Hanford Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and local culture in Hanford, California.


Introduction to Hanford

Located in Kings County, San Joaquin Valley of California, Hanford is a small yet vibrant city that boasts a rich history, natural beauty, and numerous outdoor activities. The city is the county seat of Kings County and offers a great mix of art, culture, and history.

List of Places to Visit in Hanford

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Hanford Carnegie Museum

The Hanford Carnegie Museum is housed in a building built in 1905 with a grant from the Carnegie Foundation. It is dedicated to preserving the history of Kings County and has various exhibits showcasing the area’s rich history.

Kings Art Center

The Kings Art Center is a non-profit art gallery in downtown Hanford, featuring rotating exhibitions and community events.

Fox Theatre

The Fox Theatre is a historic theatre in downtown Hanford that was reopened in recent years and now hosts concerts, movies, and community events.

Natural Attractions of Hanford: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Hidden Valley Park

Hidden Valley Park is a 37-acre park with a man-made lake, walking trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds, making it a perfect spot for families.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Hanford

The Santa Fe Trail is a popular hiking and biking trail in Hanford, running from downtown to Hidden Valley Park. The trail covers 3.2 miles of flat terrain.

Best Things to Do in Hanford: Activities and Tours

Kings County Wines Tours

Kings County Wines offers tours of local vineyards and wineries, providing a taste of the area’s most excellent wines.

Hanford Ghost Tours

Explore Hanford’s haunted history with a walking tour, uncovering mysteries and legends that will chill and amaze you.

Week-Long Itinerary for Hanford

Day 1: Visit the Hanford Carnegie Museum and take a walking tour of downtown Hanford. Day 2: Take a wine tour of local vineyards and wineries. Day 3: Spend a day at Hidden Valley Park and enjoy the various outdoor activities. Day 4: Head to the Kings Art Center for art exhibitions and community events. Day 5: Take a ghost tour of Hanford, exploring its haunted past. Day 6: Visit the Fox Theatre for a movie or concert. Day 7: Visit nearby Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding area.

Food and Drink Scene of Hanford

Must-Try Dishes

Kings County BBQ

Kings County BBQ is a must-visit for meat enthusiasts. The restaurant serves a variety of mouth-watering meats cooked in traditional BBQ style, such as brisket and pork ribs.

Superior Dairy

Superior Dairy is a historic ice cream shop serving up delicious desserts and sandwiches. It’s a great place to indulge in a thick milkshake after a long day of exploring Hanford.

Local Beverages

Kings County Wine

Kings County Wines is your go-to spot for tasting great, local wines. They offer wine tasting and grape stomping events.

Lush Beer Company

Lush Beer Company is a family-owned brewery that serves up a variety of locally brewed craft beer. It’s located in downtown Hanford and definitely a spot to add to your bucket list.

Where to Stay in Hanford: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Comfort Inn

Located in downtown Hanford, the Comfort Inn offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities, continental breakfast, and a fitness center.

Irwin Street Inn

The Irwin Street Inn is a charming bed and breakfast housed in a historic building in downtown Hanford. It is an excellent option for those who want to stay in a more traditional and quaint setting.

What to Buy in Hanford: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Hanford Sentinel Newspaper

Pick up a copy of the Hanford Sentinel newspaper, which is the local daily newspaper for Hanford and Kings County.

Vintage Finds and Antiques

Downtown Hanford has a great selection of antique shops and thrift stores, making it a perfect spot to pick up unique souvenirs or gifts.

Local Culture and Customs of Hanford

Hanford is a welcoming and friendly town, with a mix of ethnicities and cultures living harmoniously. Respect for diversity and the local customs of each group is highly appreciated.

Best Time to Visit Hanford

The best time to visit Hanford is in the spring and fall when the weather is temperate and comfortable for outdoor activities. Summers can be hot, and winters can be rainy, so plan accordingly.

Do’s and Don’ts of Hanford

Do:

  • Respect the local customs and culture.
  • Explore the local history and unique outdoor opportunities.
  • Try the local cuisine and wines.

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage the environment.
  • Engage in any form of misconduct or illegal activity.

Safety and Health

Safety in Hanford

Hanford is a relatively safe town, but always practice basic safety precautions such as locking doors, not leaving valuables in plain sight and staying aware of your surroundings.

Health in Hanford

Altitude sickness is common in high-altitude destinations, so if you are sensitive to high altitudes, be prepared to take preventive measures.

Getting to Hanford: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Hanford

The closest international airport is the Fresno Yosemite International Airport, located about an hour from Hanford.

Bus Stations Near Hanford

The Hanford Transit System and the Greyhound Bus Lines serve the area around Hanford and offer transportation to other major cities in the U.S.

Other Options

Renting a car or driving your vehicle can be an excellent option for exploring the area, especially if you plan on exploring nearby attractions or traveling around at your own pace.

How to Get Around in Hanford

Hanford is a small town, so walking or biking is an easy and enjoyable way to move around. Buses and taxis are also available.

Where to Go Next from Hanford: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks encompass two of the most majestic national parks on the West Coast and are excellent places to explore nature and hiking trails.

Fresno

Located about an hour from Hanford, Fresno is a larger city that boasts several attractions, including the Fresno Chaffee Zoo, the Fresno Art Museum, and a bustling downtown area with restaurants, shops, and entertainment.

Conclusion

Hanford, California, is a perfect destination for those looking to get off the beaten path and experience the unique charm of the San Joaquin Valley. From cultural and historical attractions to natural beauty and outdoor activities, there is something for everyone in Hanford.

The Kings County Courthouse. The Kings County Courthouse.