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, artichokes and more. The region’s major cities, including Bakersfield, Fresno and Stockton, offer many attractions including museums, concerts, racing, country music and unique gardens.

About the Region

Known as the agricultural heartland of California, the Central Valley is situated between the coastal foothills and the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountains. The region's major transportation arteries are Highway 99 and Interstate 5 which link history-rich agriculture communities to product-rich countryside and provide quick access to roadside attractions. Its ethnic origins and bountiful harvests are celebrated in fairs, festivals and rodeos throughout the year. Fruits, wine grapes, nuts, vegetables, cotton, dairy and livestock are the staples of production with many farms, wineries and factories open to the public for tours and product sales.

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Principal population centres in the area include the banking centre of Fresno, with its well respected Roeding Park Zoo; the port city of Stockton, gateway to the San Joaquin/Sacramento River Delta with 1,000 miles (1,610 km) of boating and fishing waterways; and Modesto, a major gateway to Yosemite National Park. Lodi, “wine-grape capitol of the world” offers wine tasting at a number of local wineries, while Bakersfield, at the southern end of the valley, is a major oil-producing area and also hosts the world’s largest Basque population.

Activities

	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 theatre show at the historic Tower Theatre. 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.
	Stretching over 400 miles, the rich soil and unique landscape of the Central Valley has produced a bountiful crop of distinct and affordable layouts. So put the top down on your car and soak up the sun. In the Central Valley, getting there is half the fun.
	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 travelled roads are great for biking through the countryside.
	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.

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