When you think of Northern California road trips, the stunning Pacific Ocean coastline often comes to mind. But The Golden State is vast, offering a great deal all over its immense landscape. Come along as we embark upon a fascinating and fun road trip through the heart of the state from Fresno to Sacramento, and then on into Redding. There’s more to see, do, and enjoy than meets the eye!
From Fresno, located in the heart of California, you’ll drive north along Interstate 5.
Google Map From Fresno to Sacramento it will take you approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes (170 miles). From Sacramento to Redding it is another 2 hours and 30 minutes (162 miles). Fresno is literally the heart—due to its location—and agricultural basket of California. In fact, over 300 different crops are grown in the greater Fresno County area. But it is best known as the home of the Sun-Maid Raisin company, earning the city the nickname, the “Raisin Capital of The World.” One of the city’s other claims to fame is its close proximity to three National Parks: Yosemite National Park, Kings Canyon National Park, and Sequoia National Park.
One of the most popular attractions in town is the Forestiere Underground Gardens.
Forestiere Underground Gardens/Facebook Named after Baldassare Forestiere, the creator who lived here beneath the town for many years, the Forestiere Underground Gardens. site is really more of a wonderland dotted with secret tunnels, meandering passageways, and yes, foliage, including fruit trees estimated to be about 100 years old. Forestiere Underground Gardens, 5021 W Shaw Ave, Fresno, CA 93722, USA
Fresno offers a great deal for families including spacious parks, a zoo, a minor league baseball park, and much more.
Castle Air Museum/Facebook Kids of all ages enjoy a visit to the Castle Air Museum. A fascinating repository of military history, the museum encompasses historic photos, wartime memorabilia, and at the heart, more than 70 beautifully restored vintage military aircraft dating back to prior WWII. After a full day or night spent in Fresno, mosey your way on up to Sacramento, the capital of The Golden State. Sacramento was founded in 1839 at the confluence of the Sacramento and American Rivers. Because it was so close to the water, it became a pivotal commercial post during the Gold Rush era. Castle Air Museum, 5050 Santa Fe Dr, Atwater, CA 95301, USA
As the most populous state in the country, it’s fitting that the capital would be located here.
Mathieu Thouvenin/Flickr The California State Capitol Museum is a great place to start your exploration of the city to grasp a bit of its history either on your own or via a guided tour. California State Capitol Museum, 1315 10th St, Sacramento, CA 95814, USA
The Old Sacramento Waterfront is another one of the city’s biggest attractions.
Elaine with Grey Cats/Flickr Located along the Sacramento River (the longest in the state) you will find a 28-acre National Historic Landmark District, lots of shops, dining options, live music, and more.Next it’s on to Redding…Named after Benjamin B. Redding who brought the Southern Pacific Railroad here in 1872, the town of Redding is fascinating. Redding is reportedly the second sunniest city in the country with 300-plus days of sun. It also features a wealth of cultural offerings including museums, dining, performance art, and, due to its location, outstanding recreational activities. Old Sacramento Waterfront, 1014 2nd St #200, Sacramento, CA 95814, USA
While here, be sure to take a walk over the famous Sundial Bridge at Turtle Bay.
Turtle Bay Website Crossing the Sacramento River in the heart of the city, the Sundial Bridge is a stunning architectural pedestrian bridge and anchor for the Sacramento River Trail system as well as the north and south campuses of popular Turtle Bay Exploration Park. Sundial Bridge, Sacramento River Trail, Redding, CA 96001, USA
Artistic entities are plentiful in Redding as well.
Cascade Theater/Facebook First opened in 1935, the Cascade Theatre was known as “the finest cinema house in northern California.” Today residents and visitors alike can enjoy dance performances, regional, national, and international music acts, and other events. Cascade Theatre, 1731 Market St, Redding, CA 96001, USA
Have you been to any of these amazing cities in the heart of The Golden State? If so, we’d love to see your photos and hear about your experiences there.
Google Map
From Fresno to Sacramento it will take you approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes (170 miles). From Sacramento to Redding it is another 2 hours and 30 minutes (162 miles). Fresno is literally the heart—due to its location—and agricultural basket of California. In fact, over 300 different crops are grown in the greater Fresno County area. But it is best known as the home of the Sun-Maid Raisin company, earning the city the nickname, the “Raisin Capital of The World.” One of the city’s other claims to fame is its close proximity to three National Parks: Yosemite National Park, Kings Canyon National Park, and Sequoia National Park.
Forestiere Underground Gardens/Facebook
Named after Baldassare Forestiere, the creator who lived here beneath the town for many years, the Forestiere Underground Gardens. site is really more of a wonderland dotted with secret tunnels, meandering passageways, and yes, foliage, including fruit trees estimated to be about 100 years old.
Forestiere Underground Gardens, 5021 W Shaw Ave, Fresno, CA 93722, USA
Castle Air Museum/Facebook
Kids of all ages enjoy a visit to the Castle Air Museum. A fascinating repository of military history, the museum encompasses historic photos, wartime memorabilia, and at the heart, more than 70 beautifully restored vintage military aircraft dating back to prior WWII. After a full day or night spent in Fresno, mosey your way on up to Sacramento, the capital of The Golden State. Sacramento was founded in 1839 at the confluence of the Sacramento and American Rivers. Because it was so close to the water, it became a pivotal commercial post during the Gold Rush era.
Castle Air Museum, 5050 Santa Fe Dr, Atwater, CA 95301, USA
Mathieu Thouvenin/Flickr
The California State Capitol Museum is a great place to start your exploration of the city to grasp a bit of its history either on your own or via a guided tour.
California State Capitol Museum, 1315 10th St, Sacramento, CA 95814, USA
Elaine with Grey Cats/Flickr
Located along the Sacramento River (the longest in the state) you will find a 28-acre National Historic Landmark District, lots of shops, dining options, live music, and more.Next it’s on to Redding…Named after Benjamin B. Redding who brought the Southern Pacific Railroad here in 1872, the town of Redding is fascinating. Redding is reportedly the second sunniest city in the country with 300-plus days of sun. It also features a wealth of cultural offerings including museums, dining, performance art, and, due to its location, outstanding recreational activities.
Old Sacramento Waterfront, 1014 2nd St #200, Sacramento, CA 95814, USA
Turtle Bay Website
Crossing the Sacramento River in the heart of the city, the Sundial Bridge is a stunning architectural pedestrian bridge and anchor for the Sacramento River Trail system as well as the north and south campuses of popular Turtle Bay Exploration Park.
Sundial Bridge, Sacramento River Trail, Redding, CA 96001, USA
Cascade Theater/Facebook
First opened in 1935, the Cascade Theatre was known as “the finest cinema house in northern California.” Today residents and visitors alike can enjoy dance performances, regional, national, and international music acts, and other events.
Cascade Theatre, 1731 Market St, Redding, CA 96001, USA
If you’re looking for more Northern California adventures, then check out these 9 creepy ghost towns that will set you on edge!
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