Taste of California

1/3

California's Central Valley offers a plethora of farms like this almond orchard.
Photo courtesy of the Almond Board of California

All-season Sequoias

2/3

No matter the season, Sequoia National Park is incredible.

America's Pastime

3/3

From Bakersfield to Sacramento, America’s pastime has home teams throughout the Central Valley.

California from Sea to Yosemite: The Southern Central Valley

California’s Central Valley is the heartland of California. It stretches past farm stands, along country roads, and through uniquely artistic communities right to the gates of some of the nation’s most renowned national parks such as Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon. Follow this itinerary to explore the southern portion of this 400-mile long heart of California.
Prepared By:

Casey A.

Traveler, writer, editor

Southern Central Valley, California

Start / End

Los Angeles, California

States Covered
National Parks

Yosemite National Park, Sequoia National Park, Kings Canyon National Park

Total Distance

660 miles (1,062 km)

Suggested Days

11-14

Suggested Seasons

Year-round

#ThisIsMyRoute

Preparation

California’s temperate climate means this route can be stunning and full of adventure any time of year. Keep in mind that regardless of season, elevation gains bring cooler weather, sun and elevation require sunscreen, and that it never hurts to carry extra snacks and a map. California’s Central Valley has a great blend of small communities and big cities with all the amenities, so be sure to explore and connect with each of these stops because they’ll all be unique!

Local tip: Not sure when you want to visit? Plan around the growing season of your favorite crop! 

Itinerary

ARRIVE IN THE CENTRAL VALLEY

Horse scull at La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles

 

This route connects with at least four airports, so you can start and end your Southern Central Valley itinerary at the location most convenient for you. This also means drive times and mileage may differ from the calculations below (be sure to have a map and/or navigation app with you). This itinerary will start in Los Angeles and LAX airport, but you can hop on at the Fresno Yosemite International Airport, San Francisco Airport, or Sacramento Airport, too! If your entry into the Central Valley is LAX, below are a few experiences we recommend before you head north to Bakersfield.

When you head out of the LA Basin driving north on US 5 and over the Grapevine, stop to stretch your legs at the Tejon Retail Outlets, your gateway to the Central Valley.

 

More ideas:
Visit California’s Central Valley
BAKERSFIELD

Whitewater rafting in Kern River

2 HOURS – 116 MILES/187 KM

Turn your Spotify to the Dwight Yoakam channel for a sampling of Bakersfield country music and drive a couple hours northeast to Bakersfield. You’ll find a wide variety of experiences waiting for you, so we recommend spending a couple days here. Start with the roots of Bakersfield and head out to Murray Family Farms, where you can learn about farming tradition, pick your own fruit, pet farm animals, and much more. Then make another connection to the foundations of Bakersfield by grabbing a meal at Wool Growers Restaurant, one of many Basque eateries in the community.

Between getting your fill of Bakersfield flavors, there’s lots of fun to be found, whether it’s watching vintage drag racing at the Auto Club Famoso Raceway or watching the Kern River meander through town. 

We like spending the night in Bakersfield at Padre Hotel, where history meets luxury in the perfect cap to your day of unique stops here.

 

Best site for birdwatching:
Wind Wolves Preserve

 

A zoo you can feel good about:
CALM

 

Best Italian meal:
Luigi’s Italian Delicatessen

 

Best Mexican food:
Nuestro Mexico
 
 
Even more ideas:
Visit Bakersfield
VISALIA

Woman climbing in Sequoia National Park, Central Valley, California

1.25 HOURS – 79 MILES/127 KM

Visalia is known for having the famous Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in its backyard, but natural charm, welcoming locals and abundance of experiences are why this Central California city is much more than a gateway to the great outdoors. The ginormous sequoia trees that tower over everything in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks draw travelers from all over looking to experience the world’s biggest trees for themselves. The parks aren’t the only natural adventures in Visalia. Lake Kaweah is full of water-based fun like paddleboarding, boating and fishing, and you can get your thrill rafting the nearby Kaweah River. Golf courses, horseback riding and hiking trails are found in and around Visalia too! 

After a day in the outdoors, grab a bite to eat at one of the sidewalk cafés along charming Main Street. Visalia is nestled in the heart of the nation’s richest agricultural region, so you can count on locally sourced, fresh ingredients in every bite. Drink in the views at one of the local craft breweries and treat yourself to dessert at one of the many delectable bakeries. Not sure what to try first? Ask a friendly local for some advice on their favorites.

Best evening combo:
Blueberry picking + live music + food!

 

For the kids:
ImagineU Museum

 

Rooftop cocktail before bed:
The Darling Hotel
 
 
Even more ideas:
Visit Visalia
SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK

People snowshoeing in Sequoia National Park

45 MINUTES – 35 MILES/56 KM

Land of Giants. This forest of the largest trees in the world is a great day trip for everything from hiking amongst the sequoias that reach to the skies to going underground to tour the Crystal Cave. Don’t miss General Sherman, the world’s largest living tree!

KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARK

1 HOUR, 10 MINUTES – 53 MILES/85 KM

Kings Canyon National Park is adjacent to Sequoia National Park, so today will be your opportunity to expand your familiarity with the protected area. Highway 180 into Kings Canyon National Park provides easy access to many hiking trails, and we recommend checking out those that follow its namesake, Kings River, to Zumwalt Meadow. From here, we recommend pointing the car toward your next city: Fresno.

FRESNO

Baseball fields at sunset in Fresno

1 HOUR – 53 MILES/85 KM

Underground Sicilian gardens, above-ground Japanese-American gardens, wine tastings, baseball, a plant nursery that turns into a beer garden and food truck hub at night, and great boutiques for shopping all make Fresno the city that it is. Fresno county grows more food than any other county in the United States, so you can bet that the locally sourced plates will be fresh and delectable. As California’s fifth largest city, Fresno has a lot to offer, so settle in for a day or two to experience as much as possible.

 

Escape the heat in a historical, underground oasis:
Forestiere Gardens
Take a wine journey:
Fresno County wines
Go back to class & love it:
School House Restaurant & Tavern
America’s pastime:
Catch a Grizzlies Game
Shop ’til you drop:
Old Town Clovis
 
Even more ideas:
Visit Fresno
YOSEMITE MADERA

Family kayaking on Bass Lake in Madera County, California

1 HOUR – 47 MILES/ 76 KM

The gateway to Yosemite awaits! The two big-name gems of Madera County are Yosemite National Park and Bass Lake. Throw in award-winning wines and fascinating museums, and it will be hard not to spend more than one night here. We recommend heading straight to Oakhurst and then spending a couple days here. Once called Fresno Flats, Oakhurst is the largest community in the foothills of Madera County (it’s even home to a talking bear)! Be sure to take a scenic tour of the Sierra National Forest aboard the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad.

 

For those who don’t love wine:
South Gate Brewing Co.

 

Most peaceful adventure:
SUP on Bass Lake

 

Scavenger hunt for the whole family:
Fossils to Falls Road Trip

 

Most obvious attraction:
Yosemite National Park via the Southern Gate
 
 
Even more ideas:
Visit Yosemite Madera

 

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

Vernal Falls in Yosemite National Park

45 MINUTES – 31 MILES/ 50 KM

California’s Central Valley is your launching point for a Yosemite adventure. From acclaimed rock climbing to iconic photography, from waterfalls to stunning hikes, Yosemite National Park captures the travelers’ imagination for a reason.

 

Best spot for a hike:
Day hike in Tuolumne Meadows

 

With the kids:
Ranger & Interpretive Program

 

For the advanced hikers:
Half Dome Trail

 

Best spot to stay:
Curry Village Canvas Tents
YOSEMITE MARIPOSA

Two people watching sunrise at Glacier Point in Yosemite National Park

45 MINUTES – 31 MILES/ 50 KM

Mariposa County is known as home of Yosemite National Park, which is one of California’s greatest gems, to be sure. It’s also home to so much more, including Sierra National Forest and Stanislaus National forest to the Merced River which offers fun and leisure activities galore, to gold rush and ghost-town history. We recommend getting to know Mariposa County a bit before entering the bucket-list park on this itinerary.

 

Learn about the Gold Rush:
The whole town of Coulterville

 

Wildflower Waltz:
Hite Cove (just remember not to pick or trample!)

 

Eat local:
Mariposa Farmers’ Market

 

Best bike ride:
Smith Peak
 
Even more ideas:
Visit Yosemite Mariposa

 

OAKDALE

Rodeo in Oakdale, California

1 HOUR – 47 MILES/ 76 KM

Oakdale is the ideal place to ease back into the city life of California following your time in Yosemite. The town bears the slogan “Cowboy Capital of the World,” so your first stop should be The Cowboy Museum where you can dive deeper into Oakdale’s rich rodeo and ranching history. From there you can head out to the Oakdale Cheese Factory to see how cheese is made and taste their award winning Gouda. Oakdale also has three local breweries that are a must-visit after a long day on the road. You could even simplify and spend a whole day unwinding at Woodward Reservoir, especially if you bring a picnic from Bloomingcamp Ranch.

 

Best way to chill out:
Raft the Stanislaus River

 

Witness the Wild West:
Oakdale Rodeo

 

Best breakfast:
Cahoots Corner Cafe

 

When a salad won’t cut it:
House of Beef

 

The shopping experience:
Downtown Oakdale
 
Even more ideas:
Visit Oakdale

 

MODESTO

Person in front of mural in Modesto, CA

30 MINUTES – 31 MILES/ 50 KM

Drive barely 30 minutes south to Modesto, a city famously known for farm stands, entertainment, car culture, and public art. If Modesto sounds familiar, it’s because it is the home of George Lucas and the inspiration for his biopic “American Graffiti.” In addition to fresh goods, Modesto is home to the Gallo Center for the Arts featuring national artists, a symphony, and plays. 

Go for a walk and enjoy a picnic in one of Modesto’s lush city parks. Love to fish? Bring your fly rod or fishing pole along and cast into the Tuolumne and Stanislaus Rivers! Oh, and don’t even get us started on the taco trucks—there are SO many local, authentic taco trucks in Modesto, you really can’t go wrong.

 

Best baked goods & pastries:
Mocha Magic Cafe & Bake Shop
 
Bike trail by the river:
Tuolumne River Trail

 

Best spot for dinner:
Galletto Ristorante

 

For all the foodies:
Sciabica Family California Olive Oil & Tasting Room
 
 
Even more ideas:
Visit Modesto

 

HILMAR CHEESE COMPANY

20 MINUTES – 19 MILES/ 30 KM

Over one million pounds. That’s how much cheese the Hilmar Cheese Company produces daily. And you can join in! The headquarters of the company has a visitors center that offers tours, tastings, and a restaurant on-site.

 

For cut-the-cheese-jokes:
Hands-on exhibits and tours
 
Cool off:
Ice cream making tour

 

Best road trip snack:
Squeaky cheese curds

 

Best dessert:
Cheese pie from the Cafe

 

Even more ideas:
Hilmar Cheese

From here, you can loop back to Los Angeles for your departure or fly out of a nearby airport, such as Fresno, San Jose, or San Francisco. Either way, it won’t be long before you’re planning a return trip to California’s Central Valley.

 

 

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