Reedley

Reedley is in the San Joaquin Valley of California 25 miles southeast of Fresno. Reedley is a centerpiece of the Blossom Trail, a 62-mile informal system of roads through which, in the spring, tourists travel on a self-guided tour through a large swath of Fresno County to admire the white, red, and pink fruit blossoms from almond, plum, apricot, peach, nectarine, apple, and citrus blossoms. Reedley hosts annual Blossom Trail bike rides, 10k runs, car shows, and art festivals.

Understand
Reedley is an agricultural town with a population of about 26,000. A small town by California standards, Reedley was historically known for its production of wheat during the California Gold Rush and later began to develop into a largely fruit-based orchard centric economy. Equidistant to Fresno and Visalia, many residents commute to work outside of the city, making Reedley functionally into a suburb of both large cities, though most residents have careers that are attached to agriculture in some way. The town's early history was dominated by American migrants who came to the Central Valley from the Great Plains during the Dust Bowl looking for work on California farms. The town's more modern history is similar, as the population boomed with migrant farm workers from Mexico and South America. Today, 76% of the population identifies as either Latino or Hispanic.

The culture of Reedley draws from its large variety of migrants through its history. In October, G Street, the city's main street and central downtown district, is closed for the Reedley Fiesta, a town fair and parade. In December, G Street is again closed for the Electric Farm Equipment Parade, an event where local farmers and businesses adorn tractors, harvesters, and the local fire engine in Christmas lights and garland. Other various local events are hosted around by Reedley College, the local community college, or by the Chamber of Commerce.

By car
From the north (Fresno), California State Route 99 South to Manning Ave exit, then travel an additional 15 minutes east. Travellers wishing to avoid SR-99 are advised to take California State Route 180 East towards Kings Canyon National Park and turn right onto either Reed Avenue or Frankwood Avenue south and drive for an additional 10 minutes south.

From the south (Visalia), California State Route 99 North to Merritt Drive exit for Traver, turn left on Road 44, adjust left on Avenue 384 then immediately right onto Road 48, then drive an additional 12 minutes north until you turn left onto Reed Ave and into Reedley. Travellers wishing to avoid SR-99 are advised to take California State Route 63 North, take a left on Avenue 384, then right onto Road 56. The road becomes South Frankwood Ave as you approach Reedley.

By bus
Public transit in Reedley is very limited. Dinuba Area Regional Transit (DART) operates the Dinuba Connection bus route in partnership with the Fresno County Rural Transit Agency (FCRTA) and this route has three bus stops within Reedley. All routes offered by DART begin and end at the Dinuba Transit Center. Visitors from outside the Reedley-Dinuba area can access Dinuba from the Visalia Transit Center by taking the North County route which leaves M-F 6:15AM-6:15PM and Sa Su 10:25AM-4:47PM. Visitors leaving Reedley via DART should plan to leave the Dinuba Transit Center for Visalia M-F 6:15AM-6:15PM and Sa Su 9:20AM-3:52PM. Connections into and outside of Visalia are available through Amtrack & Greyhound busses.

The City of Dinuba publishes a guide to DART which can be found here. General fare (Apr 2024) $1.50, senior/student fare $1.25, children (age 5 & younger) free, disabled fare $0.50.

The stations within Reedley are as follows:



By car
Reedley is a very car-friendly city with plenty of on-street parking. The central downtown district on G Street also has public parking available by the Rails-To-Trails Parkway and by F Street. Reedley does not make use of parking meters, and with the exception of Reedley College, which charges for entrance and exit from its parking lots, most destinations in Reedley are freely accessible with an automobile.

By foot or by bicycle
Reedley's car-friendliness comes at the cost of its pedestrian and cycling infrastructure. As a typical American city in this sense, it should be expected that several sidewalks end abruptly, crosswalks are not convenient, and bike lanes are almost never protected. That being said, Reedley has a Rails-To-Trails parkway that runs northwest-southeast across the city, and once you have access to it, you can traverse to and from destinations along G Street. Regular caution should be followed when crossing roads, as locals may not pay attention or give the right of way to travellers. Reedley's Rails-To-Trails parkway begins at the Kings River Gazebo and terminates at Buttonwillow Ave in the south of town. While it is possible to ride bicycles and walk through orchards, do so with caution as you are a guest of the farm owner, and they may ask you to leave if you cause trouble. Past the Kings River Gazebo lies a hidden path called the Kings River Trail which runs alongside the Reedley College Experimental Farm. Many Reedleyites use this area to jog or hike. Travellers may use this area as well, and it grants serene views and access to the Kings River, but they should simply be mindful not to interfere with or damage the property of Reedley College or the private landowners further north.

Do
Reedley Beach on the Kings River offers many varieties of water sports.

Go next
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

Cities

 * Fresno
 * Dinuba
 * Visalia