Drive an hour or two east of San Francisco to Central California, where the farmlands and excellent weather of the Central Valley create an agricultural wonderland. Visit farm stands with produce freshly picked from the fields and wineries with old-vine red zinfandels. Travel to higher elevations and cooler weather in the mountains of this central part of the state.

In the fertile valleys stretching from Bakersfield to Lodi, view millions of acres of more than 200 varieties of produce, from tomatoes, asparagus and strawberries to fruit and nut trees and wine grapes. As much as 45 percent of the food reaching U.S. tables is grown here. Stop at roadside stands near Stockton, Modesto, Turlock, Merced, Fresno, all in the San Joaquin Valley to experience the exceptional taste of these fresh fruits and vegetables.

John Steinbeck grew up in Salinas and later wrote about the plight of farmers after World War I in The Grapes of Wrath, Of Mice and Men and other works. Visit the Steinbeck House and the National Steinbeck Center to see artifacts describing Steinbeck’s life and the history of workers in Central California. Explore the talus caves and high peaks of Pinnacles National Park in nearby San Benito.

In Fresno, experience a subsurface microclimate at Forestiere Underground Gardens, built nearly 100 years ago by a Sicilian immigrant to provide a cooler growing space than the lands aboveground. In the relatively flat valley regions, bicycling is popular for all skill levels. Stop to see the U.S. Bicycling Hall of Fame in Davis.

Drive from valleys to the mountains of the Sierra Nevada Range. Photograph granite peaks in Yosemite National Park in black-and-white Ansel Adams style. View the tall Yosemite Falls and other impressive waterfalls from Yosemite Valley. Hike up Half Dome or relax in the Tuolumne Meadows. Bike and fish during summer in Mammoth Lakes. Ski and snowshoe on the majestic mountains in winter.

Whatever the season, enjoy Central California’s natural bounty.

Q: Should I book a car while on holiday in Central California?

A: Many travellers like to use public transportation or ride-sharing when they're on holiday in San Jose and Fresno. It's a fantastic way of avoiding pesky parking fees and having to navigate through dense city traffic. But if you're planning to head out of town and soak up the region of Santa Clara County or elsewhere, you may want to think about booking a ride. Get your scenic road trip adventure off to the best start by taking a look at our handy guide to Cheap Car Hire in Central California.

Q: Which airports can I fly in to for a holiday to Central California?

A: Although there are many airports in Central California, most international flights touchdown at:

• San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.): 335 international flights per month.
• Fresno, CA (FAT-Fresno Yosemite Intl.): 76 international flights per month.

Q: What are the most popular types of hotels for a holiday to Central California?

A: You're spoiled for choice when it comes to accommodation in Central California. The most popular places are condos. But if that doesn't suit, you can also choose from hotels, motels, private holiday homes and much, much more.

Q: What does a Central California holiday booking with Expedia include?

A: That depends on what kind of escape in Central California you want. Pick a flight and hotel, or car, hotel and flight, or hotel and car — or any one of these individually. If you like, you can also throw in some activities and attractions.

Q: What is the best way to save money on my holiday to Central California?

A: Save precious dollars (and time) by bundling your bookings with us. From Flights to Experiences, Expedia will help you create your exciting Central California escape. The more you take care of now, the more you save. You'll also have less to stress about when you hit the ground in your destination.

Q: What are the best things to do in Central California?

A: Jetsetters from all four corners of the world visit Children's Discovery Museum. Find out why during your time in San Jose.

In Fresno, Fresno Art Museum is one attraction that's a real drawcard for locals and travellers alike. Allow time to see it for yourself.

You can't stay in Bakersfield and not check out Kern County Museum. You'd be skipping a key ingredient in a great holiday recipe.