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California’s heartland offers up one of the state’s most authentic and sensory-rich experiences, a chance to see—and taste—the state’s bounty at every turn. Follow oak-shaded country roads to farm stands overflowing with fresh produce, and meander along wine trails to some of the state’s most productive vineyards and low-key tasting rooms. Throughout the broad valley, stretching for more than 400 miles down the middle of the state, are cities like Stockton and Fresno and Bakersfield— places that boast a rich history, international culture, and “everyone’s welcome” charm.
- 9 Great Central Valley Farm StandsSample fresh, seasonal produce and artisanal foods, and chat with local farmers
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- How to Catch a Wave at Surf RanchSurfing pro Kelly Slater created this massive wave pool that offers an elite-level experience in the Central Valley
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- Discover Yolo CountyHear what this bountiful gem in California’s Central Valley is all about
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- 5 Central Valley Farm and Ranch ExperiencesGet to know the nation’s richest agricultural region with these intriguing agritourism options, including farm stays, tastings, and fruit picking
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- Road Trip: The Central Valley's Highway 99Take a drive along Highway 99 to experience honky-tonk culture, culinary delights, urban adventures, and more
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- Beer-muda Triangle & Other Yolo County Foodie FindsSample Yolo County’s bounty of local food and drink
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- Bakersfield’s Arts DistrictExplore art galleries, live music, and the grande-dame Fox Theater
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- Stanislaus CountyModestoLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut ipsum elit, tempor sed luctus sed, dapibus a nunc.
- Tulare CountyVisaliaLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut ipsum elit, tempor sed luctus sed, dapibus a nunc.
- Yolo CountyWintersLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut ipsum elit, tempor sed luctus sed, dapibus a nunc.
- Solano CountyFairfieldLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut ipsum elit, tempor sed luctus sed, dapibus a nunc.
- Yuba CountyMarysvilleLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut ipsum elit, tempor sed luctus sed, dapibus a nunc.
- Fresno CountyFresnoLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut ipsum elit, tempor sed luctus sed, dapibus a nunc.
- Yolo CountyDavisLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut ipsum elit, tempor sed luctus sed, dapibus a nunc.
- Sutter CountyYuba CityLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut ipsum elit, tempor sed luctus sed, dapibus a nunc.
- Yolo CountyClarksburgLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut ipsum elit, tempor sed luctus sed, dapibus a nunc.
- San Joaquin CountyLodiLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut ipsum elit, tempor sed luctus sed, dapibus a nunc.
- Fresno CountyClovisLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut ipsum elit, tempor sed luctus sed, dapibus a nunc.
- Yolo CountyWoodlandLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut ipsum elit, tempor sed luctus sed, dapibus a nunc.
- Solano CountyVacavilleLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut ipsum elit, tempor sed luctus sed, dapibus a nunc.
Travel Stories
Things to do
Events in this Region
Yosemite's Gateway Towns
Historic sites, booming wine country, and delicious food9 Great Central Valley Farm Stands
Sample fresh, seasonal produce and artisanal foods, and chat with local farmersMadera Wine Trail
Relax—sometimes with the winemaker—at a dozen low-key wineries just south of YosemiteVacaville Premium Outlets
Explore the stylish bargains at this center off Interstate 80Davis Farmers' Market
Have a picnic in California’s fertile heartlandCapay Organic
Visit a mother ship of sustainable farmingChina Peak
Easy access makes this a snow-season favoriteCentral Valley Craft Breweries
Take a beer tour of this broad valley, where there are plenty of places to sip a pintSéka Hills Olive Mill and Tasting Room
Taste olive oil and dine on locally sourced fare while enjoying views of tribal lands in the Capay ValleyDiscover 8 of California’s Best-Kept Secrets
These remote and surprising spots fly under the radar for even the most well-versed California travelers
California 101
Central Valley Road Trip
California Dream Eater
California Dream Eater visits The Orange Works Cafe in Strathmore
ZOOM: A Magical Ride Around California
California Dream Eater
Meet-and-Eat Stockton
California Dream Eater
Clovis’ Unexpected Foodie Destination
California Dream Eater
Fresno’s Friendliest Ice Cream
Hidden Gems
Hear the Bakersfield Sound, Live
California Dreamers
Ryan Heffington's Dream of Dance
California Dreamers
Explore Baldassare’s Mysterious Underground Garden in Fresno
California Dream Eater
Lodi’s Finest Grub
Stargazing, Best Bike Routes, Mid-Century Modernism
33min
Culinary Gems, Hidden Beaches, Napa Valley Wine
37min
Solo Travel, L.A. Street Food, Olive Oil Tasting
35min
Culinary Greatest Hits
34min
Fascinating Road Trips
37min
Road Trip: Music to Wine on 99
35min
Samin Nosrat’s California Love
47min
Craft Spirits, California Cheese Trail, Asian Cuisine
41min
Central California's Greatest Hits
42min
Celebrate California Farmers and Farmworkers
37min
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