San Joaquin Valley, CA

Travel Guide

Sequoia National Park which includes forests as well as an individual femail
Sequoia National Park which includes forests
Sequoia National Park showing forests and dangerous animals
Sequoia National Park featuring forests and flowers
Sequoia National Park featuring mountains, views and landscape views

When you eat an almond, it’s highly likely that it came from this central part of California, one of the most productive agricultural areas in the United States.

California produces about two-thirds of the nation’s fruits and nuts, much of it coming from the fertile San Joaquin Valley, the southern portion of the Central Valley. Drive along the back roads in this rich farm territory to appreciate this agricultural wonderland and buy food directly from hard-working producers.

In addition to purchasing the freshest produce as you happen upon roadside stands, use the California Agricultural Tourism Directory to plan ahead for interaction with local farmers. From San Joaquin in the north to Kern in the south, the eight San Joaquin Valley counties feature experiences including wine tastings in Lodi, goat farm tours in Sanger and a citrus grove maze in Ivanhoe. Look for u-pick harvests ranging from cherries, pluots, pumpkins and tomatoes to lavender and Christmas trees. Farm stays offer work and fun on the land accompanied by delicious meals prepared from local produce.

The region’s long growing season means you’re likely to see various crops in the fields throughout the year. From February to March in Fresno County, observe the delicate petals on fruit and nut trees along the 62-mile (100-kilometer) Blossom Trail. Return in summer to enjoy bounteous seasonal produce. The city of FresnoOpens in a new window also has artist studios, the Chaffee Zoo and the Forestiere Underground Gardens, a subterranean complex hand-dug by an Italian immigrant in the early 1900s.

Stop in the California Welcome Center in Merced for information on things to do in the region. Walk around the cities of Stockton, ModestoOpens in a new window and BakersfieldOpens in a new window to see 100-year-old buildings and museums explaining the region’s development. Combine your trip to the valley with visits to Yosemite National ParkOpens in a new window and San FranciscoOpens in a new window, each a 2-hour drive away.

Bring your family to the San Joaquin Valley for fun and flavorful education about where food comes from.

Where to stay in San Joaquin Valley

Fresno showing signage and theater scenes

Downtown Fresno

3/5(225 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Downtown Fresno, Chukchansi Park and Saroyan Theatre are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Fresno
The morning at Camp Tulequoia in the Sequoia National Forest.

Roosevelt

4/5(2 area reviews)

While there might not be top attractions in Roosevelt, you can explore the larger area and discover places like The Big Fresno Fair and Selland Arena.

Roosevelt
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Downtown Bakersfield

3.5/5(122 area reviews)

This central business district is hone to theaters, sports complex, museums, and historical landmarks. Enjoy shopping, dining, Arts District, Civic Center, and Mill Creek. Easily accessible via State Routes and public transit.

Downtown Bakersfield
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Wheeler Ridge

Shopping and restaurants are notable features of Wheeler Ridge. You might consider a stop by Outlets at Tejon while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Wheeler Ridge
Driving through Shafter I saw this impressive set of horns!

Rosedale

You might make a stop by Gaslight Melodrama Theatre & Music Hall while you're exploring Rosedale.

Rosedale
Home sweet home on this beautiful gloomy day.

Mountain House

Mountain House might not have many top sights, but West Valley Mall and Coney Island are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Mountain House
Comfort Inn & Suites Sequoia/Kings Canyon
Comfort Inn & Suites Sequoia/Kings Canyon
2.5 out of 5
40820 Sierra Dr, Three Rivers, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$226 nightly
The price is $249 total per night from Jul 31 to Aug 1
$249 total
Jul 31 - Aug 1
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Three Rivers. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,189 reviews)
"Nice stay. Convenient distance to national park entrance."

Reviewed on Jun 28, 2025

Comfort Inn & Suites Sequoia/Kings Canyon
Great Wolf Lodge Manteca
Great Wolf Lodge Manteca
3.5 out of 5
2500 Daniels St, Manteca, CA
$242 nightly
The price is $272 total per night from Jul 1 to Jul 2
$272 total
Jul 1 - Jul 2
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3.5-star family-friendly hotel in Manteca. Enjoy 6 restaurants, free water park access, and a lazy river. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (874 reviews)
"Everything was amazing definitely recommend staying here!"

Reviewed on Jun 27, 2025

Great Wolf Lodge Manteca
Hotel Piccadilly
Hotel Piccadilly
3 out of 5
2305 W Shaw Ave, Fresno, CA
$85 nightly
The price is $97 total per night from Jul 9 to Jul 10
$97 total
Jul 9 - Jul 10
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Fresno. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,455 reviews)
"We have stayed her 4 times now. Different staff has helped us with some repeat staff. All the staff has smiles, is chatty without being intrusive they all seem to truely be enjoying their work day. Had an issue in a room at 2am it was handled in less than 30 min from Call to front desk to 100% ..."

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

Hotel Piccadilly
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Sequoia Riverfront Cabins
Sequoia Riverfront Cabins
2.5 out of 5
41541 Sierra Drive, Three Rivers, CA
Stay at this cabin in Three Rivers. Enjoy free parking, a picnic area, and hiking/biking on site. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
7.4/10 Good! (90 reviews)
Rustic Stay
"The room was comfortable we did find some areas that were not very clean especially inside the drawers. I had to clean them in order to put our clothes in them."

Reviewed on Jun 21, 2025

Sequoia Riverfront Cabins
Silver City Mountain Resort
Silver City Mountain Resort
3 out of 5
Mile 21 Mineral King Road, Sequoia National Park, Silver City, Three Rivers, CA
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly cabin in Three Rivers. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge), and a picnic area. Popular attractions Sawtooth Trailhead ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (59 reviews)
"Convenient diner $ small store"

Reviewed on Jun 16, 2025

Silver City Mountain Resort
12x14 Cabin Tent.  camping with a little luxury.
12x14 Cabin Tent. camping with a little luxury.
Three Rivers
Stay at this campground in Three Rivers. Popular attractions Sequoia National Parks Ash Mountain Entrance and Three Rivers Historical Museum are located ...
"We love it"

Reviewed on Apr 15, 2025

12x14 Cabin Tent. camping with a little luxury.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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