Hotels in Central Valley
Bite into a just-picked peach from a roadside farm stand overflowing with fresh fruits. Kayak on a shimmering lake and follow trails through the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Savor bold red wines at tasting rooms and vineyards. From the artsy nightlife of Fresno to the country music halls in Bakersfield, the Central Valley offers a unique California experience.
Discover the bounty of the Golden State in this broad valley, which stretches over 400 miles through the middle of California. The Central Valley is home to some of the most productive farmland on the planet, providing over half of all the nuts, fruits, and vegetables that are grown in the U.S. But it’s not all sleepy farmland. Explore inviting lakes, amazing wineries, and a welcoming atmosphere in this temperate inland valley.
Apple Orchard in northern California's Central Valley
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One-of-a-Kind Attractions: Buddhist Temple and Underground Gardens
Eclectic diversions liven up a trip through the Central Valley. Wander through courtyards and grottos with ornate stonework at Forestiere Underground Gardens. See colorful statues on the elaborate grounds of Wat Dhammararam Buddhist Temple. Kick up your heels at Buck Owen’s Crystal Palace in Bakersfield, a celebrated country music hall with lively shows.
Fun Outdoor Adventures: Lakes, Trails, and Foothills
Get out and play on refreshing lakes in the Central Valley, created by large dams that control the flow of water tumbling down from nearby mountain ranges. Go boating, fishing, and waterskiing on Folsom Lake, Millerton Lake, and Lake Camanche. Follow winding creeks to sweeping vistas on horseback rides in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Try windsurfing in the San Luis Reservoir and explore Brannan Island in the Sacramento River Delta.