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.
Imagine a place with easy access to multiple national parks, flavor-filled farmlands, and mountain landscapes. Throw in rich history, international culture, and welcoming towns and cities, and you have California’s Central Valley. Follow this itinerary for a delicious, beautiful, authentic tour of the northern Central Valley.
The cold winter months may be daunting, but they don’t have to be! With proper preparation, you will without a doubt leave Yosemite National Park with a lasting impression that might even have you booking a return trip next winter!
Yosemite. One word, four syllables. Not a lot in the way of descriptions, but with Yosemite, it’sall you need. That one word conjures up cloud-crowned heights with crested waterfalls tumbling over the lips of granite monoliths; of deep valleys with quiet streams following their own path through western pines; of meadows with horizonic views. It is a word of Iconic Grandeur.
Not sure where to begin your next California road trip? Let us help! Just a few hours from the north entrance of Yosemite National Park is a lively city known as Stockton. Settled between the San Francisco Bay Area and the Sierra Nevada mountains, Stockton is ideal for a traveler looking to get a healthy mix of culture, food, and outdoor adventure. Plan your trip in advance—check out this sample itinerary!
Gold and granite have been enticing visitors to central California since the mid-1800’s. All around Tuolumne County there are nods to the region’s roots, from Gold Rush era experiences to fantastic museums that educate visitors on the state’s history. Meanwhile, granite continues to beckon travelers from around the world to the same area. Tourists still flock to the Yosemite area to witness the breathtaking domes, sheer walls that reach sky-high, and waterfalls that drop to the valley floors. The combination of granite and gold make Tuolumne County one of the most interesting places to visit.
“Hi, do you have the ‘Sandy the Squirrel’ card?” I asked, standing in the Yosemite National Park Visitor’s Center. See, I was on a mission. Essentially a scavenger hunt leading through Yosemite National Park and beyond. By collecting two or more trading cards, I could win a serious vacation package to return to some of the most amazing country in the USA! What I didn’t know was that this “highway” of sorts would bring me to some incredible places while visiting Yosemite.
Deciding on experiences in some of California’s most sought after country was a real challenge! Amber and I set parameters though, and stuck with them. We needed a mix of scenery, adventure, adrenaline, and relaxation for our California road trip–and we found it, all of it! From sunup to sundown, we explored California’s High Sierra, stretching from Yosemite National Park to Lake Tahoe. Here’s what we were able to experience and loved!
The Great American Road Trip awaits you as you travel across some of the most beautiful landscapes the American West has to offer. This trip will take you from the Golden Coast to the Shining Desert with nothing but adventure along the way.
Recommended for first-timers to the United States, honeymooners, photographers, and road trippers.
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Photo by @shashank__kamath via Instagram
