California Central Valley Day Trips Things To Do

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Use our list California Central Valley day trip destinations list to plan a road trip or weekend getaway. The California Central Valley covers a vast area, extending from Shasta County in the north to Kern County in the south. The Central Valley Region is known as the nation’s breadbasket due to its high agricultural productivity. In addition to its farmland and orchards, the Central Valley is also home to lakes, forests, unique attractions, and family-friendly adventures worth exploring.

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Bravo Farms Kettleman City Roadside Attraction

Bravo Farms is a popular roadside attraction on Highway 99 between Tulare and Fresno. The Kettleman City branch is the largest Bravo Farms store in California’s Central Valley. This location’s Wild West theme includes a ghost town, restaurant, and massive farm store. Dogs can even play in a designated area. Bravo Farms has two other locations: one at the Tulare Outlets and the other in Traver, CA. View Website.

Gilroy, California – California’s Garlic Capital. Things to See

Gilroy, California, is a town in Santa Clara County with a population of approximately 60,000. It is known as a bedroom community for the famous Silicon Valley and offers a well-balanced mix of agriculture, residential, and retail offerings. Some popular activities in Gilroy include visiting the theme park, Garlic World Store, Outlets, and numerous produce stands. Visit Gilroy’s Website.

Hilmar Cheese Company Visitor Center Tour

The Hilmar Cheese Company Visitor Center is delightful to visit while traveling through California’s Central Valley. The center offers cheese tastings, self-guided tours, and various cheese products. Additionally, visitors can enjoy a delicious meal at the Hilmar Cafe. The cafe serves signature grilled cheese sandwiches, salads, soups, and the famous “cheese chowder.” It’s worth noting that Hilmar Cheese Company is the world’s largest producer of natural American-style cheese. The visitor center is located at 9001 Lander Ave, Hilmar, California. Visit Website.

Huntington Lake Fresno Day Trip

Huntington Lake is located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, 80 miles northeast of Fresno. It was built in 1912 as part of the Big Creek Hydroelectric Project, which provided power to Southern California. The lake is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and camping. At an elevation of 7,000 feet, the temperature is usually mild, and the water is cold, making it a perfect spot for a cool getaway from the hot summers in the California Central Valley. Huntington Lake Resort.

Caswell Memorial State Park Camping & Float Tubing

Caswell Memorial State Park is a beautiful getaway destination near Ripon, California, along the Stanislaus River. The park is situated amidst farmland and offers a serene atmosphere that has remained untouched for over a century. Visitors can enjoy the slow-moving Stanislaus River most of the year, but it gains momentum during the rainy season. Many people float down the river in inner tubes or relax in the sandy coves during summer. Visit the Park Website.

Lake Isabella Day Trip Things To Do

Lake Isabella is located in the Kern River Valley, between two sections of the Sequoia National Forest. Several towns surround it, including Lake Isabella, Kernville, Bodfish, Caliente, and Wofford Heights. The lake is the main attraction, one of Southern California’s largest reservoirs. From fishing to boating, camping to picnicking, the lake offers some of the best fresh-water recreation experiences. Visit Website.

Silver City Ghost Town Bodfish, California

Silver City in Bodfish is a must-see destination for those who enjoy exploring ghost towns or are interested in old Western history. Situated in the Kern River Valley, this town offers a glimpse into the area’s rich and colorful past. Silver City is a great place for antique lovers, with thousands of artifacts displayed throughout the property, some of which are available for purchase in the town’s main building. Silver City Ghost Town is at 3829 Lake Isabella Blvd, Bodfish, California

Kern River Camping Trip Best Campgrounds

The Kern River Valley boasts several camping areas, including the Lower Kern River, Lake Isabella, and the Upper Kern River. State-run campgrounds and private resort-style campgrounds are available for visitors. Additionally, there are plenty of free camping sites along the Kern River. If you plan on free camping, it is recommended that you visit the ranger station in Kernville, pick up a map of dispersed camping areas, and obtain a free campfire permit. 11380 Kernville Road Kernville, California.

Don Pedro Lake Day Trip Tuolumne County, California

Don Pedro Lake attracts over half a million visitors yearly who enjoy fishing, boating, and camping. The lake boasts over 160 miles of shoreline and more than 12,000 acres of land to explore. One of the unique features of Don Pedro Lake is that it allows camping along the undeveloped lakeshore, making it an ideal destination for people who want to get away from city life. The nearest Central Valley town to Don Pedro Lake is Modesto, CA. Visit the Lake Website.

Bass Lake Recreation Area: A Unique Retreat

Bass Lake Recreation Area, located in the Sierra National Forest, has long been considered a hidden gem by campers, hikers, and anglers. It is one of the most popular outdoor recreation spots in Central California. Bass Lake is a warm-water lake, with temperatures reaching nearly 80 degrees during the summer months, making it a popular destination for swimming, fishing, and water skiing. This year-round destination offers numerous activities to keep visitors busy. Visit Website.

Explore Sequoia Kings Canyon Parks

Sequoia and Kings Canyon Parks are in the southern Sierra Nevada Mountains, east of the San Joaquin Valley. A single road connects these two parks, which offer nearly 866,000 acres of outdoor adventure. It will take several days to explore Sequoia-Kings Canyon Parks fully. Visalia provides a wide selection of hotels and dining options if you want to stay nearby. It is an excellent base for exploring the California Central Valley, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon National Parks. Park Website.

Visalia Day Trip California Central Valley

Visalia is an exciting place to visit for a day trip or stay longer for anyone who wishes to explore the beautiful Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park. Both parks are accessible from Visalia via the General’s Highway (Hwy 198). Visalia features a vibrant historic downtown, perfect for those exploring the city. If you want to explore the surrounding area, consider driving the Citrus Trail. It’s a scenic route that runs along the eastern side of Tulare County. City Website.

West Kern Oil Museum Central Valley Day Trip

The West Kern County Oil Museum is a must-visit for travelers on Highway 5 between Southern and Northern California. Located in Taft, California, the museum houses one of the few remaining wooden oil derricks from the early days of oil production. A dedicated group of volunteers runs the museum, which features a vast collection of artifacts, equipment, displays, and pictures about the Kern County oil industry. Visit Website.

Forestiere Underground Gardens Fresno, California

Forestiere Underground Gardens is an amazing wonder of the world built underground. Visitors will be astonished by this unique dwelling that captures early settlers’ pioneering and independent spirit. This historic landmark in California’s Central Valley is a must-visit for travelers who want to experience this incredible feat of engineering. Seeing is believing, and visiting the Forestiere Underground Gardens will leave a lasting impression. Visit Website.

Lodi, California: A Wine-tasting Getaway

Lodi, California, is ideal for a wine-themed day trip, weekend getaway, or vacation. Located in San Joaquin County, California’s Central Valley, Lodi has been known as the “Zinfandel Capital of the World” for over a century. It has firmly established itself as a premier wine-grape growing region and significantly contributes to California’s wine industry by producing nearly 20 percent of the state’s premium wine grapes. Overall, Lodi is a wonderful place to spend a day or weekend retreat. Visit the Lodi Website.

Merced Day Trip California Central Valley

If you’re interested in experiencing the essence of rural Central California, then a trip to Merced, California, also known as the “Gateway to Yosemite,” is a must. Located less than two hours drive from Yosemite National Park, Merced offers a variety of attractions for travelers. Merced is easily accessible from anywhere in the Central Valley. So, the next time you’re planning a weekend getaway or on your way to Yosemite, take some time to explore Merced. You won’t regret it.

Tehachapi Day Trip: Beautiful Murals, Museums, and Trains

Tehachapi has gained recognition because of the numerous murals that adorn virtually all its walls. At every turn, a new and fascinating piece of artwork reveals itself. Many of these murals depict a significant historical event or a famous citizen who has passed away. The Tehachapi Depot Museum houses a collection of train artifacts and information on the region’s train history. You might glimpse a freight train speeding by on its way to or from the world-renowned Tehachapi loop. City Website.

Stockton Day Trip Things To Do Points of Interest

The city of Stockton is situated in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley’s farmland and vineyards, surrounded by rolling hills and rural landscapes. However, Stockton is more than just a location—it’s an ideal destination for day trips in northern California. The city is the center of the California Delta, intersected by rivers and waterways that provide opportunities for outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, unique shopping and dining, and family-friendly activities that cater to a wide range of interests. Visit the Stockton Website.

Mercey Hot Springs Fresno County Hot Tubbing

Mercey Hot Springs is situated in a secluded area of Fresno County, with the nearest town being Los Banos at a distance of 35 miles from the resort. It is the perfect place to unwind and recharge if you seek a peaceful retreat. Originally, Mercey Hot Springs served as a sheep ranch along the stagecoach route. The resort offers a ½ day or a full-day pass for day-trippers. Six one-room cabins are available for longer stays, with double beds, ceiling fans, and a fireplace. Visit Website.

California Living Museum Bakersfield Day Trip

The California Living Museum is a 17-acre facility located in Bakersfield. It serves as a zoo and botanical garden, making it an excellent destination for a family day trip. All the animals and plants on display are native to California, and the museum’s primary goal is to educate the public about them. Young children will enjoy visiting the petting zoo and beaver enclosure, while the butterfly and hummingbird gardens are popular with parents and kids alike. Visit Website.

Fresno Zoo Day Trip California Central Valley

The Chaffee Zoo is located in the heart of Roeding Park, Fresno, California. It may be smaller than the average zoo, but it covers an area of 46 acres and houses nearly 700 animals from over 200 different species. Visitors from all over the state can enjoy seeing the zoo’s diverse creatures in habitats replicating their natural environments. The Chaffee Zoo is a perfect destination for a family day out and offers many events throughout the year. Zoo Website.

Mono Hot Springs Historic Cabins Mineral Pools

Mono Hot Springs is a breathtaking natural attraction in the Sierra National Forest, northeast of Fresno. If you’re looking for a unique wilderness experience that offers some of the comforts of home, then Mono Hot Springs Resort is worth considering. This hidden gem in the western Sierra boasts amazing views and is surrounded by beautiful lakes, rivers, and streams. If you’re a nature enthusiast seeking an escape from city life, you’ll enjoy your stay here. Visit Website.

Arroyo Seco Campground Day Use Hiking Camping

Arroyo Seco campground, situated in California’s westernmost national forest just west of Soledad, is more than just a scenic gorge with a river flowing through it. This rural yet urbanized facility is surrounded by chaparral shrubs and large shady oaks, making it an ideal destination for those looking to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life while enjoying various outdoor recreational activities. Park Website.

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