Rethink the travel experience. Beyond family vacations and business excursions, Visalia is a destination for the adventure seekers. Young millennials and Gen Zers can find new experiences perfect for those profile videos and social stories.
Visalia brings easy, affordable and trendy to life with options for any aspiring influencer. Here are must-Snap(chat) and Instagram Story-worthy stops to savor the moment and tag in your posts on your next traveling expedition. Bonus: they can be done on a small budget.
From mountain peak to sea-level, you can discover two very different views and a lot of adventure hidden in an extra little “R” on the epic “Moro Rock to Morro Rock” trip. Load up your friends and get ready to watch the sunrise over the Sierra Nevada mountains in the Central Valley and set in the Pacific Ocean on the Central Coast.
Start your adventure climbing the carved-out stairway at Moro Rock to the top of the panoramic summit in Sequoia National Park. Catch the sunrise on the granite dome overlooking the Giant Forest, Crescent Meadow and the Great Western Divide. As you make your way down, wander through the Giant Forest, home to the world’s largest living tree known as the “General Sherman Tree.” There’s plenty to explore in Sequoia National Park; mesmerizing hikes, from easy to challenging, weave through the sequoia grove and meadows. Stumble upon other wonders such as Tunnel Log, Crystal Cave and Tokopah Falls on these hikes for optimal outdoor angles. Stop by the Giant Forest Museum for souvenirs to remember your trip and learn about the beautiful nature beneath the giant sequoias.
Next, take the experience about 190 miles southwest to the coast to find the famous volcanic plug, Morro Rock in Morro Bay. An icon of the community of Morro Bay, the rock stands at almost 600 feet tall in the harbor and is an extinct volcano. It is connected to the mainland by a causeway (though climbing the rock is not legal). Find your spot on the sand as sunset nears to watch as it sinks slowly into the ocean.
Visalia offers the perfect overnight accommodations for the epic “Moro Rock to Morro Rock” trip that won’t break the bank. Find the right hotel for your Moro to Morro journey.
Whether it’s for college spring break or a weekend road trip with friends, the Majestic Mountain Loop is the perfect idea. Visit three national parks in three days! The Majestic Mountain Loop is a self-guided driving tour that follows a suggested itinerary to guide visitors to three of America’s most iconic national parks: Sequoia, Kings Canyon and Yosemite.
This adventure includes five stops within each park, including ascending to the three high peaks to capture the moment in the clouds. The stunning views and must-see attractions include a visit to the largest living tree, fascinating underground caves, powerful waterfalls and some of the most magnificent vistas of the high sierra. Depending on the time of year, you can spend your journey hiking, swimming, kayaking, fishing, snowshoeing and much, much more.
There is so much to do in Sequoia National Park. If you’re not sure where to start, you can also book sightseeing tours with plenty of opportunities to document your adventure in both parks. All you’ll have to do is pick the angle and think of your captions.
When you stay two nights in Visalia, you have immediate access to a vibrant, walkable downtown for plenty of reasonably priced meals and drinks. Some hotels offer free breakfast. Look for those options for additional savings. Download our Walkable Downtown Restaurant Guide for suggestions.
While you’re downtown, you’ll find murals adorning the buildings, friendly faces and a rich history. This is something that could give you and your followers the feeling of discovery and artistic expression, without costing a dime. The Mural Trail showcases the city’s vibrant history in several local pieces intertwining downtown Visalia. Find beauty and intricate details in murals that highlight Sequoia National Park, pay homage to Visalia’s historic culture and veteran appreciation, and more. These free stops give you a chance to stock your photo bank with playful images and powerful content.
Unique Visalia Brews At Barrelhouse
After all that adventure, it’s time for a drink. As a city with a thing for craft beers and fresh hops, Visalia’s microbrewery district is the perfect place to sip, savor and livestream the friendly beer scene to your most loyal followers. Follow this microbrewery and beer tour through downtown Visalia to cap off your photogenic vacation. And those who aren’t of legal drinking age have plenty of downtown foodie options to choose from.
Before your excursion in Visalia ends, pose for a selfie with beautiful butterfly wings at Ziaya's, or in front of messages like “Strong + Beautiful” at the Lifestyle Center. Lifestyle is walking distance from La Quinta, Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn Express, and the Super 8 hotels.
Butterfly Selfie: Challenge Accepted
