It's time to plan a get-away for a long weekend - the perfect opportunity to head out on a road trip. At just 3 hours from Los Angeles and about 3 ½ hours from the Bay Area, Visalia is a perfect destination for a get-away that makes you feel like you really got away. See the giant sequoia trees, take a hike, float on a lake, and simply breathe the fresh mountain air. A long weekend getaway will help to recharge your batteries and calm your soul.
We have put together a simple itinerary for a weekend of outdoor activities that will appeal to all your travel buddies – whether it’s your kids and spouse or group of friends that you want to reconnect with, this itinerary will give everyone just what they are looking for in a weekend escape.
We know that a visit to Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks is top of the list. California’s first national park is a destination for visitors from around the globe. Here we offer our suggestions for top things to see and do on a day in Sequoia National Park. And, after you have done a day in the parks, explore the Visalia area. Here is an itinerary for a perfect weekend in Visalia.
Start the day with a good cup of coffee and a hearty breakfast. Valhalla Restaurant is perfect for families. A stack of Swedish pancakes will be popular with the kids. Or stop by Component Coffee Lab. Their outdoor patio is a great place to savor your coffee and enjoy a bite to eat. Popular with locals, this locally owned eatery will get you into the vacation mode and fill you up for a day of adventure.
Head to Sequoia National Park for a day of awe-inspiring views of the giant sequoias, sweeping vistas of the Sierra Nevada mountains, and hikes along roaring rivers. Park staff recommend arriving early to beat the line at the entrance but this will also allow time to see one of California’s most amazing national parks. Here is what we recommend you see:
This iconic granite monolith is always a must see. The climb up the 400 or so stairs carved into the rock makes for a rigorous hike. But the panoramic views from the top are worth it. See the Great Western Divide and Sequoia Trees from above while perched atop this iconic site.
If the climb to Moro is a bit more than you can manage, take stroll around Crescent Meadow. This easy paved path is a great way to see giant sequoias as well as other ecosystems. You can even see Tharp Log, a cabin built into a fallen sequoia.
From the parking lot across from the Giant Forest Museum, is a trail head for this easy walk ideal for kids, strollers and those that are looking for an easy walk. Groves of sequoias can also be enjoyed here.
The General Sherman is largest living thing on the planet. You will understand when you see it why people from all over the world stand in awe of this massive giant. Because this is a popular site in the park, it can get busy. Follow the trail to the Congress Trail where there may be fewer visitors and plenty of sequoia trees to view.
If you are looking to really explore nature, take a hike to Tokopah Falls. This 3+ mile out and back trail follows along the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River and ends at this cascading falls. You can find the trailhead at the back of the Lodgepole parking lot.
A photo of you driving under the Tunnel Log is a great memento of your visit. This tree fell years ago and allows visitors to get a sense of the size of these enormous trees.
Download your pass and the park app: To limit contact between visitors and park staff, the park has made park information available digitally. They recommend that visitors purchase a pass ahead of time. The pass can be downloaded to your phone to be shown to staff at the entry gate.
Also download the park app for use while visiting. Though cell service is not available within the park, GPS enable phones will allow you use the maps in real time. Park information is updated on the app so you will know what is open and what sites you should visit.
The traditional Parks Newspaper that is handed out at the gate is now available digitally. View the newspaper ahead of your visit to make plans for the day, find suggestions for less congested areas of the park to visit as well as other tips for your stay.
Tour Companies: If you are looking for guided tours of Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (especially if your time is limited), we recommend Sequoia Guides, Sequoia Adventures, and Sequoia Sightseeing Tours. All offer small group tours and can make your visit to the parks extra memorable. From stargazing tours, to guided hikes along lesser know trails, to all the must-see destinations, a guided tour can provide an experience like no other.
Lunch: We always recommend taking a picnic lunch, snacks and drinks with you for a visit to the parks. Although the park markets are opening for business, food outlets will be crowded and will take up valuable time. Have a picnic available for wherever you are when hunger strikes. You can get a prepared picnic from some Visalia hotels or pick one up at one of the many restaurants in town. Think beyond a sandwich – like Mediterranean food from Pita Kabob Gastropub or pastas from Rosa’s Italian Restaurant. Take a look at our restaurant guide for more choices.
Dinner: At the end of the day, head back to Visalia for dinner at Corby’s Rock n Roll Heroes Bar and Grill. This fan favorite has signed guitars and other memorabilia from music artists to look at. You might need to visit several times to be able to see the entire collection! Take a look at our restaurant page for suggestions on the best places to dine in Visalia.
For a hearty breakfast, stop in at Black Bear Diner. From pancakes to steak and eggs, you won’t leave here hungry. This is a casual restaurant spot well located to have you on the road for your next adventure in no time.
After your big day at the national park, today is all about relaxing. Rent a patio boat at Lake Kaweah for a fun day at the lake. A well-stocked cooler and a swimsuit is all you will need for this adventure. Book your boat ahead of time at the Kaweah Marina. They sell out so be sure to plan in advance. Once onboard head out across the lake and drop anchor wherever looks good. The lake is fed by the Kaweah River that comes from high in Sequoia National Park.
Set just outside of Sequoia National Park, Lake Kaweah is a recreation destination for boating, fishing, swimming and more. Be sure to stop by the Visitors Center to learn more about how the lake was created.
Not your typical pizza place, they go beyond with local favorites like the Thai Pie and the Kitchen Sink.
Get a great pub meal then explore Visalia's brewery district. This is the site of Visalia's first beer garden!
After a day at the lake, take a quick detour into Three Rivers for a big scoop of homemade ice cream at Reimer’s Ice Cream. The local berry ice cream is a favorite, but choose whatever sounds good. Then head back to Visalia. Keep the casual day vibe going with dinner on the patio at the Planing Mill Pizza. Play a game of cornhole while munching on one of their unique pizzas like Thai Pie. An extensive craft beer menu is also a plus.
Although your weekend away is almost over, don’t rush the day. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the elegant Vintage Press Restaurant. Crisp white linens, top-notch service and excellent food will cap off your weekend getaway. Or enjoy brunch New Orleans style at Crawdaddy’s Restaurant. Add a little kick to your morning.
Crisp white linens and a selection of Sunday brunch menu items make for a lovely start to your day.
This cafe does double duty. They serve a great breakfast but while you wait for a table be sure to look at the murals on the exterior. And if you want to see more of Visalia's mural, download our Mural Map.
Vacation days were meant for golf . . mini-golf that is. Before you head back to the world of adulting, jobs and the daily grind, act like a kid at Visalia Adventure Park. Play a round of mini-golf, splash on the bumper boats or experience the thrill of open-air driving on the Go Karts. Or rent a cabana and let the kids play at Sequoia Springs Splash Park where 4 slides, water features and a 900-gallon bucket of water will keep you wet and cool during the summer.
Or maybe you'd rather spend a leisurely day in the park. Mooney Grove, the first county park in California, is great for feeding ducks in the ponds, fishing (the lagoon is stocked regularly) or playing a round of Disc Golf. You can search for the log cabins (there are 2) or see the "End of the Trail" statue, a bronze casting of the original work by James Earle Fraser that once stood here.
As you head back home, feeling refreshed and relax, relive the memories of your weekend getaway. From the biggest trees and cool mountain air, to a relaxing float on the lake, to a competitive round of mini-golf, life just got a little boost in the arm.
