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
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Edison

3.5/5(28 area reviews)

While there might not be top attractions in Edison, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Fresno Regional Sport Park and Chukchansi Park.

Edison
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
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 29 to Oct 30
$88 total
Oct 29 - Oct 30
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! (2,654 reviews)
Clean, comfortable room. Very spacious

Reviewed on Oct 23, 2025

Hotel Piccadilly
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bakersfield

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bakersfield

4 out of 5
3100 Camino Del Rio Ct, Bakersfield, CA
$99 nightly
The price is $111 total per night from Nov 23 to Nov 24
$111 total
Nov 23 - Nov 24
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Bakersfield. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,412 reviews)
Clean room/

Reviewed on Oct 22, 2025

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bakersfield
Wuksachi Lodge

Wuksachi Lodge

2.5 out of 5
64740 Wuksachi Way Wuksachi Vi, Sequoia National Park, CA
$237 nightly
The price is $261 total per night from Nov 10 to Nov 11
$261 total
Nov 10 - Nov 11
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Sequoia National Park. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,022 reviews)
Super

Reviewed on Oct 25, 2025

Wuksachi Lodge
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! (121 reviews)
We wish we would have stayed here three nights. Loved being on the river and everything close. Gary and Milo were great as well.

Reviewed on Oct 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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (71 reviews)
We had a blast! Road in wasn't bad at all as some say. People are so nice and food was terrific! Very quiet and laid back 👍

Reviewed on Oct 12, 2025

Silver City Mountain Resort
Little Bear Cottage Private,Luxury Getaway!SPA! FIRE PIT! 3 MLS FROM SNP

Little Bear Cottage Private,Luxury Getaway!SPA! FIRE PIT! 3 MLS FROM SNP

Three Rivers
Stay at this vacation home in Three Rivers. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Sequoia National Parks Ash Mountain Entrance ...
10/10 Exceptional! (116 reviews)
Excellent cabin!!! Completely beautiful, clean, accommodating and convenient to Sequoia! Comfy beds and washer and dryer. Everything is new and well kept! The deck was amazing and though we didn’t use it the hot tub looked wonderful! Quiet neighborhood and I felt very safe. Would highly recommend ...

Reviewed on Oct 21, 2025

Little Bear Cottage Private,Luxury Getaway!SPA! FIRE PIT! 3 MLS FROM SNP
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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