Planning a last-minute trip for Labor Day weekend?
Labor Day falls on Monday, Sept. 7, in 2026, marking the unofficial end of summer.
If you’re planning a getaway, be prepared for crowded roads and higher gas prices.
Millions of travelers are expected over the holiday weekend as the busy summer travel season winds down, according to AAA.
“Labor Day weekend travelers are looking to squeeze the most out of the unofficial end of summer,” the automobile association said in an Aug. 24 news release.
For Modesto-area residents looking for a quick escape, there are plenty of destinations within about two hours of the city.
Here are seven Labor Day getaways worth considering:
Traffic moves southbound on Highway 99 away from Highway 50 in 2022 in Sacramento. Xavier Mascarenas Sacramento Bee file What are best — and worst — times to drive for Labor Day 2026?
When you leave for your Labor Day getaway could make a big difference.
According to AAA, Friday, Sept. 4, is expected to be the busiest travel day, with the heaviest congestion likely in the afternoon.
“Many travelers will hit the road after work on Thursday or during the day on Friday,” AAA said. “That will bring holiday traffic onto roads that are already carrying normal commuter volumes.”
Here are the best times to travel by car for Labor Day 2026:
Thursday, Sept. 3 — Before 1 p.m.Friday, Sept. 4 — Before noonSaturday, Sept. 5 — Before 10 a.m.Sunday, Sept. 6 — Minimal traffic expectedMonday, Sept. 7 — Before noon
Here are the worst times to travel by car for Labor Day 2026:
Thursday, Sept. 3 — 2 to 7 p.m.Friday, Sept. 4 — Noon to 8 p.m.Saturday, Sept. 5 — 1 to 5 p.m.Sunday, Sept. 6 — Minimal traffic expectedMonday, Sept. 7 — 2 to 5 p.m.
“Even leaving an hour or two earlier can make a meaningful difference,” AAA said.
What are quick Labor Day trips from Modesto?
Looking for a change of scenery without spending hours behind the wheel?
These seven destinations are all within roughly two hours from Modesto by car, depending on traffic.
Sacramento
California’s capital is about 75 miles from Modesto, about an hour-long drive, according to Google Maps.
Sacramento offers plenty to see and do, from restaurants and outdoor recreation to museums and historic landmarks.
Visitors can see cheetahs, jaguars, crocodiles and other animals at the Sacramento Zoo, explore the California State Railroad Museum or spend an afternoon browsing shops and restaurants in Old Sacramento along the waterfront, according to travel site Tripadvisor.
A view of the Sacramento River, Old Sacramento and the Tower Bridge at dusk on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. HECTOR AMEZCUA hamezcua@sacbee.com Fresno
Fresno is about 95 miles from Modesto, under a two-hour drive.
According to Tripadvisor, the city offers plenty of options for a family day trip.
Tripadvisor highlights Island Waterpark, the Fresno Chaffee Zoo and Shinzen Japanese Garden as some of the popular things to do in Fresno.
Murphys
Nestled near the edge of Stanislaus National Forest, Murphys is a charming small town known for its historic downtown, locally owned shops, restaurants and wineries.
It is about 62 miles from Modesto, less than two hours away by car.
Tripadvisor highlights a range of things to do, from browsing antique and thrift stores to exploring historic landmarks and museums.
San Francisco
San Francisco is roughly 90 miles from Modesto and can be reached in less than two hours without heavy traffic, according to Google Maps.
The Bay Area offers lots of options for a Labor Day getaway, from shopping and museums to restaurants and waterfront attractions.
Tripadvisor highlights everything from vintage shops and upscale restaurants to the city’s many neighborhoods and landmarks.
Half Moon Bay
Want a coastal escape? It takes less than two hours to drive from Modesto to Half Moon Bay under typical traffic conditions, a 97-mile trek..
Tripadvisor describes the San Mateo County city as an “idyllic enclave” away from the bustle of the Bay Area.
Visitors can spend the day at the beach, browse local shops and galleries or explore the area’s scenic coastline.
Napa
Wine country is within reach for Modesto-area restaurants.
The 103-mile trek from Modesto to Napa takes about two hours, according to Google Maps.
Tripadvisor said Napa is a “thriving, creative city” and a “dream destination.”
Whether you want to tour wineries, dine at restaurants or stroll through downtown shops, Napa offers plenty of ways to turn a quick road trip into a relaxing Labor Day getaway.
Santa Cruz
If you don’t mind staying in the car a little longer, consider Santa Cruz.
Santa Cruz is about 109 miles from Modesto and typically takes a little more than two hours to reach, according to Google Maps.
The coastal city is home to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, beaches and other popular attractions.
Tripadvisor also highlights the Mystery Spot, a roadside attraction known for its unusual gravitational effects.
What do you want to know about life in Modesto? Ask our service journalism team your top-of-mind questions in the module below or email servicejournalists@modbee.com.
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Angela Rodriguez is a service journalism reporter for The Bee. She is a graduate of Sacramento State with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. During her time there, she worked on the State Hornet covering arts and entertainment.