San Joaquin Valley

Travel Guide

Sequoia National Park showing forest scenes as well as an individual female
Sequoia National Park showing forest scenes
Sequoia National Park featuring dangerous animals and forest scenes
Sequoia National Park featuring forest scenes and flowers
Sequoia National Park featuring views, mountains 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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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
Fresno showing signage and theatre scenes

Downtown Fresno

5/5(1 area review)

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

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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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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Mountain House

Though Mountain House may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like West Valley Mall and Coney Island.

Mountain House
Comfort Inn & Suites Sequoia/Kings Canyon
Comfort Inn & Suites Sequoia/Kings Canyon
2.5 out of 5
40820 Sierra Dr, Three Rivers, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$317 per night from 31 Jul to 1 Aug
S$317
31 Jul - 1 Aug
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! (1,191 reviews)
Clean up to date hotel near Sequoia
"Very nice hotel near Sequoia national park. Relatively new facility with the latest updates, AC, flat screen TV. good internet and a GREAT breakfast buffet. Across the street from 2 restaurants, market and other businesses. Only issue was the trash truck picking up at 4 or 5 in the morning"

Reviewed on 3 Jul, 2025

Comfort Inn & Suites Sequoia/Kings Canyon
Great Wolf Lodge Manteca
Great Wolf Lodge Manteca
3.5 out of 5
2500 Daniels St, Manteca, CA
The price is S$365 per night from 5 Aug to 6 Aug
S$365
5 Aug - 6 Aug
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! (888 reviews)
"We had a really great time at this property. Perfect getaway for one weekend!"

Reviewed on 6 Jul, 2025

Great Wolf Lodge Manteca
Hotel Piccadilly
Hotel Piccadilly
3 out of 5
2305 W Shaw Ave, Fresno, CA
The price is S$128 per night from 9 Jul to 10 Jul
S$128
9 Jul - 10 Jul
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! (2,459 reviews)
"The people were fantastic however, the rooms need updating and the pillows were terrible"

Reviewed on 5 Jul, 2025

Hotel Piccadilly
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 2 Jul, 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 27 Jun, 2025

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 27 May, 2025

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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