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

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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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 Bakersfield

5/5(1 area review)

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

Downtown Bakersfield
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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
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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

West Park Community might not have many top sights, but Buck Owens Crystal Palace and Fox Theater are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

West Park Community
Hotel Piccadilly

Hotel Piccadilly

3 out of 5
2305 W Shaw Ave, Fresno, CA
The price is AU$133 per night from 29 Oct to 30 Oct
AU$133
29 Oct - 30 Oct
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! (2,651 reviews)
"Quite and easy"

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

Hotel Piccadilly
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bakersfield

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bakersfield

4 out of 5
3100 Camino Del Rio Ct, Bakersfield, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$178 per night from 31 Oct to 1 Nov
AU$178
31 Oct - 1 Nov
includes taxes & 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! (1,393 reviews)
Great property
"This is a large property in good condition. Front desk was exceptional at customer service. Room was very clean. As always enjoyed the cookie at check in.plenty of plugs for charging, etc"

Reviewed on 10 Oct 2025

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bakersfield
Sonesta ES Suites Fresno

Sonesta ES Suites Fresno

3 out of 5
5322 N Diana St, Fresno, CA
The price is AU$236 per night from 19 Oct to 20 Oct
AU$236
19 Oct - 20 Oct
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! (1,017 reviews)
"Everything was perfect and I would stay again for sure."

Reviewed on 12 Oct 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! (119 reviews)
"The cabin was very nice. It had plenty of bedding, bathroom supplies and the kitchen was well stocked."

Reviewed on 7 Oct 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 30 Sept 2025

Silver City Mountain Resort
Cottage on 3 acre Riverfront Private Estate with  Hot Tub

Cottage on 3 acre Riverfront Private Estate with Hot Tub

Three Rivers
Stay at this cottage in Three Rivers. Enjoy a garden, patios, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Kaweah River and Our Place Playground are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (61 reviews)
"Very cute cottage. Perfect location if you are visiting the National Parks. You can walk to the river whete there are chairs to sit and relax. Julis is very nice.Thank you Julia for tip on visiting the Forestiere Underground Garden!!"

Reviewed on 22 Sept 2025

Cottage on 3 acre Riverfront Private Estate with Hot Tub
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.

Popular places to visit

Cities near San Joaquin Valley

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