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

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
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
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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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Pinedale

Pinedale is noteworthy for its shopping, and you can plan an outing to Riverpark Shopping Center and Regal Fresno River Park while you're in town.

Pinedale
Great Wolf Lodge Manteca
Great Wolf Lodge Manteca
3.5 out of 5
2500 Daniels St, Manteca, CA
The price is ₩337,952 per night from Aug 11 to Aug 12
₩337,952
₩379,164 total
Aug 11 - Aug 12
includes taxes & 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! (896 reviews)
"Fantastic place with small, but nice waterpark - lots to do even though it is small and a range of activities from water slides to wave pool to outdoor swim area. The staff were extremely friendly and even wore wolf ears. Will certainly return again."

Reviewed on Jul 8, 2025

Great Wolf Lodge Manteca
Hotel Piccadilly
Hotel Piccadilly
3 out of 5
2305 W Shaw Ave, Fresno, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₩120,567 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
₩120,567
₩137,681 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
includes taxes & 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! (2,466 reviews)
Great hotel
"I've stayed at this hotel many times now. It's got really nice rooms at a great rate"

Reviewed on Jul 10, 2025

Hotel Piccadilly
Sonesta ES Suites Fresno
Sonesta ES Suites Fresno
3 out of 5
5322 N Diana St, Fresno, CA
The price is ₩130,483 per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
₩130,483
₩156,580 total
Aug 10 - Aug 11
includes taxes & 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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,010 reviews)
"Friendly and helpful staff"

Reviewed on Jul 7, 2025

Sonesta ES Suites Fresno
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! (95 reviews)
Three night stay Yay!
"We loved this place. It has great access to the River with a beautiful view. The campground host was very friendly, and ready with helpful information about the area. Would definitely stay again."

Reviewed on Jul 2, 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! (60 reviews)
"Expedia did not communicate the 21 mile hazardous mountain trail to get to the property."

Reviewed on Jun 27, 2025

Silver City Mountain Resort
Sequoia Park CA Coast Wineries Skiing-All Day Trips from Comfy Apt
Sequoia Park CA Coast Wineries Skiing-All Day Trips from Comfy Apt
3 out of 5
812 S Giddings St, Visalia, CA
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Visalia. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Valley Strong Ballpark and Visalia Fox Theatre ...
9/10 Wonderful! (14 reviews)
"The place was spacious, clean, and comfortable, with everything needed for a short stay. The kitchen area—including a sink, fridge, microwave, coffee maker, and dishes—was perfect for preparing breakfast and dinner in the apartment. The neighborhood was quiet. I would stay here again."

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2025

Sequoia Park CA Coast Wineries Skiing-All Day Trips from Comfy Apt
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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