Looking for a charming getaway near California’s Central Valley? Head to Oakdale! Known as the "Cowboy Capital of the World," Oakdale offers a rich blend of rodeo culture, river adventures, and small-town hospitality. Whether you crave history, outdoor fun, or a slice of real Western life, Oakdale has it all.
Oakdale, CA Highlights:
- Oakdale Cowboy Museum: Explore the town’s rich rodeo and ranching history through exhibits and memorabilia.
- Woodward Reservoir: Swim, fish, boat, and camp at this beautiful recreational area just minutes from town.
- Oakdale Rodeo: Attend one of the longest-running professional rodeos in California each April.
- Oakdale Cheese & Specialties: Sample award-winning cheeses and enjoy a picnic at this popular local creamery.
- Stanislaus River: Go rafting, fishing, or kayaking on the scenic river that flows right through town.
Best Time to Visit Oakdale, CA
The best time to visit Oakdale is in the spring and fall (March–May and September–November). These seasons offer pleasant weather for rodeo events, outdoor recreation, and exploring local parks and farms.
How to Get to Oakdale, CA
- If you are traveling by car: Oakdale is located along State Route 120, about 90 minutes east of San Francisco and 45 minutes from Modesto.
- By Plane: The nearest airports are Modesto City-County Airport (about 30 minutes away) and Stockton Metropolitan Airport (about 45 minutes away).
- By Train: Nearby Modesto and Stockton offer Amtrak service, with rental cars available to reach Oakdale.
Where to Stay in Oakdale, CA
- Holiday Inn Express Oakdale – Modern amenities with free breakfast and a great location near downtown and major roads.
- Best Western Plus Rama Inn & Suites – Comfortable rooms with an indoor pool, close to Oakdale’s main attractions.
- Jerry's Motel – Affordable, simple accommodations for budget-conscious travelers looking to explore the area.
Best Things to Do in Oakdale, CA
⮕ See farm animals at Oakdale Cheese & Specialties
© Oakdale Cheese & Specialties
Oakdale Cheese & Specialties loves to share their passion for making cheese. The peaceful and beautiful grounds are nestled in the more rural area of Oakdale. Visitors can meet the cheesemakers, view the cheesemaking process, and taste some of the handcrafted cheese, gourmet specialties, and wine beneath the site’s willow trees. Self-guided complimentary tours of the cheesemaking facility are offered at Oakdale Cheese & Specialties. Guests of all ages will enjoy seeing the resident llama, Mocha, as well as the other farm animals. There is also the Specialty Market and Bakery on site with lunch options, sweets, and gifts available.
Address: 10040 State Highway 120, Oakdale, CA 95361, Phone: 209-848-3139
⮕ See ranching tools at the Cowboy Museum
© Cowboy Museum
The Cowboy Museum in Oakdale, California features the smells, sounds, and sights of the area’s western heritage. Once visitors enter the museum, they will quickly notice the abundant memorabilia illustrating the American Cowboy lifestyle. The city of Oakdale is nicknamed the “Cowboy Capital of the World,” so it’s only fitting that it is home to the Cowboy Museum, which commemorates local cowgirls, cowboys, and ranchers. A number of ranching tools are on display at the Oakdale Cowboy Museum, including spurs, boots, chaps, and branding irons. Action photographs, leather saddles, and much more can be seen throughout the museum as well.
Address: 355 East F St, Oakdale, CA 95361, Phone: 209-847-7049
⮕ Have a picnic at the Woodward Reservoir
© eyepark/stock.adobe.com
The Woodward Reservoir is a regional park located just a few miles to the north on Highway 20 from Oakdale. The park grounds encompass more than 3,700 acres of land, with approximately 2,900 acres of actual reservoir. Visitors will find numerous campsites and recreational activities at the Woodward Reservoir Regional Park. Park amenities include picnic tables, barbecue grills, picnic shelters, restrooms, concessions, campsites with reservations, three boat launches, and a station for fish cleaning. Recreational activities available at the Woodward Reservoir include fishing, swimming, boating, hunting for waterfowl with a permit, jet skiing, and water skiing.
Address: 14528 26 Mile Rd, Oakdale, CA, Phone: 209-847-3304
Where to Eat in Oakdale, CA
⮕ Book lunch aboard the Sierra Railroad Dinner Train
© Sierra Railroad Dinner Train
The Sierra Railroad Dinner Train is a one-of-a-kind attraction for anyone visiting Oakdale or the surrounding Modesto region. It has been a filming location for dozens of movies, such as Back to the Future and High Noon, providing a memorable thing to do in Oakdale for both visitors and locals alike. The Sierra Railroad is North America’s third oldest railroad, making it a picturesque historical destination. Guests aboard the Sierra Railroad Dinner Train can enjoy interactive shows, American comfort food, and more. The dinner train, which started during the 1970’s, was the first of its kind in the United States.
Address: 330 S Sierra Ave, Oakdale, CA 95361, Phone: 800-866-1690
⮕ Grab a treat at Bloomingcamp Ranch Bake Shop
© Bloomingcamp Ranch Bake Shop
Bloomingcamp Ranch Bake Shop offers apple pies, other fruit pies, turnovers, cookies, dumplings, bread, cakes, and more at the bakery using the recipes originally created by Joy Bloomingcamp. The ranch’s produce market sells strawberries, squash, carrots, beets, and more during the spring, with cantaloupes, plums, peaches, and many other fruits and vegetables closer to summer. The Bloomingcamp Ranch used to be a sheep farm, then one day, the owners of the ranch, Joy and Bill Bloomingcamp, started to plant walnut and almond trees. The couple knew it was important to be diverse and innovate in their farming operations.
Address: 10528 State Highway 120, Oakdale, CA 95361, Phone: 209-847-7437
⮕ Visit Oakdale Museum & History Center
© Oakdale Museum & History Center
The Oakdale Museum & History Center is housed inside of a residence constructed back in the year 1869. The house is now a history museum, established in 1985, and operated since 2009 by the Friends of Oakdale Heritage. In the Parlor, visitors will see a wide variety of everyday items used in a bygone era, such as a pipe, knife, hat pin, and pocket watch, all items people today no longer typically carry with them. The Dining Room now serves as a repository for the businesses of Oakdale, those who operated them, and a few other surprises.
Address: 212 West F St, Oakdale, CA 95361, Phone: 209-844-5161
⮕ Go on River Journey Adventures Day Tours
© Momentum/stock.adobe.com
River Journey Adventures Day Tours has been offering family-oriented and fun kayaking, raftings, and stand up paddle boarding in the Oakdale and Knights Ferry communities along the Stanislaus River since the year 1985. River Journey Adventures also provides tube rentals for visitors and locals alike. The area’s Stanislaus River offers miles of thrilling fun for people of all ages and skill levels. River Journey Adventures Day Tours aim to provide affordable, fun day trips on the river for everyone. Guests can choose from an array of trip options, including camping packages, raft and barbecue trips, private guided rafting trips, and more.
⮕ Dine at Firenze Ristorante
© Jacek Chabraszewski/stock.adobe.com
The Firenze Ristorante, situated in the heart of the Cowboy Country, takes a modern approach with an Italian spirit, providing a Chef-driven, contemporary menu of dishes designed to be memorable. Highlights on the menu include fresh seafood, juicy steaks, and a variety of pastas, in addition to all of the celebrated classic of Italian cuisine. Guests can try regional specialities, seasonal dishes, housemade pasta, and Neapolitan-style pizza. Many menu items are served in larger portions, meant for sharing, offering the opportunity for diners to try a variety of dishes. The restaurant also boasts an extensive wine list and signature cocktails.
Address: 502 N. Yosemite Ave, Oakdale, CA 95361, Phone: 209-322-3320
⮕ Take the kids to Javi's Oakdale Mexican Restaurant
© ftfoxfoto/stock.adobe.com
The owners of Javi's Oakdale Mexican Restaurant in Oakdale, California aim to bring customers the same amazing flavors that they grew up with through authentic Mexican cuisine Javier learned from the kitchen of his grandparents. The Oakdale location is the third Javi’s location, opened in December of 1999. The restaurant has become a favorite among locals, as well as with visitors. It’s known for its quality, authentic Mexican dishes and good place to relax and hang out with family and friends. The Sport Bar includes a big screen television with Bose surround sound.
Address: 136 N. Maag Ave, Oakdale, CA 95361, Phone: 209-845-8880
If you are interested in local events:
- Oakdale Rodeo (April) – Professional rodeo competition featuring bull riding, barrel racing, and cowboy festivities.
- Oakdale Chocolate Festival (May) – Celebrate everything chocolate with treats, arts, crafts, and live music.
- Christmas Parade and Holiday Festivities (December) – Community celebration with festive lights, floats, and Santa sightings.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Oakdale, California:
- Knights Ferry (15–20 min) – Visit the historic covered bridge, scenic river trails, and charming small-town streets.
- Modesto (30 min) – Explore museums, downtown dining, and historic sites in this Central Valley city.
- Ripon (25–30 min) – Enjoy a quaint downtown and beautiful almond blossom tours in springtime.
- Riverbank (20–25 min) – Check out local wineries, breweries, and river recreation spots.
- Stanislaus River Parks (various spots within 30 min) – Ideal for hiking, picnicking, and nature exploration along the river.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Why is Oakdale known as the "Cowboy Capital of the World"?
- The historic town of Oakdale is known as the "Cowboy Capital of the World", providing visitors with a taste of what life was like in the Old West.
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What are some popular attractions in Oakdale?
- There are many different things to do in Oakdale, ranging from visiting the Cowboy Museum to rafting down the Stanislaus River.
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What unique experience can visitors enjoy in Oakdale?
- Take a ride aboard the Sierra Dinner Train, which has been used as a film set for many different movies and television shows.
At a Glance:
Best Time to Visit |
Places to Stay |
Tips for Visiting |
Spring (March-May) – Pleasant temperatures and blooming countryside. |
Holiday Inn Express Oakdale – A comfortable and convenient stay. |
Visit the Oakdale Cheese & Specialties – Sample artisan cheeses and enjoy a farm visit. |
Summer (June-August) – Warm and great for outdoor activities. |
Best Western Plus Rama Inn & Suites – A modern stay with great amenities. |
Explore the Stanislaus River – Enjoy kayaking, fishing, or river tubing. |
Fall (September-November) – Cooler temperatures and fall harvest season. |
Astro Motel Oakdale – A budget-friendly and centrally located option. |
Attend the Oakdale Rodeo – Experience the "Cowboy Capital of the World." |
Winter (December-February) – Mild winters with nearby snowy getaways. |
Holiday Motel Oakdale – A cozy and affordable winter stay. |
Take a Day Trip to Yosemite National Park – Enjoy snow-covered scenery and winter hikes. |
Map:
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