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

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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
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
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 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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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 NT$2,620 per night from Aug 18 to Aug 19
NT$2,620
NT$2,991 total
Aug 18 - Aug 19
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! (2,535 reviews)
"very good breakfast"

Reviewed on 2025/8/9

Hotel Piccadilly
Great Wolf Lodge Manteca

Great Wolf Lodge Manteca

3.5 out of 5
2500 Daniels St, Manteca, CA
The price is NT$6,776 per night from Aug 25 to Aug 26
NT$6,776
NT$7,602 total
Aug 25 - Aug 26
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! (963 reviews)
"The food was ok. Need more choices though. The room was clean."

Reviewed on 2025/8/6

Great Wolf Lodge Manteca
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 NT$6,443 per night from Sep 7 to Sep 8
NT$6,443
NT$7,087 total
Sep 7 - Sep 8
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! (1,219 reviews)
"Great for what it is"

Reviewed on 2025/8/6

Comfort Inn & Suites Sequoia/Kings Canyon
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! (106 reviews)
"Our kids had a blast at this cabin. The backyard was amazing!"

Reviewed on 2025/8/7

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! (63 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 2025/7/19

Silver City Mountain Resort
Cottage on Armstrong

Cottage on Armstrong

3.5 out of 5
4398 E. Armstrong Road (Vintner), Lodi, CA
Stay at this 3.5-star cottage in Lodi. Enjoy free parking, a picnic area, and a computer station. Popular attractions Funtown Amusement Park at Micke Grove State ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (39 reviews)
Perfect for a couple- charming and cute
"The cottage is perfect for two people. My husband and I enjoyed are stay. Very private and perfect for a quick get away to attend a wedding. The back yard was well kept and we saw rabbits and birds in the morning. Very charming. One tip for the ladies, the bathroom area is not lit very well. Not ..."

Reviewed on 2025/5/27

Cottage on Armstrong
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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