Within 30 minutes lie 5 major lakes that offer fishing, water-skiing and houseboating. There is also great water rafting down the Stanislaus River near Knights Ferry. Yosemite National Park, Historic Columbia, Sonora, Jamestown, and the Sonora Pass are within 32 to 160 km distance. For snow skiers, just a 1.5 hour drive and you will find Dodge Ridge. Further up the mountains you will find Bear Valley, Mt. Reba Ski Resort. Several local tourist attractions lie right in Oakdale, such as the Hershey Fac Factory, Cheese Factory, Sierra Railroad traveling dinner car, Apple farms, wine tasting and even a water slide park just 16 km south of Oakdale. Annual events like the P.R.C.A. Rodeo and Parade, held on the second weekend of April; The Chocolate Festiv Festival is held on the third weekend of May; July 4th weekend is the Antique Show; the first weekend in October is the Wine and Cheese Festival held in Riverbank, just 8 km