Turlock, CA, is a city located within Stanislaus county. According to a 2020 census, the city is home to 72,740 residents. With a population of this size, it is the second-largest city within the county behind Modesto.
Turlock was incorporated into the country in 1908 and derived its name from the Irish village of Turlough. Although incorporated in 1908, the city was first founded in 1871 and was a very prosperous settlement until becoming an official city. After its incorporation, it became an agricultural hub, but along with the boom came racially charged altercations between the Japanese and American workers. Over time the city fixed its racial issues and continued on its prosperous route, even having a housing boom in the 1980s and 90s. With this boom came a boom in revenue which the city incorporated into its attractions.
1. Carnegie Arts Center
Carnegie Art Center was opened in 1916, and this art exhibit has a long history, including a renovation in 2011. This center is one of the few art centers found throughout the Central Valley Area. There is an assortment of things to keep you, and the family preoccupied. It’s common for someone to spend an entire day in this center. You can, of course, look at the quality art pieces that flood the building, attend some of their educational classes, or even witness a lecture and learn about the history of the museum and the history of art.
Another benefit of coming to this center is that 25% of its programming is dedicated to children and teens. Your children will not just feel like this is a boring art museum but feel like this is a place that caters to them as well. It will be a great family bonding day and see beautiful art pieces.
2. Regal Cinemas Turlock Stadium 14 Movie Theater
Regal cinema is the second-largest movie theater chain in the world, and there is a reason. It provides good services and, better yet, good movies. Every movie theater experience is not the same; everyone is unique in their way. This movie theater is particular because crowd control is always reasonable, unlike some in the big cities.
This city has less than 100,000 people meaning there is a good chance that even on the weekend, the movie theater will be open to you and your family with no delay. Sometimes a movie feels better when it is in a different city. Some take the family, grab the iconic popcorn, and have a blast watching the latest new film.
3. Cigar Vault
Smoking cigars is a tradition that goes back a long time. This cigar lounge is, of course, not the place for children, but if you are a cigar-loving person, then this is the place for you. You could bring your adult friends or bring some new friends you made in the city, take a seat and smoke some of the finest cigars Turlock has to offer.
The one thing better than smoking a cigar is smoking a cigar with a drink in your hand, and don’t worry, the cigar vault has you covered. It’s the ultimate experience to sit and have a laugh or relax. The Cigar Vault is where all your worries go away, and the fun begins.
4. La Mo Restaurant and Cafe
The area of Turlock is a predominant Latin area, so it would only make sense to indulge in the Latin cuisine. No better place than La Mo Restaurant and Cafe so that you can come either in the morning or the night. Either way, it will be a wonderful experience that will go down in the history books.
This family-run business has aimed to provide high-quality service while supporting the local community by only buying food products from local markets. You can have the chance to eat in their courtyard and enjoy their assortment of food, from burritos to enchiladas.
They even offer classic Latin pastries that are sure to feel that space in your stomach. This quiet, popular restaurant will leave you satisfied and give you a new perspective on Latin food because it doesn’t get any better than getting the food straight from the source itself. So take a peek inside and have a good time.
5. Tuolumne River Trail
Sunshine is often the most recommended thing for people. Walking while the sun is out will rejuvenate you and make you feel new again. What better place to have that walk than the Tuolumne River trail, which works as a hiking trail and a bike trail. It would be the moment to take a walk, clear your mind, catch a tan, or do whatever you want. This 3.4-mile trail has everything you need. Even as the name suggests, it has a river that runs parallel to it so you can have a walk, run, or bike ride with a beautiful river beside you.
It can sound unentertaining until you actually walk down the trail, look around, see the river, see the hills on the horizon and realize how much beauty and joy just simply taking a walk can be.
Whether you are a walker, biker, jogger, or none of the above, this trail is filled with beauty and can easily make you smile. Take the chance and enjoy yourself or take the time to relax and plan out your next adventure. You surely won’t regret it.
6. Turlock Golf and Country Club
Golfing can be one of the most peaceful and thought-provoking sports a person can play. It’s like playing chess but on a much larger platform. At this golf and country club, be ready to see one of California’s most beautiful golf courses. This 18-hole course also has the distinguished honor of being the oldest in the Turlock area, and it comes equipped with all the things you would expect to find on a golf course. You will see bunkers, waterways, etc.
They even offer classes if you genuinely want to improve your skills, and you may even have the chance to learn from PGA pros themselves. It is the perfect little getaway and a country club, so style and class are their mottos. So Walk-in, enjoy a few holes and prepare for a relaxing day.
7. Great Valley Museum
The great valley museum has a two-pronged goal. First, they want to preserve the environment, and they want to encourage people to find solace in science, and they do an excellent job at both. They provide interactive exhibits so you and your family can learn new things about the environment and the animals that inhabit them.
It’s a learning experience meant to show people why they should care about the environment. If you want your kids to learn about the environment in a fun way, then this museum is the place to be. They even have a planetarium for those looking to see some plants. This planetarium is an open area where you can see some exotic plants that can only be found in the immediate Turlock area.
8. Rembrandt and Rose
Have you ever wished you could paint the next masterpiece while sipping a glass of wine? Now you no longer have to wait, thanks to Rembrandt and Rose. This interactive shop combines the love of some people for wine and art and puts them into one class that is a blast. It is a calm, relaxing environment with soft music playing in the background for pleasure. It is a moment when you feel like a child but simultaneously engage in adult activities.
They even welcome beginners, so it’s an all-encompassing environment that will leave you with not only a stained shirt but your tastebuds satisfied. So take a peek inside, have fun, and let loose. This shop is the ultimate place to have fun and create the next Picasso.
9. Discover the Ranch of Horror
If you are looking for an adrenaline rush, the Ranch of Horrorshould be on your list while you are in town. You can find this ranch at 900 N Broadway, and you will undoubtedly get a thrill out of your visit. But this place is not just chilling. It is also a lot of fun!
The ranch features about 13 horror attractions that can be enjoyed all year round, not just as a special Halloween thrill. You will find the most popular attractions: House of Dystopia and the Zombie Escape, but it is worth checking them all out.
While most of the attractions in this horror ranch are also entertaining, you should think twice before bringing young children with you. It can be ideal for teenagers, who will most likely appreciate and understand the thrill.
10. Turlock Community Theater
The Turlock Community Theater is the best place for live performances and the opportunity to see your favorite artists in an incredible atmosphere.
Turlock Community Theater was opened for the public in 1999, and you can find it at 1574 E Canal Drive. Here you can enjoy all types of live shows, from concerts to symphonies and thematic live events featuring new artists and the most notorious names.
If you are a fan of dance shows, brace yourself because, at this Community Theater, you can see plenty of those. There are ballet, ethnic, and jazz dance shows and modern dancers that you will be charmed by! The place has 1000 seats and an incredible acoustic, so the conditions are nothing less than the best.
11. Embrace Wellness at Valley Vibes
Even if you are on vacation, that doesn’t mean you have to forget about your healthy lifestyle. Valley Vibes is the best place to take care of your health while having a great time in Turlock.
At Valley Vibes, you can exercise and meet exciting people who share the same view on a healthy lifestyle. There is also the option to ask for private coaching if you want to avoid being in the presence of all the other people while you do your workout. You can practice meditation and yoga and learn new things about such wellness activities here.
Even if you are a beginner in yoga, Valley Vibes is a great place to learn more about wellness and ways to improve your life.
12. Dine and Play at Ten Pin Fun Center
Fun activities and delicious food can all be found at Ten Pin Fun Center. This entertaining center has an excellent restaurant where you will find all dishes prepared by the best chefs. There are also 34 bowling lanes where you can have a great time with your group of friends or family.
If you want to have a whole party, you can make a reservation at the Outdoor Beer Garden and enjoy the privacy you need for your event. At Ten Pin Fun Center, you will enjoy plenty of fun events and activities, too, as they have such events often. However, the hype of this entry remains about the bowling lanes and the tasty food that guests can enjoy.
13. Biking and Sportive Skills at BMX Bike Park
For those who like outdoor activities, BMX Bike Park is the best place in town, and you can miss it during your stay in Turlock, California. You will find this park at Walnut/Christoffersen Storm Basin along 4013 N. Walnut Avenue, and you should plan a whole day here as there are plenty of things to do.
At this park, you will find biking jumps and routes for different levels, so even if you are a beginner, you will still have a great time here.
Don’t forget to wear all the proper safety gear while biking in the BMX Park, and get your friends with you for a fantastic time.
14. Monte Vista Crossings Shopping Center
Monte Vista is an excellent place for going shopping. There is something for all shoppers here, and the range of products is impressive. Everything is for sale, from the most notorious brands to exceptional items at Monte Vista Crossings Shopping Center.
The surface of the shopping center is 181,780 square feet, and it has everything from clothes to healthcare and decorations, as well as more specific stores like sportive ones where you can get all kinds of equipment.
It will be easy to spot this shopping center right on Monte Vista Avenue and an essential town point.
15. Check Out the University Art Gallery
The University Art Gallery is the artistic essence of Turlock but also part of the city’s identity. It was designed to display the work of local artists and surprise the beauty that people in Turlock have to offer.
However, despite its original purpose, this place became an icon for cultural diversity and freedom of expression in all its creative forms. Checking out the University Art Gallery will be a cultural experience that everyone with a taste for art will enjoy.
16. Tasting Honey and Wine at Tsymbal Winery
Who doesn’t like honey and wine? But you can only say you’ve tasted the best varieties of these two specialties once you try the honey and wine at the Tsymbal Winery. Find this winery on 4231 Idaho Road and taste the best bottles of wine and exquisite honey varieties while you are in the area!
Here you can find original honey types, such as blueberry honey or clover honey, which come in jars of all sizes. You should bring some home with you, as they are hard to resist!
If you are interested in the wine produced here, you will be satisfied too. Their wine varieties include California Bouquet, a mix of plum, honey, raspberry, cherry, and Sunbeam that is made of apricot, honey, nectarine, plum, orange, and raisins.
17. Try the Best Produce at Turlock Certified Farmers Market
The local Farmers market is open every Saturday from 8.00 am to 1.00 pm, and it is one of the best things to check out in Turlock. You will find this market at the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds, which has taken place since 2016.
The market location was the first melon festival from 1912, and it holds an exciting history, besides high-quality local food you can enjoy and purchase here.
Feel free to shop around and mingle with the locals, as you will have an exciting experience and a great learning opportunity.
18. See Stunning Exhibits at Stan State Art Space
Another fascinating place to visit if you are attracted to art displays is the Stan State Art Space. Here you will find exhibitions of student artists and local artists with outstanding talent.
Visiting the Art Space is free of charge, and it commonly hosts art seminars and meetings with the artists. If you want to explore your creative side, this is the place to go, as it has a great atmosphere and invites everyone who loves art in all its forms.
19. Relax at Donnelly Park
Donnelly Park is one of the main attractions of Turlock, not only for tourists but also for locals. This park is ideal for picnics, barbecues with your friends and family, and spending quality time in nature.
The surface of Donnelly Park is roughly a 40-acre area with plenty of playgrounds for children to play in and areas for basketball lovers. But be aware that the picnic area is usually packed, and if you want to catch a spot, you should come early in the morning.
20. Try Out Some Local Beer at Dust Bowl Brewing Co.
The Dust Bowl Brewing is another place you want to check out in Turlock, especially if you appreciate a good beer. The brewery launched its first beer in 2009, Hops of Wrath I.P.A., and it has stayed at the top of many consumers’ preferences since then.
But this is not just a brewery, as you can find a restaurant, a beautiful garden, a dining area, and an inviting patio. Overall, you could spend a few good hours here and learn a lot about how beer is made while enjoying great food!
Note that you will need a reservation to ensure you get a spot, as this is a popular place in Turlock, and most often, it is packed.
Conclusion
Turlock has grown so much in the century it has been around. It has invested in its infrastructure so much that even for a city with so few inhabitants, it still maintains attractions applying to tourists. The Turlock area is known for its agricultural reputation, but there is so much more than this area has to offer.
It could be small enough to call home, but it has so much to do it can feel like you are wandering through the streets of Italy. Everywhere you turn, there are just new exciting things to do that will always keep you on your toes.
Suppose you’re looking for a vacation destination that does an excellent job of adding culture and history while staying modern and appealing. In that case, Turlock is probably the city you have never heard of, but it will soon be the city you will never forget.
