Top 10 Things To Do In Newman, California

1. Drive along California Aqueduct Vista Point

The California Aqueduct Vista Point guarantees a great driving experience for anyone who loves a splendid view of nature. Stop by the roadside and take a good picture of the aqueduct complete with a view of lush mountains behind. If you get hungry while sightseeing and fancy a bite of Latin American delicacies, the El Campestre DOS Restaurant is about 20 minutes away by car.

California Aqueduct Vista Point

Address: Newman, CA 95360, United States

2. Watch shows at West Side Theatre Foundation

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Known as the Newman Theatre during the 1940s, this cultural establishment was bought by the city of Newman and refurbished into the West Side Theatre Foundation in 1996. Once inside, you’re sure to feel a wave of nostalgia as the theater has preserved its authentic look from decades ago with 7.3-meter-high (24-foot) ceilings, faux marble columns, and glistening chandeliers. Enjoy an immersive live theater experience and quality entertainment with an energetic crowd of 50 to 350 people. Delight yourself with the excellent food and drinks services available at the theater’s lobby.

West Side Theatre Foundation

Address: 1331 Main St, Newman, CA 95360, United States

Website: West Side Theatre Foundation

Nearby things to do

3. Explore history at The Double T

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Fancy a trip to the heart of the California Valley? Then, the first destination to visit is The Double T, where a vintage collection of agricultural history is found. The museum’s exhibit features treasured horse-drawn carriages such as the Yosemite Stages Coaches and steam locomotives such as the 1888 Steam Locomotive.

Walking through this museum will give you the feel of being in the Wild West. The museum features somewhat dilapidated and dusty wooden structures and a pretend saloon that serves as the entrance. Book an appointment and you’re ready to explore this historic wonder!

The Double T

Address: 22368 2nd Ave, Stevinson, CA 95374, United States

Website: The Double T

4. Go swimming at Henry Miller Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Head on over from Newman, California, to nearby Gustine for a lovely day at Henry Miller Park. Following just a six-minute drive, you’ll be able to have a fun-filled afternoon outdoors! The park offers numerous activities for your friends and family to engage in, such as swimming lessons or water aerobics in the seasonal community pool. You can also rent this pool for private occasions.

Book the Henry Miller Shelter for picnics, as it is equipped with a kitchenette and a large barbecue pit. After a hearty lunch, you can enjoy playtime with your kids using the park’s playground equipment.

Henry Miller Park

Address: Linden Ave, Gustine, CA 95322, United States

Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)

5. Go wildlife watching at Great Valley Grasslands State Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

If there is one place you should definitely visit near Newman, California, it’s the preserved native grasslands of the marvelous San Joaquin Valley or the Great Valley Grasslands State Park. The autumn months make for the best visiting time since the wetlands are generally cooler and the animals’ breeding season makes for good wildlife watching.

The park is also home to several rare and endangered species such as alkali sacaton, Delta button celery, California Tiger Salamander, and the vernal pool fairy shrimp, all of which are sights to behold. As a park situated in the wild, rich colors of beautiful wildflowers can be seen giving the park a warm springtime glow. Don’t forget to take a lot of pictures!

Great Valley Grasslands State Park

Address: Gonzaga Rd, Stevinson, CA 95374, United States

Website: Great Valley Grasslands State Park

Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)

6. Interact with wildlife at San Luis National Wildlife Refuge

A sprawling 26,800 acres (10,845 hectares) of wetlands, riparian forests, native grasslands, and vernal pools, this refuge hosts an assortment of wild animals, endangered species, and migratory waterfowls for you to gaze upon. Bird watchers will enjoy thousands of bird species that flock into the managed wetlands, such as mallards, pintails, herons, and egrets.

You’ll never get tired of walking around the refuge through the habitats consisting of native bunchgrasses, native and exotic annual grasses, forbs, native shrubs, and mature oaks and willows. You may also run into a couple of coyotes, rabbits, or ground squirrels. One of the most unique species at this wildlife refuge is the tule elk, a non-migratory elk subspecies exclusively found in California.

The refuge also offers an indoor educational experience at the Visitor Center and Headquarters which features an interactive educational exhibit about habitats and wildlife, along with environmental lessons intended for visiting schools.

San Luis National Wildlife Refuge

Address: 7376 Wolfsen Rd, Los Banos, CA 93635, United States

Website: San Luis National Wildlife Refuge

7. Take a break at Livingston Memorial Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Spend an hour or two at the Livingston Memorial Park, one of the largest parks covering an area of 3 acres (1.2 hectares) in Livingston, California. The lush green grass seems to stretch for miles, so it’s the perfect spot for a picnic or sports activities with friends and family. You can also go for a quick morning jog before work, walk your pets, or take a little break by admiring some peaceful scenery. The park also hosts outdoor concerts in the spring months.

Visit nearby parks less than 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) away if you’re up for a long stroll.

Livingston Memorial Park

Address: Main St, Livingston, CA 95334, United States

Website: Livingston Memorial Park

Opening hours: 7am - 9pm (daily)

8. Enjoy a nature trail at Merced National Wildlife Refuge

Much like the San Luis NWR, Merced National Wildlife Refuge can take you on a wild adventure amongst unique species and biomes. If you visit during the autumn season, you will see more than 20,000 lesser sandhill cranes and 60,000 arctic-nesting Ross’s geese flock down to the refuge to end their annual migration from Alaska to Canada. Here, they interact with other visiting waterfowl and shorebirds, transforming the refuge into a phenomenal wintering ground. In spring, different varieties of wildflowers germinate in colorful patterns around pool basins.

Make the most of your visit with the auto tour route and four nature trails for public viewing and wildlife photography.

Merced National Wildlife Refuge

Address: 7430 W Sandy Mush Rd, Merced, CA 95341, United States

Website: Merced National Wildlife Refuge

Opening hours: 7am - 7pm (daily)

9. Admire art at the Carnegie Arts Center

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

A trip to explore the fine arts should be on everyone’s to-do list when going to California. Once the historic Carnegie Library, this building was renovated to become the Carnegie Arts Center in 2011, one of only a handful of professional art centers in California’s Central Valley.

This establishment is known for its noteworthy exhibits promoting the work of local artists and diverse creative views from all over the world. If you’re interested in learning about art, Carnegie offers programs and classes in dance, music, poetry, theater, and more. Lucky visitors will get to sit in for amazing performances by dance groups such as the Village Dancers of the Valley, music groups such as the Sunshine Strummers, and the LightBox Theatre Company, which plays for young audiences.

Carnegie Arts Center

Address: 250 N Broadway, Turlock, CA 95380, United States

Website: Carnegie Arts Center

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 5pm (closed on Mon & Sun)

10. Go hiking at Crane Creek Regional Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Enjoy a fun-filled afternoon at the lovely Crane Creek Regional Park. This park offers 128 acres (51.8 hectares) of lush grasslands and oaks. Here your family can have a picnic on picnic tables spread throughout the park, go biking, and play various sports.

Through the middle of the park flows the sparkling waters of Crane Creek complemented by beautiful views of the countryside. Fancy a hike? The park also offers equestrian and hiking trails along the creek. Don’t miss the other exciting activities available for you, such as the Wildflower Walk Series in spring when flowers bloom, the Sunrise Salutation Series for an early morning stretch, and many more!

Crane Creek Regional Park

Address: 5000 Pressley Road Rohnert Park, CA 94951

Website: Crane Creek Regional Park

Opening hours: 7am - sunset (daily)

A non-stop show of attractions

Newman, California, and other nearby areas have a lot to offer to tourists and community members alike with a non-stop show of parks, wildlife, recreational spots, and museums. Visit these top places in Newman and its vicinity for an unforgettable trip!