Hanford
Around Hanford
Photo: David Prasad from Fresno, CA., United States · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Metro area · California · 154k people
Hanford
Locals say Kings County
Hanford · Corcoran
Golden fields, warm hearts.
Golden Field AmberOrchard Green
Welcome to Kings County, where the pace is slow and the ice cream is fast. Whether you're here for the farms or the river, you'll find a friendly small-town vibe that makes you want to stay a while.
Clubs for Hanford
No clubs for Hanford yet.
The room
One room for everyone around Hanford. It never closes; when it's busy it splits into tables. Once you're in, you stay until you leave.
Ask the neighbours
AllA good plumber, the best tacos, a lost cat: nobody has asked yet. Be the first.
Coming up
No events in the next month. Events made in the room show up here.
Marketplace
Things for sale, free and wanted, and rooms for rent, from people around Hanford. Sign in to sell something.
Things to do
- Historic downtown Hanford Well-preserved early 20th-century commercial district with shops and eateries.
- Carnegie Museum of Kings County Local history museum in a 1908 Carnegie library building.
- Hanford Fox Theatre Restored 1920s movie palace hosting films and live performances.
- Lemoore Naval Air Station Major military installation; occasional public tours and air shows.
- Kings River River running through the county, popular for fishing, swimming, and rafting.
- Kings County Fairgrounds Home to the annual county fair and other community events.
- Outdoors Fishing on the Kings River
- Outdoors Swimming and tubing in the Kings River
- With kids Kings County Fair
- With kids Hanford Fox Theatre
- Evenings Downtown Hanford bars and pubs
- Evenings Fox Theatre events
- Locals love Dairy farms and ice cream stands
- Locals love Almond and pistachio orchards
Through the year
- Kings County Fair June Annual fair with carnival rides, livestock shows, and local food at the fairgrounds.
- Hanford Fox Theatre performances Year-round Historic theater hosting concerts, films, and community events throughout the year.
- Hanford Farmers Market May–October Weekly market with local produce, nuts, and prepared foods.
Kings County has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, foggy winters. The best time to be out is spring and fall when temperatures are comfortable. Best: Spring and fall are ideal—warm days and cool nights without the summer heat.
Getaways
- Visalia Nearby city with a charming downtown and access to the Sierra foothills.
- Fresno Largest city in the region with museums, zoos, and pro sports.
- Sequoia National Park Giant sequoias and mountain trails, about a two-hour drive.
- San Luis Obispo Coastal town with beaches, wineries, and a lively downtown.
Local flavour
Rooting for Fresno State Bulldogs (NCAA), Fresno Grizzlies (MiLB), Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB), San Francisco 49ers (NFL)
Eat and drink
- Superior Dairy ice cream A beloved local institution in Hanford known for its old-fashioned ice cream treats.
- California-style Mexican food Tacos, burritos, and tamales from family-run taquerias.
- Almonds and pistachios Locally grown nuts, often sold roadside or at farmers markets.
Where people go
- Historic downtown Hanford Well-preserved 19th-century buildings, antique shops, and a classic courthouse.
- Lemoore Naval Air Station A major Navy base, a source of local pride and economic activity.
- Dairy farms and almond orchards The working landscape that defines the region.
- Kings River A nearby river offering fishing and recreation.
Heritage and traditions
Kings County is proud of its deep agricultural roots, its historic downtown with Chinese and Japanese heritage, and its close-knit communities that celebrate Portuguese, Hispanic, and American traditions.
Say it like a local: “dairy” — Refers to the dairy industry, a major local employer.
Festivals
- Portuguese Holy Ghost Festival May/June A traditional Azorean celebration with parades, music, and the crowning of a queen, held by the local Portuguese community.
- Obon Festival Summer A Japanese Buddhist tradition honoring ancestors, with folk dancing and food, hosted by the Hanford Buddhist Church.
- Kings County Fair June A classic county fair with livestock shows, carnival rides, and local food.
- Hanford Rodeo Summer A traditional rodeo event showcasing local cowboy culture.
- Lemoore Rodeo Summer Another rodeo in the county, with bull riding and barrel racing.
Landmarks with a story
- Hanford Taoist Temple A 19th-century Taoist temple in China Alley, now a museum preserving Chinese heritage.
- China Alley A narrow alley in Hanford that was the center of the Chinese community, with historic buildings.
- Hanford Buddhist Church A Jodo Shinshu Buddhist temple serving the Japanese-American community since the early 1900s.
- Carnegie Museum of Kings County Housed in a historic Carnegie library, it showcases local history.
- Hanford Fox Theatre A restored 1920s movie palace hosting performances and films.
- Old Kings County Courthouse A grand courthouse from the early 1900s, now a centerpiece of downtown Hanford.
Food traditions
- Portuguese sweet bread A rich, sweet bread brought by Azorean immigrants, often served at celebrations.
- Linguica and sopas Smoked sausage and a traditional soup, staples of the local Portuguese community.
- Almond and pistachio snacks The valley produces these nuts, and locals enjoy them roasted or in baked goods.
- Mexican food The large Hispanic population brings authentic taquerias and family recipes.
- Superior Dairy ice cream A local institution known for its rich, creamy scoops.
Music and arts
- Portuguese folk music Traditional Azorean music and dance are performed at festivals and cultural events.
- Mariachi and norteño The Hispanic community brings vibrant Mexican music to celebrations and gatherings.
- Local theater The Fox Theatre and community groups produce plays and musicals.
A little history
- 1870s Southern Pacific Railroad founded Hanford, attracting settlers including Chinese laborers.
- 1890s The Taoist Temple was built in China Alley, reflecting the thriving Chinese community.
- 1900s Japanese immigrants arrived, establishing farms and the Buddhist Church.
- 1920s Portuguese immigrants from the Azores came to work in dairy farming, shaping the local culture.
- 1942 Lemoore Naval Air Station was commissioned, bringing military presence to the county.
- Game day High school football
- Game day Rodeos
- Outdoors Fishing on the Kings River
- Outdoors Hunting waterfowl
- With kids Kings County Fair
- With kids Hanford Fox Theatre
People in Kings County speak with a typical California accent, but with a mix of Spanish and Portuguese words. The 'valley' refers to the San Joaquin Valley, and 'fog' is the famous tule fog.
Only here
- The tule fog, a thick winter fog that can reduce visibility to near zero.
- China Alley, a historic Chinese district with a Taoist temple.
- One of the highest concentrations of dairy farms in the nation.
- The roar of jets from Lemoore Naval Air Station, a familiar sound.
New here? A few tips
- Be ready for hot, dry summers and foggy, damp winters.
- A car is essential—public transit is limited.
- Try the Portuguese sweet bread at a local bakery.
- Visit the Taoist Temple and China Alley to understand the town's history.
- Expect farm equipment on the roads, especially during harvest.
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Part of Fresno area
Nearby
Every areaVisaliaCaliforniaRooted in the valley, reaching for the pines.FresnoCaliforniaSun-soaked fields and friendly facesBakersfieldCaliforniaCountry roots, valley sun.MercedCaliforniaThe gateway to Yosemite, rooted in the valley.MariposaCaliforniaSmall-town heart at the edge of the wild.San Luis ObispoCaliforniaWhere the Pacific meets the vines.BishopCaliforniaWhere the desert meets the SierraSanta Barbara–Santa MariaCaliforniaWhere the mountains tumble into the sea
Hanford-Corcoran, CA. Areas from the US Census Bureau and Statistics Canada; places from GeoNames. Local flavour was written with a model and may have mistakes. Team names identify teams; no endorsement.