San Joaquin Valley Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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

You'll appreciate the shopping during your time in Pinedale and you might want to plan a stop by Riverpark Shopping Center and Regal Fresno River Park while you're in the area.

Pinedale
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Downtown Bakersfield

5/5(1 area review)

If you're spending some time in Downtown Bakersfield, Mechanics Bank Arena and Fox Theater are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Bakersfield
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Roosevelt

Roosevelt might not have many top sights, but The Big Fresno Fair and Selland Arena are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Roosevelt
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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
Fresno showing signage and theatre scenes

Downtown Fresno

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 stopping by Outlets at Tejon while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Wheeler Ridge
Hotel Piccadilly

Hotel Piccadilly

3 out of 5
2305 W Shaw Ave, Fresno, CA
The price is AU$154 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
AU$154
24 Aug - 25 Aug
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! (2,545 reviews)
"This place was nice for a quick overnight stop. Staff was friendly. Buildings were old and smelt old but i didnt mind. The breakfast ended at 9 which was too short of time. They do have extended stays, so are peoplw living there?"

Reviewed on 15 Aug. 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 AU$362 per night from 9 Sept to 10 Sept
AU$362
9 Sept - 10 Sept
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! (1,231 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 14 Aug. 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 AU$176 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
AU$176
7 Sept - 8 Sept
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! (1,005 reviews)
"Had a plesant stay nice quiet room. Service only once a week. If you check in on Monday, and god forbid something happened to you, they would not find your body until check out date. Easy self park."

Reviewed on 17 Aug. 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! (107 reviews)
"Our kids had a blast at this cabin. The backyard was amazing!"

Reviewed on 7 Aug. 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! (64 reviews)
The Rock Cabin rocks!
"We really enjoyed our stay at the Rock Cabin! Falling asleep to the sound of water and crickets was really wonderful. The restaurant was amazing! We especially loved having pie each morning with our coffee. Speaking of coffee, we loved walking into the cabin and seeing complementary local coffee, ..."

Reviewed on 19 Jul. 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! (15 reviews)
"Jeff was nice. Came by said hi and prepared water bottles and ice box which was what I needed."

Reviewed on 29 Jul. 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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