San Joaquin Valley

Travel Guide

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

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

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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
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Downtown Bakersfield

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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Downtown Stockton

If you're spending some time in Downtown Stockton, Stockton Arena and Bob Hope Theater are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Stockton
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Roosevelt

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 which includes theatre scenes and signage

Downtown Fresno

3.5/5(4 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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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
Hotel Piccadilly

Hotel Piccadilly

3 out of 5
2305 W Shaw Ave, Fresno, CA
The price is CA $132 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
CA $132
CA $151 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
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! (2,555 reviews)
"Good 👍"

Reviewed on Aug. 20, 2025

Hotel Piccadilly
Comfort Inn & Suites Sequoia/Kings Canyon

Comfort Inn & Suites Sequoia/Kings Canyon

2.5 out of 5
40820 Sierra Dr, Three Rivers, CA
The price is CA $304 per night from Sep 9 to Sep 10
CA $304
CA $335 total
Sep 9 - Sep 10
includes taxes & 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! (1,236 reviews)
"We liked the stay on comfort inn and good deal for the price. Near to Sequoia park which is great plus. Front desk staff I think his name is Jared was really good."

Reviewed on Aug. 14, 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
The price is CA $132 per night from Sep 18 to Sep 19
CA $132
CA $158 total
Sep 18 - Sep 19
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,006 reviews)
Great hotel!
"Great experience, decent breakfast and the staff was super nice!"

Reviewed on Aug. 19, 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 ...
7.2/10 Good! (110 reviews)
"Great experience. Felt like home"

Reviewed on Aug. 17, 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! (65 reviews)
"Great food and friendly staff"

Reviewed on Aug. 18, 2025

Silver City Mountain Resort
Sequoia Jewel -16 Foot Bell Tent with double beds. 4.5 to Sequoia National Park.

Sequoia Jewel -16 Foot Bell Tent with double beds. 4.5 to Sequoia National Park.

Three Rivers
Stay at this campground in Three Rivers. Enjoy free WiFi and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Sequoia National Parks Ash Mountain Entrance and Three ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (16 reviews)
"Jeff was nice. Came by said hi and prepared water bottles and ice box which was what I needed."

Reviewed on Jul. 29, 2025

Sequoia Jewel -16 Foot Bell Tent with double beds. 4.5 to Sequoia National Park.
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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Cities near San Joaquin Valley