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Tracy lies in San Joaquin County at the western edge of the Central Valley, where flat farmland meets the golden Altamont Hills that separate the valley from the San Francisco Bay Area. It was founded in 1878 as a railroad junction and named for Lathrop J. Tracy, a railroad official, and it grew as a hub for trains, farming and shipping. Tracy was incorporated in 1910.
The railroad still shapes the city. Downtown Tracy keeps historic brick buildings along Central Avenue, the Mission Revival style Grand Theatre Center for the Arts, and a restored train depot, while ACE commuter trains link the city with San Jose and Stockton.
Today Tracy is a growing city with parks, a lively farmers market and community events such as the Dry Bean Festival. Surrounding orchards and fields produce almonds, walnuts and vegetables, and the Delta waterways, Lake Del Valle and the Bay Area are all within easy reach.
A restored 1923 theater on Central Avenue in downtown Tracy, now a city arts center with performances, classes and art galleries. It hosts plays, concerts, dance and community events. Check the city calendar for shows and free gallery exhibits, and stroll downtown before or after.
Tracy's historic downtown along Central Avenue and 10th Street, with brick buildings, restaurants, cafes and small shops near the Grand Theatre. It hosts a farmers market, car shows and seasonal events. Street parking is easy, and it is a pleasant place for a casual meal and a short walk.
A local history museum in a historic building downtown, with exhibits on Tracy's railroad founding, farming, families and local businesses. Volunteers from the historical society share stories and old photos. It opens only on limited days, so check hours, and pair it with a downtown visit.
A summer festival celebrating Tracy's history as a center for growing dry beans, with bean dishes, a car show, live music, crafts and children's activities downtown. It has not been held every year, so check the city site for current dates before planning a trip.
A historic roadhouse in the small community of Banta, just outside Tracy, serving food and drinks since the late 1800s. It has an old-time bar, a restaurant and local character. It is a fun stop for a casual meal with a sense of history; check hours, as they vary by day.
Tracy's main indoor shopping mall near Interstate 205, with department stores, chain stores, a food court and a movie theater. It is a practical place for everyday shopping. Parking is free, and it is easy to reach for travelers between the Bay Area and the Central Valley.
A historic city park near downtown Tracy with large old trees, lawns, a playground and picnic tables, and it is used for community events. It is a shady spot for a picnic on a hot valley day. Combine it with a walk down Central Avenue and a visit to the Grand Theatre.
A state off-highway vehicle park in the hills southwest of Tracy, with trails and tracks for dirt bikes, ATVs and 4x4s through canyons and hills. It also has a motocross track and camping. Check the park site for open areas and rules, and wear proper safety gear at all times.
A small state recreation area northwest of Tracy, around a reservoir with fishing, picnic areas and a paved bike path along the California Aqueduct. Wind turbines on the hills make a striking backdrop. It is windy most afternoons, so it is good for windsurfing; bring layers.
One of the earliest large wind farms in the United States, with thousands of turbines on the grassy hills between Tracy and Livermore. Interstate 580 and the old Altamont Pass Road give views of the turbines. Drive the old road for quieter views, and visit in spring when the hills are green.
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California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
Photo: Pedro Xing, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Michael Aivaliotis, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Pi.1415926535, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Michael Aivaliotis, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Pi.1415926535, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Michael Aivaliotis, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Pedro Xing, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Pedro Xing, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Mark E. Robertson, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Slamslam102, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
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Photo: David J Laporte from Vancouver, Canada, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: David J Laporte from Vancouver, Canada, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: David J Laporte from Vancouver, Canada, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: David J Laporte from Vancouver, Canada, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0