Avenal, CA

united states

Avenal is a Central Valley farming town about 60 miles southwest of Fresno, reached via State Route 269 from Interstate 5. Most long-distance travelers take I-5 to Exit 278, while locals use SR-269 as the main route through agricultural fields and oil country. The town sits in flat valley terrain with a hot, dry climate. Avenal State Prison, one of California's largest correctional facilities, serves as the community's economic foundation.