Turlock Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, places to visit, and food and drink scene in Turlock. Learn more about the town's culture, customs, safety, and health.


Introduction to Turlock

Turlock is a city located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley in California. Known for its rich agricultural history, the city has a lot to offer visitors, from cultural attractions to outdoor adventures. In this guide, we will dive deep into the best things to do in Turlock, places to visit, local food and drink scene, and more.

List of Places to Visit in Turlock

If you are planning a trip to Turlock, here are some of the must-see places to add to your itinerary.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Carnegie Arts Center: This historic building serves as a hub for arts and culture in Turlock. The center houses a gallery with rotating exhibits, a theater, meeting rooms, and more.

  • Turlock Historical Museum: This museum is dedicated to preserving the history of the town. Visitors can learn about what life was like in the early days of Turlock through exhibits and interactive displays.

  • Stanislaus County Courthouse Museum: Once the county seat, this beautiful building now serves as a museum, showcasing the history of the judicial system in Stanislaus County.

Natural Attractions of Turlock: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Donnelly Park: This park is a great spot for a picnic, a game of frisbee, or just a relaxing stroll. The park also has a pond, playground, and basketball court.

  • CSU Stanislaus Wildlife Sanctuary: This preserve provides a habitat for a variety of native flora and fauna. Visitors can take a guided tour or hike one of the many trails that wind through the sanctuary.

  • Turlock Lake State Recreation Area: This state park offers camping, boating, and fishing opportunities along a beautiful reservoir. The park is a popular spot for swimming and hiking as well.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Turlock

Turlock has several hiking and biking routes for outdoor enthusiasts.

  • Turlock Regional Sports Complex: This complex has a 1.1-mile loop trail that is perfect for walking, running, or biking.

  • Dry Creek Parkway Trail: This trail spans over four miles and features scenic views of Dry Creek.

  • Stanislaus County Bike Trail: This trail extends for over 20 miles through the county, passing through Turlock and several other towns along the way.

Best Things to Do in Turlock: Activities and Tours

  • Uncharted Tuolumne River Adventure: This tour company offers guided river tours down the Tuolumne River. Visitors can also hike or mountain bike through the area’s scenic trails.

  • Kerry’s Dance Place: If you’re in the mood for dancing, Kerry’s Dance Place offers lessons in a variety of styles, including salsa, ballroom, and swing.

  • Turlock Farmer’s Market: This market takes place every Saturday, rain or shine. Visitors can sample fresh fruits and vegetables, artisan cheeses, and other local goods.

Week-Long Itinerary for Turlock

Here’s a suggested week-long itinerary for getting the most out of your trip to Turlock.

Day Activity
1 Visit Turlock Historical Museum, Carnegie Arts Center
2 Hike the Dry Creek Parkway Trail, picnic in Donnelly Park
3 Explore CSU Stanislaus Wildlife Sanctuary
4 Take a guided tour with Uncharted Tuolumne River Adventure
5 Shop at Turlock Farmer’s Market, go dancing at Kerry’s Dance Place
6 Camp and fish at Turlock Lake State Recreation Area
7 Explore downtown Turlock, visit local shops and restaurants

Food and Drink Scene of Turlock

Turlock offers a wide range of culinary experiences from traditional California cuisine to exotic flavors from around the world.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Tri-tip: A local favorite, tri-tip is a cut of beef grilled to perfection.

  • Taco trucks: Turlock has several taco trucks serving up delicious Mexican cuisine such as tacos, burritos, and tortas.

  • Pizza: Several pizza places in the city, such as Pizza Factory and Round Table Pizza, offer both classic and unique toppings.

Local Beverages

  • Craft beer: Dustbowl Brewing Company is a brewery located in uptown Turlock that serves up a variety of delicious craft beers.

  • Wine: Turlock is located near several wineries, making it a great place to sample some of California’s best wines.

Where to Stay in Turlock: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Turlock offers accommodation options for every budget and travel style.

  • Holiday Inn Express & Suites Turlock: This hotel features a fitness center, indoor pool, and hot breakfast for guests.

  • Microtel Inn & Suites: This hotel is located near Turlock’s downtown area and features spacious rooms and complimentary breakfast.

  • Airbnb: Several Airbnb rentals are available in the city, ranging from private rooms to entire homes.

What to Buy in Turlock: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Local farmers market produce: Fresh fruits and vegetables can be found at the Turlock Farmer’s Market every Saturday.

  • Honey: Several local farms sell honey produced from their own bees.

  • Wine: Several wineries in the area offer wine tastings and bottles for purchase.

Local Culture and Customs of Turlock

When visiting Turlock, there are a few things to keep in mind.

  • Politeness and courtesy: Turlock locals are known for their politeness and friendliness. Always say “please” and “thank you.”

  • Agriculture: Turlock is located in the heart of California’s agricultural region. Show respect for local farmers and appreciate the land.

Best Time to Visit Turlock

The best time to visit Turlock is between May and October when temperatures range between 75-89°F and the weather is generally sunny and dry.

Do’s and Don’ts of Turlock

Do:

  • Do visit the Turlock Farmer’s Market to sample fresh local produce.

  • Do take a guided tour with Uncharted Tuolumne River Adventure.

  • Do learn about the history of the town by visiting the Turlock Historical Museum.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter in Turlock’s beautiful parks and natural areas.

  • Don’t disrespect local farmers and their land.

  • Don’t forget to bring sunscreen and a hat when enjoying the outdoors in Turlock’s hot, sunny weather.

Safety and Health

Safety in Turlock

Turlock is a relatively safe city, but visitors should still exercise caution.

  • Always lock your car and store valuables out of sight.

  • Stay in well-lit areas at night.

  • Avoid leaving belongings unattended in public areas.

Health in Turlock

Visitors to Turlock should be aware of the hot, dry climate, which can cause health issues such as dehydration and heat exhaustion. Remember to drink plenty of water and take breaks in the shade.

Getting to Turlock: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Turlock

  • Modesto City-County Airport: Located just 13 miles from Turlock, offers limited regional flights.

  • Sacramento International Airport: Located 85 miles from Turlock, offers a wide range of domestic and international flights.

Bus Stations Near Turlock

  • Turlock Transit Center: Serves as a hub for several local and regional bus lines.

Other Options

  • Driving: Turlock is located off the Golden State Highway and is easily accessible by car.

  • Ridesharing: Services such as Uber and Lyft are available in the area.

How to Get Around in Turlock

Turlock is a small town, and most attractions are easily accessible on foot or by bike. However, for those who prefer to drive, rental cars and taxis are also available.

Where to Go Next from Turlock: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Turlock is located in close proximity to several other interesting destinations.

  • Yosemite National Park: One of the most popular national parks in the country, Yosemite is just over a 2 hour drive from Turlock.

  • San Francisco: The famous city by the bay is just over a 2 hour drive from Turlock.

  • Monterey: Travel to Monterey to visit the aquarium, enjoy stunning views on 17-mile drive, and savor fresh seafood.

Conclusion

Turlock is a charming town with a rich history and a lot to offer visitors. Whether you are interested in hiking and outdoor adventures, exploring the local food and drink scene, or learning about the area’s culture and customs, Turlock has something for everyone. So pack your bags and come experience the best of the San Joaquin Valley in Turlock.