
Trail Mix: Pairing Iconic California Hikes and Local Eats
These iconic California hikes are only rivaled by the delicious farm-to-table meal waiting for you afterwards.
Tourists often overlook California’s Central Valley, but locals know that this abundant agricultural area is home to some of the Golden State’s best agritourism opportunities!
The Central Valley stretches from Bakersfield to Chico, bordered by the Sierra Nevadas to the east and the Coast Range to the west. This expanse of land at the center of the state is widely recognized as one of the most productive agricultural regions in the world. In fact, Central Valley farmers grow over ¼ of the nation’s produce!
More than 250 crops thrive in the Central Valley’s fertile soils - and local farms, wineries and restaurants offer ample opportunities to get an authentic taste of the Golden State. Next time you’re heading towards the Central California, take time to peruse fresh fruits and vegetables at one of the valley’s countless farmstands, visit a u-pick farm or pumpkin patch, or enjoy a true farm-to-table meal.
These iconic California hikes are only rivaled by the delicious farm-to-table meal waiting for you afterwards.
A Yosemite road trip should be on everyone’s bucket list. Whether it’s your first time visiting the stunning National Park or a return visit, there’s always something new to discover – including a bevy of Central Valley farm stands, farm-to-table restaurants and wineries along the way to Yosemite’s South Entrance.
Just off Highway 99 in Madera County, a Columbian Mammoth waits to greet you at the Fossil Discovery Center. Over 15,000 fossils dating back in time to 700,000 years ago are on display.
Just off Highway 99 in Fresno, a resort lies hidden from view, except for a sign above a staircase and a fruit orchard – Forestiere Underground Gardens is truly a see-it-to-believe-it experience.
An annual visit to the pumpkin patch is a treasured fall tradition – and the Central Valley is home to some of our favorites! From Bakersfield to Butte County, these pumpkin patches offer something for everyone – whether you’re looking for family-friendly fun or a scary good time.
Add these family friendly wineries to your summer vacation itinerary! Activities like hiking, ziplining, farm tours and grape juice tastings help keep younger guests occupied while the adults enjoy a glass (or two) of wine in peace.