California Central Valley travel, tours and vacation ideas. Plan your California Central Valley travel online at VisitCalifornia.com

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Home | Explore California | Central Valley

Central Valley

Drive through the Central Valley, and you’ll see evidence of how life here has historically revolved around agriculture. You’ll find incredible farmer’s markets, roadside produce stands, and festivals that celebrate local specialties: wine, tomatoes, asparagus, cheese and more. The region’s major cities, including Bakersfield, Fresno and Stockton, offer many attractions including museums, concerts, racing, country music and unique gardens. See the Central Valley Tourism Association website for more details about the area.

Central Valley Arts & Culture

Perhaps most well known for its country music history (think Buck Owens, Gene Autry, and Merle Haggard), Bakersfield also has a symphony orchestra, art and history museums. Farther north in Fresno, you can catch a live music or theater show at the historic Tower Theater. Stockton boasts of downtown galleries, a children’s museum, and the Haggin Museum, called “one of the under sung gems of California” by Sunset magazine. In Modesto, you can learn about the Central Valley itself at the Great Valley Museum, or cruise the loop made popular in the movie American Graffiti.

Central Valley Outdoor Recreation

The 400-mile long, mostly flat Central Valley is home to two wetland wildlife refuges, which make for excellent bird watching and easy hikes. The region’s many rivers and lakes offer fishing, boating, and whitewater rafting. Lesser-traveled roads are great for biking through the countryside.

Central Valley Shopping

Vacaville’s Premium Outlets draw crowds from miles around for great deals on popular brands. The Fulton Street pedestrian mall in Fresno makes for a pleasant shopping afternoon, among fountains, sculpture and gardens. Another fun stop is the Jelly Belly Factory in Fairfield, where you can take a tour and get a bag of “belly flops,” the jellybean mistakes! Bargain treasure hunters: take note of Stockton’s three flea markets (two on Saturday and Sunday, plus one on Thursday). And of course, if you drive through the Central Valley any time of year, you’ll pass fresh fruit and vegetable stands selling just-picked produce right off the farm. Can’t beat that.

Central Valley Wine & Dine

In the Central Valley, Lodi has recently emerged as a trendsetter with its Lodi Rules for Sustainable Winegrowing. One of the valley's best kept secrets is the Madera Wine Trail, just across the river from Fresno, where you can find world class dessert wines and ports. Fine restaurants throughout the Central Valley make use of the fresh meats, produce and dairy products of the region. For some hidden gems, you're sure to find plenty of them in this region.

Central Valley Family Fun

California has family-friendly fun for every member of your brood, young or old. From theme parks galore with the latest rides and roller coasters, to up-close encounters with animals and history alike, grab the relatives and hit the road for a groovy California getaway!

Central Valley Golf

Stretching over 400 miles, the rich soil and unique landscape of the Central Valley has produced a bountiful crop of distinct and affordable golf courses. Explore the hidden gems of California's heartland.