Simply Summer: Your Ultimate Guide to an Oakdale Getaway

Pull up a rocking chair and stay awhile. Around here, we don't believe in rushing through the good things. Summer in the valley is a sacred season, one measured in the sweetness of roadside fruit stands, the cool splash of river water, and the echo of live music bouncing off the park trees.

Whether you’re a neighbor from down the highway or checking in for a weekend escape, we sat down to answer your biggest questions about how to spend the perfect summer right here in Oakdale.

Q: I only have one morning in town. Where should I start?

A: Well, you’ll want to catch the morning sun. Set your coordinates for the Oakdale Morning Market on Saturday, where you can chat with local makers and pick up fresh blooms. On your way back out, make sure to pull over at SONS Farm Fresh for some true valley hospitality and a basket of legendary peaches.

Q: Where can we go to escape the valley heat?

A: Follow the river! Grab a paddle and book a trip with Sunshine Rafting in Knights Ferry to float down the Stanislaus River under the historic canopy. If you prefer your water flat and wide open, pack the sunblock and head to Woodward Reservoir for a day of boating, jet skiing, or just lounging on the shoreline.

Q: What’s on the menu? We’ve brought quite an appetite.

A: You’re in the right place. For an upscale evening wrapped in cowboy heritage, book a table at Reata on 3rd. If you're craving wood-fired pizzas and craft cocktails on a warm evening, Bistro 120 is your spot. For something casual after a day on the water, you can't beat Backwoods Burgers. If you want to keep it classic, grab a shaded patio table at El Jardin, or go on a mini culinary hunt to seek out our incredible Oakdale Taco Trucks—they're some of the best-kept secrets in the valley.

Q: Any suggestions for a lazy, slow-paced afternoon?

A: Absolutely. Head down the road to Rancho Azul Blueberries to hand-pick premium varieties right off the bush, or visit Vanderhelm Farms to stock up on stone fruits and grab a photo next to their iconic, repurposed streetcar fruit stand.

Once your baskets are full, grab a couple of award-winning Goudas from Oakdale Cheese & Specialties to feed the koi fish, or head over to Bloomingcamp Ranch for a fresh-baked pie and a long, lazy picnic under the orchard trees.

Q: We’re traveling with kids. Where should we take them?

A: Start with a stroll downtown and step inside Story Books & Toys to spark their imagination. Let the older kids burn off some energy catching air at the Oakdale Skate Park, and when everyone is thoroughly tuckered out, reward the crew with a giant double scoop of handmade joy from the The Inside Scoop ice cream parlor.

Q: What does an Oakdale evening sound like?

A: It sounds like community. Pull up a lawn chair at Dorada Park in June and July for our beloved Concerts in the Park series. If you're looking for a colder glass in your hand, check out Dying Breed Brewing—they host local bands and rotating food trucks in their beer garden almost every weekend. Want to stay right in the heart of downtown? Stroll over to Last Call Beer Co. to grab a pint of independent valley craft beer, catch a lively trivia night, and sample bites from local popup food vendors. For something a little more historic, don't miss the Knights Ferry Art & Music Festival to catch the creative spirit along the riverbanks.

Q: We love classic cars. Is there anything special happening this summer?

A: You bet. June is our high-octane month. Shine up your chrome and join us on June 10th for the Legends of the Cruise event right here in town, then keep the motor running for the legendary Graffiti Weekend just a short drive away in Modesto. It’s pure, old-school California cool.

Ready to pack your bags?

Summer here doesn't require a complicated schedule. It just requires an appetite for the simple things. Come see us, find your pace, and discover why we say it’s Simply Oakdale.