Take the family inland and enjoy an alternative American road trip through California’s Central Valley, passing fields of colour, sampling farm fresh food and discovering new sounds.
Eat and drink through Yolo County
The agricultural richness of the region means that farm fresh produce is readily available and restaurants and cafes take full advantage, creating menus full of the food that’s grown locally, so visitors won’t be leaving the county with an empty stomach. One of the county’s most popular attractions is the endless fields of sunflowers that bloom during the spring and summer. Drive past acres upon acres of the bright yellow flowers, or for a truly unforgettable family experience view them from above in a hot air balloon.
Step into the movies in Modesto
The birthplace of Star Wars Director, George Lucas, and the inspiration and filming location for his 1973 classic, American Graffiti, Modesto has a star quality about it. In celebration of the movie and the city’s collective love for classic cars, the entire month of June is dedicated to cars and cruising. Over 1,000 classic cars parading through downtown to the music of the 50’s and 60’s for the The American Graffiti Parade and Festival on Friday 9th June and on Saturday/Sunday the Festival continues with almost 600 cars on display along with music, beer gardens, games, food, picture ops and all sorts of classic car history that everyone is welcome to join.
Explore Yosemite National Park from Madera
As one of the main entrances to Yosemite National Park, Madera is a great place for visitors to start their adventure. Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad is the perfect activity to experience the natural beauty of the area. Hop on the Gold country locomotive that was once used to haul massive log trains through the Sierra Mountains, whilst learning about the region’s history. Visitors can also give gold panning a try, learn more about the incredible locomotives in the rail museum, and even take a train ride to an unplugged music performance amongst the trees of the Sierra National Forest.
Explore the city of Fresno
The diverse city of Fresno plays host to an endless list of unique events throughout the year, including the annual Taco Truck Throwdown. Taking place in July, hungry visitors can sample tacos from the best trucks in Central California and vote on their favourite. Just outside of the city, the annual Clovis Fest in September sees hundreds of hot air balloons of all sorts and shapes and colours float up into the sky just after sunrise for a jaw dropping spectacle.
Head into Sierra Nevada from Visalia
Nestled in the foothills of the iconic Sierra Nevada, Visalia is a great place to call home whilst exploring the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Visitors can enjoy fishing and water sports in the summertime and experience snowshoeing in the winter months. There are endless activities to keep the entire family entertained, tennis courts, horse riding, hiking trails, mountain bike tracks, and paintball fields. If visitors are looking for a relaxed experience, Camp San Joaquin provides the ultimate oasis in the wilderness.
Find an inner country music star in Bakersfield
The birthplace of country legend Buck Owens and the ‘Bakersfield sound’ and dubbed the Nashville of the west, Bakersfield is the perfect place for visitors to find their inner country music star. Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace is a must see for visitors, a restaurant, museum and music venue all in one, it spotlights the rich history of the Bakersfield Sound and the career of Buck Owens. For more grown-up families the venue plays giggs regularly, country stars interrupt world tours to play the intimate 550-seat venue and there is live entertainment and dancing every Tuesday through Saturday night.
