88 2024-25 TRAVEL GUIDE TO CALIFORNIA
B Y J I L L K . R O B I N S O N
T
he rich green strip wedged between the Sierra Nevada Range and the
coastal mountains in the center of California is considered by many
to be the greatest garden in the world. The Central Valley, which runs
400 miles north to south, is filled with farms, orchards and vineyards
growing everything from almonds to cherries to peaches to grapes. It sup-
plies 25% of the nation's food, including 40 percent of the nation's fruits,
nuts and other table foods. See and taste the state's bounty when you travel
here to discover the soul of these vibrant communities.
California's Central Valley contains thousands of acres of land under cul-
tivation and small farming communities that seem to have been frozen in
time. The larger cities here (Modesto, Fresno and Bakersfield) still have a
small-town friendliness that encourages visitors to slow down and find out
that there's more going on beyond the farmland. From the quiet, northern-
most towns of Orland, Yuba City and Davis to Visalia, Tulare and Maricopa
at the southern end, it's easy to feel at home and see what some call "The
Other California."
Travelers using Interstate 5 to get through the Central Valley may believe
the agricultural region is nothing more than a sleepy little farming area, but
don't speed by and discount the wealth of spectacular scenery, opportunities
for outdoor recreation, highlights of California history and funky roadside
diners. The best way to discover the area on a leisurely itinerary is by taking
Highway 99, which feels more like a back road. Cities and towns are clustered
along the route, giving you a chance to pull off and explore any time you want.
CENTRAL
VALLEY
TOP CITIES
Modesto, Fresno, Bakersfield, Davis, Stockton, Fairfield,
Merced, Visalia, Madera, Vacaville, Manteca, Lodi, Tulare
INTERNATIONAL GATEWAYS
Sacramento International Airport (SMF), 80 miles
(129 km) from Modesto, 172 miles (277 km) from Fresno
San Francisco International Airport (SFO), 94 miles
(151 km) from Modesto, 186 miles (299 km) from Fresno
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), 118 miles
(190 km) from Bakersfield
TOURISM WEBSITES
visitcentralvalley.com
visitfairfieldca.com
visitvisalia.com
discovertularecounty.com
visityolo.com
visitbakersfield.com
POPULATION
6,500,000
CENTRAL VALLEY
California's vast and fertile heartland
KIT
SHIPPEE/SHUTTERSTOCK.
OPPOSITE:
JEFFREY
B.
BANKE/SHUTTERSTOCK;
ISSARA.TRAVEL
WORLD/SHUTTERSTOCK
