The lively city of Turlock is a gateway to the sun-drenched Central Valley. Shop and dine in the upbeat downtown district, enjoy the city’s public parks and riverside recreation areas or head east to explore breathtaking Yosemite National Park. To the west are iconic cities like San Francisco and San Jose.
Things to do in Turlock
Enjoy a lakeside picnic in Donnelly Park. Watch ducks and geese cruise around the lake and keep an eye out for turtles. The wooden adventure playground is a hit with kids. You’ll find scenic trails in the McConnell State Recreation Area. It’s set on the banks of the Merced River and is a great place to catch black bass, perch and catfish.
Shop a huge range of brands at Monte Vista Crossings, one of the biggest open-air malls on the West Coast. You’ll find excellent mom-and-pop stores selling everything from antiques and second-hand books to gifts and homewares in Downtown Turlock. There’s plenty to satisfy your appetite in Turlock, from Mexican restaurants and steakhouses to artisan ice cream parlours and gourmet cookie stores.
Get lost in a sea of purple at the Pageo Lavender Farm. The working farm grows and harvests several types of lavender, which is distilled into essential oils and infused into soaps, candles, linen sprays and other aromatherapy products. Wander through the postcard-perfect fields, enjoy lunch at the café and shop for lavender-themed souvenirs at the gift shop.
Getting around Turlock
Downtown Turlock is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot. The city is in Stanislaus County in the Central Valley, a two-hour drive from San Jose and San Francisco. Rental cars offer the freedom to visit Turlock and explore the Central Valley at your own pace.