Top Places to See When Driving From Anaheim, California to Modesto, California
California is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful states in the country with its attraction spots ranging from its mesmerizing beaches, epic national parks, and iconic landmarks. Driving from Anaheim to Modesto offers visitors an opportunity to experience some of the best the state has to offer. The journey presents an excellent opportunity to see breathtaking landscapes and exciting attractions, making it one of the most exciting road trips in the state. Here is a list of the top places to see when driving from Anaheim, California, to Modesto, California, and why they are worth your time.
The Starting Point and the Route
Start your journey by hitting the I-5 North and take exit 182A onto CA-99N towards Sacramento/Fresno. The journey lasts about five hours, covering a distance of about 357 miles. If six hours seems too long for you, consider spending a day or two at several stops along the way expressed in the list below.
1. Disneyland Resort, Anaheim
Anaheim may well be the first place you see along your journey, and it is the ideal place to kick-off your adventure. No visit to Anaheim is complete without exploring the Disneyland Resort. Disneyland theme park comprises eight themed lands, each featuring iconic attractions, entertainment, and dining experiences. It brings out the kid in anyone travelling by.
2. The Aqueduct Parkway, Lancaster
The next stop on your route should be the Aqueduct Parkway in Lancaster, California. It is one of only a few places in California where you can appreciate the impact of a natural resource such as water on the region's history and current affairs. The parkway exhibits how the 338-mile-long LA Aqueduct got built to redirect water from the Eastern Sierras into Southern California. Besides, its tree-lined roads offer a most beautiful view across the desert in any season.
3. Sequoia National Park
The Sequoia National Park, located along the Sierra Mountains, is a short deviation from the I-5. The park is home to Mount Whitney, the highest point in all the lower 48 states. The park's main attraction is its giant sequoia trees that litter the woodlands, displaying nature's majesty. These towering sequoias are among the world's most extensive trees and can grow more than 300 feet tall and are estimated to be over 3,000 years old.
4. Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan Del Valle, San Juan
If you have an interest in religious history or architecture, you will undoubtedly love the Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan Del Valle. Located 20 miles west of the main route on Military Highway, it is among the largest public places of worship in the Rio Grande Valley. Founded in 1910, it combines both Spanish colonial and neoclassical architectural styles, and it has unique constructions, including three grand Catholic churches, various statues and sculptures, and multiple chapels.
5. McHenry Mansion, Modesto
As you get close to Modesto, make sure to stop at McHenry Mansion, one of the city's top historical attractions. This 130-year-old structure is a magnificent piece of Victorian-era architecture and the former family home of Robert McHenry, a local rancher, and banker. The mansion offers guided tours and reveals the preserved antique furnishing and design elements of the time period. You will also get to learn about McHenry's life and contributions to Modesto.
Conclusion
With so many things to indulge in, it is understandable if you find it difficult to select the best sights to explore during this trip. We hope this list describes and inspires you to hit the road towards Modesto. Whether you are a seasoned road tripper or a newbie, this trip is worth taking so that you and your loved ones can enjoy the best that California has to offer.