Central Valley Road Trip

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.

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.

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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 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".

We hope that our itinerary idea has become an ideal inspiration for your future holiday excursions.
Our itinerary can be used as a base that can be recreated in its entirety or only partially and that can be enriched with interesting attractions of your choice.
If travelling by car is your plan when moving around California, there are a number of essential road rules to follow and a number of elements to remember to turn your journey into pure pleasure. These tips will surely become useful for holidayers who are considering renting a vehicle or camper rental.
When you’re sightseeing around California, you should kept in mind the local road regulations. Avoiding spirits is the best way to ensure full safety of your passengers. Tourists should remember that the allowed blood alcohol level is not that high and is only 0.5‰. In order to avoid speeding offence, it is best to never exceed 40km/h, which is the maximum allowed speed around the city. Around rural areas, travellers can travel at the maximum permissible speed of 72km/h. Avoid driving faster than the maximum speed of 129km/h when driving along motorways. Driving with your headlights on at daytime and having a fire extinguisher and first aid kit increase your safety.
The majority of travellers are also interested in the travel expenses of the whole road trip. The amount of money that you have to pay during the whole adventure depends on budget option of your choice. A wide range of budget configurations is showed below.
If you go for the cheapest option, you need to spend the maximum of 75 EUR on gasoline to cover the planned 7 stages. Economy accommodation options may cost holidaymakers more or less 396 EUR. When it comes to the travel expenses related to food and restaurants in this option, the average costs are 360 EUR. Travellers will have to pay approximately 225 EUR if they are interested in the cheapest hire car offer as well. Thus, you can expect the travel expenses to be more or less 831 EUR without vehicle hire and 1,056 EUR with car hire.
Holidayers who seek greater comfort and the standard option should be prepared to pay the maximum of 100 EUR for the gasoline needed to cover the trip. If you are into standard accommodation options, you should bear in mind that the expenses may amount up to more or less 594 EUR. Drivers may expect that the standard option in terms of restaurants and food will cost more or less 540 EUR. Travellers who want to cover the tour in a standard rental car should expect a cost of about 270 EUR. Summing up the standard offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total more or less 1,504 EUR for drivers who would like to try car hire and 1,234 EUR for those who are not interested in renting.
The highest level of comfort of the premium option will live up to the expectations of the most demanding holidaymakers. When it comes to this offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total around 2,298 EUR for holidayers who are considering vehicle hire and 1,234 EUR for those who do not need a rental car. Travellers who want to cover the itinerary in a premium hire car should expect a cost of more or less 450 EUR. In the top standard version of the adventure, you should expect the average cost of approximately 138 EUR when it comes to fuel. Holidaymakers who are interested in top services in all aspects of their adventure should expect to pay around 720 EUR for restaurants and food and around 990 EUR for accommodation.
Our itinerary will also be ideal for all camper enthusiasts, as it can be easily adjusted to their expectations. When it comes to this travel means, the expenses are approximately 1,125 EUR. Gasoline expenses when travelling in a camper should amount to roughly 163 EUR. Holidaymakers who are considering camper hire should expect to pay approximately 275 EUR for overnight stays and around 360 EUR for expenses connected with food.
The Road Trip Costs section presents all the above-mentioned details in a simple manner.
The part of California described in our itinerary idea is perfect to be visited between January and December. If Central Valley Road Trip has inspired you, our website is full of intriguing adventures. Hopefully, the great diversity of trips will surely measure up to the expectations of the most demanding holidayers.