Central Valley Road Trip Itinerary
The Central Valley Road Trip is an unforgettable journey through the heart of California. Starting in Sacramento and ending in Bakersfield, the 588km route takes you through some of the state's most beautiful and diverse landscapes. On the way, you will drive through the charming town of Winters, the bustling city of Stockton, and the rural town of Earlimart.
The best time of year to take this road trip is during the late spring and early summer, when the countryside is lush and green and the weather is mild. You'll be able to take in the rolling hills, vibrant wildflowers, and picturesque vineyards of the Central Valley. The roads are in excellent condition, making this an enjoyable drive for all levels of drivers.
This road trip can easily be managed on a moderate budget, and the memories and experiences you will gain are priceless. Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple, or a family, the Central Valley Road Trip is sure to provide you with an unforgettable adventure.
5
number of days
588 km
route length
fair
budget
family
good for
on the right
traffic direction
low
accident level
START
Sacramento
Distance 588 km
Driving time 6.8 h
Pace: fast
176.3 kWh
Airports
SMF
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Sacramento, the capital of California, is the perfect starting point for the Central Valley Road Trip. With its vibrant culture, diverse attractions, and welcoming atmosphere, Sacramento is a great place to begin your journey. The city is full of landmarks and historical sites, including the California State Capitol, the Old Sacramento Historic District, and the Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park.
For those traveling by air, Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is the closest international airport, and car rentals are available onsite. Once you’ve picked up your car, you’ll be ready to explore the city and its surroundings. Be sure to check out the Tower Bridge, which spans the Sacramento River and lights up at night, as well as the Crocker Art Museum, the California Automobile Museum, and the Sacramento Zoo.
The Central Valley Road Trip also offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. Head to Sacramento’s Discovery Park for hiking, biking, and picnic areas, or take a boat ride on the American River. Those looking for a more leisurely pace can take a stroll along the River Walk, which offers stunning views of the city skyline.
Sacramento is an exciting city full of history and charm, and the perfect place to begin your Central Valley Road Trip. With its diverse attractions and exciting activities, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience.
1
Sacramento
- Winters
Distance 73 km
Driving time 1.1 h
Pace: fast
22.0 kWh
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Welcome to the road trip stage from Sacramento to Winters! This 45-mile drive will take you less than an hour and offers some of the most interesting places in California.
Start your journey by visiting the Sutter's Fort State Historic Park in Sacramento. This 19th-century fort has been restored and offers a glimpse into the life of the early settlers.
Continue your drive to Winters, where you can visit the Putah Creek State Wildlife Area. This area is a great spot for bird watching, fishing, and hiking.
If you have time, take a stroll around the historic downtown Winters. Here you can find the Winters Opera House, the Putah Creek Bridge, and the Winters Train Depot.
Finally, don't miss the Yolo County Historical Museum. This museum showcases artifacts from the area's past and is a great place to learn about the history of the region.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Have a safe and enjoyable journey!
Winters - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikipedia
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2
Winters
- Lodi
Distance 106 km
Driving time 1.4 h
Pace: fast
31.9 kWh
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Welcome, road-trippers! Get ready for an unforgettable journey from Winters to Lodi. This stage of your road trip will take you on a 66mi drive that will take you less than 2 hours. Along the way, you'll get to experience some of the most beautiful scenery the area has to offer. Keep your eyes open for the rolling hills, lush vineyards, and charming small towns.
The first stop of your journey should be the Winters Historic District, where you can explore the city's preserved Victorian-era buildings. Then, continue on to Lodi, where there are plenty of attractions to explore. Visit the Lodi Lake Nature Area to take a peaceful stroll along the lake, or tour the Lodi Wine & Visitor Center to learn about the area's wine culture.
No matter what you choose to do, you'll be sure to have a great time. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Get ready for an amazing journey!
Lodi - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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3
Lodi
- Stockton
Distance 26 km
Driving time 0.3 h
Pace: fast
7.8 kWh
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Are you ready for a fun road trip from Lodi to Stockton? This 16mi drive will take you less than an hour, so you can easily explore some of the most interesting places in both cities.
In Lodi, don't miss out on the World of Wonders Science Museum, where you can explore the interactive exhibits and learn about the different sciences. While you're there, take a stroll through the Lodi Lake Nature Area, where you can observe the wildlife and admire the natural beauty of the area.
When you reach Stockton, make sure to visit the Haggin Museum, which houses a variety of art and historical artifacts. Afterward, take a stroll through the Stockton Marina, where you can admire the views of the waterfront and take a boat ride.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. Now, let the adventure begin!
Stockton - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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4
Stockton
- Fresno
Distance 202 km
Driving time 2.1 h
Pace: fast
60.6 kWh
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Embark on a 125mi road-trip from Stockton to Fresno and discover the amazing attractions of California's Central Valley! On your journey, you will pass through some of the most stunning landscapes in the US. Start your adventure in Stockton and make sure to visit the University of the Pacific, the Haggin Museum, and the Stockton Arena. Then, take the CA-99 and drive for about 2 hours and 15 minutes until you reach Fresno. Once you get there, explore the Fresno Chaffee Zoo, the Forestiere Underground Gardens, and the Fresno Art Museum. With so many attractions to choose from, you will never be bored! Don't forget to check the "Itinerary" of this stage for more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Enjoy your road-trip!
Fresno - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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5
Fresno
- Earlimart
Distance 112 km
Driving time 1.2 h
Pace: fast
33.7 kWh
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Welcome road-trippers! Get ready for a fantastic stage of your journey, starting in Fresno and ending in Earlimart. This 70mi stretch of road can be covered in less than 2 hours, so you'll have plenty of time to explore the two cities.
Fresno is home to the amazing Forestiere Underground Gardens, a unique network of underground rooms and passageways created by Baldassare Forestiere. You can also visit the Fresno Chaffee Zoo, which houses over 190 species of animals and plants.
After Fresno, you'll reach Earlimart, a small town with a rich history. Here, you can visit the Earlimart Historical Society Museum, which showcases the town's past, or the Earlimart Park, a great spot for a picnic.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Earlimart - United States - North America - Road Trip - en.wikipedia.org
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6
Earlimart
- Bakersfield
Distance 68 km
Driving time 0.7 h
Pace: fast
20.3 kWh
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Welcome road-trippers! This stage of your adventure starts in Earlimart, United States, and ends in Bakersfield, 42mi away, with a driving time of fewer than 1 hour.
Along the way, you can visit the Tule Elk State Natural Reserve in Earlimart, an area of more than 8,000 acres of grassland and rolling hills. The reserve is home to the largest herd of tule elk in the state.
In Bakersfield, you can visit the Buena Vista Museum of Natural History, where you can explore the history of the region, including the native Chumash and Yokut tribes, and see exhibits of local plants and animals.
You can also visit the Kern County Museum, which features a variety of exhibits, including a replica of a 19th-century town. The museum also offers a variety of activities, such as a pioneer village and a mining camp.
More information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Bakersfield - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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Bakersfield
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Bakersfield is the perfect ending point for the "Central Valley Road Trip" in the United States. This vibrant city is the largest in Kern County, known for its oil and agriculture industries. It is also home to a variety of cultural attractions, making it an ideal destination for travelers.
The Kern County Museum is an excellent place to start your exploration of Bakersfield. This museum features a variety of exhibits detailing the history of the area and its people. The Buena Vista Museum of Natural History and Science is another must-see. Here you can explore the natural world and learn about the area’s ecology.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Bakersfield has plenty to offer. The Kern River offers a variety of activities, including fishing, kayaking, and camping. The Kern River Parkway is a scenic drive through the natural beauty of the valley. The California Living Museum is also a great place to explore, featuring a variety of native plants and animals.
The closest international airport to Bakersfield is Meadows Field Airport (BFL). From the airport, it’s just a short drive to the city center. Car travel is the most convenient way to get around Bakersfield, as the city is well connected to highways and main roads.
No matter what kind of traveler you are, Bakersfield has something to offer. From outdoor activities to cultural attractions, it’s the perfect ending point for the "Central Valley Road Trip".
Central Valley Road Trip at a glance
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Start:
Sacramento
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End:
Bakersfield
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Distance:
588 km
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Stay:
5 days
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Getting there:
Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
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When to drive:
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
Embark on the Central Valley Road Trip, a 588km (365 miles) journey from the state capital, Sacramento, southward to Bakersfield in California's heartland. This route not only showcases California's diverse landscapes but also takes you through the agricultural backbone of the state, offering insights into the farm-to-fork movement and providing access to some of the freshest produce in the country.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- Sacramento: Delve into California's history by touring the Capitol building, the historic Old Sacramento Waterfront, and the California State RailRoad Museum. Don't miss the chance to experience the city's farm-to-table restaurants, reflecting the region's rich agricultural heritage.
- Winters: Nestled between rolling hills, this charming town boasts boutique wineries that celebrate the region's viticulture. Enjoy local vintages and farm-to-table dining at quaint local establishments.
- Stockton: A melting pot of cultures, Stockton is home to the Haggin Museum, the historic Bob Hope Theatre, and a vibrant waterfront that hosts numerous festivals and events.
- Earlimart: A hidden gem in the Tulare County, Earlimart is an ideal stop for those seeking peace amidst orchards and fields, reflecting the serene side of the valley's rural life.
Best Time to Go:
Late spring to early summer (May to June) is the perfect time to take this Road Trip. The climate is pleasant, with blooming orchards and fields creating an idyllic setting for your drive. Additionally, this period often features numerous local festivals celebrating the harvest.
Potential Risks:
While the highways are generally in excellent condition, it's important to stay vigilant for agricultural machinery on the Roads, especially during planting and harvest seasons. Central Valley weather can be unpredictable, so be prepared for sudden changes, especially if traveling outside of the recommended late spring to early summer window.
Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:
- The Central Valley is one of the most productive agricultural regions in the world, often referred to as `The nation's salad bowl` for its production of nuts, fruits, and vegetables.
- The route caters to drivers of all skill levels, providing an easy-going journey through the state's heartland.
- Roadtrippers will find the Trip can be tailored to a variety of budgets, with options ranging from luxury accommodations in wine country to affordable camping spots in state parks.
- The itinerary provides a balanced experience of California's urban centers and its vast agricultural countryside, highlighting the state's cultural and economic dichotomy.
A good choice for:
Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or a nature lover, the Central Valley Road Trip is a testament to California's multifaceted allure. From exploring vibrant cities to enjoying the pastoral tranquility of farmlands, this Road Trip is guaranteed to enrich you with unforgettable moments and a deeper appreciation for the Golden State's unique landscapes and lifestyles.
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