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
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West Park Community

3/5(158 area reviews)

Though West Park Community might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Buck Owens Crystal Palace and Fox Theater.

West Park Community
Comfort Inn & Suites Sequoia/Kings Canyon

Comfort Inn & Suites Sequoia/Kings Canyon

2.5 out of 5
40820 Sierra Dr, Three Rivers, CA
$156 nightly
The price is $171 total per night from Nov 10 to Nov 11
$171 total
Nov 10 - Nov 11
Total with 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! (1,285 reviews)
"Breakfast was good"

Reviewed on Oct 6, 2025

Comfort Inn & Suites Sequoia/Kings Canyon
Sonesta ES Suites Fresno

Sonesta ES Suites Fresno

3 out of 5
5322 N Diana St, Fresno, CA
$135 nightly
The price is $154 total per night from Nov 2 to Nov 3
$154 total
Nov 2 - Nov 3
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Fresno. Enjoy free breakfast, a fitness center, and WiFi (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,011 reviews)
"The staff was very helpful. Great breakfast. Clean laundry facilities. Room was sparkling clean"

Reviewed on Oct 6, 2025

Sonesta ES Suites Fresno
Hotel Piccadilly

Hotel Piccadilly

3 out of 5
2305 W Shaw Ave, Fresno, CA
$77 nightly
The price is $88 total per night from Oct 20 to Oct 21
$88 total
Oct 20 - Oct 21
Total with 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! (2,625 reviews)
"Front desk staff was very friendly and helpful"

Reviewed on Oct 7, 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 ...
7.2/10 Good! (117 reviews)
"The host Gary and his dog were great. Lovely place, fantastic location."

Reviewed on Sep 22, 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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (70 reviews)
"Very remote, quiet a must see."

Reviewed on Sep 30, 2025

Silver City Mountain Resort
Sequoia River Cabin ~ Romantic Rustic Retreat on Kaweah River ~ Close to Sequoia

Sequoia River Cabin ~ Romantic Rustic Retreat on Kaweah River ~ Close to Sequoia

Three Rivers
Stay at this cabin in Three Rivers. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Sequoia National Parks Ash Mountain Entrance and Three Rivers ...
10/10 Exceptional! (195 reviews)
"This was such a perfect cabin for my husband and I. The location was perfect to visit Sequoia National Park. And being right on the river was so fun. We saw deer walking right through the back yard. The amount of extras at this location was amazing. They had a regular coffee maker and a nespresso ..."

Reviewed on Sep 12, 2025

Sequoia River Cabin ~ Romantic Rustic Retreat on Kaweah River ~ Close to Sequoia
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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