The Central Valley is a vast agricultural region stretching down central California.
Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys
It contains the flat, fertile Sacramento Valley in the north and the San Joaquin Valley in the south.
Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers
The valleys are drained by the Sacramento River flowing south and the San Joaquin River flowing north to the Delta.
Agriculture
The region produces huge crops of fruits, vegetables, and nuts. California provides over 1/3 of U.S. vegetable production.
Cities
Prominent Central Valley cities include Sacramento, Fresno, Bakersfield, and Stockton. Rural farms and small towns dot the lengthy interior.
Wine Regions
There are growing wine regions like Lodi and the Sierra Foothills with Mediterranean climates perfect for vineyards.
The hot, flat Central Valley makes California an agricultural powerhouse, earning it the nickname "The Nation's Salad Bowl."