From the sun flower fields of Yolo County down to the serenity of the Sequoia National Forest just outside of Visalia, a road trip through Central Valley will take visitors through some of California’s most stunning landscapes. The region is home to some of the country’s most fertile agricultural lands and several of the state’s National and State Parks.
Start in Yolo County
Visitors can set off from Yolo County, the northernmost point of California’s Central Valley, where they will drive past acres of stunning open farmland.. July welcomes a sea of sunflowers, blooming as far as the eye can see over 70,000 acres of land. Take a break from the wheel, and book onto a Yolo Ballooning adventure offering a different view of the county. Brave riders should opt for the sunrise balloon flight and experience spectacular views from the sky.
Down through Modesto
Heading south towards Central California, travellers will find the city of Modesto, one of the state’s cities that has retained its old-world charm and inspired George Lucas’ classic film ‘American Graffiti’. Download the Almond Blossom Cruise app en route and enjoy a narrated tour with tasty stops along the way including in almond butter milkshakes, the US number one for gouda cheese, and locally made olive oil, all whilst driving through the incredible orchard views.
Explore Yosemite Madera
Further south lies the iconic Yosemite National Park. Madera County is home to the park’s southern entrance plus award winning vineyards that make for stunning vistas across the region. For a well-needed break after time spent on the road, Bass Lake is the ideal spot and a water sports haven for a peaceful day fishing, an adventure in a canoe, or an exciting day out wakeboarding, this lake has them all.
Make Visalia base camp
Next up is Visalia – the perfect base camp from which to explore the Sequoia National Forest and Kings Canyon State Park. Here, it is recommended that visitors can stay a couple nights to fully immerse themselves in the area’s natural beauty. Roadtrippers can take the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway on their way into the park, which follows along a portion of Highway 180, winding its way through the Sierra Nevada foothills before zig zagging down into Kings Canyon. Travellers will enjoy breath-taking vistas, soaring granite cliffs and amazing panoramas along the way.
Finish in Bakersfield
The final stop on the road-trip is Bakersfield, the Southernmost point of the Central Valley. Here visitors can experience adventure and adrenaline on the Kern River which flows through Bakersfield and makes for the perfect white water rafting playground. River’s End Rafting hosts trips for all abilities, taking rafters through fun rapids and taking breaks at peaceful swimming spots along the way.
For more information visit www.visitcentralvalley.com
