Overview
Oakdale is in the San Joaquin Valley of California along California Highway 120, which is the fastest route from the Bay Area to Yosemite. Oakdale claims to be the Cowboy Capital of the World.
2 sights · 1 things to do · 2 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Oakdale
Oakdale Rodeo
The Cowboy Museum
Cowboy kitsch.
Knights Ferry Rafting
Rafting trips on the Stanislaus River out of Knights Ferry.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Feb–May, Oct–Nov. Summer highs reach about 95°F; winter lows dip to about 38°F. Very hot (Jun, Jul, Aug) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Jan and Feb. (climate data from nearby Modesto)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- SCK Stockton Metropolitan Airport, Stockton — 22 mi away. Directions
- MCE Merced Regional Macready Field, Merced — 38 mi away. Directions
- SJC Mineta San Jose International Airport, San Jose — 65 mi away (major hub). Directions
Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Oakdale Rodeo, The Cowboy Museum
- Afternoon Knights Ferry Rafting
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
See
Do
Sleep
Go next
- Yosemite National Park
- Knights Ferry - Makes a nice outing and has one of the few remaining covered bridges in the west.
Nearby
Modesto
City / town · 27 listings · 11 mi away
Salida
City / town · 6 listings · 13 mi away
Ripon
City / town · 2 listings · 15 mi away
Turlock
City / town · 5 listings · 18 mi away
Manteca
City / town · 30 listings · 20 mi away
Lathrop
City / town · 10 listings · 24 mi away
Westley
City / town · 2 listings · 24 mi away
Hilmar
City / town · 1 listings · 25 mi away
My experience
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