Your road trip through California may be bringing you south from the northern part of the state or north from southern California. Along your journey, there’s a stop that you’ve been missing, one that’s less about sticking to a trendy itinerary or being influenced to be someone you’re not. A short detour along State Route 99, you’ll see another side of California—grounded by agriculture, surrounded by three national parks, and where you can drive in as you are. You have to drift into Fresno County for a while.

Drift to the Unexpected

Wander through Forestiere Underground Garden, a hand-carved home inspired by Italian catacombs. It was crafted in the early 1900s by Italian immigrant Baldassare Forestiere beneath Fresno, and in the summer, temperatures get 10-20 degrees cooler than the surface level. Visit the world-class Fresno Chaffee Zoo to see more than 200 species within their interactive exhibits. Help train sea otters, meet an elephant, or feed a giraffe in one of their behind-the-scenes experiences. Step into the story of Fresno County’s agricultural heritage by going on a Fields of Fresno Ag Tour, offered through November. Each tour dives into the region’s top crops and gives you a glimpse of the hard work that goes into feeding the nation.

Drift to the Extraordinary

Ninety minutes from Fresno and Clovis, you can experience three of California’s beautiful national parks—Kings Canyon, Yosemite and Sequoia. Deeper than the Grand Canyon, Kings Canyon is 8,200 feet at its deepest points. With giant sequoias, rushing waterfalls, and granite peaks, you’ll quickly see why Kings Canyon is the most underrated national park in the United States. Stand beside the world’s largest tree, the General Sherman, and explore Crystal Cave (a marble cavern full of colorful minerals) in Sequoia National Park. No trip to the area is complete without a stop in Yosemite National Park. Explore Mount Watkins, which offers a different perspective of the legendary Half Dome, Yosemite Valley, and Cloud’s Rest. Closer to Fresno and Clovis, go jet skiing or kayaking at Shaver Lake, or trek up Pincushion Peak Mountain Trail for view of Millerton Lake, the Sierra Nevada foothills and the Fresno/Clovis area.

Drive In as You Are

No matter who’s in the car with you, drive in as you are. Families can spend the day at Clovis Botanical Garden or Fresno Discovery Center before heading over for a food truck dinner at Crow & Wolf Brewing Company, a family-friendly brewery in Clovis. Western lovers can learn about Clovis’ cowboy roots and support local businesses in Old Town Clovis. Fresno’s Tower District is for art lovers and home to the Reel Pride Festival (held every September). Shoppers can get their fix of top retailers and designer brands at River Park Shopping Center, Fashion Fair Mall, and Fig Garden Village.
Fresno is about three hours from San Francisco, three hours from Sacramento, and four hours from Los Angeles.

Learn more at visitfresnocounty.org