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Central Valley
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Central Valley Overview
The Central Valley is predominantly farming community. If not for the large dams that control water flow from the Sierras and the Shasta Cascade, this region would be completely marsh and swamp land. The multitude of dams provide the central valley with many recreational lakes. The State Capitol is located in the northern portion of the valley as well as many other historic sites.
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None in this region.
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Old Sacramento is several square blocks of preserved and rebuilt gold mining era buildings. These buildings now house touristy shops and restaurants. The state railroad museum is on the same property. MORE DETAILS
Sutter's Fort was Sacramento's first non-indian settlement and was the main destination for settlers crossing the Sierra Nevadas. In 1847, the first few men from the Donner Party reached the fort and aid was sent to save the remaining settlers. MORE DETAILS
Brannan Island is 336 acres surrounded by the Sacramento River and offers an abundance of camping, picnicking, fishing and boating. MORE DETAILS
San Luis Reservoir Is located in the Pacheco pass and prefered by windsurfers because of its strong wind gusts. Activities include boating, windsurfing, camping, fishing, swimming, hiking, biking and picnicking. MORE DETAILS
Millerton Lake Is a large lake with activities include boating, windsurfing, camping, fishing, swimming, hiking, biking and picnicking. MORE DETAILS
Fort Tejon Is a historic fort located in the 'Grapevine' south of Bakersfield. It was garrisoned by the U.S. Army on August 10, 1854 to control a local indian reservation. Workers dress in era clothing and perform reenactments of life in the 1800's. MORE DETAILS
Governor's Mansion was constructed in 1877 and has been the home to California Governors since 1903. Earl Warren and Ronald Reagan were among the last to stay at the mansion. Visitors are welcome to tour the mansion on docent-led tours. MORE DETAILS
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Wild Water Adventures has a tropical theme with water rides like Bonzai Pipeline, Thunder Falls and Blue Wave pool. MORE DETAILS
The Island Water Park has a caribbean theme with water rides & attractions like The Shark Tank, The Drop Zone and Shipwreck Island. MORE DETAILS
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California Living Museum is a small zoo with local species on display. MORE DETAILS
Chaffee Zoo is a large city zoo with hundreds of animals from around the world on display. MORE DETAILS
Micke Grove Zoo is a small county zoo with mostly local species on display. MORE DETAILS
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SaveMart Center is host to large events including professional hockey, basketball, concerts, ice skating and more. MORE DETAILS
Fresno Convention Center is located in downtown Fresno and hosts many different events including theatrical plays, concerts, basketball, expos and much more.. MORE DETAILS
Rabobank Arena, Theatre & Convention Center is located in downtown Bakersfield and hosts many different events including professional hockey, basketball, concerts, boxing, theatrical plays, ice skating, and much more. MORE DETAILS
The Dome is located in Bakersfield at the corner of 22nd and V Streets. This venue hosts alternative concerts, boxing, dance parties and more. MORE DETAILS
Dinner Cruises aboard a luxury or historic yacht with Hornblower Cruises. Cruise the Sacramento River in style while sipping champaigne, dining on sumptuous fare and dancing to hit songs. Cruises depart from Old Sacramento. MORE DETAILS
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Vacaville Outlets is a collection of 120 outlets for stores like Banana Republic, Calvin Klein, Mikasa, Reebok, Polo Ralph Lauren and more. MORE DETAILS
Tracy Outlets is a collection of 120 outlets for stores like Liz Claiborne, Lane Bryant, OshKosh B'Gosh, Van Heusen, Rockport and more. The Outlets are located off Interstate 205 and MacArthur Drive in Tracy. MORE DETAILS
Fig Garden Village is a popular outdoor mall with over 50 stores and restaurants include Ann Taylor, Eddie Bauer, The Vault, Bombay Company, Inc. and more. MORE DETAILS
Fashion Fair Mall is a mix of traditional mall and outdoor shops with over 100 stores and restaurants include Macy's, No Fear, Limited, Hollister Co., Forever 21, Lucky Brand and more. MORE DETAILS
Sierra Vista Mallis a traditional mall with over 50 stores including Anchor Blue, Bath & Body Works, New York & Company, Teddy Town USA, Mervyn's and more. MORE DETAILS
Valley Plaza Mall is a traditional mall with over 100 shops and restaurants including Abercrombie & Fitch, Lane Bryant, Macy's, No Fear, Robinsons-May and more. MORE DETAILS
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Miscellaneous Recommendations
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Kern Wildlife Refuge More coming soon. MORE DETAILS
State Capitol is located in the heart of Sacramento. Tours of the Capitol are led daily on the hour except on major holidays. Grounds include 40 acres of park which contains gardens and memorials to important Californian figures and veterans of war. MORE DETAILS
State Railroad Museum displays historic trains and railroad industry artifacts. Train rides follow the beautiful Sacramento River. MORE DETAILS
Wineries can be found along the foothills of the Sierra Nevadas on the east side of the valley. Towns like Lodi and Madera are quickly becoming known for their wines. Wineries such as Oak Ridge, Gallo and Almaden can be found here. MORE DETAILS
Madera Wine Trail is a collection of 7 wineries (at the time of this writing - 2006) that surround Highway 99 in the town of Madera. MORE DETAILS
Horseback Riding is available through multiple stables and ranches in the Central Valley. Traverse the Sierra Nevada foothills following creeks and stopping at panoramic vista points. MORE DETAILS
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Sacramento airport for access to the northern valley. MORE DETAILS
Fresno / Yosemite International for access to the central and southern valley. MORE DETAILS
Other options to consider would be
San Jose, or Oakland airports.
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Traffic & Transportation
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Interstate 5 More coming soon.
Highway 99 More coming soon.
Highways 1 & 101 More coming soon.
Other Highways More coming soon.
Public transportation More coming soon.rental car. Fill in content here.Amtrak Fill in content here.Greyhound.
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Winter brings lows in the 30's and highs in the 60's. Heavy rain is common often with strong wind gusts.
Spring brings lows in the 60's and highs in the 80's. Rain decreasing to misty mornings and FOG... Serious fog.
Summer brings lows in the 80's and highs in the 100's. Cloudless skies with little to no precipitation. Heavy winds can sometimes create sand storms that can hamper visibility and ruin vehicle paint jobs.
Fall brings lows in the 40's and highs in the 70's. Wind and Rain increasing to thunderstorms. FOG increases in the lower regions giving way to heavy thunderstorms with occassional hail.
NOTE: See our TIPS page for precautions when driving in fog.
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Feb 12-13, 2011 - Madera Wine & Chocolate Weekend Traverse the Madera Wine Trail stopping at wineries to pair Ports, Muscats and other dessert wines with everything from chocolate to chocolate sauce, cheesecakes, chocolate chip-cherry brownies and more. This might possibly be the most sinful weekend in all of California. WEBSITE
Sep 11-12, 2010 - California Capital Air Show features two days of military air power in action at Mather Airport. See modern-day war birds such as B-1 bombers, Stealth Fighters, A-10 Warthogs, Apache helicopters and more on display on the ground and air. Show finales include the Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron. Come here to see the best of the best in action. WEBSITE
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