DISCOVER VISALIA

We always look forward to welcoming visitors, to seeing our sidewalk cafes bustling with diners, and to be helping travelers with tips, maps and ideas for their trip to Visalia and our local national parks. 

According to travel expert Samantha Brown, American workers left an average of 33% of their paid time off on the table last year. We don’t want that to happen again this year! So, make plans for for summer vacation or even for a weekend getaway. Put it on the calendar and commit to getting outside. You deserve it. Your kids deserve it. 

In 2021, we challenge you to explore new places, go deeper in to our national parks, try something new to eat and to have experiences like you’ve never had before. Discover what you’ve been missing! We look forward welcoming you and having you discover Visalia.

Many people come from all over the world to visit Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks to see the giant sequoias and the largest living thing on earth:  The General Sherman Tree. But there is so much more to see and do. Our list of Top 9 Places to see has some of the most popular destinations. This year though, make a plan to visit these under-the-radar places in the parks:

• Road’s End in Kings Canyon: Many visitors don’t take the time to drive the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway to Road’s End. The road follows along the mighty Kings River with the canyon’s granite walls soaring above and is open seasonally.
  
  
• Boyden Cavern: While many of the parks’ sights are above ground, some of the most spectacular are below. The marble cavern has massive stalagmites, delicate hanging stalactites, beautiful flowstone and other formations. The cavern is open seasonally.
  
  
• Tharp’s Log: Follow the trail around Crescent Meadow and head toward this most unusual cabin. Built from a fallen, hollowed-out massive sequoia tree, it was used as a shelter for early pioneers. Find this hike and more on our hiking page.

Visalia’s location at the base of the Sierra Nevada mountains means there are lots of places to explore outdoors. From the valley, to the foothills and to high up in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks there are paths, trails, meadows, preserves, highways and byways waiting to be discovered. This means that hikers, walkers and even casual meanderers have plenty of trails to explore. Here are three places to take a hike this year:

• Take a star-gazing tour with Sequoia Guides. Discover the night sky like you've never seem before. Your knowledgeable guide will find just the right spot for maximum star viewing.
  
  
• Sequoia Legacy Tree: A short stroll off Main St is the Sequoia Legacy Tree. Educational exhibits tell the story of Visalia's connection to the creation of the National Park Service as well as other interesting facts. But the gravel path that encircles it is the approximate diameter of the General Sherman Tree - 102 feet around!
  
  
• Dry Creek Preserve: This nature Preserve, now fully restored, is the first example of an ecologically-based aggregate mine reclamation in Tulare County. Learn more about the important work that Sequoia Riverlands Trust is doing to protect these lands and to encourage the public to experience them first hand through stewardship and volunteer opportunities.
  
  
• Lake Kaweah: The rivers that flow into Lake Kaweah start high in the Sierra creating an opportunity for recreation on the water. Rent a patio boat for the day to swim, fish and enjoy the sun and spend a leisurely day on the lake.

It’s been a while since the family has piled in the car for summer vacation, or any vacation for that matter. As the world begins to reopen, explore some of the family friendly attractions in and around Visalia.

• At Visalia Adventure Park, fun is for the whole family. From the Bumper Boats and Race Track to the new Sequoia Springs Water Slides and Mini-Golf, there is so much to do.
  
  
• Farmer Bob’s World: Take a tour of this citrus ranch to learn about the path from the orchard to your table. From the wagon tour through the citrus groves to exhibits on farming, a day of the farm is a fun family experience.
  
  
• Imagine U Children’s Museum: They have been busy updating their exhibits and installing lots of new activities for kids to play and learn. Check for opening dates and times.

From our agricultural roots, comes inspiration for Visalia’s restaurants. Local chefs use the local in-season ingredients to craft delicious menus. Explore the diverse food scene in Visalia and try these local favorites:

                Quesadilla Gorilla: Order the ‘Dilla-of-the day or create your own favorite

                The Planing Mill: From the Yeti to the Thai Pie, this is not your ordinary pizza parlor

Davorn’s Place: Taste the best in Lao, Thai and Vietnamese Food

Visalia has a wide assortment of hotels to make your stay a vacation. And they are easy to search, compare and book right on our website.