Visalia, CA

Travel Guide
Photo by Chelsea Tate
Near some of the nation’s finest national parks, this city in California’s agricultural San Joaquin Valley combines small-town atmosphere with big-city amenities.

Visalia is a bustling metropolis in rural San Joaquin Valley. It is the seat of Tulare County, one of the highest-producing agricultural areas in the United States. See why Visalia prides itself on its small-town feel and big-city amenities.

Downtown Visalia is a lively area with small shops, numerous restaurants and several museums and galleries. Enjoy thriving nightlife at one of the local bars. Catch movies or concerts at theaters and playhouses scattered downtown. Take a self-guided art tour to admire murals covering many of the downtown buildings.

Children of all ages can let their imaginations run wild at Imagine U Museum. Interactive exhibits invite children to have fun exploring science, reading and health. 

Learn about San Joaquin Valley’s rich agricultural heritage at the Antique Farm and Equipment Museum. Historic farming equipment and other fascinating displays give you a glimpse into the world of the California farmer. Seven Sycamores Ranch is located just minutes outside Visalia. This citrus farm gives seasonal tours where visitors can explore the orange groves and sample one of California’s tastiest products. 

Enjoy fun for the whole family at Adventure Park. Whether you are drawn to the batting cages or the bumper boats, this destination promises an entertainment-filled afternoon for the whole family. The park also offers miniature golf, go-carts, bowling and arcade activities.

The Arts Consortium connects arts, culture and the community throughout Tulare County. Check its calendar for up-to-date listings of gallery showings, plays and workshops. 

Explore some of the most breathtaking scenery in the United States in the nearby Sierra Nevada mountain range, which is less than an hour’s drive outside Visalia. The Sierra Nevadas have three of the most well-known national parks in the United States: Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon.

While the San Joaquin region is largely agricultural, Visalia is a fairly easy drive from some of California’s biggest cities. San Francisco is just 230 miles (370 kilometers) northwest and Los Angeles is 190 miles (310 kilometers) south. 

Where to stay in Visalia

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Goshen

You might consider checking out Visalia Adventure Park while you're exploring Goshen and the larger Visalia area.

Goshen
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Yettem

While visiting Yettem, you might make a stop by sights like Mooney Grove Park and Lake Kaweah.

Yettem
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Visalia/Sequoia Gateway
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Visalia/Sequoia Gateway
3.5 out of 5
5438 W Cypress Ave, Visalia, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₩164,972 per night from Nov 10 to Nov 11
₩164,972
₩184,769 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 10 - Nov 11
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Visalia. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,015 reviews)
"VERY Uncomfortable sofa bed!"

Reviewed on Nov 2, 2024

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Visalia/Sequoia Gateway
Visalia Marriott at the Convention Center
Visalia Marriott at the Convention Center
3.5 out of 5
300 S Court St, Visalia, CA
The price is ₩191,571 per night from Nov 24 to Nov 25
₩191,571
₩215,249 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 24 - Nov 25
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Visalia. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,012 reviews)
"Good place to stay with your family"

Reviewed on Nov 4, 2024

Visalia Marriott at the Convention Center
Wyndham Visalia
Wyndham Visalia
3 out of 5
9000 W Airport Drive, Visalia, CA
The price is ₩120,593 per night from Dec 1 to Dec 2
₩120,593
₩135,300 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 1 - Dec 2
Book a stay at this golf hotel in Visalia. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,014 reviews)
"Great service and staff was friendly. Food was excellent in the cafe."

Reviewed on Nov 3, 2024

Wyndham Visalia
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Sequoia Riverfront Cabins
Sequoia Riverfront Cabins
2.5 out of 5
41541 Sierra Drive, Three Rivers, CA
Stay at this cabin in Three Rivers. Enjoy free parking, a picnic area, and hiking/biking on site. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
6.8/10 (31 reviews)
"Good location for national park, room had kinda thin walls"

Reviewed on Oct 30, 2024

Sequoia Riverfront Cabins
Sequoia Resort
Sequoia Resort
3 out of 5
50616 Highway 245, Badger, CA
Stay at this 3-star vacation home in Badger. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and free bicycles on site. Popular attractions Kings Canyon National Park Big Stump ...
9/10 Wonderful! (132 reviews)
National Park Visit
"The steps outside could use some repairs but overall room was comfortable and just on a beautiful mountain. Be aware roads are very windy and narrow to get up there and stop for food before you do. Was great for late night star gazing. The host was amazing and very knowledgeable and helpful. He lead ..."

Reviewed on Oct 25, 2024

Sequoia Resort
St Anna's House
St Anna's House
3 out of 5
1502 Elwood Road, Squaw Valley, CA
Stay at this 3-star golf vacation home in Squaw Valley. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an attached winery.
6.6/10 (12 reviews)
"A very pleasant stay - and good communication with owner."

Reviewed on Oct 27, 2024

St Anna's House
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Visalia

4.1
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
138
" "5 - Excellent 34.5%
4 - Good
180
" "4 - Good 45%
3 - Okay
70
" "3 - Okay 17.5%
2 - Disappointing
10
" "2 - Disappointing 2.5%
1 - Terrible
2
" "1 - Terrible 0.5%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Main Street is a fun area to walk and window shop. Some restaurants were open for takeout.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Love this town.....

5/5 - Excellent

Catherine

Time of things to do

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Former resident of visalia great place to visit and love

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

It was a good place to stay when visiting Sequoia National Park

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Price was responsible..this was my second stay here and would stay here again and highly recommend Drive is about 45 min to Sequoia entrance

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