Planning a vacation can feel like more work than it’s worth. You want to relax, explore, eat good food, and not spend half the trip in traffic or checking your phone for last-minute reservations.
If that sounds like the kind of trip you’re craving, we’ve got you covered. Here’s how to plan a Central California weekend that mixes natural beauty, fresh food, and fun, all with Navelencia Farms as your home base.
Step 1: Choose Your Home Base (Hint: It’s a Farm)
Skip the hotel chains and stay somewhere that actually feels like a vacation. Our farm stay in Reedley, just outside Fresno, puts you in the perfect spot to explore the region and unwind.
Our farmhouse Airbnb is surrounded by citrus and olive trees and wide open skies, and it’s fully stocked with everything you need: comfy beds, a full custom kitchen, cozy farmhouse, space to rest, and that sweet sweet farm air that makes you relax the minute you pull into the driveway.
You’re only an hour from Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, 15 minutes from great small towns like Dinuba and Reedley, and about 30 minutes from the bigger cities of Fresno and Clovis.
Step 2: Pick a Season That Fits Your Vibe
We love all four seasons here, and each one offers a slightly different experience:
- Spring: Blossoms everywhere, ideal hiking weather, perfect for picnics and wildflowers.
- Summer: Great for river days, fruit picking, and early morning Sequoia hikes.
- Fall: Cooler weather, harvest festivals, pumpkin patches, and colorful sunsets.
- Winter: Citrus season at the farm, cozy nights, and snow-dusted trees up in the parks.
So, depending on your style, we can help you pick the right time to come.
Step 3: Plan One Big Adventure Day
You don’t have to do it all in one trip. But it’s worth planning one day to head out into the wild.
Option A: National Park Day Trip
Wake up early and head to either Kings Canyon or Sequoia National Park. The North entrance to the Parks are about an hour away, and both are incredible in their own way.
- Kings Canyon: Less crowded, beautiful river hikes, General Grant Tree.
- Sequoia: Giant Forest, General Sherman Tree, and Moro Rock for the best views.
Pack snacks (or a picnic), charge your phone or camera, and hit the road. You’ll be back at the farmhouse by dinner, ready for a restful night under the stars.
Option B: Small Town Exploring
If you want something more relaxed, stay local and explore:
- Reedley: Sweet little downtown, antique shops, cafes, and a riverfront trail.
- Kingsburg: Swedish-inspired charm, great bakeries, boutiques, and wine tasting.
- Clovis: Old Town is a treasure trove of shops, weekend events, and classic Americana.
- Fresno: Bigger-city options like breweries, rooftop bars, museums, and the Underground Gardens.
Tip: Many of these towns host seasonal festivals, so check ahead to see what’s happening while you’re here.
Step 4: Keep the Rest of the Trip Low Key
You don’t need a packed itinerary to have a good time. Some of our guests come out here with every intention to explore and end up spending most of their time just relaxing at the farm.
Things you can do without leaving the farmhouse:
- Enjoy your morning coffee on the porch as the sun comes up.
- Take a walk through the olive trees.
- Read a book or take a nap in the shade.
- Cook a simple dinner and eat outside as the sky turns gold.
- Stargaze and grill your favorite food.
Sometimes the best part of a getaway is doing a whole lot of nothing in a beautiful place.
Step 5: Eat Well, Stay Hydrated, Repeat
Local favorite things to do:
- Enjoy our full kitchen for making your own meals.
- Local farm stands with fresh produce year-round.
- Great restaurants in Reedley, Dinuba, and Kingsburg (we’re happy to recommend our faves).
- Farmer’s markets, bakeries, and taco trucks that blow big city spots out of the water.
Step 6: Actually Book the Trip
Whether you’re planning a solo escape, a romantic weekend, or a little adventure with your kids, staying at Navelencia Farms gives you the space, the peace, and the proximity to nature that makes a trip really stick with you.
We’ve hosted weekend warriors, remote workers, honeymooners, and families from all over. The one thing they all have in common? They leave feeling refreshed.
Check dates and book your stay here:
[airbnb.com/h/navelenciafarmhouse]
Let us know if you need tips on what to bring, where to hike, or how to time your trip just right. We’re always happy to help.
