Highway 99, also known as State Route 99, or simply “99,” is a north to south highway in California, extending to nearly the entire length of the Central Valley. Stretching from its southernmost point from Interstate 5 all the way north towards SR 36, Highway 99 cuts through some of the most densely populated eastern parts of Central Valley, serving cities such as Sacramento, Fresno, Bakersfield, Merced, and more.
Planning a road trip through Highway 99? Here are some great attractions and destinations you can find along the way:
Chill out in Bakersfield with some country music and gourmet ice cream
In Bakersfield, you’ll be able to visit country music icon Buck Owen’s Crystal Palace, a shrine dedicated to the signature Bakersfield sound pioneered by Owens and his band, The Buckaroos. The Bakersfield sound, which was later on emulated by other famous artists such as Brad Paisley, Merle Haggard, and Dwight Yoakam, continues to inspire countless country songwriters and musicians today. For tickets and schedule of upcoming performances at the Crystal Palace, visit this page.
Got a sweet tooth? Then you’ll definitely enjoy a visit to Moo Creamery, where you can treat your taste buds to some delightful homemade ice cream crafted out of premium ingredients such as Callebaut Belgian chocolate and Tahitian vanilla.
Sample some of the finest flavors of Central Valley
Bravo Farms is the perfect destination if you’re looking to grab a few snacks or enjoy a hearty meal in the middle of your road trip.
They have two locations just off Highway 99. The Tulare location in Tulare Outlets features a restaurant where you can create and customize your own sandwiches, salads, and sandwiches. Their branch in Traver is great if you have your kids with you, as it features fun attractions like a mini golf course, a seven-story treehouse, and a zoo. The Traver location is also home to the Vintage Cheese Company, where you can buy handcrafted artisan cheese made from centuries-old recipes and perfected through time and a signature slow-pasteurization process.
Enjoy an underground adventure and the nightlife scene in Fresno
Make a stop at Fresno to visit the famous Forestiere Underground Gardens, a historic site built in the 1900s by visionary Baldassare Forestiere using only hand tools like shovels and picks to excavate the area for over 40 years. He then planted fruit trees and grapevines, some of which are as deep as 25 feet underground.
Visitors can experience an hour-long walking tour accompanied by a tour guide to know more about the incredible venue as well as the life and work of Forestiere.
Afterwards, drop by Fresno’s vibrant Tower District, where you can find an assortment of restaurants, breweries, and live music venues. The district is named after the neon-lit tower from the 1939 Art Deco theater, known today as The Tower Theater for the Performing Arts, which hosts concerts, musicals, comedy acts, and other live performances.
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