Visalia Travel Guide

Plan your visit to Visalia with this comprehensive travel guide featuring the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more.


Introduction to Visalia

Visalia is a charming city located in Tulare County, San Joaquin Valley, California, USA. Surrounded by picturesque views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, colorful orchards, and verdant farmland, this city is a prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The city is named after a combination of two words ‘Vis’ for Visalia Oaks which are native to the area and ‘alia’ foralia, the Spanish word meaning “alder grove”. Its rich history and weather make it a prime location for vacationers looking for a mix of history and outdoor adventure.

List of Places to Visit in Visalia

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Tulare County Museum: Explore the rich history of Tulare county, including local flora and fauna, and learn about the area’s Native American tribes.
  • ImagineU Interactive Children’s Museum: This museum is perfect for families with children, offering hands-on exhibits that educate and entertain.
  • Mooney Grove Park: Visit the historical landmark of Mooney grove park and immerse yourself in the history of this valley. The park offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and hiking while surrounded by stunning natural beauty.
  • Fox Theater: A restored Art Deco theater located in the heart of downtown Visalia. Catch the latest show or an old classic in this stunning venue.
  • Farmers Market: Explore the local farmers’ offerings every Saturday morning and indulge in the locally grown produce and delicacies.

Natural Attractions of Visalia: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Sequoia National Park: Take an unforgettable excursion to Sequoia National Park, where you can discover the giant Sequoia Trees and Caltech Student Observatory.
  • Kaweah Lake: A popular destination for boating and fishing, as well as horseback riding, hiking, and water sports like jet skiing and parasailing.
  • Mountain-View Landscapes: Take in the panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada Mountain range and the natural beauty of Kings Canyon National Park.
  • Horse Creek Trailhead: Explore the natural beauty of the region with this scenic hiking trail, with the option to horseback or bike. You can hike through the serene landscapes of the valley, marveling at the local flora and fauna.
  • Mineral King Canyon: Known for its stunning, rugged beauty, this canyon is a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts with its alpine meadows and picturesque mountains.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Visalia

  • Pony Trekking Trail: Located in the South Eastern Sierra, this trail boasts sun-kissed landscapes featuring lush meadows, crystal clear streams, and breathtaking views of Mount Whitney and the Great Western Divide.
  • Noble Canyon Trail: For the more adventurous, this strenuous trail runs along the Tule River for a total of four miles, rewarding hikers with stunning views of the surrounding natural beauty.
  • Morro Creek Trail: Running alongside the Morro Creek, this 12.3-mile trail is best for an intermediate hiker or biker level with scenic views of the countryside, including stunning purple lupines in the spring.

Best Things to Do in Visalia: Activities and Tours

  • White water rafting: Take on the rapids of the Tule River with Adventure White Water Rafting. This is a great opportunity to get active and experience the thrill of the great outdoors.
  • Paddle Boarding: Experience the tranquility of Kaweah Lake on a paddleboarding adventure, best experienced during the early morning or late evening hours.
  • Sequoia SightSeeing Tours: Experiencethe panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada range while being driven around in comfort with options for guided tours to ensure you don’t miss any of the highlights.
  • Hot Air Ballooning: Take a hot air ballooning tour of the Sierra Nevada foothills and enjoy the region’s beautiful landscapes from above.

Week-Long Itinerary for Visalia

Day Itinerary
Day 1 Explore the local farmers market and sample local flavors for breakfast. Afterward, take a gentle hike of Morro Creek Trail. End the day by dining in the historic Fox Theater.
Day 2 Venture into the natural beauty of Sequoia national park. Experience the stunning views, the giant trees and all the natural beauty it offers.
Day 3 Kayaking or boating on Kaweah Lake, for outdoor water activities and stunning views from the water.
Day 4 Experience white water rafting down the South Eastern Tule River, followed up with a visit to Tulare County Museum.
Day 5 Explore the nearby Kings Canyon National Park and take in the panoramic views of mountainous landscapes. On your way back, dine at one of the local restaurants.
Day 6 Get some thrills from horseback riding or cycling, along the Pony Trekking Trail route.
Day 7 Fill up with breakfast at the local diners and head down to the Mooney Grove Park for a calm and lovely walk to complete your week-long trip.

Food and Drink Scene of Visalia

Must-Try Dishes

  • Basque Cuisine: The Basque region of Europe is known for its hearty stews and grilled meats, and this region has its own version with local ingredients including lamb and Pyrenees cheese.
  • Barbecues and Grilled Tri-tip: Enjoy the tender juiciness of the barbecued meat with accompanying BBQ sauce that the area is famous for.
  • Fresh Fruit: With the city literally located in California’s fruit bowl, it’s not a surprise to find locally grown and amazing fresh produce. Try the succulent Strawberries, juicy Peaches, Plums, and Apricots.
  • Craft Beers: Enjoy seasonal local brews and sample the Tulare County Brewery trail that has emerged in the region.
  • Ice Cream: Satisfy your sweet tooth with homemade ice cream made locally from the freshest ingredients.

Local Beverages

  • Wine: Visit the various local wineries in Visalia, famous for its outstanding wines, amongst the best in California.
  • Orchard and Farm Fresh Juices: From grapes, oranges, and pomegranates, to honey and elderberries, try an array of fruit juices and honey of all kinds.

Where to Stay in Visalia: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Marriott Fairfield Inn: Cozy hotel with accessible rates, exceptional comfort, and quality amenities located perfectly downtown.
  • Visalia Marriott at the Convention Center: Located near shopping, dining, and entertainment, this is perfect for all the explorers.
  • La Quinta Inn & Suites: Located close to the city center, this hotel is ideal for tourists looking for comfort and affordability.
  • Wyndham Garden: Great location and amenities that make your vacation experience positively memorable.

What to Buy in Visalia: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Alpaca Sweaters: Enjoy the warmth of an Alpaca blend sweater from one of the biggest Alpaca owners in the region.
  • Honey: The Beekeepers close by in Exeter offer excellently made honey with a quality that is unmatched.
  • Mosaics: Local artisans use all kinds of ceramics to create stunning mosaics that are always sought after.
  • Grapes: With the Vineyards in abundance, purchase high-quality grapes or try a local vineyard’s own excellent wines.

Local Culture and Customs of Visalia

Local people in Visalia are casual, friendly, approachable, and prideful in their culture and heritage. Respect local customs and traditions and show kindness and gratitude always, as also reflected in the warm demeanor of the locals.

Best Time to Visit Visalia

The best time to visit Visalia or the surrounding National Parks is between the months of April to June, and September to October. The temperatures are comfortable, and the tourist crowds are less. Although keep in mind that the peak camping season is summertime.

Do’s and Don’ts of Visalia

Do:

  • Respect nature, and help preserve it by leaving no trace and carrying out any litter you happen to generate.
  • Hike or bike the local trails and take in the stunning natural beauty.
  • Try the delicious and fresh local food, wines and juices.
  • Respect the local culture and have fun while being mindful of it.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter, smoke or drink in the local parks and during trail activities.
  • Don’t forget to protect yourself from the Sun, especially during peak summer months with appropriate clothing, sunscreen, and hats.
  • Do not buy from illegal street vendors or take part in any of their activities.

Safety and Health

Safety in Visalia

Visalia is a safe city with friendly locals welcoming visitors of all kinds. However, be aware of your surroundings and take necessary precautions, like locking doors when leaving valuables in your car, and be mindful of seasonal wildfires risks.

Health in Visalia

Make sure to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and have appropriate clothing for the weather conditions as Visalia can experience both hot and cold weather extremes. Stay safe and healthy during hiking or outdoor activities, by going only on designated trails and staying in groups.

Getting to Visalia: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Visalia

  • Fresno Yosemite International Airport: The closest airport to Visalia, and offers domestic and international flights.

Bus Stations Near Visalia

  • Greyhound: Located in downtown Visalia. The bus service operates from San Francisco to Los Angeles and several other cities.
  • Visalia Transit Rail Station: A local transit station that has options for regional rail as well as featuring a local bus service.

Other Options

  • Car: Renting a car is the most convenient option to get around Visalia and the surrounding natural parks.
  • Rideshare: Uber, Lyft, and other ride-sharing services are widely available in Visalia.

How to Get Around in Visalia

The best and convenient way to get around Visalia and nearby natural parks is by renting a car. This option is easy to use, safe, and cost-effective. There are also shared ride options, such as Lyft and Uber, which also offer an affordable option for exploring the city.

Where to Go Next from Visalia: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Fresno: Go on a shopping spree or enjoy the food and wine of this central valley city located approximately 50 miles from Visalia.
  • Bakersfield: Visit the Kern River and indulge in adventurous outdoor activities.
  • Kings Canyon National Park: Scenic drives, hikes, and camping grounds make the park a perfect spot for adventurous vacationers.

Conclusion

Visalia, California, is a perfect vacation destination for travelers looking to explore the pristine natural beauty of the valley, coupled with the rich history and culture of the area. Follow this comprehensive guide to plan the perfect vacation filled with hiking, biking, boating, and kayaking excursions amidst beautiful scenic landscapes, while enjoying delicious regional cuisine and discovering some of the best-kept secrets of the valley.