From the San Jose newsletter, September 20, 2026

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Stockton Golf & Country Club pairs a championship course with a 44,000-square-foot clubhouse, state-of-the-art fitness center, member…

3800 Country Club Blvd (Stockton)

Stockton Golf & Country Club pairs a championship course with a 44,000-square-foot clubhouse, state-of-the-art fitness center, member dining, and a sparkling pool, all built for family time and community. Established in 1914, it’s a classic spot to play, dine, or plan that event you keep putting off.

From the Lodi newsletter, August 7, 2026

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Stockton 99 Speedway packs blazing fast family fun onto a quarter-mile paved oval, from Speed Tour super modifieds to tire-shredding Outlaw…

4105 N Wilson Way (Stockton)

Stockton 99 Speedway packs blazing fast family fun onto a quarter-mile paved oval, from Speed Tour super modifieds to tire-shredding Outlaw Drift and the gloriously chaotic Night of Destruction. Go catch the action this week, especially after Bobby Dalton just reset the all-time track record.

From the Stockton newsletter, September 19, 2026

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Funworks Modesto

Entertainment

When cabin fever hits, Funworks Modesto delivers with Putt-Putt Golf, The Batting Cages, bumper boats in season, Freddy's Lightning…

4307 Coffee Rd

When cabin fever hits, Funworks Modesto delivers with Putt-Putt Golf, The Batting Cages, bumper boats in season, Freddy's Lightning Raceway, Freddy's GameZone arcade and Hologate VRcade, plus Highway 66 Bowling. Grab the kids, team, or your inner child and make an easy, high-energy afternoon actually happen this week.

From the Modesto newsletter, September 14, 2026

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Happy Hollow Park & Zoo mixes pint-sized rides, a charming puppet theater and real-deal animal moments, including Twix the red panda, plus…

748 Story Rd (San Jose)

Happy Hollow Park & Zoo mixes pint-sized rides, a charming puppet theater and real-deal animal moments, including Twix the red panda, plus hands-on education programs that turn curiosity into giggles. Low-stress, high-smile San Jose staple when you need an easy kid win this week.

From the San Jose newsletter, September 19, 2026

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Between three lakes, narrow fairways, and fast greens that actually make you focus, Creekside Golf Course is a legit test for your whole…

701 Lincoln Ave

Between three lakes, narrow fairways, and fast greens that actually make you focus, Creekside Golf Course is a legit test for your whole bag. This week, hit the fenced range, roll a few on the big practice green, then refuel at Putter’s Grill, because birdies taste better with fries.

From the Ceres newsletter, August 28, 2026

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Golfland San Jose

Entertainment

Golfland San Jose is the low-lift pick-me-up for any weeknight, serving award-winning mini golf backed by over 70 years of family-fun…

976 Blossom Hill Rd (San Jose)

Golfland San Jose is the low-lift pick-me-up for any weeknight, serving award-winning mini golf backed by over 70 years of family-fun know-how. Round up the crew, trade playful trash talk, and chase that deeply satisfying plunk when your last putt disappears.

From the Los Banos newsletter, August 25, 2026

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Brookside Golf & Country Club is that rare spot where your short game, your kids' cannonballs, and your brunch calendar can all thrive.…

3603 St Andrews Dr (Stockton)

Brookside Golf & Country Club is that rare spot where your short game, your kids' cannonballs, and your brunch calendar can all thrive. Expect golf, tennis and pickleball courts, a pool and fitness room, plus a friendly restaurant for lunch and brunch, and events that make meetings and celebrations feel easy.

From the Stockton newsletter, September 18, 2026

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Boomers Modesto

Entertainment

Boomers Modesto is your easy button for instant fun, with high-speed go-karts, mini golf that will expose your short game, splashy bumper…

4215 Bangs Ave

Boomers Modesto is your easy button for instant fun, with high-speed go-karts, mini golf that will expose your short game, splashy bumper boats, laser tag, and an arcade stacked with classics and new obsessions. Perfect for a quick after-school victory lap or a full-on birthday-sized shindig.

From the Modesto newsletter, August 29, 2026

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Chain of movie theaters, some with multiple screens, stadium seats & self-service ticketing kiosks.

925 Blossom Hill Rd #2000 (San Jose)

Chain of movie theaters, some with multiple screens, stadium seats & self-service ticketing kiosks.

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Whether you're grooving pre-round or escaping the fog, Sandbaggers Golf Spot pairs Foresight Sports simulators with a roomy putting green…

2292 Quimby Rd (San Jose)

Whether you're grooving pre-round or escaping the fog, Sandbaggers Golf Spot pairs Foresight Sports simulators with a roomy putting green and league vibes that actually feel friendly.

From the San Jose newsletter, September 14, 2026

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Puzzle-filled, themed rooms where teams solve mysteries to escape for fun.

280 Lincoln Center (Stockton)

Puzzle-filled, themed rooms where teams solve mysteries to escape for fun.

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Need a quick mental tune-up this week without leaving home base? The Reserve at Spanos Park brings a renowned links-style track by Andy…

6301 W Eight Mile Rd (Stockton)

Need a quick mental tune-up this week without leaving home base? The Reserve at Spanos Park brings a renowned links-style track by Andy Raugust, a secluded feel, and Mt. Diablo sunrises and sunsets that make even a double-bogey feel like character development.

From the Lodi newsletter, September 16, 2026

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Elkhorn Golf Club

Entertainment

Elkhorn Golf Club pairs new Tyee 007 bent grass greens with lakes, mature trees, and well-bunkered surrounds that make every club choice…

1050 Elkhorn Dr (Stockton)

Elkhorn Golf Club pairs new Tyee 007 bent grass greens with lakes, mature trees, and well-bunkered surrounds that make every club choice matter. Wrap the round with all-day breakfast or a solid lunch at Elkhorn Grill while the game’s on... you earned it.

From the Lodi newsletter, September 18, 2026

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California Theatre

Entertainment

California Theatre blends 1927 movie-palace opulence with modern production tech, so shows actually look and sound sharp. It regularly…

345 S 1st St (San Jose)

California Theatre blends 1927 movie-palace opulence with modern production tech, so shows actually look and sound sharp. It regularly hosts Opera San Jose, Symphony San Jose and more, and you can even rent it for weddings or special events when you want your big night to feel cinematic.

From the Santa Clara newsletter, September 13, 2026

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Indoor trampoline center featuring an open jump arena, a foam cube pit, dodgeball & basketball.

1901 Monterey Rd (San Jose)

Indoor trampoline center featuring an open jump arena, a foam cube pit, dodgeball & basketball.

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Topgolf

Entertainment

Sprawling entertainment venue with a high-tech driving range & swanky lounge with drinks & games.

10 Topgolf Dr (San Jose)

Sprawling entertainment venue with a high-tech driving range & swanky lounge with drinks & games.

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Whether your short game needs love or you just want to linger over a meal with a view, Boulder Ridge Golf Club delivers. Pristine 18-hole…

1000 Old Quarry Rd (San Jose)

Whether your short game needs love or you just want to linger over a meal with a view, Boulder Ridge Golf Club delivers. Pristine 18-hole course, San Jose’s sun-soaked hills, an outdoor dining patio, and a spacious pavilion for reconnecting with the crew make it an easy local escape.

From the San Jose newsletter, August 11, 2026

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Dial in your swing at Santa Teresa Golf Club on the driving range, then sneak in the 9-hole Short Course or book a lesson if the slice is…

260 Bernal Rd (San Jose)

Dial in your swing at Santa Teresa Golf Club on the driving range, then sneak in the 9-hole Short Course or book a lesson if the slice is winning. Solid instruction, a friendly vibe, and an on-site bar and grill mean you can make a proper afternoon of it.

From the Gilroy newsletter, August 11, 2026

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Chain of indoor trampoline parks featuring freestyle bouncing, dodgeball, fitness programs & more.

5358 Pacific Ave (Stockton)

Chain of indoor trampoline parks featuring freestyle bouncing, dodgeball, fitness programs & more.

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West Wind Capitol Drive-In keeps the retro magic alive with first-run movies on a giant outdoor screen, with audio coming through your…

3630 Hillcap Ave (San Jose)

West Wind Capitol Drive-In keeps the retro magic alive with first-run movies on a giant outdoor screen, with audio coming through your car’s FM radio. Load up the crew, snag popcorn from the concession stand, crack the windows, and call it the easiest weeknight plan you’ll actually look forward to.

From the Los Banos newsletter, August 29, 2026

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Long-running chain of recreation centers for mini-golf; some feature arcades & other attractions.

4307 Coffee Rd

Long-running chain of recreation centers for mini-golf; some feature arcades & other attractions.

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Adventist Health Arena keeps landing the kind of shows you brag about the next day, with Journey on September 17 and Los Tigres Del Norte…

248 W Fremont St (Stockton)

Adventist Health Arena keeps landing the kind of shows you brag about the next day, with Journey on September 17 and Los Tigres Del Norte on September 26, plus more touring acts queued up. This week, peek the calendar, call your crew, and lock in a night you’ll actually anticipate.

From the Stockton newsletter, August 13, 2026

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McHenry Mansion

Entertainment

McHenry Mansion lets you step into 1883 with docent-led tours that spill fun stories about the original owners and life in the late 1800s.…

906 15th St

McHenry Mansion lets you step into 1883 with docent-led tours that spill fun stories about the original owners and life in the late 1800s. Make it a quick midweek reset, then poke around the gift store or scope the mansion as a dreamy spot for your next gathering.

From the Ceres newsletter, September 18, 2026

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Dial in your swing at the golf academy, play nine or the full 27, then park it on the patio for post-round bites. Cinnabar Hills Golf Club…

23600 McKean Rd (San Jose)

Dial in your swing at the golf academy, play nine or the full 27, then park it on the patio for post-round bites. Cinnabar Hills Golf Club nails the local trifecta of practice, play, and hangout, with a handy pro shop, making it an easy nearby go-to when the golf itch hits.

From the Morgan Hill newsletter, September 2, 2026

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Chain of movie theaters, some with multiple screens, stadium seats & self-service ticketing kiosks.

3088 Olsen Dr (San Jose)

Chain of movie theaters, some with multiple screens, stadium seats & self-service ticketing kiosks.

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Whether your short game needs love or you just want to smack a bucket, Swenson Park Golf Course offers 27 holes of walkable parkland fun…

6803 Alexandria Pl (Stockton)

Whether your short game needs love or you just want to smack a bucket, Swenson Park Golf Course offers 27 holes of walkable parkland fun with the Oak Course, a fast par-3 loop, a driving range, and lessons at the ready. Voted Best Golf Course in the Valley, plus The Fox Den.

From the Lodi newsletter, August 18, 2026

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Dryden Park Golf Course winds along the Tuolumne River with mature pines, wide emerald fairways, and medium-sized greens guarded by small…

920 Sunset Ave

Dryden Park Golf Course winds along the Tuolumne River with mature pines, wide emerald fairways, and medium-sized greens guarded by small bunkers. Two putting greens and a driving range make it easy to tune up this week, whether you’re breaking 80 or just chasing contact.

From the Ceres newsletter, September 19, 2026

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ESCAPE Modesto

Entertainment

Round up your favorite problem solvers and test your nerves at Escape Modesto, a 60-minute, clue-stuffed adventure where teamwork, riddles,…

912 11th St

Round up your favorite problem solvers and test your nerves at Escape Modesto, a 60-minute, clue-stuffed adventure where teamwork, riddles, and quick thinking unlock the exit. Shake up this week’s usual dinner-and-stream routine, especially if you secretly like bossing friends around under pressure.

From the Ceres newsletter, August 26, 2026

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Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course is a friendly, playable track with quick online check-in, lessons that actually help, and even Foot Golf when…

1649 Hermocilla Way (San Jose)

Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course is a friendly, playable track with quick online check-in, lessons that actually help, and even Foot Golf when you want to mix it up. Solid for juniors and league players too, plus tournaments and camps keep the calendar interesting for your crew.

From the Ceres newsletter, September 5, 2026

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Round1 Bowling & Arcade is the all-ages spot for chasing high scores, rolling strikes, belting off-key bangers, and grabbing a drink while…

2200 Eastridge Loop Ste 2094 (San Jose) · ✓ checked Aug 28

Round1 Bowling & Arcade is the all-ages spot for chasing high scores, rolling strikes, belting off-key bangers, and grabbing a drink while friends battle it out at billiards. Easy choice for parties or those nights when you need a quick plan that actually gets everyone off the couch.

From the Los Banos newsletter, September 3, 2026

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CineLux Almaden Café & Lounge is Willow Glen’s easy choice when you want luxury seating, a full café pouring beer, wine, and cocktails,…

2306 Almaden Rd (San Jose)

CineLux Almaden Café & Lounge is Willow Glen’s easy choice when you want luxury seating, a full café pouring beer, wine, and cocktails, plus actually good burgers and sliders. They mix big releases with indies, so it’s a legit date night or low-key Tuesday unwind without leaving the neighborhood.

From the San Jose newsletter, September 8, 2026

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Friends of the Fox Theater is a volunteer-run nonprofit screening classic films at Stockton’s historic Bob Hope/Fox Theatre, keeping the…

242 E Main St (Stockton)

Friends of the Fox Theater is a volunteer-run nonprofit screening classic films at Stockton’s historic Bob Hope/Fox Theatre, keeping the old-school movie-palace glow alive. Think Casablanca on September 20, 2026, with Space Jam and more classics queued up this fall... a low-key perfect way to spend a Sunday.

From the Stockton newsletter, September 14, 2026

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Los Lagos Golf Course serves up an 18-hole layout, a legit driving range for dialing in, lessons when the slice shows up, a well-stocked…

2995 Tuers Rd (San Jose)

Los Lagos Golf Course serves up an 18-hole layout, a legit driving range for dialing in, lessons when the slice shows up, a well-stocked pro shop, and a restaurant to debrief. Bonus, it is a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, so your birdies come with actual birds.

From the Los Banos newsletter, August 30, 2026

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Del Rio Country Club brings 27 scenic holes, top-notch practice facilities, and instruction that might finally tame your slice. Stick…

801 Stewart Rd

Del Rio Country Club brings 27 scenic holes, top-notch practice facilities, and instruction that might finally tame your slice. Stick around for farm-to-fork plates in the Elderberry Lounge or Redwood Room, an impressive wine selection, and pickleball or bocce sessions that turn weeknights into mini staycations.

From the Manteca newsletter, August 20, 2026

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Known as America’s Best Rose Garden, Municipal Rose Garden packs thousands of roses across five and a half acres, with nearly 200 varieties…

1649 Naglee Ave (San Jose)

Known as America’s Best Rose Garden, Municipal Rose Garden packs thousands of roses across five and a half acres, with nearly 200 varieties around a central fountain and rolling lawns. Perfect for a quick reset, slow walks, and photo ops when you need easy beauty close to home.

From the Santa Clara newsletter, August 26, 2026

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Brenden Theatres Modesto 18 & JBX brings plush recliners, wall‑to‑wall screens, and serious sound that makes weekday movies feel like an…

1021 10th St

Brenden Theatres Modesto 18 & JBX brings plush recliners, wall‑to‑wall screens, and serious sound that makes weekday movies feel like an event. Book a private rental to plug in your console for a giant-screen showdown, then slide into a new release when you’re done.

From the Modesto newsletter, September 20, 2026

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River Oaks Golf Course and Event Center runs along the Tuolumne River in Ceres, with the front nine on the bluff and a newly redesigned…

3441 Golf Links Rd (Ceres)

River Oaks Golf Course and Event Center runs along the Tuolumne River in Ceres, with the front nine on the bluff and a newly redesigned back nine by Head Pro Greg N. Silva. Bring a wedge and some patience, the driving range and putting green make it an easy midweek tune-up.

From the Ceres newsletter, September 14, 2026

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Need a low-key win close to home this week? The Underground Arcade serves up classic cabinets, ticket-grabbers, and a Nerf Zone, plus a…

306 E Main St (Stockton)

Need a low-key win close to home this week? The Underground Arcade serves up classic cabinets, ticket-grabbers, and a Nerf Zone, plus a weekly Family Game Night with pizza, and you can book the whole place for a private party... or let their Arcade @ Home drop real machines in your living room.

From the Tracy newsletter, August 22, 2026

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Urban Putt San Jose

Entertainment

Urban Putt San Jose turns date night into sci-fi fun with an 18-hole, San Jose-inspired course starring a crashed UFO and other…

201 S Second St Ste 150 (San Jose)

Urban Putt San Jose turns date night into sci-fi fun with an 18-hole, San Jose-inspired course starring a crashed UFO and other delightfully weird obstacles. Stick around for shareable bites, pizzas by San Jose chef Chad Ferry, and inventive cocktails you can take onto the course for maximum putt joy.

From the San Jose newsletter, August 18, 2026

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If you're ready to level up your weekly rounds, Almaden Golf & Country Club is a private, member-owned spot in Almaden Valley with an…

6663 Hampton Dr (San Jose)

If you're ready to level up your weekly rounds, Almaden Golf & Country Club is a private, member-owned spot in Almaden Valley with an 18-hole championship course framed by the Santa Cruz Mountains. Clubhouse energy, tennis, a swimming pavilion, a fitness center, and a pro shop keep the good rounds rolling.

From the Santa Cruz newsletter, August 14, 2026

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State Theatre of Modesto Inc is queuing up a killer week with new indie Olmo, the anime heartbreaker Your Name, and a Modesto Film Society…

1307 J St

State Theatre of Modesto Inc is queuing up a killer week with new indie Olmo, the anime heartbreaker Your Name, and a Modesto Film Society screening of The Graduate, plus concerts and comedy on deck, so pick a night and make it a local movie moment.

From the Modesto newsletter, August 21, 2026

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