RuthinHolland

Hi. We're travelling to California for 21 days next April and are looking for the best way to get from Twentynine Palms to Yosemite. We've got a maximum of two nights for this bit of the trip. Because Tioga Pass will be closed the route up through Death Valley might be a bit too far, we'll have our three year old daughter with us so really don't want to be in the car for more than four hours a day. So, what is there to see in the Central Valley? Already know about the Tehachapi Rail Loop (thanks boom_boom) and were wondering about the Desert Tortoise Natural Area. We like to walk and look at things.

Curious

There is absolutely nothing to see between 29 Palms and Yosemite. Your best bet is to get as close to Yosemite as possible and spend the night.

Curious

lvk

The Central Valley is one of the nation's most productive agricultural regions, but unfortunately for you, not a great tourism spot.

Since you have 2 nights, then maybe an overnight stop at a guest ranch? www.rankinranch.com I'm not sure if they have a minimum stay, but it may be worth an email or phone call. It is about 1/2 way between 29 Palms & Yosemite, in the town of Caliente. (Gotta love that name. )

Trophywife007

If you want a place to stop for an ice cream break, Google "Superior Dairy Hanford, CA. My BIL loves this place and says they have absolutely the best ice cream -- other than my own home made, of course! But, don't drink the water in Hanford... it's safe, but tastes terrible.

I live in the Central Valley and am having a difficult time coming up with ideas for places of touristic interest. I agree with Curious; bite the bullet and get as close as possible to Yosemite.

MichelleY

Trophywife - I, too, grew up in the San Joaquin Valley and can't come up with any great, touristic spots. If you are into agriculture, plenty to see. I know there are a few boutique wineries outside of Madera. Otherwise, head to Yosemite.

MY

janisj

Where are you before Twentynine Palms?? Not only is there not much of interest in the southern central valley -- except for Joshua Tree, there is nothing much near 29Palms either.

Maybe we can help you work out a more scenic route.

RuthinHolland

Thanks for all the info. Rankin Ranch looks fantastic and I like the idea of the ice cream.
We'll be in San Diego before 29 Palms, which we're visiting to go to Joshua Tree NP, been before in hot August so looking forward to being able to walk a bit more. We may be able to squeeze an extra day for the 29 Palms to Yosemite, if there's an attractive detour. After Yosemite planning to drive to Monterey and then back down the coast to LA.

janisj

OK - you don't need another day between twentynine Palms and Yosemite - and you don't need an overnight. It will take more than 4 hours - but is really the best if you just want to get to YNP. Just get up early in the AM and drive straight through. You can easily do the drive in one day.

Only other real option is to take a detour to Sequoia/Kings Canyon, which is great. If you do that, you could spend the night in Three Rivers or in the park.

Wuksachi Lodge is probably best http://www.visitsequoia.com/lodging.aspx

or this site lists places in the park and in Three Rivers and nearby
nationalparkreservations.com/sequoia.htm?gclid=CJ6NvbChwpQCFSQbagodmWSYFw